SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/teen-child-labor-min-age

Federal law sets what general minimum age for most non-farm jobs, with exceptions for some jobs at 14?

The general minimum age is 16, with exceptions for 14 and 15 year olds.

Start playing free

  1. 16 ✔
  2. 14
  3. 18

Why: Federal rules let 14 and 15 year olds work in certain jobs outside school hours. For most non-farm jobs the general age is 16. Your state may add stricter rules.

Huh, didn't know that: Federal rules generally allow farm work outside school hours at 14, with some exceptions for younger kids.

The dad joke
My boss told me I needed to be more flexible, so I sat in lotus position.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 16. Federal rules let 14 and 15 year olds work in certain jobs outside school hours. For most non-farm jobs the general age is 16. Your state may add stricter rules.

  1. 29 CFR 570.2 (Cornell LII) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/570.2
    sets a general 16-year minimum age which applies to all employment subject to its child labor provisions
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

MoneyFederal law sets what minimum age for jobs declared particularly hazardous?MoneyOn a school day, how many hours may a 14 or 15 year old generally work?MoneyIn a week when school is in session, how many hours may a 14 or 15 year old generally work?

That's stuff everyone should know.