Understanding the Legal Age to Work in Texas

The legal age to begin working in Texas is an important consideration for both employers and young workers. Unlike some states that allow children to start working as early as birth, the laws in Texas are designed to protect the well-being of minors while still allowing practical flexibility.

General Guidelines for Employment in Texas

Unless you are working in a family business, the legal minimum age to get a job in Texas is 16 years old. This applies to various types of employment, but does not cover household or domestic work such as babysitting or yardwork.

Hours and Restrictions for Working Youth

The state of Texas has specific guidelines for the hours that 14- and 15-year-olds can work. For minors in this age group, the following restrictions apply:

Can work no more than 8 hours in one day.

Can work no more than 48 hours in one week.

Cannot work before 5 a.m.

Cannot work after 10 p.m. on a day that is followed by a school day, including summer school sessions when applicable.

Cannot work past midnight on a day that is not followed by a school day.

Federal Law and Restrictions

In addition to state guidelines, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also has specific regulations for 14- and 15-year-olds:

May not work during school hours.

Can work no more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week when school is not in session.

Can work no more than 3 hours in a day or 18 hours in a week when school is in session.

Can work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year. However, between June 1 and Labor Day, they may work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

To request a hardship exemption to these restrictions for a child age 14 or 15, it is necessary to follow the process described in Texas Commission Rule Section §817.22.

Job-Specific Exemptions

There are some job-specific exemptions to the child labor laws in Texas. These include:

Newspaper routes

Work-study programs

Rehabilitation hardship

Farm work

Conclusion

The legal age to begin working in Texas is set to protect the health and well-being of young workers while allowing for flexibility in family businesses and certain types of employment. Employers and young workers should be aware of the specific restrictions and guidelines to ensure compliance with Texas labor laws.

For more detailed and comprehensive information on child labor laws in Texas, please visit the official Texas State Labor site: Texas State labor site.