Understanding PA Laws for Teen Employment: A Fun Guide to Earning and Learning

When June rolls around in Lackawanna County, teens are eager to trade textbooks for paychecks—and summertime work can be a fantastic way to build responsibility, make extra cash, and (believe it or not) have a little fun. But before you dive in, it helps to know the basics: what the law allows, how to handle transportation and meals, and why some jobs can teach you more than you ever learned in school. In this lighter‐touch column, we’ll cover the essentials and share a bit of my own experience as a Scranton teen trying—and sometimes failing—to find the perfect summer gig.

1. Keeping It Legal: Basic Rules for 14–17 Year Olds

Do you need a work permit?In Pennsylvania, any teen under 18 must have an “employment certificate” (often called a Child Work Permit) on file with their high school before starting certain jobs. If you’re 14 or 15, that permit is mandatory. Teens age 16–17 don’t always need it, but it never hurts to check with your school’s guidance office just to be sure. Bottom line: don’t show up on day one without the right paperwork, or your first day could turn into paperwork day.

How many hours can you work?

• Ages 14–15 (summer break)

  • Up to 40 hours per week (maximum 8 hours per day).

  • Work is allowed between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

• Ages 16–17 (summer break)

  • Up to 48 hours per week (maximum 10 hours per day).

  • Work is allowed until 10 p.m.

These limits shift once school starts back up—so if you get a job that extends into September, double-check the fall rules.

What about prohibited jobs?You won’t be flipping burgers or stocking shelves that involve heavy machinery or chemicals, and you can’t mow lawns with a powered mower until you’re 16. In general, stick to safe, “teen‐friendly” roles: camp counselor, grocery bagger, lifeguard, babysitter, or retail clerk. Your employer should help you figure out if the job is appropriate for your age.

Minimum Wage ReminderPennsylvania follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If someone tries to pay you less than that (unless a special training wage applies), ask questions—and if you still don’t get the proper pay, reach out to the state’s Labor & Industry department.

2. Real‐World Tips: Transportation, Lunches, and Scheduling

Budgeting for gas and mealsOne of my earliest summer jobs (more on this below) was at the local Housing Authority. My dad “lined it up” thinking I’d work close to home—turns out, I spent half my summer driving from one development to another across the county. Those long drives meant draining money on gas (large SUVs weren’t kind to my wallet) and grabbing lunch at a new diner every day. On the bright side, I discovered the best cheese‐steaks from Old Forge to Carbondale—but my net pay was barely enough to cover fuel and a sandwich.

Tip: If you need to drive, figure out your approximate gas cost before committing. Sometimes a slightly lower pay at a closer spot—or a bus ride—could save more money in the end. And packing a sandwich can cut lunch costs dramatically.

Car‐pools and bike racksIf your best friend also has a summer job nearby, consider sharing rides (and gas). Many pools, parks, and small shops in Scranton and Dunmore are within biking distance of neighborhoods—invest in a sturdy lock and helmet, and you might get some exercise along with your job.

Tracking hours with a calendar or appIt’s easy to lose track when you’re juggling shifts, school activities, and family plans. Use your phone’s calendar or a simple paper chart to mark start and end times. Employers must adhere to those hour‐limits, but they tell you “just one more hour” sometimes. Stay on top of it. I know I wish I had a smart phone back then.  We were still texting with “t-9”. (look it up if you don’t know what that is) and when the walkie talkie feature came out for Nextels (look this up too), we were all “chirping”.

3. Finding a Job That Fits: Where to Look and What to Ask

Local community centers and poolsMany teens find work at pools—lifeguard, pool attendant, or concessions worker. If you love swimming (and hate getting wrinkly fingers like I did as a kid), this could be the perfect fit. Check out the City of Scranton’s Parks & Rec department, or your nearest Y location. Even if they’re not hiring right away, ask about lifeguard training courses early: slots fill up fast.

