Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in New Jersey
What is the minimum age to be employed in New Jersey? The legal age to work in New Jersey 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
Minors under 16 years of age may not be employed during the hours they are required to attend school.
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 New Jersey:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Work Hours
Minors age 14 and 15, during school weeks:
- No more than 18 hours per week
- No more than three hours per day on school days
- No more than eight hours per day on Saturday or Sunday
- Not before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
- No more than 40 hours per week
- No more than eight hours per day
- Not before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. during the school year
- Not before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. from the last day of school to Labor Day with written permission from a parent
- No more than 40 hours per week
- No more than eight hours per day
- Not before 6 a.m. or after 11 p.m.
- Not before 6 a.m. or after 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays or days not followed by a school day
- No more than 40 hours per week
- No more than eight hours per day
- Not before 6 a.m. or after 11 p.m.
- Not before 6 a.m. or after 3 a.m. in restaurant and seasonal amusements and with written permission from a parent
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. from last day of school through Labor Day in non-school weeks with written permission) to 7 a.m.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
8-40-6 - 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.
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during school term, with specified variations
Work Permit
Work permit is required for minors under 18. https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/assets/PDFs/Forms%20and%20Publications/MW-36-1.pdf An age certificate may be required by an employer of a minor who is between the ages of 18 and 21.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in New Jersey is $14.13 $12.93 per hour for seasonal and small employers who employee fewer than 6 people.. 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.