Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Vermont
What is the minimum age to be employed in Vermont? The legal age to work in Vermont 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
Children under 14 years of age are generally prohibited from performing any non-agricultural work.
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 Vermont:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Work Hours
14 and 15 year-old minors may not be employed: 1. During school hours. (Exceptions are provided for minors employed pursuant to a work experience and career exploration [WECEP] program for batboys and batgirls, and for performers and actors in motion pictures, theatrical productions, radio and television.) 2. Before 7 AM or after 7 PM. (after 9:00 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day) 3. More than three hours per day, on school days. 4. More than eight hours per day, on non-school days. 5. More than 18 hours per week, in school weeks. 6. More than 40 hours per week, in non-school weeks. 7. More than six days in a week.
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-40-6, non-school day period.
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. 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
Work permit is required for minors under 16 during school hours Age certificate is not issued.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Vermont is $13.18. 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.