Understanding Child Labor Laws for Restaurants and Fast-Food Jobs

The FLSA has clear rules in place to protect young workers in restaurants and fast-food establishments. These rules are designed to safeguard their health, education, and overall well-being.

Because younger employees may not always feel empowered to speak up, the law aims to prevent them from being overworked or exposed to unsafe conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of what the law covers—and when it applies.

Minimum Age Requirements for Employment

If you’re thinking about a job in a restaurant or fast-food place, your age matters. The FLSA establishes age-related rules to protect young workers. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

• 13 and Under: You’re not allowed to work in most non-agricultural jobs, including restaurants and fast food.
• 14-15 Years Old: You can work in certain jobs, but there are strict limits on the number of hours and types of work you can do.
• 16-17 Years Old: You can work as many hours as you want, but hazardous jobs are still off-limits.
• 18 and Up: Once you turn 18, you’re no longer covered by the child labor restrictions. You’re treated like an adult under the law.

Jobs and Hours for 14- and 15-Year-Olds

If you're 14 or 15 years old, you can work in restaurants and quick-service establishments, but there are important limits to keep in mind—both on the type of work you can do and how many hours you're allowed to work.

When You Can Work

• Only outside of school hours
• Up to 3 hours on school days (including Fridays)
• Up to 8 hours on non-school days
• No more than 18 hours during a school week
• Up to 40 hours during non-school weeks (like summer break)
• Only between 7 AM and 7 PM — extended to 9 PM from June 1 to Labor Day

What Jobs You Can Do

• Cashiering, hosting, and other front-of-house tasks
• Bussing tables and general cleanup, including vacuuming and waxing floors
• Basic food prep using machines like dishwashers, milkshake blenders, and toasters
• Limited cooking with equipment such as electric or infrared grills and fryers with automatic baskets (no open flames)

What You’re Not Allowed to Do

• Operate power-driven kitchen equipment (e.g., meat slicers, grinders, or mixers)
• Work in freezers or meat coolers
• Handle hazardous machinery like lawn mowers, balers, or compactors

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of young workers while still providing them with the opportunity to gain valuable experience. Always double-check with your employer to make sure the job meets these guidelines.

Jobs and Hours for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

At 16 or 17, you’re allowed to work unlimited hours in most non-hazardous jobs, which means you can take on more responsibility and earn more money. But while the hour restrictions are lifted, there are still important safety rules about the kinds of work you can do.

What You Can Do

• Work full-time or part-time, with no hourly restrictions
• Take on a wide range of tasks in restaurants, retail, and other service industries
• Gain hands-on experience in fast-paced work environments

What’s Still Off-Limits

• Operating power-driven meat equipment like slicers, grinders, or choppers
• Driving for work on public roads (unless you're 17 and meet specific conditions under federal law)
• Using or assisting with hazardous machinery, including balers, compactors, and some industrial equipment

While you’ve got more freedom at this age, workplace safety laws are still in place to protect you from serious risks. If you’re ever unsure about what’s allowed, don’t hesitate to ask your employer or talk to someone who can help.

Work Restrictions for Youths Under 18

Minors are not allowed to work in jobs deemed hazardous by the Department of Labor. Here are some of the dangerous areas:

Motor Vehicle Driving

Minors are prohibited from driving or assisting in driving on public roads. However, certain 17-year-olds who meet specific conditions are usually exempt.

Bakers and Kitchen Work

You can't use dangerous kitchen equipment. These include, but are not limited to, fryers or open flames. The only time you may be able to do so is if you’re being supervised and using safe equipment.

Dangerous Machinery

If a job involves operating or cleaning power-driven machines like meat saws or mixers, it’s off-limits for those under 18.

Special Programs for Youth Workers

There are two programs that help younger workers get their foot in the door while still focusing on their education.

Work Experience and Career Exploration Program  

For 14- and 15-year-olds, this program allows some additional flexibility in working hours during the school year. By doing so, it helps young people gain valuable career exposure.  

Work-Study Program

This program targets high school students in a college preparatory curriculum. These students can work up to 18 hours a week during the school year and must follow specific schedules. WSP students also gain exposure to careers that align with their educational goals.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

Are you a young worker whose rights have been violated by an employer in the restaurant and fast-food industry? Unsure about your rights in the first place? Please contact Morgan & Morgan to have your case reviewed for free. Our labor and employment lawyers might be able to fight for you. 

This blog post is based on fact sheets from the U.S. Department of Labor and is for informational purposes only.