For most 16-year-olds, getting a job comes down to meeting legal requirements, having the right documents, and finding teen-friendly employers.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Legal Requirements
- Work Permit:
- Many U.S. states require minors (under 18) to have a work permit or employment certificate.
- You usually get it from your school’s guidance office or your state labor department.
- Restricted Hours:
- Laws limit how many hours you can work during school weeks (often 3–4 hours on school days, more on weekends/holidays).
- Restricted Jobs:
- Some jobs are off-limits for safety reasons (like operating heavy machinery, serving alcohol, or certain hazardous work).
2. Documents You’ll Need
- Proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s license, state ID, passport, or school ID with birthdate)
- Social Security card (employers need this for payroll)
- Work permit (if required in your state)
- Sometimes parent/guardian consent (especially for younger teens)
3. Job Ideas for 16-Year-Olds
- Fast food or coffee shops
- Retail stores
- Movie theaters
- Grocery stores
- Amusement parks or local attractions
- Babysitting or pet sitting
- Tutoring younger kids
- Lifeguard (requires certification)
4. Pro Tips to Get Hired Fast
- Ask in person — managers are more likely to hire you if they meet you face-to-face.
- Dress neatly even if the job is casual.
- Show enthusiasm — many employers hire teens for attitude, not experience.
- Tell them your availability up front — flexibility helps a lot.
- Obtain a Work Permit (if required)
- Most states require minors to have a work permit or age certificate—usually issued through your school or state labor department.
- In some states (like Massachusetts or Pennsylvania), minors up to 18 must secure one. In others (e.g. New Jersey), only younger teens need them.
- Have Your Documents Ready
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate, state ID, passport, or school ID with your birthdate
- Social Security Card: Needed for payroll
- Work Permit / Age Certificate: If your state requires it
- Know Your Work Hour Limits by State
- Once you’re 16 or older, many states lift hour and day restrictions—or significantly relax them—meaning you can often work similar hours to adults.
- Example states with specifics:
- Ohio / Oklahoma: No limits for 16–17-year-olds; under-16 have capped hours.
- Oregon: Minors 16–17 can work up to 44 hours per week; 14–15-year-olds have stricter caps.
- Massachusetts / Pennsylvania: Still limit 16–17-year-olds’ hours during school periods.
- Know Federal Rules—Here’s the Short Version
- Age 16+: Can work unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs.
- Avoid Hazardous Jobs
- Teens under 18 are legally prohibited from dangerous roles like power tools, roofing, heavy machinery, or driving for delivery.
Summary Table (Examples)
| State | Permit Required at 16+ | Hour Restrictions at 16–17 |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Yes (certificate) | Max 44 hrs/week; no daily caps |
| Ohio/Oklahoma | Yes (if under 16) | No limits for 16–17-year-olds |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Limited daily/weekly hours during school weeks |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Capped hours depending on school schedule |