Compliance
Child Labor Laws by State + Federal (2024)
By Alison Harper
Apr. 25, 2024
Summary
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Minor labor laws are in place to provide safeguards that prioritize the health, well-being, and education of young employees.
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Child labor laws in the US are designated by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA).
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Many states default to the federal minor labor standards, but several have designated their own.
Minor labor laws are in place to provide safeguards for people under 18 who are employed and, generally, still attending school. These laws help employers like you prioritize young employees’ health, well-being, and education.
These safeguards restrict the number of hours a minor can work during a day or week. They also prohibit the kind of work minors are allowed to do.
Every state varies in its minor labor rules, so it’s important to understand and stay compliant with employment legislation in your area. Employers who violate minor labor laws are subject to hefty fines – punishment can even escalate to imprisonment if the government decides you’ve violated the laws willfully or repeatedly.
Federal minor labor laws
Child labor laws in the US are designated by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). If a state doesn’t have its own child labor laws, it must default to the federal minor labor laws. Many states use a combination of federal law and their own state modifications.
The FLSA states that minors under 16 may not work more than eight hours per day and 40 hours per week when school is not in session, and they may not work more than 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week when school is in session.
It also has laws around the nightly hours that minors under 16 can work. During the school year, federal law states that minors under 16 cannot work after 7 pm or before 7 am. From June 1st through Labor Day, it states that minors under 16 can work until 9 pm.
Minor labor laws by state
States can default to the federal minor labor laws or write their own in accordance with federal laws. For instance, some states allow minors under 16 to work just three hours per day on a school day in accordance with federal law, whereas other states give employers and minors more flexibility with the hours they’re allowed to work when school is in session.
Some states also allow minors to work outside these laws with expressly written consent from a parent or legal guardian and/or the school the minor attends.
All the specificities of each state’s minor labor laws can be found in the table below. (NOTE: if a box is blank, then there are no hourly or time restrictions for that age group in that state.)
Federal/FLSA
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school is not in session. 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week when school is in session.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Alabama
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: None
- Work Permit: Mandatory if under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week when school is in session. 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week when school is not in session.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm during student summer vacation) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10 pm before a school day to 5 am (up to age 19, if enrolled in school)
Alaska
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory if under 17 or for 16 and 17-year-olds if the employer is licensed to sell alcohol.
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 40 hours per week during school vacations between 5AM and 9PM. When school is not in session, they can work for a total of 23 hours a week with work done between 5AM and 9PM.
- 16 and 17: Max 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: Between 5AM and 9PM
- 16 and 17: None
Arizona
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school is not in session. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 9:30 pm (or 11 pm before a non-school day) to 6 am. For students working door-to-door sales or deliveries, prohibited hours are 7 pm to 6 am.
- 16 and 17: None
Arkansas
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: 10 hours per day, 54 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (or 9 pm before a non-school day) to 6 am.
- 16 and 17: 11 pm (midnight before a non-school day) to 6 am before a school day (this is for 16-year-olds only – there are no requirements for 17-year-olds).
California
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for minors under 18 enrolled in school
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school is not in session. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week when school is not in session. When school is in session, 4 hours per day (8 on a non-school day or any day preceding a non-school day), 48 hours per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am.
- 16 and 17: 10 pm (or 12:30 am before a non-school day) to 5 am.
Colorado
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for minors under 16 during the school year.
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school is not in session. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am.
- 16 and 17: None
Connecticut
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16.
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. (Minors 14 & 15 are generally not permitted to work when school is in session)
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 6 hours per school day (8 hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), 32 hours per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm July 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am.
- 16 and 17: 10 pm or 11 pm (midnight if no school the next day) (depending on the establishment the minor is working in) to 6 am
Delaware
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18.
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 4 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 12 hours per day, combined school and work.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: No specific nightwork limitations, but minors are required to have 8 consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each 24-hour day.
Florida
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on Saturday and Sunday), 15 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, no restrictions. When school is in session, 8 hours per day, 30 hours per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm to 7 am before or on a school day. 9 pm to 7 am during holidays and summer vacation.
- 16 and 17: 11 pm to 6:30 am, before a school day. No restrictions on a non-school day.
Georgia
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Hawaii
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Required for minors aged 16 and 17
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm to 7 am (9 pm to 6 am during school breaks).
