It is illegal to employ a child under 14 except under specific circumstances. Texas' child labor laws apply to all children under the age of 18 working in Texas, whether or not they reside in the state.Yes, youth are entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay in Texas. Work certificates are not required for 16 and 17yearolds. In Texas, older minors—meaning 16- and 17-year-olds—may work as many hours as they'd like. Certain occupations are also off-limits to 16 and 17-year-olds for safety reasons. However, in cases of hardship, a waiver may be granted. Under the FLSA, 16 and 17yearolds may be employed for unlimited hours in any nonagricultural, nonhazardous position. I read the texas working laws and it says that, "A child age 16 or 17 has no restrictions on the number of hours or times of day they may work." 16 and 17 year olds that are enrolled in school may not work more than 6 consecutive days or 30 hours per week during the school calendar week.