can a 17 year old work full time

[RichardDella]

Yes, a 17-year-old can work full-time in the USA, as federal law allows unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs. State laws may add limits on hours, night shifts, or school-time work. Federal rules let 16–17-year-olds work full-time in safe jobs, excluding hazardous industries like mining or logging. Always check your state’s labor regulations.

[McCarson]

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) enforces federal child labor laws. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the minimum age for non-agricultural work is 14, youth under 16 have hour limits, and workers under 18 cannot work in hazardous jobs. The FLSA also sets subminimum wages for those under 20, students, apprentices, and disabled workers, requiring WHD approval.

[MacJune]

In the U.S., minors aged 16 and 17 generally do not need an employment certificate and are allowed to work in a wide range of jobs. However, federal law prohibits them from taking on particularly hazardous positions, such as mining, logging, or operating heavy machinery, to ensure their safety while gaining work experience.