The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) specifically protects young workers’ educational opportunities and prohibits employment in roles that could be detrimental to their health or well-being.
Key Reminders
Ensure a safe and lawful summer hiring season: review the rules before onboarding minors.
Common Child Labor Violations
General: Age and Industry restrictions
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State Law Summary
Alabama requires employers to obtain and display Child Labor Certificates for each location employing minors under 18, with separate classes for ages 14–15 and 16–17. Youth under 16 may work limited hours during school sessions—up to 3 hours per day and 18 per week—and up to 40 hours weekly when school is out, while those 16 and older face no hour limits outside school days but cannot work past 10pm before a school day. Jobs involving alcohol remain restricted, and minors under 14 may not be employed at all. Employers must maintain records and provide breaks for younger teens, with violations subject to inspection and enforcement by the Department of Labor
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State Law Summary
Alaska requires work permits for all minors aged 14–16, and for 17-year-olds working in alcohol-licensed establishments. Youth under 18 may not work more than six days per week, with 14–15-year-olds limited to 23 hours per week during school and 40 hours during vacations, only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Children under 14 may only work in newspaper delivery, babysitting, domestic work, or entertainment with a permit, while minors under 17 are barred from hazardous jobs including those involving alcohol, construction, or power-driven machinery. Employers must provide 30-minute breaks after extended shifts, maintain accurate records, and comply with sick leave and substance-related employment restrictions to avoid fines or permit revocation.
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State Law Summary
Arizona does not require work permits for minors, and parental permission is not needed to employ youth, though it does not override state labor laws. Youth under 16 may work up to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week on school days, and up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during non-school days, only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. or 11:00 p.m., respectively. Door-to-door sales are prohibited after 7:00 p.m., and minors under 18 are restricted from hazardous occupations, with additional limits for those under 16. Employers must provide regular breaks to prevent fatigue, maintain accurate records, and may face fines up to $1,000 for violations.
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State Law Summary
Arkansas no longer requires general work permits for minors, except in entertainment roles. Youth under 16 may work up to 48 hours per week with limits on daily hours and late-night shifts, while 16-year-olds can work up to 54 hours weekly with slightly extended hours. Certain jobs—like those involving alcohol, adult venues, or unsupervised late-night work—remain off-limits for minors under 17. Employers must ensure proper breaks, rest periods, and compliance to avoid civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, per day.
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State Law Summary
California requires all minors under 18 to have a valid work permit unless specifically exempt, with permits typically issued through schools. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a weekly maximum of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out; 16–17-year-olds may work up to 48 hours per week with extended evening hours before non-school days. Children under 14 are generally restricted to entertainment work with a permit, and all minors face strict prohibitions on hazardous occupations, including those involving machinery, construction, and certain food service roles. Employers must provide timely meal breaks, comply with entertainment-specific rest rules, and may face penalties up to $10,000 or criminal charges for violations.
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State Law Summary
Colorado requires work permits only in specific cases, and exemptions from the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act (CYEOA) may be granted by the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics. Youth under 14 may not work unless exempted, while 14–15-year-olds are limited to 6 hours after school and may not work during school hours without a release permit; they may work up to 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day, with special allowances for seasonal agricultural work. Minors under 16 are barred from hazardous occupations such as mining, demolition, and operating power-driven machinery, while those under 18 may only work in such roles if they have completed approved training. Employers face civil and criminal penalties for violations, including fines up to $10,000 and damages payable to affected minors.
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State Law Summary
Connecticut requires work permits for all minors under 18, with exceptions for certain roles such as grocery store work at age 15, though minors may never serve or sell alcohol. Youth under 18 who are enrolled in school face hour and occupation restrictions, while those not enrolled are subject to different limits; permitted jobs for 14–15-year-olds are narrowly defined, and hazardous occupations are prohibited for all minors under 18. Employers must provide appropriate breaks and meal periods and maintain accurate records of minors’ work hours and permits. Violations may result in fines ranging from $300 to $600 per offense, along with inspections and enforcement actions by the Department of Labor.
