The federal child labor provisions, authorized by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) were enacted to ensure that when young people work, the work is safe and does not jeopardize their health, well-being or educational opportunities.
What hours can 14- and 15-year-olds work?
Outside of school hours, up to 3 hours on a school day, including Friday
After 7:00am
Before 7:00pm, except from June 1 through Labor Day, when they can work as late as 9:00pm
Up to 18 hours per week when school is in session
Up to 8 hours per day when school is not in session
Up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session
Download our DOL-Timesheet App for a quick and easy way to track your hours.
What occupations are prohibited for 14- and 15-year-Olds?
Manufacturing and mining
Most processing occupations
Operating power-driven equipment
Transportation and communications
Construction
All baking and most cooking
Maintenance or repair of a building or equipment
Work in freezers and meat coolers
Work involving power-drive food slicers, grinders, choppers, and mixers
Loading and unloading goods to and from trucks or conveyors
What occupations are prohibited for all minors?
Driving or outside motor vehicle helper
Power-driven woodworking machines*
Power-driven hoisting apparatus, including forklifts
Power-driven metal-forming and punching machines*
Power-driven meat processing machines*
Power-driven bakery machines
Power-driven balers and compactors*
Power-driven saws and other cutting machines*
Roofing*
Excavation*
*These hazardous occupations provide limited exemptions for 16- and 17-year-olds who are bona-fide student-learners and apprentices.
Most Common Industries for Child Labor Violations
Amusement/Recreation
Construction
Retail
Food Service
Most Common Child Labor Violations
Hours worked for 14- and 15-year-olds
Occupations for 14- and 15-year-olds
Hazardous occupations for 16- and 17-year-olds
Under legal age of employment