Working Minors

Rules regulating the employment of minors are contained in WAC Chapter 296-125. The minimum age for employment in the state of Washington is fourteen, WAC 296-125-018. The number of hours a minor may work is outlined in WAC 269-125-027.

While reading the rules pertaining to the number of hours a minor may work, you will notice that the restrictions are different for fourteen and fifteen year olds than they are for sixteen and seventeen year olds. Perhaps this is part of the reason that most employers won't hire children under the age of sixteen. Also note that the rules during the school year are different than those for holidays and vacations.

Sixteen and seventeen year olds who are enrolled in a college program or who have obtained their GED are allowed to work at all times those hours stipulated for sixteen and seventeen year olds during school vacations. This is equivalent to full-time employment with some restrictions on start and end times.

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