- 16 and 17: None
Idaho
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 9 hours per day, 54 hours per week
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 9 pm to 6 am
- 16 and 17: None
Illinois
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 24 hours per week. The combined hours of school and work may not exceed 8 hours per day.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Indiana
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: 9 hours per day, 40 hours per week (48 hours during a non-school week), no more than 6 consecutive workdays.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: No start time between 12 am and 6 am
Iowa
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for those under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 6 hours per day, 28 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: May work the same hours as those who are 18 years old.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 9 pm (11 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am.
- 16 and 17: None
Kansas
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Kentucky
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required (employers with staff under 18 must maintain proof of age for each minor employee)
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: Three 3 hours per day on school day, 8 hours per day on non-school day, and 18 hours per week. When school is not in session, they may work 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: When school is in session, 6 hours per school day (8 on a non-school day), 30 hours per week (40 hours with written permission from parents + a school GPA of at least 2.0). When school is not in session, no restrictions.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: May not work before 7 AM or after 7 PM (9 PM June 1 through Labor Day).
- 16 and 17: May not work before 6 AM or past 10:30 PM (11 PM with parental permission) preceding school day or 1 AM preceding non-school day.
Louisiana
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 16-year-old enrolled minor: 11 pm to 5 am before a school day. 17-year-old enrolled minor: 12 am to 5 am before a school day.
Maine
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, no more than 6 days in a row. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week, no more than 6 days in a row.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, 10 hours per day, 50 hours per week, no more than 6 days in a row. When school is in session, 6 hours per day (8 hours on the last scheduled day of the school week), 24 hours per week, no more than 6 days in a row.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm during school summer vacation) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10:15 pm (12 am before a non-school day) to 7 am (5 am before a non-school day).
Maryland
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under the age of 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 4 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: No specific nightwork limitations, but minors are required to have 8 consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each 24-hour day.
Massachusetts
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Required for minors under 18
- Work Permit: Required for minors under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day on a school day (8 hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), 18 hours per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: 9 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10 pm (11:30 pm before a non-school day) to 6 am *Exception for restaurants and racetracks: 12:00 am to 6 am (only on a non-school night).
Michigan
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Mandatory for those under 18
- Work Permit: Generally required for those under 18. Not required for minors 16+ who have completed the requirements for high school (or an equivalent) and provide proof to the employer. A work permit is also not required for 17-year-olds who have passed the GED.
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: No more than 48 hours total school and work combined per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, a weekly average of 8 hours per day, max 48 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, a weekly average of 8 hours per day, max 24 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 9 pm to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10:30 pm (11:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and school vacations) to 6 am.
Minnesota
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required. Employers must keep a record of age for employees under the age of 18.
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16 during the school year
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm outside of the school year) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 11 pm to 5 am before a school day, or 11:30 pm to 4:30 am with written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Mississippi
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for those under 16 in mills, canneries, workshops, and factories.
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 44 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm to 6 am
- 16 and 17: None
Missouri
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for minors under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day).
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day; 10:30 pm if the minor works at a regional fair) to 7 am.
- 16 and 17: None
Montana
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Only required for minors 16+ involved in hazardous occupations.
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm outside of the calendar school year) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Nebraska
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for those under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Nevada
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under the age of 14
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: None
- 16 and 17: None
New Hampshire
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 30 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
New Jersey
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: During summer vacation, 10 hours per day, 50 hours per week. Outside of summer vacation, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from the last day of school through Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 11 pm to 6 am while school is in session.
New Mexico
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm for non-school day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
New York
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 4 hours per day on days preceding a school day, 8 hours on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 28 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 21st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10 pm to 6 am, while school is in session Midnight to 6 am, while school is not in session *Exception: With written permission from a parent and the school, 16 and 17-year-olds may work until midnight before a school day.
North Carolina
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for minors under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 11 pm to 5 am before a school day while school is in session. *Exception: With written permission from a parent and the school, 16 and 17-year-olds may have these restrictions removed.
North Dakota
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Ohio
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16 at any time as well as for 16 and 17 year olds during the school year.
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 to Sept. 1 and during school holidays of 5 school days or more) to 7 a.m., 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in door-to-door sales.
- 16 and 17: 11 p.m. before school day to 7 a.m. on school day (6 a.m. if not employed after 8 p.m. previous night) if required to attend school. 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. in door-to-door sales.
