Working as a restaurant Server is a popular job choice for many young people, as it offers flexible hours and the opportunity to develop valuable skills.
That said, some might also be wondering, “How old do you have to be to be a Server?” In the United States, 14 is generally considered the minimum age to work in Server jobs and similar restaurant roles. However, the answer could also depend on other factors, like state regulations and whether serving alcohol is part of the job.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about age requirements for Servers.
Federal Guidelines for Minimum Age To Work
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets simple guidelines for youth employment in the U.S. This federal law protects young workers while giving them opportunities to develop their careers.
Overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act
Young employees need safe working conditions that don’t interfere with their education, which is what the FLSA focuses on. The law establishes strict standards for youth employment, from minimum age requirements to what exactly young workers can and cannot do on the job.
The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division keeps a close eye on these rules to protect young workers.
While states can add stricter requirements, the FLSA creates baseline standards that apply nationwide.
General age minimum for non-hazardous work
When it comes to non-hazardous jobs, employment starts at 14 years old according to the FLSA. That said, those aged 14 and 15 can take restaurant and quick-service jobs as long as it’s outside school hours. Their allowed tasks include:
- Cashiering and table service
- Simple food preparation
- Kitchen work with specific equipment
- Clean-up duties
These young employees must follow strict rules about equipment usage and working conditions. They cannot operate power-driven machinery or work in freezers and meat coolers.
Difference between Servers and roles involving alcohol
The FLSA creates clear distinctions between general restaurant Server positions from roles that involve alcohol service. Each state has its own requirements for Servers who handle alcoholic beverages, with most setting 18 as the minimum age.
That said, establishments that serve alcohol must follow both federal and state rules. Server age requirements range from 18 to 21 years old for handling cocktails, depending on state laws.
These age limits help ensure Servers are mature enough to handle alcohol-related responsibilities properly.
State-by-State Server Age Requirements
Each state sets its own rules for Server positions, sometimes going beyond what federal law requires. These requirements create a complex landscape for restaurant employers and job seekers alike.
State laws vs. federal guidelines
States hold the power to set stricter Server requirements than federal guidelines. Age limits vary based on the type of restaurant you work in, and while local governments can make these requirements stricter, they can’t go below state minimums.
Alcohol service age requirements by state
As previously mentioned, a majority of states allow 18-year-olds to work in Server positions that involve handling alcohol.
Check out our full guide on the legal age to serve alcohol across the U.S.
Also, there are nine states that require that a supervisor or manager (of legal drinking age) be present when a Server below 21 conducts an alcoholic beverage transaction. These states are:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- North Dakota
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
General restaurant Server age requirements by state
Restaurants without alcohol service offer more opportunities for younger workers. Many states welcome teen employees for food service positions.
| State | Minimum age (without alcohol service) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 14 |
| Alaska | 14 |
| Arizona | 14 |
| Arkansas | 14 |
| California | 14 |
| Colorado | 14 |
| Connecticut | 16 |
| Delaware | 14 |
| District of Columbia | 14 |
| Florida | 14 |
| Georgia | 14 |
| Hawaii | 14 |
| Idaho | 14 |
| Illinois | 14 |
| Indiana | 14 |
| Iowa | 14 |
| Kansas | 14 |
| Kentucky | 14 |
| Louisiana | 14 |
| Maine | 14 |
| Maryland | 14 |
| Massachusetts | 14 |
| Michigan | 14 |
| Minnesota | 14 |
| Mississippi | 14 |
| Missouri | 14 |
| Montana | 14 |
| Nebraska | 14 |
| Nevada | 14 |
| New Hampshire | 14 |
| New Jersey | 14 |
| New Mexico | 14 |
| New York | 14 |
| North Carolina | 14 |
| North Dakota | 14 |
| Ohio | 14 |
| Oklahoma | 14 |
| Oregon | 14 |
| Pennsylvania | 14 |
| Rhode Island | 14 |
| South Carolina | 14 |
| South Dakota | 14 |
| Tennessee | 14 |
| Texas | 14 |
| Utah | 14 |
| Vermont | 14 |
| Virginia | 14 |
| Washington | 14 |
| West Virginia | 14 |
| Wisconsin | 14 |
| Wyoming | 14 |
Some states may have additional restrictions or requirements, such as work permits or limitations on working hours for minors. That said, make sure to consult the specific labor laws of your state or refer to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.
Types of Server Positions and Age Limits
Each restaurant type has its own set of requirements for Server positions, especially when it comes to age restrictions and training prerequisites.
