Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Alabama
What is the minimum age to be employed in Alabama? The legal age to work in Alabama is 14, but governed by state and federal child labor laws and varies based on:
- The type of work (e.g., agricultural or non-agricultural)
- Whether the job is considered hazardous or has prohibited duties.
- Whether school is in session.
- The legal status of the minor (e.g., emancipated minors).
- Whether the job is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
According to Federal Law (FLSA), a minor must be at least 14 years old to work for an employer (e.g. retail stores, food service establishments and gasoline service stations), with an exception for minors working for a parent or legal guardian who owns the business. This is the reason why you will never see job postings for children under the age of 14.
Age Restrictions
21 years of age to serve alcoholic beverages for the consumption on premises (19 if licensee is RVP certified); 18 years of age to work in that part of an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold or served for consumption on premises; 14/15 year olds may not work in an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold, served, or dispensed for consumption on premises.
Minimum age to drive motor vehicles (cars and small trucks) on public roads as part of jobs is basically 17 years old, with certain requirements.
Minimum age to serve and bartend alcohol in Alabama:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Bartend | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Work Hours
- 14: During the Months when Public Schools are in Session: No more than 3 hours after school; No more than 8 hours on a non-school day; No more than 6 days per week; No more than 18 hours per week; Not before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. each day; Not during school hours. During the Summer Months: No more than 8 hours a day; No more than 6 days per week; No more than 40 hours per week; Not before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. each day.
- 16: During the Months when Public Schools are in Session: Minors 16-17-18 years old, who are enrolled in public or private school, may not work after 10 p.m. or before 5 a.m. on any night preceding a school day. During the Summer Months: No hour restrictions during summer break.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-40-6 school day/week: 3-18
Maximum hours/days when school is not in session:
- 8 hours daily / 50 hours weekly/ 6 days weekly.
- Workers 16 and up may work up to 50 hours in one week and up to 10 hours a day only between the last day of school and Labor Day.
Maximum hours/days when school is in session:
- 3 hours daily/ 18 hours weekly
Nightwork prohibited for minors ages 14 and 15:
7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer vacation) to 7 a.m.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
10 p.m. before school day to 5 a.m., if enrolled in school (to age 19)
For 16/17 year-olds, exemptions may be granted when the individual circumstances are found to be in the best interests of the minor.
Work Permit
Under 18, employment certificate is mandated under State law. Minors age 14/15 also are required to obtain an Eligibility to Work form (https://labor.alabama.gov/docs/forms/UC_ChildLabor_ELIGIBILITY%20TO%20WORK.pdf) from their school stating that they have been in regular attendance and making satisfactory progress. Age certificate is not issued.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Alabama is $7.25. Alabama has no state minimum wage law. Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current Federal minimum wage. FLSA allow employers to pay a youth minimum wage of not less than $4.25 an hour to employees who are under 20 years of age during the first 90 consecutive calendar days after initial employment.