What Is The Minimum Age For Employment?

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What Is The Minimum Age For Employment?

Minors under the age of 14 are allowed to work only in limited areas such as the entertainment industry. An entertainment permit is required to do so. A minor who is 14 or 15 years old must give an employer a completed work certificate before working during school months. The work certificate is approved and issued by the local public school superintendent's office and requires parental consent. Click on the links below to download work certificate forms:

Work Certificate (during school months)

Work Certificate (fulltime summer)

The employment of young people over the age of 16 does not fall under Missouri law, but some restrictions do exist under federal law.

Other Missouri Labor and Employment FAQs

Q: Are There Restrictions On The Hours A Minor Can Work?
A: Minors under the age of 16 may be employed: Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day No more than … More
Q: Are Certain Occupations Prohibited For Minors?
A: Prohibited occupations generally involve dangerous equipment (cookers, slicers), dangerous materials (such as toxic chemicals), or dangerous duties (driving, … More
Q: What If Missouri And Federal Child Labor Law Do Not Agree?
A: The federal law (Fair Labor Standards Act) applies when a company does over $500,000 in annual business, or their employees engage in interstate commerce. When both … More
Q: Does My Employer Have To Provide Rest Or Meal Breaks?
A: Rest breaks are not required by state law; however these issues might be addressed by company policy, or could be covered by union contract. More
Q: Are Benefits Such As Vacation, Sick Leave And Health Insurance Required?
A: Missouri has no law requiring paid vacations for private sector employment nor does it have a law that requires employers to offer any type of fringe benefit, such as … More
Q: Can My Employer Fire Me Without Reason Or Notice?
A: Missouri is an employment "at will" state. An employer can fire an employee for any reason as long as that reason is not illegal. More
Q: Can An Employer Require Their Employees To Work More Than Eight Hours A Day Or More Than 40 Hours Per Week?
A: There are no Missouri laws which restrict the number of hours an employer can require an employee to work. If the employee refuses to work the requested hours, the … More
Q: What is the minimum wage in Missouri?
A: The minimum wage is currently $7.05 per hour. The Missouri Minimum Wage and Overtime Law is not enforced by the state. Persons wishing to collect wages owed must file … More
Q: How Do I File An Initial Claim For Benefits?
A: The Internet claim filing system is available 24 hours a day, except between 11:30 PM on Saturday and 12:31 AM on Sunday, Central Time. To file your claim using the … More
Q: How Are My Benefits Figured?
A: During your claim benefit year, you are entitled to a weekly benefit amount for weeks you are totally or partially unemployed providing that you meet all requirements … More