Check if you're old enough to work. Find out if you're old enough to get your first job. Check minimum working age requirements for different types of jobs and work permits.
Enter your birth date to find out if you're old enough to work and what jobs you can do.
This calculator checks your age against standard minimum working age requirements in the United States. Federal child labor laws set the baseline, though some states have stricter rules.
Work permit requirements vary by state. Most states require a work permit for minors under 16, and some require them for 16-17 year olds.
Here are common minimum age requirements for different types of first jobs in the United States.
| Age | Allowed Jobs | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Under 13 | Babysitting, newspaper delivery, farm work (with parent) | Parent supervision required; limited to non-hazardous tasks |
| 13–14 | Yard work, babysitting, newspaper delivery, retail bagging | Work permit needed in most states; no school-hour work |
| 14–15 | Retail, restaurants, movie theaters, offices, grocery stores | Max 3 hours on school days, 18 hours per school week; max 8 hours, 40 hours per non-school week |
| 16–17 | Most jobs: food service, retail, clerical, recreation | No hazardous jobs; some states require work permits; no hour limits federally |
| 18+ | Any job, including hazardous occupations | No work permit needed; no hour restrictions |
Focus on informal jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, yard work, or lemonade stands. These build responsibility and basic money skills.
Get a work permit and try newspaper delivery, retail bagging, or farm work. Great for learning reliability and earning your own money.
Apply at grocery stores, fast food, movie theaters, or local shops. Many employers hire at 14-15 for entry-level positions with limited hours.
Lifeguarding, food service, retail sales, and clerical work are common first jobs. Start building your resume and saving for the future.