At what age can youths generally begin working in non-hazardous jobs under U.S. labor laws?

Youths can generally begin working in non-hazardous jobs under U.S. labor laws at 14 years of age. This is consistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which regulates child labor and outlines the minimum age for employment in various roles. At this age, young workers are permitted to take on specific types of jobs, often with restrictions on the number of hours they can work, especially during school days and weeks.

Starting at 14 years old allows for supervised work that can help youths gain experience and develop skills, while still ensuring protections against exploitation and unsafe working conditions. This legal framework balances the need for early work opportunities with the importance of education and development. Although there are specific job categories that are deemed appropriate for younger workers, this age serves as the starting point for legal employment in roles that do not involve hazardous conditions.