If you are not yet 16, there are many restrictions on agricultural work, particularly in occupations declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. However, once you turn 16 years old, these restrictions no longer apply. States also have rules that employers must comply with. Check your state’s work laws in agriculture: www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/child-labor/agriculture
Once you turn 16, you can work on any farm at any time.
If you are 16 years old or older, you can work on any farm job at any time. Remember though, states also have rules, so be sure to check your state’s work laws in agriculture.
Federal law establishes safety standards and restrictions for young workers on farms. If you are not yet 16, you cannot be employed in occupations that have been declared hazardous. However, once you turn 16, you can work on any job at the farm. If you have questions, ask your local Wage and Hour Division office. Be sure to also check your state’s rules for young workers and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules, which apply to all employees, regardless of their age.
To learn more about agricultural work that is hazardous for minors under 16 years of age, check out the Child Labor Requirements in Agricultural Occupations bulletin and fact sheet here:
An employer must pay you at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for all the hours that you work, except under certain circumstances. Employers can pay you a wage based on an hourly rate, a piece rate, a day rate, a salary, or any combination – but your hourly earnings must average at least the applicable minimum wage. Your state laws may require a higher wage rate, so be sure to contact your local state office for more information.
If you are under 20 years of age, you can be paid $4.25 per hour during your first consecutive 90 calendar days of working for an employer. Certain full-time students, student learners, apprentices, and workers with disabilities can be paid less than the minimum wage under special certificates issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information on these special situations or on exemptions to the minimum wage, please contact your local Wage and Hour Office.
Agricultural employees are not required to receive additional overtime pay.