Child Labor Laws in the US [2026]

Child labor laws are a set of federal and state regulations that govern when, where, and how minors (individuals under 18) can work. Their goal is to balance early work opportunities with the health, safety, and educational needs of young people.

Why are they important?

These laws are important for two main reasons:

Protecting minors – Work restrictions prevent children from being exploited or placed in unsafe jobs. They ensure that school, rest, and personal growth remain priorities.
Protecting employers – Compliance with child labor laws helps employers avoid penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Employers who follow the rules can create safe, lawful, and positive workplaces for young workers.

Child labor laws are overseen at two levels

Federal standards, set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and state-specific rules, which may be stricter. Employers must comply with whichever law provides greater protection to minors.

Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, lays the foundation for child labor laws nationwide. It covers minimum age, work hours, and hazardous job restrictions.

Here’s what employers and parents should know:

Minimum Age for Employment

The general minimum age to work is 14 years old.
Children under 14 are only allowed to work in very limited roles, such as acting, delivering newspapers, or doing casual babysitting.
Agricultural work has separate, more flexible age rules.

Hazardous Occupation Restrictions

Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in jobs deemed hazardous by the Department of Labor.
This includes roles involving mining, manufacturing explosives, operating certain heavy machinery, roofing, demolition, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
The purpose is to shield young workers from serious health and safety risks.

Hour Limitations for Minors

The FLSA sets strict limits for 14- and 15-year-olds (16- and 17-year-olds have fewer restrictions but cannot work in hazardous occupations):

When school is in session:
- Up to 3 hours per school day
- Up to 18 hours per school week
- Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
When school is out of session (summer or holidays):
- Up to 8 hours per day
- Up to 40 hours per week
- Extended evening hours until 9 p.m. (June 1 – Labor Day)

Work Permits at the Federal Level

The federal government itself does not require work permits, but many states do.
Employers must verify the age of minors through proper documentation (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license).
In all cases, the employer is responsible for ensuring compliance.

State-Specific Child Labor Laws

While the FLSA sets the baseline, each state has its own rules. Some are stricter, setting higher minimum ages or additional restrictions on working hours.

Below is a quick navigation table to explore state-specific child labor laws:

State	Minimum Age for Employment	Work Permits Required?	Unique Restrictions / Notes
California	14 (with restrictions)	Yes	Strict limits on hours during school; strong protections against hazardous roles.
Florida	14 (most jobs)	Yes	16–17-year-olds limited in certain evening hours; detailed agricultural rules.
New Jersey	14 (most jobs)	Yes	Prohibits work in certain industries (theaters, billiard rooms, etc.).
Texas	14 (most jobs)	No (but age proof required)	Under-14s may only work in limited family/agricultural settings.
New York	14 (with restrictions)	Yes	16–17-year-olds need school-issued permits; strong entertainment industry rules.
Hawaii	14 (most jobs)	Yes	Distinct permits for ages 14–15 and 16–17; agricultural exceptions.
Nevada	14 (most jobs)	Yes	16–17-year-olds are restricted from late-night work in casinos/hospitality.
Washington	14 (most jobs)	Yes	Requires both school and parent approval for work permits.
Alabama	14 (most jobs)	Yes	14–15-year-olds are limited to 6 days per week; permits are tracked by the state DOL.
Alaska	14 (most jobs)	Yes	Harsh weather conditions are considered in restrictions; some exceptions for family fishing.

Key Considerations for Employers & Parents

Child labor compliance isn’t just about filling out forms, it impacts workplace safety, liability, and the well-being of young workers. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Employer Compliance

Always verify a minor’s age with reliable documentation.
Check if a state-issued work permit is required.
Track and limit work hours during school sessions.
Avoid assigning minors to hazardous or prohibited jobs.

Penalties for Violations

Employers who violate child labor laws face civil penalties of up to $15,138 per minor, per violation (2025 rates).
Willful or repeated violations can lead to criminal prosecution.
Noncompliance can also damage an employer’s reputation and employee trust.

Parental Consent and Supervision

Many states require written parental consent for minors to work.
Parents play a key role in balancing school, work, and personal development.
Employers should maintain open communication with families to ensure minors’ safety and well-being.

Simplify Compliance with Keka

Managing child labor compliance can be complex, especially for multi-state employers. Keka makes it simple, automating work-hour tracking, record-keeping, and compliance checks so you never risk costly violations.