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State Law Summary
Delaware requires work permits for all employed minors under 18, with employers responsible for keeping permits on file and renewing them when minors change jobs. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 4 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer). Minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as those involving power-driven machinery, construction, toxic chemicals, and firefighting, with stricter limits for those under 16. All minors must receive a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours, and violations may result in fines up to $10,000, including penalties for obstruction or retaliation.
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State Law Summary
Florida only requires work permits for minors employed in the entertainment industry, and employers are not obligated to obtain parental permission to hire minors. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 15 hours per week during school sessions, with expanded hours during weekends and school breaks; 16–17-year-olds may work up to 30 hours per week during school and have no hour limits when school is out. Minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as those involving explosives, heavy machinery, or toxic substances, and all minors must receive a 30-minute break after 4 consecutive hours of work. Employers must maintain specific records for all minors and may face fines up to $2,500 per offense under state law or $11,000 under federal law for violations.
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State Law Summary
Georgia requires work permits for minors aged 12 to 15, which can be obtained through schools or the Georgia Online Work Permit System, while minors 16 and older do not need permits. Youth under 16 may not work during school hours or between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and are limited to 4 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and 40 hours per week. Minors under 16 are prohibited from working in hazardous environments such as mills, factories, and construction, while 14–15-year-olds may work in limited roles like clerical work, food prep, or errands. Employers must provide a 30-minute meal break within 6 hours of starting work, and violations may result in escalating penalties, including permit suspension or revocation.
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State Law Summary
Hawaii requires work permits for all minors under 18, including those in theatrical, coffee, and pineapple harvesting jobs, with applications signed by the employer, parent, and minor. Youth under 16 may work up to 4 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a weekly maximum of 40 hours, and are prohibited from working between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.; special rules apply for theatrical and agricultural work. Minors under 18 are barred from hazardous occupations such as those involving power-driven machinery, demolition, or exposure to radiation, with additional restrictions for those under 16. Employers must provide breaks—such as a 30-minute rest after 5 hours or specific intervals for agricultural work—and violations may lead to certificate revocation, hearings, or appeals under Hawaii law.
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State Law Summary
Idaho does not require formal work permits but mandates that employers keep records of names, ages, and residences for employed minors aged 14–15. Youth under 16 may work up to 9 hours per day and 54 hours per week, only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and may not work during school hours unless exempted. Children under 14 are generally prohibited from working in commercial settings, and all minors under 16 are barred from hazardous or immoral occupations, including those involving alcohol, gambling, or dangerous machinery. Idaho law does not require breaks for minors, and violations may result in fines, jail time, or charges of perjury for falsifying age records.
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State Law Summary
Illinois requires work permits (employment certificates) for all minors under 16, issued by school districts and filed with the Department of Labor, confirming the minor’s age, physical fitness, and that the job won’t interfere with education. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer). Minors are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations such as construction, meat processing, or jobs involving alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis, and must receive a 30-minute meal break no later than five hours into a shift. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $60,000 for fatal incidents and criminal charges for repeated or serious offenses.
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State Law Summary
Indiana no longer requires work permits for minors, but employers with five or more minor employees must register them in the Youth Employment System (YES). Youth aged 16–17 may work the same hours as adults—up to 9 hours per day and 40 hours per week during school, and up to 48 hours when school is out—while 14–15-year-olds are limited to 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and 18 hours per school week. Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations such as manufacturing, mining, and construction, and those under 16 may not work during school hours. While Indiana law does not mandate breaks, employers are encouraged to provide at least two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break for shifts lasting six hours or more.
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State Law Summary
Iowa no longer requires work permits for minors, following the repeal of prior provisions under the 2023 Acts, Chapter 92. Youth under 16 may work up to 6 hours per day and 28 hours per week during school sessions, and up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (extended to 11:00 p.m. in summer). Children under 14 are generally prohibited from employment, while those under 16 may only work in approved roles like retail or food service, and all minors under 18 are barred from hazardous occupations such as meatpacking, demolition, or working with explosives. A 30-minute break is required for minors under 16 working 5 or more hours, and violations may result in civil fines up to $10,000 or criminal penalties for serious offenses.
