Farm Labor Contractor Practice Test

What is the minimum age for a minor to legally work?

1. 10 years old

2. 12 years old

3. 14 years old

4. 16 years old

The correct answer is: 14 years old

The minimum age for a minor to legally work is typically set at 14 years old. This age is established to ensure that children engage in employment only when they are mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with work, while also allowing for a balance with their education. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) outlines that minors aged 14 and 15 can work limited hours and only in certain non-hazardous jobs. Younger ages, such as 10 and 12, are often not permissible for general employment due to concerns regarding child labor laws that protect minors from exploitation and ensure their safety and well-being. While there can be some exceptions for specific types of work, like delivering newspapers or working in a family business, these are not considered general employment standards. At 16, minors have more freedom in terms of the hours they can work and the types of jobs they can hold, which marks a transition into more substantial employment opportunities. Thus, 14 years old is the correct answer recognizing the balance of work and education for minors.