Child Labor Laws & Educators

The rules vary by age and task. Some state child labor laws are inconsistent with the federal child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. 212(c), and its implementing regulations at 29 CFR Part 570. Where a state child labor law is less restrictive than the federal law, the federal law applies. Where a state child labor law is more restrictive than the federal law, the state law applies.

Working at Most Jobs

Does the teenager want to wait tables at a restaurant? Bag groceries at the local supermarket? What about a summer job working with a construction contractor? Before the teenager starts a job, please check whether the teenager can work at that job while under the age of 18.

• The child is under 14 years old.

• The teenager is 14 or 15 years old.

• The teenager is 16 or 17 years old.

• The teenager is 18 years old or older.

Working on Ranches and Farms

Does the teenager want to work on a ranch or farm, or is interested in other agricultural jobs? Does harvesting blueberries, cutting hay, herding cattle, or being a farmhand interest the child? If so, check the dos and don’ts of working in agriculture work while under the age of 18.

• The child is under 12 years old.

• The child is 12 or 13 years old.

• The teenager is 14 or 15 years old.

• The teenager is 16 years old or older.

More Resources on this Topic

Explore our young worker toolkit to better understand federal child labor laws.

Video Library

General Overview

Dangerous Jobs

Common Child Labor Violations

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  Working longer or later than legally allowed
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  Driving a motor vehicle or forklift
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  Using meat-processing machines and vertical dough or batter mixers
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  Performing jobs that are off-limits for their age

Contact Us

Some investigations are initiated by third-party complaints. While you may not be able to provide all the information needed, the more information you make available the better able WHD will be to address concerns raised. An employer cannot retaliate against a worker for exercising their rights, filing a complaint or cooperating with an investigation.

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Download Our Timesheet App

Help empower young workers by encouraging them to track their work hours and calculate their pay automatically with our free timesheet app. Add comments, use multiple pay frequency options, and additional pay calculations. Users can select English or Spanish within the app.