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State Law Summary
Kansas requires work permits for minors under 16 who are not enrolled in or attending secondary school, while certain activities are exempt from employment classification. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with no hour restrictions for 16–17-year-olds under state law. Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations as defined by the U.S. Secretary of Labor and any job deemed dangerous to their health, safety, or morals. Breaks are not mandated by Kansas law, and violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines between $25 and $100, or up to 90 days in jail.
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State Law Summary
Kentucky does not require formal work permits, but minors aged 14 to 17 must provide proof of age and, in some cases, written parental permission and school certification for extended hours. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, while 16–17-year-olds may work up to 30 hours per week during school with extended limits if GPA and parental approval are provided. Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations such as manufacturing, mining, demolition, or establishments involving alcohol, with limited exceptions for supervised family employment or apprenticeships. Employers must provide a 30-minute lunch break after 5 hours and a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked, with violations subject to civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense.
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State Law Summary
Louisiana requires employment certificates for all minors under 18, except those in federally funded youth programs or performing arts, with special 60-day permits available for events like fairs or sports. Youth under 16 may work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, but only 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week, with work prohibited between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer). Minors under 18 are barred from hazardous jobs such as manufacturing, construction, and meatpacking, with limited exemptions for apprentices and student-learners under strict supervision. Employers must document 30-minute meal breaks after 5 hours and ensure an 8-hour rest between shifts, with violations subject to fines up to $500, imprisonment, or both.
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State Law Summary
Maine requires work permits for all minors under 16, including homeschoolers, with permits issued by school superintendents and approved by the Department of Labor. Youth under 16 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer). Minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as roofing, welding, or working with power-driven machinery, with limited exemptions for apprentices and student learners under supervision. A 30-minute break is required after 5 hours for minors under 16, and all employees must receive a break after 6 hours, with violations subject to civil fines up to $50,000 per incident.
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State Law Summary
Maryland requires work permits for all minors aged 14 to 17 before beginning employment, with special permits available for younger minors in entertainment. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer). All minors are prohibited from hazardous occupations such as mining, demolition, and meatpacking, with additional restrictions for 14–15-year-olds in roles like construction, warehousing, and cooking. A 30-minute non-working break is required after 5 hours, and violations may result in fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for repeat offenders.
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State Law Summary
Massachusetts requires a Youth Employment Permit for all minors aged 14–17 before beginning work, which must be kept on file by the employer.
Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 18 hours per week during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer), while 16–17-year-olds may work up to 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with limits on late-night hours before school days.
Minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as operating power-driven machinery, working at heights, or handling alcohol, with stricter restrictions for those under 16. A 30-minute meal break is required after 6 hours of work, and violations may result in fines or legal action enforced by the Attorney General’s Office.
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State Law Summary
Michigan requires work permits for all minors under 18 unless exempt under the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), with permits issued by school officials.
Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer); 16–17-year-olds may work up to 10 hours per day and 24 hours per school week, or 48 hours when school is not in session.
All minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as construction, meat processing, or working with power-driven machinery, and those under 17 may not serve or sell alcohol. A 30-minute uninterrupted break is required after 5 hours of work, and violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $500, or up to one year in jail.
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State Law Summary
Minnesota requires work permits for minors under 17 only if they are working during school hours, with permits issued by the school district.
Youth under 16 may work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and not during school hours unless certified by the school; 16–17-year-olds may work up to 6 days per week but not after 11:00 p.m. before school days or before 5:00 a.m. on school days.
All minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as operating machinery, working in warehouses, or construction, with specific restrictions for those under 16. Restroom breaks are required for all employees, and violations of the Minnesota Child Labor Act may result in fines per employee, per violation.
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State Law Summary
Mississippi requires work permits for minors under 16 working in specific occupations such as mills, factories, or workshops, with documentation from both a parent and the minor’s school.
Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours during summer, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer). Minors under 16 are prohibited from hazardous jobs including construction, warehousing, and operating power-driven machinery, while those 16–17 face no hour restrictions in non-hazardous roles. Mississippi law does not require breaks, and violations may result in misdemeanor charges with fines ranging from $25 to $250 per offense.
