Minimum Age to Work in New York: A Teen’s Guide to Permits, Hours, and Job Restrictions

For teens eager to earn extra cash or gain work experience, New York offers a range of employment opportunities—but there are strict rules in place to ensure young workers are protected. From the minimum age requirements to necessary permits and job restrictions, both teens and parents should understand what’s allowed (and what’s not) under New York labor law.

What’s the Minimum Age to Work in New York?

In New York, the minimum age to work is 14, but there are important exceptions and conditions. While some jobs are off-limits for minors, others are allowed with proper documentation and under specific guidelines.

Teens age 14 and 15 can work limited hours and only in approved jobs such as office work, retail, food service (non-cooking), and some outdoor jobs like caddying or delivering newspapers. Children under 14 are generally not allowed to work, except in a few specific jobs like acting, modeling, or delivering newspapers with parental permission.

Do Teens Need a Work Permit?

Yes—minors under the age of 18 must have a work permit (also called “working papers”) to be legally employed in New York State. The type of permit varies based on age:

• Blue Working Card (14-15 years old): Required for part-time, non-hazardous work during the school year and summer.
• Green Working Card (16-17 years old, in school): Allows for more hours and types of jobs, but still comes with restrictions.
• White Card (16-17 years old, out of school): Given to teens who are not attending school, this card allows full-time work within legal limits.

These permits can be obtained through the teen’s school guidance office or local school district. A physician’s physical exam and proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or state ID) are required as part of the application process.

Working Hours for Teens in New York

New York places limits on how many hours minors can work based on age and whether school is in session. Here’s a general breakdown:

Ages 14-15:

• During School Weeks:
  • Max 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week
  • Not before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
• During Summer Vacation (June 21–Labor Day):
  • Max 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
  • Can work until 9 p.m.

Ages 16-17:

• During School Weeks:
  • Max 4 hours per day (Mon–Thu), 8 hours on Fri–Sun
  • Max 28 hours per week
• When School Is Out:
  • Max 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week
  • Night work allowed until 10 p.m., or midnight with special permission

What Jobs Are Off-Limits for Teens?

To protect minors from dangerous or exploitative work environments, New York law restricts the kinds of jobs teens can perform.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors Under 18 Include:

• Operating heavy machinery or motor vehicles
• Construction and demolition work
• Work involving toxic chemicals or explosives
• Manufacturing jobs involving power tools or ovens
• Serving or selling alcohol
• Roofing or excavation jobs

Teens ages 14-15 are further restricted from jobs involving:

• Cooking or baking (except with some equipment like toasters)
• Loading/unloading goods from trucks or conveyors
• Repairing machines or vehicles

Allowed Jobs for Teen Workers

Despite the restrictions, teens in New York can still find plenty of safe and legal job options, especially in service-oriented industries. These include:

• Babysitting
• Retail clerk
• Office assistant
• Grocery store bagger
• Dishwasher or busser
• Movie theater attendant
• Golf caddy
• Camp counselor (for older teens)

Parental and Employer Responsibilities

Parents should ensure their child has a valid work permit and that their employer follows labor laws. Employers must:

• Keep a copy of the minor’s work permit on file
• Adhere to daily and weekly hour limits
• Provide proper supervision and training
• Avoid assigning tasks that are prohibited by law

Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties for the employer—and even the revocation of work permits.

Conclusion

Teens looking for work in New York have plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience and earn money—but only if the rules are followed. From securing a work permit to understanding hour restrictions and job limitations, it’s essential to stay informed.

Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or an employer, knowing the state labor laws ensures a safe and legal work environment. Before accepting any job, make sure all paperwork is in order and the position complies with New York’s youth employment laws. It’s the best way to start a job on the right foot.

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