Washington Child Labor Law

Last update: June 10, 2023

Minimum Hiring Age in Washington

What is the minimum age to be employed in Washington? The legal age to work in Washington is 12, 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 are allowed to work limited hours compared to adults in Washington. In general, the hours they can work vary depending on age, the type of work, and whether school is in session.

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 Washington:

BeerWineSpirits
Serve181818
Bartend212121

Work Hours

Minors under age 14 with permission to work from a court must follow the same hour restrictions as 14- to 15-year-olds. Those minors who are homeschooled or otherwise not enrolled in school must follow the same restrictions. Any minor who works in a restaurant or a retail business must have adult supervision after 8 p.m. on any night.

Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-40-6 school day/week: 3 (8 Saturday and Sunday) - 16/6

Nightwork prohibited for minors ages 14 and 15:
7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1st to Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
An adult must supervise minors working after 8 p.m. in service occupations, such as restaurants and retail businesses.

Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
8-48-6 school day/week: 4 (8 Friday, Saturday and Sunday) - 20. 6-28 with special variance agreed to by parent, employer, student and school

Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday (midnight Friday and Saturday and when school is not in session) to 7 a.m. (5 a.m. when school is not in session). 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. in door-to-door sales.
An adult must supervise minors working after 8 p.m. in service occupations, such as restaurants and retail businesses.

Work Permit

Work permit is required for minors under 18. https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/state-endorsements/minor-work-permit Age certificate is not provided.

Minimum Wages

The minimum wages in Washington is $12.00. 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.


Next reading: Find jobs for teens in Washington

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