Compliance

Child Labor Laws by State + Federal (2026)

By Staff Report

Apr. 8, 2026

Summary

  • Minor labor laws are in place to provide safeguards that prioritize the health, well-being, and education of young employees. 

  • Child labor laws in the US are designated by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA).

  • 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.

Federal/FLSA

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

District of Columbia

Guam

Puerto Rico

Federal/FLSA

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15: 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

  • Work Permit: Mandatory if under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week, 6 days per week.
    • When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week.
    • Must have a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work.
  • 16 and 17: None

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15: No work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)
  • 16 and 17: No work before 5 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on nights preceding a school day; no hour restrictions on non-school nights

Alaska

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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • Up to 23 hours per week when school is in session
    • Up to 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day when school is not in session
    • Work must be performed between 5 AM and 9 PM
    • Combined school and work hours may not exceed 9 hours per day
  • 16 and 17:
    • Maximum 6 days per week

Minors must have a 30-minute break when scheduled to work six consecutive hours or work five consecutive hours before continuing to work. 

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15: Before 5 AM or after 9 PM
  • 16 and 17: No specific statewide time-of-day restrictions

Arizona

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • Under 16:
    • Up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school is not in session
    • Up to 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week when school is in session
  • 16 and 17:
    • No state limits on daily or weekly hours (subject to hazardous occupation restrictions)

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • Under 16:
    • Before 6 AM
    • After 9:30 PM before a school day
    • After 11 PM before a non-school day
    • For door-to-door sales or delivery work: after 7 PM
  • 16 and 17: No specific statewide time-of-day restrictions

Arkansas

Work Permit: Not required except for entertainment industry

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: Before 6 AM or after 7 PM (9 PM before a non-school day)
  • 16 and 17:
    • Before 6 AM or after 11 PM on nights before a school day
    • May work until midnight before a non-school day

Note: Unless otherwise noted, 17-year-olds are subject to fewer or no hour restrictions under state law, though hazardous occupation rules still apply.

California

Work Permit: Required for minors under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school is not in session
    • 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week when school is in session
  • 16 and 17:
    • 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week when school is not in session
    • 4 hours per day when school is in session (8 hours on a non-school day or a day preceding a non-school day)

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15: Before 7 AM or after 7 PM (9 PM from June 1–Labor Day)
  • 16 and 17:
    • Before 5 AM or after 10 PM on nights preceding a school day
    • May work until 12:30 AM before a non-school day

Colorado

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, 18 hours per week when school is in session
  • 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: None

Connecticut

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, 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.
    • Hours may vary by industry. More detailed guidelines are available here.

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 to 6 am before a school day.
    • May work until 11 pm (or midnight if there is no school the next day), depending on the industry.

Delaware

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:
    • May not spend more than 12 hours per day in a combination of school and work hours.
    • Must have at least 8 consecutive hours of nonwork, nonschool time each day
    • Must receive a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15: 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

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
    • May not work more than 4 consecutive hours without a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break
  • 16 and 17:
    • Up to 8 hours per day on school days.Restrictions on hours during school weeks may be waived with appropriate parental or school consent under Florida law (HB49)
    • If scheduled to work 8 or more hours in a day, may not work more than 4 consecutive hours without a 30-minute meal break

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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 when school is scheduled the following day

Georgia

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, 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

Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
    • At least a 30-minute rest or meal period for 5 consecutive hours
  • 16 and 17: None

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm to 7 am on school days (and days preceding a school day)
    • 9 pm to 6 am on non-school days (and days preceding a non-school day)
  • 16 and 17: None

Idaho

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

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Illinois

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, 18 hours per week
    • The combined hours of school and work may not exceed 8 hours per day
  • 16 and 17: None

Must provide a scheduled meal period of at least 30 minutes no later than the 5th consecutive hour of 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: None

Indiana

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Workers under age 18 must get a 30-minute break if they work for 6 or more consecutive hours.

