Slinging Burgers and Folding Dreams: A Guide to Working as a 15-Year-Old in Georgia
So you're 15 and itching to ditch the lemonade stand for a real job in Georgia, huh? Hold your entrepreneurial horses there, partner! While the Peach State offers plenty of opportunities to make some green, there are some rules of the road you gotta follow, especially when it comes to how many hours you can legally sling burgers or fold sweaters.
Fear not, fellow teen titan! This here guide will be your compass, navigating the murky waters of Georgia's child labor laws and informing you about how many hours you can actually work.
 |
| How Many Hours Per Week Can A 15 Year Old Work In Georgia |
Let's break it down, baby!
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
School Days vs. No School Days
Georgia, bless its bureaucratic heart, divides your work life into two categories: school days and no school days.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
-
School Days: On those glorious days where you're stuck in textbooks (or pretending to be), you can only work a maximum of 3 hours per day. Think of it as a way to earn some cash after that afternoon math quiz, but not so much that you're yawning through history the next morning.
-
No School Days: Weekends and those sweet, sweet school break days open up the opportunity to work a bit longer. You can snag up to 8 hours per day on these days. Finally, some time to put a dent in that phone upgrade fund!
 |
Altogether Now: Adding Up Your Hours
Now, let's say, hypothetically, you're working all week (because who needs sleep, right?). Here's the maximum amount of hours you can rack up:
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
- School Week: 18 hours (That's 3 hours/day x 5 school days)
- Non-School Week: 40 hours (Cha-ching!)
Bonus Round: Summertime and the Workin' is Easy
Hold on a sec, there's a perk for Georgia's teen workforce! Once June 1st hits and summer officially kicks in, Georgia lets you work a bit later in the evenings. We're talking about extending your shift until 9 pm, which is pretty darn good compared to the usual 7 pm cut-off during the school year.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Now you're a working Georgia teen,:
Alright, so you've got the green light (well, more like a green peach) to work in Georgia. But before you start counting your stacks of cash, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
- You gotta get a permit: No workin' without a work permit, buddy! You can get one from your local Board of Education.
- No dangerous jobs: Sorry, but your dreams of wrestling alligators or cleaning out abandoned mines are gonna have to wait. There are some jobs deemed too dangerous for young folks like you.
- School comes first: This one's a no-brainer. Don't let your job interfere with your education.
FAQ: Working Teen Edition
- How do I get a work permit in Georgia? Head on over to your local Board of Education and ask about obtaining a Child Employment Certificate.
- Can I work more than 18 hours during a school week? Nope, that's the maximum according to Georgia law.
- What if my job offers me free food? Is that part of my hourly wage? Nope! Free food (lucky you!) is considered a fringe benefit and doesn't count towards your hourly earnings.
- I think my employer is breaking child labor laws. What should I do? Contact the Georgia Department of Labor. They'll be happy to investigate.
- Can I work outside of Georgia? If you're planning to work in another state, you'll need to check their child labor laws to make sure you're complying.
 |