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State Law Summary
Missouri requires work permits for minors under 16, with additional restrictions applying to youth in the entertainment industry.
Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer).
Minors under 16 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as operating power-driven equipment, working in freezers, or establishments where alcohol sales exceed 50% of gross revenue. Missouri law does not require breaks for minors, and violations may result in a Class C misdemeanor and civil fines ranging from $50 to $1,000 per offense.
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State Law Summary
Montana does not require work permits for minors under 16 working in non-hazardous occupations, though restrictions apply to employment during school hours.
Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours when school is out, only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer); 16–17-year-olds may not work before 5:00 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m. on school nights. All minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous occupations such as construction, warehousing, and operating power-driven machinery, with additional restrictions for those under 14. Montana law does not require meal or rest breaks, and violations may result in misdemeanor charges, with each day and each minor in violation counted as a separate offense.
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State Law Summary
In Nebraska, minors under 16 must obtain an employment certificate before starting work. They may not work before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m., are limited to 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and no more than 48 hours per week. Certain hazardous or morally harmful jobs are prohibited for those under 16, and special permits may allow extended hours if no school is scheduled the next day. Employers must provide a 30-minute unpaid break for 8-hour shifts in specific industries and violations may result in Class II misdemeanors.
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State Law Summary
In Nevada, minors under 16 may not work in jobs deemed dangerous, unhealthy, or morally harmful, and must follow strict hour limits. They can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, but not before 6 a.m. or after 8 p.m. if under 14, or 10 p.m. if aged 14–15—unless a special permit is granted. Detasseling is allowed for ages 12–15 during summer months with extended hours, and breaks are required in certain industrial settings. Violations, including unlawful employment or obstruction of inspections, are classified as Class II misdemeanors, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense (Nevada Labor Commissioner).
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State Law Summary
In New Hampshire, minors under 18 need parental permission to work, with 14–15-year-olds requiring a youth work certificate and 16–17-year-olds needing a Parental Permission Form. Youth under 16 may work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., up to 3 hours on school days (23 hours weekly) and up to 8 hours on non-school days (48 hours weekly), with exceptions for agricultural work. Those aged 16–17 enrolled in school are limited to 35 hours per week during school weeks and 48 hours when school is out, and all minors face restrictions on hazardous or morally harmful jobs. Employers must provide a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours, and violations may result in fines or imprisonment (NH Department of Labor).
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State Law Summary
In New Jersey, all minors under 18 must have an employment certificate or special permit for each job. Youth under 16 may work up to 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day outside school hours, while those 16 and older may work up to 50 hours per week and 10 hours per day between the last day of school and Labor Day. Hazardous jobs—such as those involving dangerous machinery, chemicals, or environments—are prohibited for minors under 18. Employers must provide a 30-minute meal break after 6 continuous hours, and violations can result in fines or other penalties.
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State Law Summary
In New Mexico, minors under 16 must obtain a work permit before employment. Youth aged 14–15 may work outside school hours up to 3 hours on school days, 18 hours per school week, and up to 8 hours per non-school day or 40 hours per non-school week, with extended evening hours allowed in summer. Hazardous jobs—such as those in mines, with explosives, or involving dangerous machinery—are prohibited for minors under 18, with additional restrictions for those under 16. While New Mexico does not mandate meal or rest breaks, employers violating child labor laws may face state and federal penalties.
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State Law Summary
In New York, minors under 18 must have a work permit to be employed, with specific forms and rules based on age and job type. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Those aged 16–17 have broader allowances but still face limits during school weeks, and all minors are barred from hazardous jobs like operating heavy machinery or working in slaughterhouses. Employers must provide meal breaks based on shift length and timing, and violations can result in fines up to $3,000, with harsher penalties for serious injuries or fatalities.
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State Law Summary
In North Carolina, all minors under 18 must obtain a Youth Employment Certificate before starting work, even if employed by their parents. Youths aged 14–15 may work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, but not during school hours or between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. (extended to 9 p.m. during school vacations), while 16–17-year-olds may not work between midnight and 6 a.m. (1 a.m. before non-school days). Hazardous occupations—such as construction, mining, or jobs involving alcohol—are prohibited for minors under 18. Employers face civil penalties up to $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for subsequent ones.
