Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Idaho
What is the minimum age to be employed in Idaho? The legal age to work in Idaho 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
None (19 years of age to handle sales of alcohol or to serve it in a restaurants)
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 Idaho:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Bartend | 19 | 19 | 19 |
Work Hours
- 14: No person under the age of sixteen years shall be employed or suffered or permitted to work at any gainful occupation more than fifty-four hours in any one week, nor more than nine hours in any one day; nor before the hour of six o'clock in the morning nor after the hour of nine o'clock in the evening.
- 16: Unrestricted
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
9-54
Nightwork prohibited for minors ages 14 and 15:
9 p.m. to 6 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:
Not regulated
Work Permit
Work permit is not required. Age certificate is not issued.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Idaho is $7.25. 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.