Is $2 an hour underpay for someone under 16?

Question

Recently, I worked at a commercial establishment to help teach young children in summer camp. I'm thirteen now, though my fourteenth birthday is in two weeks. Over the course of two days I spent 20 hours working and received 40 dollars in pay. That's $2.00 an hour! To me this seemed like underpay, especially considering that I was performing duties as teacher, babysitter, and as a cleaner. I can't help but wonder if I am being paid such a low hourly rate because of my age, though obviously this is a factor in the pay regardless.

I just wanted to a different take on the issue! Please let me stress that I am a hard worker, and my employers have no reason to dock pay. If anyone knows if there a minimum wage for children under 16, just so I can get a reference on what the usual range of pay, please let me know. Thanks!

Answer 1

$2.00 is underpay definitely if you are working that much. maybe child labor laws could help you out... there is a minimum wage but it doesnt include jobs like babysitting... that seems dirty of the company to pay you that much. but did you agree to it before you did it? or was it a favor and then they just gave you $40 for helping out?  

Answer 2

I too think that someone who takes his/her duties seriously, should be paid accordingly. However there are some situations, where the money

is very tight.

See it this way: perhaps somebody notices your job ethics and may

offer you a better  job with better pay down the road. Exposure is everything. I NEVER had to apply for a job. They always came to me.

Ingrid