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State Law Summary
In North Dakota, minors aged 14–15 must complete an Employment and Age Certificate for each job, signed by the teen, parent, and employer, and submitted to the Department of Labor and Human Rights. These minors may work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year (extended to 9 p.m. in summer), up to 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and 18 or 40 hours per week depending on school attendance. Prohibited jobs include those involving power-driven machinery, construction, hazardous chemicals, and elevated surfaces, with additional federal restrictions for all minors under 18. A 30-minute unpaid break is required for shifts over 5 hours when two or more employees are on duty, and violations may result in civil penalties as determined by the labor commissioner.
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State Law Summary
In Ohio, minors aged 14–17 generally need a work permit unless exempt due to age, school status, or job type. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and restricted hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Those aged 16–17 attending school may not work before 7 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school nights, and all minors are barred from hazardous jobs such as construction, mining, and operating heavy machinery. A 30-minute break is required after five consecutive hours of work, and violations can result in criminal charges or enhanced workers’ compensation penalties.
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State Law Summary
In Oklahoma, minors aged 14–15 must obtain a work permit from their school or parent (if homeschooled) before beginning employment. These minors may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). They are prohibited from working in hazardous jobs such as construction, warehousing, or power-driven machinery, while minors 16 and older face no hour restrictions but are still barred from certain dangerous occupations. Youth under 16 must receive a 30-minute break after 5 hours and a 1-hour break for 8-hour shifts, and willful violations of these laws may result in fines or jail time.
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State Law Summary
In Oregon, employers must obtain an employment certificate from the Bureau of Labor and Industries for each minor they hire, and a special permit is required to employ youth under 14. Minors aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Those aged 16–17 may work up to 44 hours per week, but all minors are prohibited from hazardous occupations as defined by federal law. Employers must provide a 15-minute paid break every four hours and a 30-minute meal break for shifts over six hours, with penalties for violations including fines and other sanctions.
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State Law Summary
In Pennsylvania, minors under 18 must obtain a work permit from a school official before beginning employment, and employers must notify the issuing officer within five days of hiring or terminating a minor. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, while those aged 16–17 may work up to 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week during school breaks. Hazardous occupations are prohibited for all minors, and those under 14 are generally not permitted to work except in limited roles like newspaper delivery or family farm work. A 30-minute break is required after five consecutive hours, and violations may result in fines up to $5,000 per offense.
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State Law Summary
In Rhode Island, minors aged 14–15 must obtain a Special Limited Permit to Work, while those aged 16–17 may need a Certificate of Age. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, but only between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. during school vacations), while 16–17-year-olds may work up to 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with limits on late-night hours. All minors must receive an 8-hour rest between shifts and a 30-minute uninterrupted break if working more than 5 hours. Violations of child labor laws may result in fines up to $5,000 per offense, corrective actions, or criminal charges.
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State Law Summary
In South Carolina, minors aged 14–15 must obtain a work permit before employment, while those under 14 are generally prohibited from working except in limited cases like family businesses or entertainment. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous occupations, including those involving machinery, construction, or certain agricultural tasks. While South Carolina does not mandate meal breaks, breaks under 20 minutes must be paid, and violations of child labor laws may result in fines or imprisonment.
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State Law Summary
South Dakota does not require minors to obtain a work permit for employment. Youth under 16 may work up to 4 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and no more than 20 hours during a school week or 40 hours during a non-school week, and they may not work after 10 p.m. before school day. Children under 14 are prohibited from working during school hours or after 7 p.m., and all minors are barred from hazardous jobs such as roofing, meatpacking, or operating hoisting equipment. While the state does not mandate rest or meal breaks, the Department of Labor and Regulation may impose civil penalties for violations, especially those resulting in serious injury or death.
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State Law Summary
Tennessee does not require a work permit for minors, but employers must keep proof of a minor’s age on file. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. during school breaks). Those aged 16–17 may work until 10 p.m. (or midnight with parental consent up to three nights per week), but not more than 40 hours per week or 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
A 30-minute unpaid break is required after 6 consecutive hours, and violations may result in fines up to $1,000 or misdemeanor charges.
