Actually 14 is the youngest you can get a job.
In Texas you need to have a hardship case to be officially employed at the age of 14.
Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of child labor laws? 
No, but it does help families who are in dire situations. The work is still optional, there is no master whipping them and making them lose their fingers in huge looms or other heavy machinery. Same safety rules apply to minors.
Also, there are strict rules about how long they can work and how many days per week. Also, they can't work in dangerous occupations.
