Overview of Child Labor Laws in Texas
Texas enforces child labor laws to protect minors from exploitation, ensure safe working conditions, and prevent interference with their education. Governed primarily by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and aligned with federal regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), these laws set clear age limits, hour restrictions, and prohibitions on hazardous occupations.
Texas law largely mirrors federal standards but has some state-specific rules, particularly around work hours, permitted occupations, and documentation requirements. Employers must follow whichever rule, state or federal, is stricter.
Minimum Working Age in Texas
The general minimum working age in Texas is 14 years, with limited exceptions for younger children:
- Under 14 years: Can only perform specific work such as newspaper delivery, acting or modeling, family-run business roles, and certain agricultural or domestic work under parental supervision.
- Ages 14–15: Permitted to work in approved, non-hazardous occupations with strict hour and duty limitations.
- Ages 16–17: Allowed to work longer hours and in a wider range of occupations, but still restricted from hazardous roles.
- 18 years and older: Child labor restrictions no longer apply.
Work Permits for Minors
In Texas, minors aged 14–17 are not required to obtain a state-issued work permit. However, employers are responsible for:
- Verifying the minor’s age (birth certificate, school record, or official ID).
- Maintaining proper records for compliance with both state and federal labor laws.
Exemptions: Occasional babysitting, newspaper delivery for children aged 10+, family-owned agricultural work, acting, or modeling.
Validity: Employers must retain age verification documents and records of minor employment for at least three years.
Hour Restrictions for Minors
Texas enforces age-specific work hour restrictions that vary based on school attendance and age:
| Age Group | School in Session | School Not in Session | Allowed Work Hours |
| 14–15 | Max 3 hrs/day, 18 hrs/week | Up to 8 hrs/day, 40 hrs/week | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (extended to 9:00 PM June 1–Labor Day) |
| 16–17 | Max 4 hrs/day, 28 hrs/week | Up to 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (extended to 12:00 AM Fri & Sat) |
| Under 14 | Not allowed except exemptions | Allowed only in exempted roles | – |
Notes:
- Breaks must be provided for shifts longer than 4 hours.
- Schoolwork must not be adversely affected by employment.
Prohibited Jobs for Minors
Texas law restricts minors from certain hazardous occupations to ensure their safety. Restrictions differ by age:
| Age Group | Prohibited Occupations | Notes / Details |
| Under 14 | All non-exempt work except acting, modeling, family business, or casual domestic roles | Employment generally prohibited in manufacturing, retail, food service, or hazardous jobs |
| 14–15 | Manufacturing, mining, construction, operating power-driven machinery, food processing, handling hazardous substances | May work only in non-hazardous roles like clerical, retail, or light food service; strict hour limits apply |
| 16–17 | Federally designated hazardous jobs, mining, heavy machinery, operating elevators, driving motor vehicles | Can work in broader roles but remain restricted from unsafe occupations per FLSA & Texas law |
| All Minors | Explosives, radioactive materials, demolition, meatpacking, hazardous agricultural tasks | State and federal restrictions combined to ensure safety; supervision and training required for any exposure in permitted jobs |
Industry-specific restrictions:
- Food service: No operation of slicers, grinders, or large kitchen equipment.
- Agriculture: Limited exposure to tractors, pesticides, or heavy machinery.
- Entertainment: Stricter hour rules and age verification required.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations of Texas child labor laws can lead to significant consequences for employers:
- First-time violations: Fines ranging from $500–$1,000 depending on severity.
- Repeated or severe violations: Escalated fines up to $5,000 per violation.
- Criminal liability: Willful violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines, or jail time.
- Federal penalties: Apply in addition to state penalties if FLSA rules are breached.
- Parental liability: Parents generally are not penalized unless employing their children in commercial ventures without proper records; employers bear primary responsibility.
HR Notifications and Documentation
Texas law requires employers to maintain records and notify relevant authorities as part of compliance:
| Document | Retention Period | Storage | Update Schedule |
| Age Verification Documents | Employment period + 3 yrs | Personnel files | At hire |
| Time & Payroll Records | At least 3 years | Payroll system | Weekly |
| Job Descriptions & Certificates | Duration of employment | On-site accessible | Whenever duties change |
| Break/Meal Logs | As long as employed | HR/Production records | Daily |
| Inspection/Compliance Correspondence | As long as employed + 3 yrs | Compliance files | As issued |
Notifications Required:
- To TWC/Department of Labor: Age verification, compliance issues, workplace injuries.
- To Parents/Guardians: Schedule changes, incidents, job duties, safety training completion.
- There is no legal requirement for employers to publish child labor audit results online; any such publication is voluntary.
Got questions?
In Texas, the minimum working age is 14. Children under 14 may work only in exempt roles, such as acting, modeling, or family-owned businesses, or in occasional domestic or agricultural work. Minors aged 14–15 can perform restricted jobs, while those aged 16–17 have broader opportunities, always following safety and hour regulations.
No state-issued work permit is required. Employers must verify employees’ ages and maintain accurate records to comply with both state and federal laws.
Minors aged 14–15 may work up to 3 hours per school day and a maximum of 18 hours per week. On non-school days or during vacations, they may work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
Yes, but restrictions apply. When school is in session, 16–17-year-olds may work up to 4 hours per day. On non-school days or during summer, work is allowed until 10:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Employers hiring minors in violation of Texas law may face fines from $500–$1,000 for first-time offenses, up to $5,000 for repeated violations, misdemeanor charges, or imprisonment. FLSA violations may add federal liability.
Yes. Minors working in family-owned businesses in non-hazardous roles, such as agriculture, domestic work, or retail, may be eligible for exemptions. Proper records, restricted hours, and safety rules remain in effect.
