Alabama

Overview of Child Labor Laws in Alabama

Alabama’s child labor laws aim to protect minors from exploitation while allowing them work opportunities in safe, appropriate settings. The Alabama Department of Labor enforces certificates, hour limits, and job restrictions in alignment with federal FLSA rules.

Alabama’s statutes require that employers adhere to both state and federal standards, applying whichever is stricter. Employers must obtain and post child labor certificates at worksites employing minors, monitor hours, limit hazardous tasks, and maintain records for inspections.

Minimum Working Age in Alabama

The general minimum age for employment in Alabama is 14 years old, with some exceptions.

Under 14 years: Employment is generally prohibited, except for narrowly defined activities such as acting, modeling, or family-run agricultural work.
Ages 14–15: Permitted to work in non-hazardous jobs, under strict hour and duty restrictions. Must have a Class I Child Labor Certificate.
Ages 16–17: Eligible to work in a wider range of jobs (still excluding hazardous ones). Must have a Class II Child Labor Certificate if under 18.
18 years and older: Child labor laws do not apply; considered adults for employment purposes.

Work Permits (Certificates) for Minors

In Alabama, minors under 18 must hold child labor certificates, specific to their age group.

Class I Certificate: Required for minors aged 14 and 15.
Class II Certificate: Required for minors aged 16 and 17.

Process to obtain certificate

Minor obtains a job offer.
Employer applies via the Alabama Department of Labor.
Certificates must be displayed at the workplace location where minors are employed.
Employers must retain certificates and, if applicable, related records of minor employment.

Note: As of June 1 under Act No. 2024-352, the prior requirement for a school approval “Eligibility to Work” form for 14–15-year-olds is eliminated. Employers must maintain a list of all 14–15-year-olds who are employed.

Hour Restrictions for Minors

Alabama sets limits on the number of hours minors may work and when, especially for those aged 14–15.

Age Group	When School is in Session	When School is Not in Session	Allowed Work Hours
14–15	Max 3 hrs per school day, up to 18 hrs per school week; no work before 7 AM or after 7 PM	Up to 8 hrs/day, up to 40 hrs/week	Between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM (during summer)
16–17	May not work past 10:00 PM on nights before a school day; cannot start before 5:00 AM	No restriction on hours outside of school’s schedule, except hazardous work limits	No state-imposed hour cap beyond safe scheduling restrictions
Under 14	Not permitted	Permitted only in exempt roles	–

Additional rules:

Minors aged 14 or 15 must be given a 30-minute break if working more than five consecutive hours.
No employment may occur in establishments that serve alcohol on premise by minors aged 14–15 (except for family businesses under conditions)

Prohibited Jobs for Minors

Alabama law prohibits minors, especially those under 16, from certain jobs considered dangerous or inappropriate.

Age Group	Prohibited Occupations	Notes / Examples
Under 14	All non-exempt industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, or warehouse work	Only limited roles like motivating, modeling, or family-farm work allowed.
14–15	Manufacturing, mechanical establishments, workshops, mills, cannery, warehouses, machine shops, jobs involving machinery or toxic substances	They may not work in places serving alcohol, unless owned by the family and they don’t serve or handle alcohol.
16–17	Jobs not safe per state or federal hazardous lists, such as operating heavy machinery or dangerous trades	Many service, retail, and safe tasks are allowed.
All Minors	Work in adult entertainment establishments, serving or dispensing alcohol, or involvement in dangerous or immoral occupations	Under-18 may not work in adult establishments.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating Alabama’s child labor laws can lead to substantial penalties:

Civil penalties: Ranging from $300 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
Criminal penalties: First offenses may be a Class C misdemeanor; repeat violations may be Class B misdemeanor. In serious cases (injury or death) charges may escalate further.
Certificate revocation or suspension: The Department of Labor may revoke child labor certificates for non-compliance.
Injunctions and legal actions: Courts may impose stricter measures in cases involving the health or safety of minors.

HR Notifications and Documentation

Employers must keep relevant records and ensure visibility in workplaces:

Document	Retention Period	Storage	Update Schedule
Child Labor Certificate(s)	As long as minors are employed	On-site, posted location	When employment begins or role changes
Age Verification Documents	Employment + 3 years	Personnel files	At hiring
Time & Payroll Records	At least 3 years	Payroll system	Weekly / daily
Break / Meal Logs	Duration of employment	HR / daily records	Daily
Compliance / Inspection Correspondence	Employment + 3 years	Compliance file	As issued

Notifications & Posting Requirements:

Employers must display child labor certificates at each work location where minors are employed.
The Child Labor Law poster must be posted conspicuously.
Employers must maintain a list of all 14–and 15-year-olds employed, as per the updated law.

Got questions?

What is the minimum age to work in Alabama?

The minimum age to work in Alabama is generally 14. Children under 14 cannot be legally employed except in very limited cases, such as acting, modeling, or working on a family farm. From the age of 14 onwards, minors can work but are subject to hour restrictions and job safety regulations.

Do minors need work certificates in Alabama?

Yes, minors under 18 are required to have a work permit or certificate. Those aged 14–15 need a Class I certificate, while those aged 16–17 need a Class II certificate. Employers are required to obtain these certificates and display them on-site. Without them, the employment of minors is considered unlawful and subject to penalties.

How many hours may 14–15-year-olds work during school?

Minors aged 14–15 can work a maximum of 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week. When school is out of session, they can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week. They cannot work before 7 AM or after 7 PM.

Can 16–17-year-olds work late at night in Alabama?

Teens aged 16–17 have more flexibility in scheduling, but they cannot work past 10 PM on nights before a school day. On weekends or during school holidays, later hours may be permitted. Employers must still comply with federal safety rules and ensure minors are not employed in hazardous occupations.

What jobs are off-limits to minors in Alabama?

Alabama prohibits minors from working in jobs considered hazardous. Individuals under 16 are prohibited from working in manufacturing, mechanical trades, warehouses, or food service that involves the use of dangerous equipment. Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in adult entertainment venues, handling or serving alcohol, or performing federally prohibited hazardous duties, such as operating heavy machinery.