Child Labor Laws & Employers

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.

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.

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.

Employer Self-Assessment Tools

These tools can assist employers with the child labor provisions by providing guidance for employers to evaluate their level of compliance.

General Grocery Stores Restaurants 

More Resources on this Topic

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

Learn Best Practices

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

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For answers to general questions about employment laws, workplace issues or other labor topics, please call 1-866-487-9243.

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