Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Puerto Rico
What is the minimum age to be employed in Puerto Rico? The legal age to work in Puerto Rico 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
Puerto Rico's child labor laws limit the working hours and occupations of persons under 18 years of age.
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 Puerto Rico:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Work Hours
For Minors Under 16: - 8 hours of work per day, 40 hours per week up to 6 days a week are permitted: the 8 hours refers to combined hours of work and school. - Night work is prohibited during these hours: 6 p.m. to 8 a.mFor Minors Ages 16 and 17: - 8 hours of work per day, 40 hours per week up to 6 days a week are permitted. - Night work is prohibited during these hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-40-6 School day: 8 (Combined hours of work and school)
Nightwork prohibited for minors ages 14 and 15:
6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
8-40-6
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Work Permit
Work permit is required for minor under 18. Age certification is not required, but an age certificate is required by law to be provided on request for ages 18 to 21.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Puerto Rico is 5.15. 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.