I started working at the age of 15. I worked at the farmers market every Sunday. Every other Sunday, I would get paid $60. I thought I was rich until I did the math and found out I only get paid $3.25 per hour. Funny, but sad story. Soon after I left, I found out that it’s illegal to pay minors or anyone under minimum wage and in cash. At the time, I believe the minimum was $8.30.

A while ago, I walked out of a job interview because the starting rate of pay was $5. I didn’t feel bad turning it down because I know the minimum wage is currently $8.85. Soon it’ll be $10, then $12 until we reach $15. I’ll explain why that is and what that bonus will cost us but first, let me update you on your rights as a working minor and adult.

Minors under the age of 18…

• Must have working papers to start working.
• Your employer must have a working certificate.
• After 5 hours of working, you must take a 30-minute break.
• Can work no more than 40 hours a week/ overtime.

Hours for ages 14-15:

• 18 hours per week
• 3 hours on a school day
• 8 hours on Saturdays or Sundays
• 6 days per week
• not before 7 am or after 7 pm

Over the summer or non-school days:

• 40 hours per week
• 8 hours per day
• not before 7 am or after 7 pm

Hours for ages 16-17:

• 40 hours per week
• 8 hours a day
• 6 days a week
• Not before 6 am or after 11 pm (12 am if not a school night)

Over the summer or non-school days:

• Not before 6 am or after 3 am (with written permission from parent).

Although most places in fast food or retail are able to hire minors, some places are legally not allowed to. Sometimes it’s corporate that decides that, but it could also be the items that they sell or chemicals that you may be working with. For example, a minor can’t work as a cook in fast food because it’s a hazard if they get burned or injured. You can read more about it right here.

Although the minimum wage is $8.85 since January 1st, there are some exceptions that employers can pay you below that. ONLY if you’re qualified as a tipped employee, which isn’t easy to prove as an employer. The bare minimum they can pay you is $2.13. Thus your tips need to reach up to $8.85. If your tips don’t reach up to the minimum, the employer must make up the difference. This law goes for minors and adults. More information can be found here and here.

If you’re looking for a job and need some help, I wrote an article on how to better your chance of getting a job.

As for what’s to come after your 18th birthday, you’ll find that there are fewer laws and more options for you. For example, you can now work anywhere. The only obstacle you’ll find is the experience you need.

You are still entitled to equal pay. On April 24, 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed a new equal pay act. According to nj.gov:

On April 24, 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law New Jersey’s Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act (P.L. 2018, c. 9) The law provides in pertinent part that as of July 1, 2018, any employer entering into a contract with the State of New Jersey or an instrumentality of the State for “qualifying services” or “public works” must provide to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development – upon commencement of the contract – wage and demographic data for all employees who are employed in connection with the contract (for public works) and for all employees (for qualifying services). This requirement DOES NOT apply to employers who are contracting with local governments (for example municipalities and counties). The report must contain the gender, race, ethnicity, job category, compensation, and the number of hours worked by each employee.

If you notice something wrong with the wage or hours you’re receiving, it’s always best to ask your manager and talk it out. If you find that nothing has changed from that, you can file a complaint anonymously online or mail.

Another bill that has everyone talking is the $15 an hour minimum wage that Murphy has also passed on January 17th. Starting July 1, the new wage is $9.50. On January 1, 2020, the wage will go up to $11. Then by January 2021, it’ll be $11.55. Going forward from January 1st of 2022 to 2024 the wage will increase $1.15 until we meet $15. You can read more here.

This sounds amazing… but what’s the catch? When I first heard about the minimum wage being raised, I got excited. The economy is going to go up, I can start saving for an apartment, I didn’t see anything wrong with it. Then everyone kept telling me that the price of everything is going to go up. This could also result in slower hiring and some people getting laid off if the company can’t afford it. Others hypothesize that this could result in a higher percentage of high school dropouts.

It’s too early to see what $15 will truly cost us. For now, know your rights as an employee and be smart with your money.