Michigan Legal Age to Work and Other Requirements

Michigan Legal Age to Work and Other RequirementsMichigan Legal Age to Work and Other RequirementsMany adults cant wait for their scheduled vacation time so they can kick back and enjoy leid working for a spell, but if youre a young person, you may be a lot more eager to become employed and begin earning your own money. Michigan has laws regarding the minimum legal age to work in the state. If, in fact, youre old enough to work, there are limits to how many hours you can work per week or per day. There are also differences between the amount of time you can work during the school year versus when you can work when school is out. Working in Michigan as a Youth If youre a youth whod like to join the labor force in Michigan, youll need a child employment certificate. The state requires these certificates for all kids under age 18. You canobtain an employment certificate from your school. Although youll need an employment certificate, Michigan does leid require that minor workers hav e age certificates. Minimum Age to Work in Michigan Underfederal child labor laws,the minimum age to work is 14 with some exceptions. But child labor laws in each state can supersede federal law. States often have their own minimum ages to work and they determine which permits are necessary. When theres a conflict between federal and state laws, the more restrictive law applies. If a states law says that a child can begin working at 12 years old but the federal government says the age is 14, the child would have to wait until age 14 regardless of his states more lenient rule. Thats not a problem in Michigan because the state says youths can generally begin working at 14 in a number of fields, so its rules are in line with those at the federal level. But there are a few additional rules regarding hours and school attendance. Other Minor Labor Laws If youre in the 14- to 15-year-old age bracket, you may work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. There are limitations on how l ong you can work, however. You cant be in school and at work collectively for more than 48 hours per week, so if your school day is six hours, youll spend 30 hours in school per week- six multiplied by five is 30. That means you cant work more than 18 hours per week. If youre an older teen who falls in the 16- to 17-year-old age bracket, you can work between the hours of 6 a.m. and 1030 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday. You still cant work and be in school collectively for more than 48 hours, and you cant work for more than 24 hours per week while school is in session. Teens may work longer hours when school is not in session during the summer and extended school holiday breaks. Summer vacation is legally defined as June 1 through Labor Day. Youre not allowed to work during regular school hours if youre age 15 or younger. Child Workers Michigan allows children under the age of 14 to work in some very limited capacities. Childrenbetween the ages of 11 and 14 can work as athletic referees at sports matches that include children younger than they are. Children in this age group may also work as caddies for golf or bridge. Lastly, juveniles 13 and up can get work setting traps for informal clay shooting events. Where to Learn More If youre interested in more information about working as a youth in Michigan, then visit the Michigan State Labor website.