Oklahoma
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Mandatory for those under 16
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Oregon
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: 44 hours per week, no daily hour restrictions.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Pennsylvania
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 4 hours per day (8 on a non-school day), 18 hours per school week + 8 additional hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, 10 hours per day, 48 hours per week. When school is in session, 8 hours per day, 28 hours per school week + 8 additional hours on Saturdays and Sundays, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm during school vacations) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 12 am (1 am before a non-school day) to 6 am
Rhode Island
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Required for those aged 16 and 17
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: 9 hours per day, 48 hours per week during the school year (no restrictions outside the school year).
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm during school vacations) to 6 am
- 16 and 17: 11:30 pm (1:30 am before a non-school day) to 6 am
South Carolina
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm during summer vacations) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
South Dakota
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 4 hours per day, 20 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
- Minors younger than 14 years old may not be employed during school hours and later than 7PM
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: After 10 pm on a school night.
- 16 and 17: None
Tennessee
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required. However, employers must keep an age record on file for every employee under the age of 18.
- Work Permit:
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 9 pm to 6 am. When school is in session, 7 pm to 7 am.
- 16 and 17: 10 pm to 6 am Sunday through Thursday (midnight is allowed up to 3 nights per week by 16 and 17-year-olds with permission from their parents).
Texas
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 10 pm (midnight before non-school day) to 5 am
- 16 and 17: None
Utah
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day (4 hours on a school day), 40 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 9:30 pm to 5:30 am before a school day
- 16 and 17: None
Vermont
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16 during the school year
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Virginia
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Mandatory for minors aged 14 and 15
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Washington
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on Saturdays and Sundays), 16 hours per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 4 hours per day (8 hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), 20 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10 pm to 7 am, Sunday through Thursday. Midnight to 5 am Friday, Saturday, and when school is not in session.
West Virginia
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for minors under 16
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Wisconsin
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Required for minors under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
Wyoming
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week.
- 16 and 17: None
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: None
District of Columbia
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Not required
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10 pm to 6 am
Guam
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week, 6 days per week.
- 16 and 17: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
- 16 and 17: 10 pm (midnight on non-school nights) to 6 am
Puerto Rico
Certification requirements:
- Age Verification: Not required
- Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18
Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:
- Under 16: When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week. When school is in session, 8 hours per day of school and work combined.
- 16 and 17: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week.
Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:
- Under 16: 6 pm to 8 am
- 16 and 17: 10 pm to 6 am
Minor labor laws in New York
New York follows the federal laws for minors under the age of 16. For minors ages 16 and 17, New York is slightly stricter than other states, prohibiting them from working more than 28 hours per week while school is in session. Many other states allow 16 and 17 year-olds to work 40 or more hours per week, even when school is in session.
New York gives working hour exceptions to 16 and 17 year-olds who have written permission from both their parent or legal guardian and a certificate of satisfactory standing from the school they attend. Without this permission, they are prohibited from working after 10:00 pm on a school day.
When school is not in session — during the summer, for example — they may work until 12 am without the need for written permission.
Minor labor laws in Alabama
In Alabama, any minor under the age of 18 must have a Child Labor Certificate for each employer they work for. Minors can get a certificate from the school they attend. There are two classes of Child Labor Certificates: Class I is required for 14 and 15-year-olds, and Class II is required for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Alabama also has restrictions for employers that sell liquor. Minors 14 and 15 years of age are not permitted to work at any establishment that serves alcohol on its premises.
Minor labor laws in Colorado
In Colorado, minor labor laws apply to all people under 18 unless they have received a high school diploma or GED. While work permits are not required in Colorado, employers can request an age certification as proof of age. These certifications are issued by the school district that the minor attends. Colorado also allows 14 and 15-year-olds to obtain a school release permit if a student wishes to work on a school day during school hours.
Colorado’s labor laws also include various trades that are permissible at certain ages. For example, a 9-year-old can do shoe-shining, yard work, golf caddying, and other similar jobs. Once a minor turns 14, they can work in almost any non-hazardous occupation.
Workforce.com helps you stay in compliance with minor labor laws
Workforce.com’s scheduling and time & attendance software lets you easily keep track of hours worked so you don’t overschedule people under 18. Our software allows you to automatically account for the break laws and hourly limits for minors in all 50 states so you can schedule your employees with confidence that you’re staying in compliance. Workforce.com handles all paid and unpaid breaks and overtime rules, so you don’t have to remember what they are off the top of your head.
Workforce.com gives you both convenience and confidence when it comes to scheduling your employees under 18. Give Workforce.com a try today.
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