I would like to start hiring teenagers, what do I need to do?
Hiring teens is a great way to help those under the age of 18:
Financial Independence - Earning their own money helps teenagers learn how to manage their finances & make spending decisions.
Valuable Skills - First jobs teach essential skills like time management, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility.
Real-world Experience - The workplace provides a unique learning environment where teens gain real-world experience, learn to follow rules and procedures, and interact with a diverse group of people.
Personal Growth - First jobs contribute to personal growth by boosting self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.
Career Exploration - Early work experiences can help teens explore different career paths and discover their interests and talents.
Each state is a little different as far as process goes, when it comes to hiring teens. In Washington and Oregon, the business must first apply for a minor work permit. This is generally done online through the Department of Revenue business licensing portal. When you apply for the minor work permit, it will ask a series of questions regarding which age range you would like to hire and the tasks to be performed. The state’s Labor & Industries typically has the rules for when a minor can work and what duties a minor can perform (Washington / Oregon). You may want to review these before completing your application. In general, minors cannot work during school hours and are limited to working a specific number of hours per day and week while in school. Great jobs for teenagers include retail, restaurant, manufacturing and construction.
After applying for the minor work permit, you will likely get a call from the state. They will ask you questions regarding the duties the minor will be performing. If the representative approves the duties, a minor work permit will be issued. The minor work permit must be renewed annually and is not included in the standard business license renewal process.
Most states also require a form to be completed by the school and the parents to allow the minor to work. Washington’s Parent/School Authorization / Oregon’s Parent Authorization for Employment of a Minor. This form is completed when a position is offered to the teen and at each subsequent new school year start.
This Q&A does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice and
does not address state or local law.
