Overview of Child Labor Laws in Vermont

Vermont’s child labor laws protect the safety, health, and education of minors while allowing them to gain work experience. Overseen by the Vermont Department of Labor, these laws outline age limits, working hours, and prohibited occupations.

Vermont law generally aligns with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but in cases where state and federal rules differ, the stricter standard applies. Employers must also ensure that minors are not employed in a manner that interferes with their school attendance.

Minimum Working Age in Vermont

The minimum age for employment in Vermont is 14 years, with limited exceptions.

• Under 14: Children younger than 14 are generally not permitted to work. Limited exceptions apply, such as working in a family-owned business, performing agricultural work, or participating in entertainment, but even these roles come with strict restrictions to protect the child’s health and education.
• Ages 14–15: Minors in this age group may work in approved non-hazardous jobs, such as retail or food service, but their work hours are strictly limited to ensure school attendance and rest. They cannot work during school hours and are restricted in evening and weekly work hours.
• Ages 16–17: Teenagers aged 16 and 17 may take on a wider range of employment and work longer hours than younger minors. However, they are still prohibited from engaging in federally defined hazardous occupations, such as operating heavy machinery, working in construction, or handling certain chemicals.
• 18 and older: Once an individual reaches 18, they are considered an adult worker and are no longer covered by child labor laws. Standard federal and state employment laws apply instead.

Work Permits for Minors

In Vermont, minors under 16 must have an Employment Certificate (work permit) before beginning work, but only if they are working in non-agricultural, non-family business jobs. Family farms or family businesses do not require a permit for work.

Key details:

• Issued by the school superintendent or principal.
• Requires proof of age, parental consent, and confirmation that the work will not interfere with schooling.
• Certificates must be filed by the employer and kept on-site.
• For 16–and 17-year-olds, permits are not required under state law; however, they must still comply with federal and state hazardous occupation restrictions.

Steps to obtain a permit:

• A minor must apply for the work permit through their school.
• The parent or guardian provides written consent to authorise the employment.
• The school verifies the minor’s age and academic standing before issuing the certificate.
• The employer files and retains the certificate on-site for records.

Hour Restrictions for Minors

Vermont law restricts the hours minors may work depending on age and school status.

Additional notes:

• Breaks: Vermont law requires employers to provide reasonable opportunities for breaks during work, although it does not mandate a specific 30-minute meal break, unlike some states.
• Work during school hours is not permitted unless part of an approved program.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors

Vermont prohibits minors from engaging in hazardous occupations. The restrictions mirror federal standards, with additional state-specific rules.

Examples of restricted industries:

• Food service: Minors under 18 are not permitted to use slicers, grinders, or similar power-driven equipment.
• Construction: prohibited for minors under 18 when it involves hazardous tasks; however, 16–and 17-year-olds may perform certain non-hazardous construction work.
• Agriculture: federal rules allow minors under 16 to work on farms with restrictions; hazardous farm machinery is prohibited unless it’s a family farm.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers who fail to comply with Vermont child labor laws can face penalties under both state and federal law.

• Civil fines: Employers may be fined for each violation, with penalties increasing for repeated offenses.
• Criminal charges: Serious or intentional violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines, or imprisonment.
• School-related violations: Employers who hire minors during school hours without prior approval may face additional sanctions.

The Vermont Department of Labor works with the U.S. Department of Labor to enforce these rules.

HR Notifications and Documentation

Employers must keep proper records and ensure compliance with Vermont child labor laws.

Notification requirements:

• To Vermont DOL: Report serious injuries, maintain employment certifications for inspections.
• To Parents/Guardians: Work schedules, safety updates, and incident reports.