Fine Dining Servers
Fine dining establishments often set higher standards for their Server positions. Most upscale restaurants require Servers to be at least 18 years old. These venues demand extensive knowledge of food preparation methods, wine service and formal dining protocols.
Fine Dining Servers usually must obtain specific certifications, particularly for alcohol service. These positions typically require previous serving experience and comprehensive knowledge of proper table settings.
Therefore, many establishments prefer candidates with at least one year of full-service restaurant experience.
Servers in casual restaurants
Casual dining venues offer more flexibility in age requirements. Servers as young as 14 can work in these establishments, although with certain limitations. Those aged 14 to 15 can perform table service, bussing and basic food preparation tasks.
Casual restaurants often provide structured training programs for new Servers. There, Servers without previous experience get to learn everything from menu details to customer service basics.
However, if the casual restaurant serves alcohol, Servers must then meet the state-mandated age requirements mentioned above.
Servers in breakfast and family restaurants
Breakfast joints and family restaurants present ideal starting points for aspiring Servers. These establishments often hire younger staff members, starting at age 14. Nevertheless, strict regulations govern working hours and conditions for teenage Servers.
These restaurants also often implement graduated responsibility systems, letting young Servers take on more duties as they age and gain experience.
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Legal Documentation Requirements for Young Servers
Proper documentation is essential for legal employment in the restaurant industry. Each state maintains distinct requirements for young Servers entering the workforce.
Work permits and certifications
Most states require work permits for Servers under 18 years old. These permits, often called working papers, must be obtained before starting employment. School districts typically issue these documents, and many states mandate employer registration in a state database for tracking young workers.
States like Alabama require Child Labor Certificates from their Department of Labor for workers under 18. Meanwhile, states such as California demand both work permits and school release permits for 14- to 15-year-olds who wish to work during school hours.
Age verification process
Establishments hiring Servers below 18 must have reliable age verification systems to ensure compliance.
Rather than relying solely on work permits, establishments must also keep proof of age documentation on file. Birth certificates, driver’s licenses, state-issued identification cards and U.S. Department of Justice Immigration forms serve as acceptable documentation.
Age verification demands careful attention. Employers and hiring managers must check identification in good lighting, use UV lights to verify holograms when needed and confirm document authenticity. Moreover, the person should match their ID photo and details perfectly.
Working Hour Restrictions for Teenage Servers
Federal and state labor laws establish strict working hour limitations for young Servers, ensuring their work schedules do not interfere with their education or well-being.
School day limitations
School-year restrictions protect academic priorities for young Servers. Servers aged 14 to 15 can only work up to three hours a day on school days and 18 hours per week when school is in session. They also cannot work early-morning (before 7 a.m.) and late-night (past 7 p.m.) shifts on weeknights.
Meanwhile, those aged 16 and 17 face different limitations. Initially, they cannot work after 10 p.m. on nights before school days. However, some states now allow extensions with parental permission, as well as special provisions for restaurant work until midnight on non-school nights.
Weekend and holiday hours
Non-school day schedules offer greater flexibility, as 14- and 15-year-old Servers can work up to eight hours on weekends and holidays. The maximum weekly hours increase to 40 during school breaks.
Servers who are 16 or 17 typically follow expanded weekend schedules. Currently, they can work up to 48 hours weekly and nine hours daily. Some states permit these Servers to work until 11:30 p.m. on non-school nights, usually with adult supervision after 8 p.m.
Break requirements
Federal regulations mandate specific break patterns for young Servers. Short breaks lasting five to 20 minutes must be counted as compensable work hours. Usually, meal periods lasting 30 minutes or more are not considered work time.
State laws often establish additional break requirements. For instance:
- Mandatory 30-minute meal breaks for shifts exceeding six hours
- Required adult supervision for Servers working after 8 p.m.
- Eight consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each 24-hour period
Primarily, employers must track break compliance carefully. Unauthorized extensions of authorized breaks need not count as work hours when employers have clearly communicated break duration limits.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Be a Server? – Key Takeaways
Starting your Server career early on requires careful attention to age requirements, proper documentation and sometimes even training certifications.
Each state maintains unique guidelines — particularly regarding alcohol service — though most require Servers handling alcoholic beverages to be at least 18 years old.
Oftentimes, it’s best for Servers between 14 and 15 years old to begin their hospitality journey in casual dining or family restaurants. Such places provide valuable training on basic table service and food preparation while adhering to strict working hour limitations that protect educational priorities.
