General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

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At what minimum age is it generally permissible for minors to work in non-hazardous jobs?

  1. 10 years old

  2. 12 years old

  3. 14 years old

  4. 16 years old

The correct answer is: 14 years old

In general, the minimum age at which minors are allowed to work in non-hazardous jobs is 14 years old. This age limit is established by federal labor laws, specifically the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets guidelines for child labor. At 14, children can work in a variety of non-hazardous roles, such as those in retail, food service, and certain types of office work. Younger children, like those who are 10 or 12, face more stringent restrictions, as the laws are designed to ensure that minors not only gain work experience but also are protected from potential exploitation and the rigors of labor that could interfere with their education and overall well-being. At 16, while minors can work more hours and in a greater range of positions, the foundational baseline for non-hazardous work under the law begins at 14 years of age.