Minimum Age to Work in OK
Oklahoma (OK) Quick Reference Table
| Age | Summary of Requirements |
|---|---|
| 14-15 | Employment certificate is necessary for all working minors. |
| 16-17 | Must have an Employment certificate. |
| 18-20 | Must be 18 to work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption |
| 21 | Able to serve alcohol for consumption. No restrictions. |
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in Oklahoma?
The minimum age to work in Oklahoma stands at 14 years old. Children working in agricultural endeavors, such as farm work, remain exempt. Young persons working for parents or any business owned by a legal guardian are also immune to these laws, as are those who deliver newspapers, babysit, do housekeeping chores or work in the entertainment industry.
How to Get a Work Permit
When under the age of 16, children in the State of Oklahoma must obtain work permits, in order to lawfully gain employment. Students often retrieve proper paperwork at their school, but can also get the right paperwork after the school year is over. For Oklahoma teens looking for work when school is out, here are some tips on how to get a work permit in the summer.
Do you need a work permit during summer?
Yes. All minors under 16 must have employment papers in order to gain employment in Oklahoma.
Where can I get a work permit besides school?
Application forms for work permits are available on the Department of Education website.
How do I get a work permit during summer?
- Create an online account on the Department of Education website and print out a permit application.
- Fill out the Student section of the form, and have a parent complete and sign the Legal Guardian portion of the document.
- Upon receiving a job offer, the employer must complete their section of the application, detailing what tasks the minor will have to perform at their company
- Submit the completed paperwork to the local board of education office, along with proof of their age (birth certificate, passport, state ID, etc.).
- The issuing officer will verify the information on the documents, and approve the minor for a work permit.
Jobs Available to Oklahoma Minors
In accordance with both state and federal regulations, minors under the age of 16 are able to obtain a number of different jobs, provided the occupations are non-hazardous Some available jobs for 14 and 15 year olds in Oklahoma include:
- Non-warehouse retail work
- Computer Programming
- Teaching or Tutoring
- Acting, Playing an Instrument, or Singing
- Delivery or Errands by Public Transit, Bike, or on Foot
- Any Yard Work Not Utilizing Power-Driven Equipment
- Dispensing Gasoline and Hand Washing Vehicles
- Loading and Unloading Objects for use at a Worksite, such as Rakes, Shovels, and other Tools
Prohibited Occupations
Minors under the age of 16 are unable to work in an occupation that requires them to risk their health, morals, or well-being. The following list outlines hazardous occupations which are too dangerous for minors ages 14 and 15 in the state of Oklahoma:
- Manufacturing, Mining, or Processing Occupations
- Public Messenger Service
- Any Occupation in Connection with Warehousing or Storage
- Public Utilities
- Construction and Demolition
- Utilizing Slicers or Sharp Knives
- Transporting Individuals by Rail, Air, Water, or Highway
- Any Power-Driven Machinery other than Office Machines
- Baking and Cooking
- Fryers or Grills
- Ladders and Scaffolding
- Youth Peddling
Restrictions on Work Hours
While school remains in session, minors must maintain restrictions on the number of hours allowed both per day and week. They may work up to three hours on a school day or 18 hours per school week. On a non-school day, a minor may work up to eight hours. Both 14 and 15 year olds can start work at 7:00am and must clock out by 7:00pm from the Tuesday after Labor Day through May 31.
During the summer, the hour restrictions allow teens to work eight hours a day between 7:00am and 9:00pm for a total of 40 hours a week.
source: Oklahoma child labor laws
