The Common Law

I’m 14 years old and I want to work this summer, so I have money to go to ACL this fall. Can I work a summer job at 14 or do I need to be older? – Ava

If you’re 14 years old and want to earn money for your ACL ticket, you are allowed to work in Texas – but there are some rules about the types of jobs you can have and the hours you can work.

Child labor laws allow 14-year-olds to be employed for three hours per school day and a total of 18 hours per school week. During the school term, these hours can only be worked outside of normal school hours and between 7am and 7pm.

During days when school is not in session, including weekends, holiday breaks, and summer, 14-year-olds can work up to eight hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week. These hours can be worked from 7am to 9pm. By comparison, teenagers who are 16 or 17 years old can perform any nonhazardous job for unlimited hours.

Both Texas and federal law also limit the types of jobs that 14- and 15-year-olds can have. As a general rule, retail, food service, office and clerical, and cleaning jobs are allowed. Alternatively, jobs involving manufacturing, construction, or transportation are generally prohibited because of the potential risks they pose to a child’s safety, health, or well-being.

There are numerous exceptions to the above rules, which include everything from child actors and paperboys to kids who work in nonhazardous positions while under their parents’ direct supervision. Some kids may even be able to apply for specific hardship exemptions. One other thing to keep in mind – just because the law says you can work doesn’t mean every employer will hire you. Some places set their own minimum working age at 16 or higher. The bottom line is you are legally allowed to work, but you’ve got to find the right job. Start applying early, and soon enough, you’ll be dancing at ACL with a stack of hard-earned cash burning a hole in your pocket.