What the Minimum Legal Working Age Is in West Virginia

What the Minimum Legal Working Age Is in West VirginiaWhat the Minimum Legal Working Age Is in West VirginiaIf youre a West Virginian who wants to land your first job, you should familiarize yourself with what thetiefpunkt legal working age in your stateis. If youre indeed eligibleto work, you can set some financial goals.Maybe you just want spare cash to go out on the weekends or to buy video games. Maybe you want to save for some pricey sneakers your family wont foot the bill for, or maybe you have some serious money to save for college tuition, transportation or daily living expenses if youre on your own.How Old Do You Have to Be?Both federal child labor laws and West Virginiastate law agree that the minimum age to work is 14 (with some exceptions).Butchild labor laws in each state may also indicate theminimum age to workand which permits are needed. When there is a conflict between federal and state laws, the stricterlaw will apply.According to the West Virginia labor code, child ren younger than 14 may work in the followingcapacitiesAgriculture and horticulture activities which have not been declared hazardous by the secretary of the United States department of laborDomestic services within the residence of the employerWork for parents or legal guardian in their solely owned business (with some exceptions)As actors or performers in motion pictures, theatrical, radio or television productionsNewspaper delivery.Before youthbegin theirjobs, it is important to review moraregulations related to childlabor laws. Certificates NeededWest Virginia state lawrequireschild employment certificatesfor youth under age 16.Employment certificatesare provided by the school. Just ask your schools administrative office for one or contact the labor department.Also, youth younger than 18 will be provided with an age certificate at therequest of an employer. The board of education for the school district they live in can issue an age certificate.What Hours Can Teens Work?Although teens ages 14-15 can work in a variety of jobs, including in retail stores,offices, and restaurants, the hours they can work are limited. Youth this age are prohibited from working more thanthreehours on a school day,18 hours in a school week,eighthours on a non-school day or40 hours during a non-school week.Also, these teens mustwork hours that fallbetween 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (except from June 1 through Labor Day, whenworking hours last until9 p.m.) Teens ages 16-17 have more flexibility and may work longer hours during a wider time span. However, teens of all ages are prohibited from workingin hazardous occupations that might cause injury, death or adverse health effects.For more information on the minimum age to work in West Virginia and how to obtain employment certificates, visit the West Virginia State Labor Website.