Overview of Child Labor Laws in Michigan
Michigan’s child labor regulations are governed by the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), Public Act 90 of 1978, and administered by the Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO). These laws set limits on hours, require work permits, and prohibit minors from hazardous occupations.
In conflicts between state and federal rules, the more restrictive standard applies. Michigan also requires that minors be supervised by an adult (18+) at the worksite.
Minimum Working Age in Michigan
Michigan generally sets 14 years as the minimum age for employment under YESA.
- Under 14: Employment is typically prohibited, except for limited, non-hazardous roles such as babysitting, newspaper delivery, or permitted entertainment under special rules.
- Ages 14–15: Allowed to work in non-hazardous jobs under YESA with hour and schedule restrictions.
- Ages 16–17: Permitted broader work opportunities under YESA, subject to limits on hours and curfews, and still prohibited from hazardous occupations.
- 18 and older: Not subject to YESA; general labor laws apply.
Work Permits for Minors
Minors under 18 who are employed must comply with YESA permit or authorization provisions.
Steps to obtain a work permit/authorization in Michigan:
- The minor obtains a job offer and agreement or contract from the employer.
- The parent or guardian signs the agreement.
- The school or issuing officer assesses whether the employment will interfere with schooling or be detrimental to welfare.
- Upon approval, the permit or authorization is issued; the employer retains it at the worksite.
If a minor changes jobs, a new permit or agreement is required.
Hour Restrictions for Minors
Under YESA, Michigan imposes different hour limits depending on age, school attendance, and day of the week.
| Age Group | When School Is in Session | When School Is Not in Session | Permitted Start/End Times |
| 14–15 | Max 3 hours/day; 18 hours/week when school in session | Up to 10 hours/day; 48 hours/week | Not before 7:00 a.m.; cannot work past 9:00 p.m. |
| 16–17 | Max 24 hours/week when school is in session; 6 days max; 10 hours/day | Up to 48 hours/week | Between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Sunday–Thursday; until 11:30 p.m. Fri/Sat or when school not in session |
Other rules & notes:
- Minors cannot be employed during required school hours (whether in-person or remote).
- Minors must not work for more than 5 consecutive hours without a 30-minute uninterrupted break.
- Deviations (e.g., starting earlier or working later) for 16–17-year-olds may be approved by LEO, but deviations are not allowed for 14–15-year-olds.
Prohibited Jobs for Minors
Michigan prohibits minors from working in hazardous occupations under YESA. A detailed hazardous occupations table is published by Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
| Age Group | Prohibited / Restricted Occupations |
| 14–15 | Most hazardous machines, power-driven machinery, the operation of certain tools, working in areas with exposure to harmful substances, operating amusement rides, etc. |
| 16–17 | Many of the same hazards as 14–15 are banned, plus roles involving explosives, power machinery, construction, logging, mining, etc. Some positions may be permitted under restrictions. |
| All minors | Any occupation deemed “hazardous” by YESA or related administrative rules. |
Examples include servicing meat processing equipment, operating saws, using power drills, handling highly flammable chemicals, and working in confined spaces.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating Michigan’s YESA may lead to civil and criminal penalties. According to the YESA brochure, such violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
Employers found non-compliant also risk reputational harm and liability under overlapping federal FLSA statutes.
HR Notifications and Documentation
Employers must maintain detailed records and follow notification obligations under YESA.
| Document | Retention Period | Storage | Update Schedule |
| Work permits/agreements | Duration of employment + recommended 1–2 years | On-site | At hire and job change |
| Proof of age | Employment period | Employee/HR file | At hire |
| Time & Payroll Records | At least 1 year under YESA (or more per other statutes) | Detailed logs | Daily |
| Break logs | Employment duration | HR files | Daily tracking |
| Hazardous exemption approvals | As long as employed | HR / compliance files | When approving or changing roles |
Employers must also ensure that the required supervision (employer or adult employee ≥18) is present at all times minors are working.
Got questions?
In Michigan, minors may be employed starting at age 14 (unless exempt) under the YESA. Younger children are generally restricted from working, except in narrowly defined, low-risk roles such as certain forms of entertainment or casual work.
Yes. Under YESA, minors must have an employer-signed work permit or contract/agreement before commencing work. This ensures that the minor’s schooling and well-being are not compromised. Employers keep the permit on file.
During school periods, 14–15-year-olds may work up to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week, and must not work before 7:00 AM or after 9:00 PM. Outside school sessions, they can work up to 10 hours a day and 48 hours a week.
Yes, with limits. When school is in session, 16–and 17-year-olds may work until 10:30 PM, Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays, or when school is not in session, they may work until 11:30 PM. Written deviations may allow earlier start or later end times.
Violations under YESA are misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year in jail or up to $500 in fines, or both. Repeated or serious violations may incur harsher penalties. Federal FLSA sanctions may also apply to overlapping violations.
