Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Tennessee
What is the minimum age to be employed in Tennessee? The legal age to work in Tennessee 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
See federal laws.
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 Tennessee:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Work Hours
- Under 16: Minors aged 14 or 15 may not work:
- During school hours.
- Between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., if the next day is a school day.
- Between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m..
- More than 18 hours a week during a school week.
- More than 8 hours a day on non-school days; or
- More than 40 hours a week during non-school weeks.
- Under 18: Minors aged 16 and 17 may not work:
- During those hours when the minor is required to attend classes.
- Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday evenings preceding a school day, except with parental or guardian consent. Then the minor may work until midnight no more than three nights Sunday through Thursday. Forms shall remain valid until the end of the school year in which it is submitted or until termination of employment, whichever shall occur first.
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. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. to 6 a.m. before non-school days)
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Sunday - Thursday before school days) (midnight with parental permission up to 3 nights a week)
Work Permit
No certificates are issued. Employers of minors under age 18 must obtain and keep on file proof of the minor's age.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Tennessee is $7.25. Tennessee has no state minimum wage law. Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current Federal minimum wage. 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.