Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Oklahoma
What is the minimum age to be employed in Oklahoma? The legal age to work in Oklahoma 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 (18 to work as a bartender, to transport alcohol, or to work as a server in a restaurant that sells alcohol)
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 Oklahoma:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Work Hours
See federal law
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-40-6 in week when school is not in session;
3-18 in week when school is in session, (but 8-hour maximum on non-school days)
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:
Not regulated
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Work Permit
Before employment begins, employers are responsible for having 14- and 15-year-old minors obtain an Employment Certificate of Age and Schooling (Form 601 aka work permit) from their school’s issuing officer. https://oklahoma.gov/labor/workplace-rights/child-labor/work-permit.html Age certificate is required for minors under 16.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Oklahoma is Employers of ten or more full time employees at any one location and employers with annual gross sales over $100,000 irrespective of number of full time employees: $7.25All other employers: $2.00The Oklahoma state minimum wage law does not contain current dollar minimums. Instead the state adopts the federal minimum wage rate by reference. The State law excludes from coverage any employment that is subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.. 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.