Have A Teen Who Wants To Work in New York State? What To Know

There are many ways that teenagers in New York State can get a job. But there are some rules that you should know. If you have a teenager looking for work, here are some important facts.

If your kid is ready to get their first job in New York State between the ages of 14 and 17, the first thing they need is working papers. These are known as employment certificates. They are very easy to obtain through the school administration by simply filling out an application.

Even though the minimum age to work in New York is fourteen, there are some exceptions, however. For instance, my son was 13 when he started working because he worked picking blueberries at a local farm. The exceptions are farm work, newspaper delivery, and acting.

There Are Limits To How Many Hours Teens Can Work

Once you’re eligible, how much you can work depends on your age and whether school is in session. If you're 14 or 15, you can work up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week. During school breaks, you can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.

If you're 16 or 17, the limits increase. You can work up to 4 hours on a school day and 28 hours a week during the school year. On breaks, it's up to 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week.

There are also night restrictions. Teens 14 and 15 can't work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. during the school year, and not past 9 p.m. in the summer. If you're 16 or 17 and want to work past 10 p.m. on a school night, you’ll need permission from both your parents and your school.

For more details, you can check out the New York State Department of Labor’s website.