can 16 year olds work full time

[OliviaLynn]

Yes, a 16-year-old can work full-time in the U.S., as federal law allows unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs. States may add limits on hours, night shifts, or school-time work. Federal rules permit 16–17-year-olds in safe jobs outside dangerous industries like mining or logging, but check state labor laws to comply.

[Norah]

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) enforces federal child labor laws. The FLSA sets 14 as the minimum age for most jobs, limits hours for workers under 16, and bars those under 18 from hazardous work. It also allows subminimum wages for students, apprentices, and disabled workers with WHD approval.

[RiverDella]

Minors who are 16 or 17 years old usually don’t need an employment certificate and can work in many positions, but federal regulations prevent them from engaging in especially hazardous jobs, such as mining, logging, or using dangerous machinery, to protect their health and safety. They may work full-time or part-time depending on school attendance and state rules.