How old do you have to be to work in a senior living facility? A comprehensive guide to age requirements

Oct 26, 2025 4 min read •

Healthcare Jobs Senior Care Careers Employment Guide

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum age for non-agricultural work is 14, though strict rules apply to minors in healthcare settings.

So, how old do you have to be to work in a senior living facility? The answer depends on federal regulations, state laws, and the specific job, creating a layered set of requirements for aspiring caregivers and support staff.

Quick Summary

The age requirement to work in a senior living facility is not universal, influenced by job type and location. Entry-level positions like dining and housekeeping may be available to 14- and 15-year-olds under specific conditions, while most direct care roles often require staff to be 18 or older due to the nature of the duties involved.

Key Points

Federal vs. State Laws: The minimum age is determined by the stricter of federal and state child labor laws, which vary by location.
Entry-Level Roles: Jobs like dietary aide, housekeeping, and activity assistant are often available to individuals aged 14 to 17, but with strict hourly and task limitations.
Direct Care Positions: Roles involving hands-on patient care, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), typically require you to be 18 years or older.
Hazardous Occupations: Federal law prohibits anyone under 18 from operating equipment deemed hazardous, including certain kitchen machinery and patient lifts.
Career Pathway: Starting with an entry-level position can provide valuable experience and a clear pathway for advancement within the senior care industry.
Check Facility Policies: Always confirm the specific age requirements with the senior living facility you are applying to, as their internal rules may be more restrictive than state law.

Navigating Federal and State Child Labor Laws

Federal child labor laws, primarily enforced by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), establish the baseline for employing minors. The FLSA sets 14 as the minimum age for non-agricultural jobs and places limitations on the hours and types of work for those under 16. However, state laws can impose stricter standards. In any situation where federal and state laws differ, the more protective rule for the minor employee always applies. For senior living and healthcare, this means employers must be diligent in understanding both sets of rules to remain compliant.

Restrictions for Minors

For 14- and 15-year-olds, federal regulations mandate that they can only work outside of school hours, with limitations on total weekly and daily hours. Furthermore, minors under 18 are prohibited from engaging in occupations deemed 'hazardous,' a category that includes operating certain power-driven machinery, such as patient lifts, or handling certain waste compactors. These restrictions are designed to protect young workers' safety and well-being while they gain work experience.

Entry-Level Jobs for Younger Workers (Ages 14-17)

For individuals under 18, many senior living facilities offer valuable entry-level opportunities that provide exposure to the industry without requiring direct patient care. These roles are typically focused on support services.

Dietary and Dining Positions

Server/Dining Associate: Common entry-level jobs for 16- and 17-year-olds involve serving meals and assisting residents in the dining room. This offers important social interaction and experience in a hospitality setting. In some states, 14- and 15-year-olds may also work in food service, but with stricter hour limitations and without operating hazardous equipment.
Kitchen Helper/Dishwasher: Responsibilities often include washing dishes, bussing tables, and general kitchen cleanup. These roles are generally available to workers as young as 14, provided they do not operate high-temperature or power-driven equipment.

Housekeeping and Environmental Services

Housekeeping Assistant: This role involves cleaning resident rooms and common areas, and is often suitable for workers 16 and older. Minors may use light power-driven equipment like vacuums but are prohibited from operating heavy machinery like floor scrubbers until they are 16, and compactors until 18.

Activities and Social Engagement

Activity Aide: Working with the activities director, an activity aide helps lead group activities, set up for events, and provide one-on-one companionship for residents. These roles are an excellent fit for compassionate young people and can be available for those as young as 16.

Age Requirements for Direct Patient Care Roles

Positions involving direct hands-on care for residents generally have higher age requirements due to the nature of the responsibilities.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

To become a CNA, most states require the candidate to be at least 18 years of age. This is because the role involves significant responsibility and direct physical contact with residents. However, some states do allow 16- or 17-year-olds to complete CNA training and become certified, with certain restrictions on their duties until they turn 18. Prospective CNAs must verify their state's specific regulations and requirements.

Personal Care

In assisted living facilities and some nursing homes, direct personal care tasks—such as assisting with bathing, dressing, and eating—are often restricted to staff aged 18 and over. While some states permit 16-year-olds and older to provide personal care in certain settings, others, like Wisconsin in a Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF), require resident care staff to be at least 18.

A Comparison of Typical Roles and Age Requirements


Job Role	Federal Minimum Age (FLSA)	Typical Minimum Age Range	State Variations	Primary Duties
Dietary Aide / Server	14	14-16	Restrictions on hours and equipment use for under 16	Serving meals, clearing tables, light kitchen duty
Housekeeping Assistant	14	16+	Restrictions on machinery (vacuums ok, scrubbers/balers not)	Cleaning rooms, common areas, laundry
Activity Aide	14	16+	Dependent on specific program and supervision	Assisting with events, one-on-one companionship
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)	18 (typically)	16-18	Some states allow 16+ with training/restrictions	Assisting with personal hygiene, vitals, mobility
Medication Aide	18	18+	Strict state licensing and training requirements	Administering non-injectable medications
Administrative Assistant	14	16+	Typically standard office environment rules	Filing, data entry, answering phones

Building a Career in Senior Care from a Young Age

Starting in an entry-level position at a senior living facility can be a fantastic way to begin a long and rewarding career in healthcare. It allows young individuals to gain experience, develop valuable soft skills like empathy and communication, and explore different career paths within the industry. Many facilities offer tuition assistance and career advancement programs for dedicated employees. For example, a 16-year-old starting as a dining aide might later pursue CNA certification with their employer's support, ultimately leading to higher-level nursing positions. This pathway provides a supportive environment for professional growth and a chance to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives.

For more specific information on federal child labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Conclusion

While a 14-year-old can theoretically be employed in a non-medical role at a senior living facility under federal law, the practical minimum age for most positions is often higher due to the nature of the work and varying state regulations. Roles like dietary aide and activity assistant offer excellent starting points for those 16 and older, while direct care positions like CNA are typically reserved for those 18 and up. For anyone interested in working in senior care, the most reliable path is to research your state's specific child labor laws and check individual facility requirements, as they can set higher standards than the federal minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a 16-year-old can often find employment in a nursing home, but typically in non-direct patient care roles like a dietary aide, server, or in housekeeping. State laws vary, so job opportunities and specific duties will depend on your location.

Minors aged 14 and 15 can work in non-hazardous roles like dishwashing, bussing tables, or basic office tasks. Their work hours are restricted to outside of school hours, and they cannot operate high-temperature or power-driven equipment.

While the requirement varies by state, most states require you to be at least 18 years old to become a CNA. Some states permit 16- or 17-year-olds to train, but often with restrictions on the type of care they can provide until they turn 18.

Volunteering often has different rules than employment. Many facilities welcome young volunteers for activities, companionship, or administrative tasks, with age restrictions depending on the specific volunteer role and facility policy.

The age requirements reflect the level of responsibility and the nature of the tasks involved. Roles with direct, hands-on patient care or operation of heavy machinery typically require employees to be 18 or older to ensure both resident safety and compliance with child labor laws.

You can find detailed information on state child labor laws on your state's Department of Labor website. It's also best to check with the human resources department of the specific senior living facility you are interested in.

It is highly unlikely you will be able to perform direct, hands-on patient care if you are under 18. Some states might allow supervised personal care for 16- and 17-year-olds, but most facilities reserve this responsibility for adult staff.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.