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State Law Summary
Texas does not require a general work permit for minors, but child actors under 14 must obtain authorization from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), and employers must comply with all documentation and restriction requirements. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week under state law, but federal law limits them to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per school week, with work hours restricted to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Hazardous occupations—such as those involving power-driven machinery, demolition, or sexually oriented businesses—are prohibited for minors under 18, with additional restrictions for those under 16. Violations may result in administrative penalties up to $10,000 per offense under state law and up to $11,000 under federal law, with potential criminal charges for severe or repeated violations.
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State Law Summary
Utah does not require work permits for minors under 18, but employers must maintain proof of compliance, such as age certification from the minor’s school.
Youth under 16 may not work during school hours, more than 4 hours on school days, or more than 8 hours on non-school days, and are restricted to working between 5 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. unless the next day is not a school day.
Those aged 16–17 may work up to 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week during non-school weeks, and up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during school weeks, but all minors are prohibited from hazardous occupations such as roofing, mining, and operating heavy machinery.
A 30-minute break is required after 5 consecutive hours of work, and violations may result in fines up to $500 or criminal charges for repeated offenses.
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State Law Summary
Vermont does not generally require work permits for minors, except for those under 16 working during school hours outside of approved educational programs. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Those aged 16–17 working in manufacturing or mechanical jobs are limited to 9 hours per day and 50 hours per week, and all minors are prohibited from hazardous occupations such as roofing, excavation, and operating heavy machinery. A 30-minute unpaid meal break is required after five continuous hours of work, and violations may result in federal penalties up to $10,000 per offense.
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State Law Summary
In Virginia, minors under 16 must obtain an Employment Certificate (Work Permit) before starting work, which can be completed electronically through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Youth under 16 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and may not work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on school nights. Those aged 16–17 are not subject to hour limits but must comply with school attendance laws, and all minors are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as demolition, excavation, or serving alcohol. Employers must provide a 30-minute meal break after five consecutive hours, and violations may result in civil penalties up to $2,500—or $25,000 if serious injury or death occurs.
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State Law Summary
In Washington, employers must obtain a Minor Work Permit from the Department of Revenue and post it at the workplace before hiring anyone under 18. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school and 40 hours during breaks and must have parental and school authorization. Minors are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as roofing, construction, and operating powered equipment, and those working after 8 p.m. in service roles must be supervised by an adult. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $11,000 per minor, permit revocation, or even felony charges for severe infractions.
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State Law Summary
In West Virginia, minors aged 14–15 must obtain a work permit from their county school superintendent before beginning employment, while employers may also request age certificates for verification. These minors may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Youth under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as mining, demolition, or operating power-driven machinery, and must receive a 30-minute break after 5 hours of work (20 minutes after 6 hours for those 16–17). Violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 for serious injury or death, and administrative fines ranging from $200 to $10,000 depending on the offense.
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State Law Summary
In Wisconsin, minors under 16 must obtain a work permit before employment, except in certain cases like agricultural work, domestic service, or nonprofit fundraising. Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, while those aged 16–17 generally have no hour restrictions but must receive 8 hours of rest if working past 11 p.m. All minors under 18 must receive a 30-minute duty-free meal break after 6 consecutive hours of work, and are prohibited from hazardous jobs such as construction, manufacturing, or operating power-driven machinery. Employers who violate these laws may be required to pay double the regular rate for hours worked in violation and face additional penalties.
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State Law Summary
Wyoming does not require work permits for minors under state law, but employers must retain proof of age for all workers under 19.
Youth aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 and 40 hours respectively, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in summer), while state law allows up to 8 hours in a 12-hour period between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. on school nights.
All minors are prohibited from hazardous occupations such as mining, demolition, or operating power-driven machinery, and those under 14 may only work for family in non-hazardous roles outside school hours. A 30-minute meal break is required after five consecutive hours, and violations may result in fines up to $750 or federal penalties up to $50,000 for serious injury or death.
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