A guide to getting a job before turning 18

Michigan generally has strict rules on youth employment but most teens, age 16 and up, are working for at least part of the year. Michigan has a higher overall youth employment rate than the national average.

Michigan teens under 16 are subject to stricter rules and generally have a more difficult time finding work.

For all teens, it is getting tougher to find a job in a tightening overall job market. Last year, the teen summer unemployment rate was almost 16%, the highest since 2020.

Municipalities like Lansing, East Lansing and Ingham County are generally looking for summer positions. Visit their websites for the latest.

And cruise around your area for retail and restaurant jobs, in person as well as online.

Here are a few tips to help you get started.

 

Lansing

In Lansing, as with many cities, 2025 was the first time in years that there were enough young people to fill all the available lifeguard jobs.

The city is hiring lifeguards again this year and will be adding more for the reopening Moores Pool.

The city is currently hiring for lifeguards (age 15+), summer camp counselors (age 18+) and mobile recreation workers (PlayPatrol staff, ages 18+).

The city jobs let people make an impact in their community, said Emily Stevens, deputy director of Lansing’s parks department.

Teens can build leadership and career skills, work in a fun environment and get hands-on experience, she said.

The jobs range from $15 to $20 an hour.

Apply at parksonline.lansingmi.gov

 

Additional programs

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program, through Michigan Works, for students ages 16-24

It comes with a weeklong work development orientation in the summer and an 8-week paid work experience at a community employer.

The Summer Young Professionals Program

The program helps with services like interviewing, clothing and bus passes for work.

 

How to get a job before you’re 18

in Michigan:

Michigan rules say work permits are required for those under 18, unless they’re exempt (which is a small number including emancipated minors, young GED recipients, early high school graduates, some qualified farm or family business work and a few other exceptions)

For almost everybody else, work permits can be found with high school counselors.

For those disengaged with school or in alternative programs, reach out to the last formal school the student attended.

Many occupations don’t allow minors, including most jobs with power tools, slaughtering, driving or involving construction sites.

Rules are more strict for 14- and 15-year-olds than 16- and 17-year-olds, which usually makes it more difficult for the younger teens to find work.

 

Rules for minors 14 and 15

Shall not work more than 6 days a week, 10 hours a day or weekly average of 8 hours a day

Weekly hours cannot be more than 48, when combined with school and work time

May not work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (7 p.m. during most of the school year).

Not more than 3 hours on a school day, 8 hours a day when school is out or 18 hours a week when schoo is in session, 40 hours per week when not in session.

 

Rules for minors 16 and 17

Shall not work more than 6 days in a week, 10 hours a day or weekly average of 8 hours a day

Weekly hours cannot be more than 24 per week wehn school is in session and 48 hours per week when not in session

May not work before 6 a.m. or past 10:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday or past 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (some exceptions during long breaks and for minors who are not enrolled or get parental consent).

 

Ingham County

The county offers maintenance and customer service attendant seasonal roles for people under 18.

The maintenance jobs are primarily custodial and grounds work at Potter Park Zoo and park, said Cynthia Wagner, the zoo’s director. The customer service job is primarily for parking and admission, and could include customer work at the goat stand or in food service.