Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Arizona
What is the minimum age to be employed in Arizona? The legal age to work in Arizona 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
See federal law
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 Arizona:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Work Hours
- 14: Maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during the non-school day period; During the school day can only work 3 hours per day and 18 hours per school week; Arizona law further limits employment of children under the age of 16 making it unlawful for a child under the age of 16 to work between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. If the child is working in door-to-door sales or deliveries, they may not work between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- 16: Unrestricted
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-40 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:
- 9:30 p.m. (11 p.m. before non-school day) to 6 a.m.
- 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. in door-to-door sales or deliveries
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Work Permit
Employment certificate is not issued. Age certificate is not issued.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Arizona is $13.85. 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.