If you’re an employer who hires workers under 18, you’ll need to be familiar with child labor laws.
Under federal law, the general minimum age for employment is 14 years old. However, there are some exceptions. Kids of any age can work in a business their parents own (outside of manufacturing and hazardous jobs), and there are carve-outs for newspaper delivery and acting. Also, agricultural employment (also known as farm work) has its own, lower minimum working age.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) adds extra rules for hiring minors (employees who are under the age of 18). For instance, employers must:
Limit hours for 14- and 15-year-olds. More on that below.
Stick to non-hazardous jobs. The Department of Labor bans anyone under 18 from the prohibited occupations it has declared too dangerous.
Follow your state rules. If your state’s law is stricter than federal law, the stricter one applies.
It’s best to refer to the FLSA for the full list of requirements for minors, and check to see if your state department of labor has additional laws on the matter, like requiring parental consent or a work permit.
How many hours can 14- and 15-year-olds work?
Minors who are 16 and 17 can work unlimited hours under federal law, as long as they’re not employed at hazardous occupations. For 14- and 15-year-olds, there are further work hour restrictions that take school hours into account:
On a school day: up to 3 hours
In a school week: up to 18 hours
On a non-school day: up to 8 hours
In a non-school week: up to 40 hours
Time of day: between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)
Many states set tighter limits, so check yours.
What jobs are considered hazardous for minors?
The DOL has declared 17 non-farm jobs too dangerous for anyone under 18. For example:
Minors can’t operate power-driven meat and poultry processing machines, like a deli meat slicer at a grocery store.
17-year-olds can drive for work only in limited cases. Among other conditions, they can’t tow another vehicle.
14- and 15-year-olds face additional limits. They can’t do work involving ladders or scaffolding, for instance. These are separate from the hazardous jobs list above. For the complete rules, see the DOL’s hazardous jobs page.
Where can I find state laws on the employment of minors?
State laws mostly govern when and where a minor can work. Several states have changed their child labor rules recently, and many of those changes loosen protections. So check your state’s current rules, even if you’ve hired minors before.
These DOL pages cover common industries:
Agricultural work rules by state
Child entertainment (like actors in theater or musicals)
Some states also require minors to have an employment or age certificate before they start. You can find the details for your state on this DOL page.
To make sure you’re following every state rule, visit your state’s department of labor website.
Hiring young people can be a great investment in your team—and now that you’re equipped with the right information, you can hire them compliantly.
FAQs
Do minors have to be paid minimum wage?
Generally, yes. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and employers must pay a higher state or local rate where one applies. Employers can pay workers under 20 a youth minimum wage of $4.25 an hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days. Some states don’t allow the youth wage, so check yours.
Do minors need a work permit to get a job?
It depends on your state. Some also require parental consent. Check your state department of labor for the rules where you operate. Keeping a certificate on file can also help show you hired a minor lawfully.
Do employers have to pay overtime to minors?
Yes. The FLSA overtime rules apply to minors the same way as to adult employees. Non-exempt workers must get 1.5x their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, and state rules may be stricter.
What records should I keep when I hire a minor?
Keep proof of age, any state-required work permit or age certificate, and any parental consent form, along with your standard time and payroll records. These help show you hired the minor lawfully.
What happens if an employer breaks child labor laws?
The Department of Labor can assess civil money penalties per violation, and the amounts can be significant and rise with the seriousness of the violation. Check the DOL’s current penalty amounts. Violations involving injury or death can bring far higher penalties.
