Our website contains general information on the provisions of the laws governing the employment of minors in New York State. There are both state and federal laws that protect workers under the age of 18 from being exposed to hazards and working unreasonable shifts.Businesses can hire minors aged 14 to 18 as long as they follow state and federal laws on working hours, wages, and job restrictions. In most places, the minimum legal age to work in a commercial kitchen is 18 years old. Minors under 16 are not allowed to work more than 40 hours per week. New York requires that employers obtain a work permit for minors. Wages. Under US law the answer would be no it is not illegal, so far as child labor laws are being followed. Child labor laws limit the hours workers under 18 can work and the kinds of jobs that they can do. Learn more and file a complaint. Before the minor begins working, they must have an employment certificate ("working papers").