Contractor License Practice Exam

Can an employer legally pay less than minimum wage to a minor?

1. Yes, if the minor is inexperienced

2. No, they cannot pay less than minimum wage

3. Yes, if the parent approves

4. Yes, but only for part-time work

The correct answer is: No, they cannot pay less than minimum wage

The correct response is that an employer cannot legally pay less than the established minimum wage to any worker, including minors. Minimum wage laws are designed to protect all employees, ensuring they receive a fair baseline compensation for their labor. These laws create a standard that employers must adhere to, regardless of the age or experience level of their employees. There are sometimes special provisions in minimum wage laws for certain types of workers, such as tipped employees or workers in specific training programs, but these do not permit paying less than the minimum wage to minors without proper authorization under exemptions defined by law. Therefore, all workers, including minors, should receive at least the minimum wage to ensure their rights and financial stability. In regards to the other choices, factors such as parental approval or being inexperienced do not create exceptions to this legal requirement. Similarly, the classification of work as part-time also does not allow for a lower wage, as the minimum wage applies to all hours worked regardless of the employment status of the worker.