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am 
  • 16 and 17: None

Iowa

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15: 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:

  • 14 and 15: 10 pm to 7 am
  • 16 and 17: None

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Kentucky

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 3 hours per day on a school day, 8 hours per day on a 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
    • To work more than thirty (30) hours, they must complete the Certificate of Satisfactory Academic Standing Form and the Parent/Guardian Statement of Consent Form
    • When school is not in session, no restrictions

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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 a school day or 1 AM preceding a non-school day

Louisiana

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
    • Minors under 16 must get a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work
  • 16 and 17
    • Must have at least 8 consecutive hours of rest before the next day of work.

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15: 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

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.
    • May work up to 50 hours per week during weeks with fewer than 3 scheduled school days or during the first or last week of the school calendar.

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)
    • 12 am to 5 am on non-school days

Maryland

Work Permit: Mandatory for those under the age of 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:
    • May not spend more than 12 hours per day in a combination of school and work hours
    • Must have at least 8 consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each 24-hour period

All minors must have a 30-minute break when working more than 5 consecutive hours.

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Work Permit: Required for minors under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Work Permit: Required for minors under 18, unless exempt.

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • When school is not in session, up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
    • When school is in session, up to 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per week
  • 16 and 17:
    • When school is in session, up to 24 hours per week
    • When school is not in session, up to 48 hours per week

Workers under 18 must have a documented uninterrupted 30-minute break if they work more than 5 hours.

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 9 pm to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • 10:30 pm (11:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and school vacations) to 6 am.

Minnesota

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:
    • No limits on daily or weekly hours

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
    • 11:30 pm to 4:30 am with written permission from a parent or legal guardian 

Mississippi

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

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Missouri

Work Permit: Required for minors under 16

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Break time is up to the discretion of the employer except for youth workers in the entertainment industry, where youth workers must take a meal break after working no more than five and a half hours. They are also entitled to a 15-minute rest period, counted as work time, after every two hours of continuous 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; 10:30 pm if the minor works at a regional fair) to 7 am.
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Montana

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

Work Permit: Required for those under 16

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15: 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:

  • 14 and 15: 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17: None

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Nevada

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under the age of 14

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • Under 16:
    • Up to 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

    Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

New Hampshire

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • Under 16:
    • When school is in session, 3 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 23 hours per week
    • When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week
  • 16 and 17:
    • When school is in session (5 school days), no more than 35 hours per week and no more than 6 consecutive days
    • When school is not in session (or fewer school days), no more than 48 hours per week and no more than 6 consecutive days
    • Additional limits apply for certain types of labor (e.g., manufacturing and manual labor daily caps)

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • Under 16:
    • Before 7 am or after 9 pm
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

New Jersey

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:
    • When school is in session, up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week
    • When school is not in session, up to 10 hours per day, 50 hours per week

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • Before 7 am or after 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day)
  • 16 and 17:
    • Before 6 am or after 11 pm on nights before a school day
    • Before 6 am or after 12 am on nights not followed by a school day
    • May work until 3 am in restaurants and seasonal amusements during non-school weeks.

New Mexico

Work permit: Mandatory for workers 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

New York

Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • Before 7 am or after 7 pm (9 pm from June 21st – Labor Day)
  • 16 and 17:
    • Before 6 am or after 10 pm on nights before a school day
    • Before 6 am or after 12 am on nights not followed by a school day
    • May work until midnight before a school day with written permission from a parent and the school

North Carolina

Work Permit: Required for minors under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
    • Youth workers must take a 30-minute break after five consecutive hours of work
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • Before 5 am or after 11 pm on nights preceding a school day (for minors enrolled in school)

North Dakota

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Ohio

Work Permit: Required for minors under 16 at all times and for 16- and 17-year-olds during the school year (Age and Schooling Certificate)

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 1 through September 1 and during school holidays of 5 consecutive school days or more) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • 11 pm before a school day to 7 am on a school day (6 am if not employed after 8 pm the previous night), if required to attend school.

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Oklahoma

Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
    • Must receive a 30-minute break after five consecutive hours of work
  • 16 and 17: None

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Oregon

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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.

