Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in District of Columbia
What is the minimum age to be employed in District of Columbia? The legal age to work in District of Columbia 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
No minor under 16 years of age shall be employed, permitted, or suffered to work at any of the following occupations: (1) In the operation of any machinery operated by power other than hand or foot power; or (2) In oiling, wiping, or cleaning machinery or assisting therein.
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 District of Columbia:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Work Hours
Age 16 or 17:
- Minors aged 16 or 17 are allowed to work no more than six consecutive days a week, no more than 48 hours a week, and no more than eight hours any day. They may not work before 6:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
- Minors age 16 or 17 may not work at operating any freight or non-automatic elevator or in a quarry, tunnel, or excavation.
- Minors age 14 or 15 are allowed to work no more than six consecutive days a week, no more than 48 hours a week, and no more than eight hours any day. If the minor is under 16, he/she may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. (except that during the summer, June 1st through Labor Day, a minor under 16 is permitted to work until 9:00 p.m.).
- Minors under 16 may not work at jobs operating electrically powered machinery, or in oiling, wiping, or assisting with cleaning machinery (unless they are in a vocational education or training program approved by the District of Columbia Board of Education). Minors under 18 may not work at operating any freight or non-automatic elevator or in a quarry, tunnel, or excavation.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-48-6
Nightwork prohibited for minors ages 14 and 15:
7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
8-48-6
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Work Permit
Work permit is required for minor under 18 obtained from school. Age certificate is not required.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in District of Columbia is $5.15 Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current Federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.. 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.