Colorado

Overview of Child Labor Laws in Colorado

Colorado’s child labor laws are designed to balance employment opportunities for minors with the protection of their health, safety, and education. These laws are administered by the Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics (DLSS) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). The primary governing statute is the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act (CYEOA), codified in C.R.S. Title 8, Article 12.

Colorado law aligns closely with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements, though in some cases the state sets stricter limits. Employers must always comply with the stricter federal or state standards. Colorado does not require a universal state “work permit” for minors; instead, schools may issue age certificates in limited cases. Employers must keep age or school release documentation on file when applicable.

Minimum Working Age in Colorado

The general minimum working age in Colorado is 14 years, with certain exceptions for younger children.

Under 14: Most forms of employment are prohibited for minors; however, limited activities, such as newspaper delivery, babysitting, certain types of entertainment work, and tasks performed in a family business, may be permitted when federal law does not apply, and only under narrowly defined conditions.
Ages 14–15: Minors may work in approved non-hazardous jobs with limited hours, primarily during non-school periods. Work cannot interfere with schooling or rest.
Ages 16–17: Teenagers can work more hours and in a broader range of occupations, but federal and state restrictions still prohibit hazardous jobs.
18 and older: Child labor laws no longer apply; adult labor regulations govern employment.

Work Permits for Minors

Colorado does not issue standard work permits. Instead, schools may provide an age certificate if requested by an employer. Federal law controls work during school hours and in restricted occupations. Employers must maintain records of minor employees’ age and work schedules for compliance.

Steps to obtain a work permit:

A minor applies for the permit through their school or district office.
The parent or guardian provides written consent for employment.
The school verifies the minor’s age, academic standing, and school attendance.
The employer files and retains the certificate on-site for compliance purposes.

Work permits specify the allowable hours, duties, and work location. Employers must maintain the permits on-site and update them if the minor changes jobs or work schedules. Exceptions include occasional babysitting, newspaper delivery, and minor work in family-owned businesses.

Hour Restrictions for Minors

Colorado sets specific limitations on the number of hours minors may work based on age and whether school is in session.

Age Group	When School Is in Session	When School Is Not in Session
14–15	Up to 3 hrs/day, 18 hrs/week; not before 7 AM or after 7 PM	Up to 8 hrs/day, 40 hrs/week; 7 AM–9 PM
16–17	Up to 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week; 6 AM–10 PM on school nights	Up to 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week; 6 AM–12 midnight on non-school nights
12–13	Only limited work (e.g., newspaper delivery, babysitting)	Same as above; must not interfere with school

Additional notes:

Minors may not work during school hours unless enrolled in a state-approved work experience program.

Meal breaks: Minors working more than five consecutive hours must receive a 30-minute break.

Employers are responsible for ensuring minors adhere to the work-hour restrictions.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors

Colorado restricts minors from engaging in hazardous occupations to prevent injury and exposure to dangerous conditions.

Age Group	Prohibited Occupations
Under 14	All work except babysitting, newspaper delivery, family business work, and permitted entertainment
14–15	Manufacturing, construction, operating power-driven machinery, driving, cooking with open flames, warehousing
16–17	Federally designated hazardous occupations, logging, mining, operating heavy machinery, and driving for employment
All Minors	Exposure to explosives, radioactive materials, demolition work, large tractors in agriculture, and confined spaces

Industry-specific restrictions:

Food service: Minors under 18 are not permitted to operate slicers, grinders, or similar machinery.
Construction: All minors under 18 are prohibited from engaging in construction tasks.
Agriculture: Minors under 16 may work in farm jobs with limitations; hazardous machinery is prohibited.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers who violate Colorado child labor laws may face significant consequences:

Civil fines: Penalties start at $500 per violation and increase for repeated or serious breaches.
Criminal charges: Willful violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines, or imprisonment.
Federal enforcement: Additional fines and sanctions may be imposed under the FLSA for violations that affect federally protected employment standards.

Parents are generally not held liable unless they employ their own children in prohibited roles; however, employers remain fully responsible for ensuring compliance and maintaining proper documentation.

HR Notifications and Documentation

Employers must maintain detailed records to demonstrate compliance with Colorado child labor laws.

Document	Retention Period	Storage	Update Schedule
Work Permits	Duration of employment + 3 years	On-site	At hire and job change
Age Verification Documents	Employment period + 3 years	Secure personnel files	At hire
Time & Payroll Records	At least 3 years	Daily logs	Daily
Permit Applications	3 years after employment ends	Employer or school files	For each new hire
Safety Training Records	Employment duration	Audit-ready format	Initial hire + refreshers
Parental Consent Forms	Duration of employment	Signed originals	Annually or if circumstances change
Workers’ Compensation Info	Employment period + 3 years	Insurance carrier files	Policy renewal
Incident Reports	Permanent	Legal or HR files	Immediately upon occurrence

Notification requirements:

To CDLE: Submit work permits, report workplace injuries, and disclose compliance issues.
To Schools: Provide permit applications, schedule changes, and terminations.
To Parents/Guardians: Inform them of work schedules, duty changes, incidents, and safety training.

Got questions?

What is the minimum age to work in Colorado?

Colorado sets the minimum working age at 14. Children under 14 may work only in limited roles like babysitting, newspaper delivery, family-owned business tasks, or entertainment with restrictions. Ages 14–15 may perform restricted jobs, while 16–17 have broader opportunities but remain prohibited from hazardous occupations.

Do minors in Colorado need work permits?

No. Colorado does not require a general work permit. However, employers may request an age certificate, issued through the school, to verify the minor’s age. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with hours and job restrictions.

What are the work-hour limits for 16- and 17-year-olds?

During school days, 16–and 17-year-olds may work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, typically between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. On non-school nights, they may work until midnight. Employers must ensure compliance with meal breaks, rest periods, and school obligations.

What jobs are prohibited for minors in Colorado?

Minors may not engage in hazardous work, including construction, manufacturing, logging, mining, or operating heavy machinery. Food service restrictions prevent minors under 18 from using slicers or grinders. Certain agricultural and farm machinery work is prohibited for minors under 16. Special permits are required for entertainment roles.

What are the penalties for hiring a minor without a permit?

Employers face civil fines starting at $500 per violation, with higher penalties for repeat or serious violations. Willful violations may result in misdemeanour charges, fines, or imprisonment. Federal FLSA penalties may also apply. Parents are generally not liable unless they employ their own children in prohibited roles.