Retail, restaurants, and ice‐cream standsConvenience stores, local diners, and ice-cream shops tend to hire teens for summer help. When you apply, ask:

• “What are the starting hours?” (so you know if they’ll fit your schedule)

• “Do you work late nights?” (especially important if you’re under 16)

• “Is there a uniform or name‐tag fee?” (some places deduct a small amount from your paycheck to cover polos or aprons—illegal if it cuts you below minimum wage). Some of my friends worked at Cinemark when we were kids and they got to watch as many movies as they wanted to for free!

Camp counselor and day campsIf working with younger kids sounds appealing, check out local day camps. Some require you to be 16 or older, but they often pair you with an older counselor. You’ll learn how to plan games, supervise outdoor activities, and maybe even teach a craft or two.

Online gig optionsBabysitting, pet sitting, lawn mowing, and yard work are all flexible gigs that let you set your own rates. Websites and neighborhood Facebook groups can connect you with clients. Just remember: if you earn more than a certain threshold, you might need to report it on your taxes—another good reason to keep good records.

4. My Summer Switch: From County Drives to Guarding the Pool

Let me share the highlights (and lowlights) of my own teen‐work saga! When I was A teenager, my dad told me he’d gotten me a job with the Scranton Housing Authority. I pictured a honey of a gig, doing yardwork and managing a convenient local housing development, but it turned out to be for the County Housing Authority. Every morning, I hopped in a my big SUV and bounced between developments across the county. It wasn’t all bad as I got to sample dozens of local restaurants from Old Forge to Carbondale—but those daily lunches and weekly gas fill-ups meant my paycheck evaporated quickly. Moral of that chapter: always confirm which “Housing Authority” you’re working for, and whether you need to budget a small fortune for gas.

That following summer, I heard that Weston Park Pool was hiring lifeguards up in North Scranton. Growing up, I was that kid who refused to leave the water until my skin was so wrinkled it looked like a prune. Lifeguarding felt like a dream. After signing up for a quick Red Cross course, I landed the job—and suddenly, my summer paychecks actually covered my expenses, save the costs of fueling my developed bad habit of eating lunch out every day. But I got to spend my days hanging out with other teen guards, going for a swim whenever I wanted and learning new card games etc. when I wasn’t “on duty” in the chair. More than the money, lifeguarding taught me discipline: I learned to watch dozens of strangers at once, rescue someone if needed, and gain confidence in a leadership role far beyond what my Housing Authority drive-around could ever offer.

5. Wrapping Up: Making the Most of Your Summer Work

A summer job isn’t just about earning cash; it’s about discovering what you enjoy—and what you don’t. Maybe you’ll realize you hate driving a county-wide commute each way for a minimum‐wage gig, or maybe you’ll discover you truly love lifeguarding, waiting tables, or running a lemonade stand. Whatever you choose, keep these takeaways in mind:

1. Ask lots of questions up front.

   
   

   Where is the job? What are the exact hours? Are there costs for uniforms or training? If anything sounds unclear, get clarification before saying “yes.”

2. Budget for hidden costs.

   
   

   Gas, lunches, and perhaps uniforms or special shoes can shrink your take‐home pay. Estimate these expenses to see whether the job makes sense.

3. Stay within legal limits.

   
   

   Use a planner or phone app to log your hours and ensure you’re not working past your allowed time. Legal limits protect you—and your employer—from fines.

4. Enjoy the experience.

   
   

   Summer jobs build communication skills, time management, and—especially—memories. You might even make lifetime friends or find a passion you didn’t know you had.

5. Learn from each gig.

   
   

   If a job doesn’t work out, that’s okay. My time at the County Housing Authority taught me more about local geography (and sample diners) than I ever knew. And when I switched to lifeguarding, I learned confidence and leadership that followed me into college and beyond.

So as June approaches, polish your résumé, ask neighbors if they need lawn help, or head to your local pool for lifeguard applications. Dive into the process, stay safe, and remember: a summer job is one of the best ways to grow up a little, earn a little, and create a summer you’ll never forget. Good luck—and see you at the pool!

swimming pool in the summer