Employers must provide 30-minute meal breaks for six or more hours of work in a day. Fifteen-minute rest breaks are also required for each four hours of 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: None

Pennsylvania

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week
    • When school is in session, 4 hours per day (8 hours on a non-school day), 18 hours per school week, plus up to 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, plus up to 8 additional hours on Saturdays and Sundays, 6 days per week

A 30-minute meal period required on or before five consecutive hours of work.

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 16

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
    • Minors must have at least 8 consecutive hours of rest between the end of one shift and the start of the next workday

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm during summer vacations) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

South Dakota

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

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

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Tennessee 

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Minors must receive a 30-minute unpaid break if working six consecutive hours.

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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 permitted up to 3 nights per week with parental consent)

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Texas

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 10 pm (midnight before non-school day) to 5 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Utah

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • Under 16:
    • When school is in session, 3 hours per day, 18 hours per week
    • When school is not in session, 8 hours per day, 40 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 on June 1 to Labor Day) to 7 am 
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Vermont

Work Permit: Not required, except for minors under 16 working during school hours outside approved educational programs.

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17: None

Virginia

Work Permit: Required for minors under 16 (ages 14–15)

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • None 

Washington

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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
    • Must receive a paid 10-minute rest break for every 2 hours worked and a 30-minute meal period after 4 hours of work
  • 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
    • Must receive a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked and a 30-minute meal period if working more than 5 hours; may not work more than 3 hours without a rest break

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Work Permit: Required for minors under 18 (Age Certificate)

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • None

Wisconsin

Work Permit: Required for minors under 16 (with limited exceptions)

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 7 pm (9 pm from June 1st – Labor Day) to 7 am
  • 16 and 17:
    • No restrictions, but minors working after 11:00 pm must have 8 hours of rest prior to the start of the next shift. 

Wyoming

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

Ages 14–17:

  • No more than 8 hours in any 12-hour period.
  • No work before 5:00 am or after 10:00 pm (midnight on non-school nights).

Note: Wyoming state law provides general limits for minors; however, most employers are subject to federal child labor laws (FLSA), which impose stricter limits on hours and times of work for minors under 16. Employers must follow the more restrictive standard.

District of Columbia

Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 18

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

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits.

Guam

Work Permit: Mandatory for those under 16

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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:
    • 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week

Employers must provide a 30-minute meal period for every 4 hours worked.

Night work is not allowed for minors of these ages during these hours:

  • 14 and 15:
    • 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

Work Permit: Mandatory for minors under 18

Max number of daily hours, weekly hours, and days per week for:

14 to 17:

  • 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, 6 days per week
  • When school is in session, total hours of school and work combined may not exceed 8 hours per day

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

Note: Federal child labor laws may impose stricter limits, particularly for minors under 16 during school weeks.

States have diverse regulations governing child labor, including restrictions on work hours, permitted job types, work permit requirements, and proof of age or age verification. While many of these rules are clearly defined, others can be nuanced or ambiguous. To ensure compliance, it’s crucial to verify a minor’s age before hiring and to follow both federal and state laws applicable to youth employment. When in doubt, consult the appropriate state office for clarification.

Below are some notable state-specific rules and differences that employers should keep in mind.

Minor labor laws in New York

New York has its own child labor laws and is stricter than many states. For minors ages 16 and 17, New York generally limits them to no 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 academic standing from the school they attend. Without this permission, they are prohibited from working after 10:00 pm on a day before a school day.

Minor labor laws in Alabama

In Alabama, each employer must obtain the proper Child Labor Certificate for each location where minors under 18 are employed. 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 or county where the minor lives. Colorado also allows 14 and 15-year-olds to obtain a school release permit in limited circumstances 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 a wide range of non-hazardous occupations, subject to state and federal restrictions.

Workforce.com helps you stay in compliance with minor labor laws

Workforce.com’s scheduling, time & attendance, and payroll software lets you easily keep track of hours worked so you don’t overschedule people under 18 and pay them accurately. 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. 


This information is for general purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we strive to keep it updated, laws and regulations can change at any time. It’s always a good idea to consult with a legal professional or relevant authorities to compliance with the most current standards.

Schedule, engage, and pay your staff in one system with Workforce.com.