Idaho has some unique child labor laws designed to ensure safe work opportunities, and those that do not interfere with their education, health, and well-being. The state’s rules are administered by the Idaho Department of Labor, which establishes a framework for minimum working age, hours, and times of day restrictions, and occupations prohibited for minors. Idaho’s laws work in tandem with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In cases when state and federal laws differ, employers are mandated to follow the stricter standards to protect the interests of young workers.
Let’s take a look at the state’s child labor laws.
Minimum Working Age in Idaho
Idaho has set 14 years as the general minimum age for employment in the state for most non-agricultural work. However, some exceptions exist. These include:
- Minors under 14 may not work in establishments such as factories, workshops, stores, restaurants, and hotels. However, they can work during school vacations (two weeks or longer).
- 12- and 13-year-olds can work during regular school vacations (two weeks or more).
- No minimum age is set for jobs like delivering newspapers, babysitting, and performing household chores.
Work Permits for Minors in Idaho
The state does not mandate minors to have an employment certificate or work permit to work in Idaho. However, employers must fulfill their obligation. They must verify the age of the minor and keep a copy of the age proof in their records to adhere to all applicable state and federal child labor rules.
Hour Restrictions for Minors in Idaho
Although Idaho has set specific hours and times of day limitations for minors, they vary by age.
Minors Aged 14 and 15
- When school is in session: Work for a maximum of 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours per school week.
- When school is not in session: Work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- Time of day: Work between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM only. This can extend to 9:00 PM during the summer (June 1 to Labor Day).
Minors Aged 16 and 17
- Neither state nor federal law defines work hour limitations for this age group. However, they are still prohibited from working in occupations that are considered hazardous in nature.
Prohibited Jobs for Minors in Idaho
Since Idaho follows FLSA, the table below sheds light on occupations that are off-limits for minors. These restrictions are placed to protect young workers from suffering job-related injuries.
| Age Group |
Prohibited Occupations & Special Conditions |
| Under 14 |
Prohibited from working in or in connection with mines, factories, workshops, mercantile establishments, telephone or telegraph offices, laundries, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Ages 14–15 |
In addition to the above, these minors are prohibited from manufacturing, construction, operating power-driven machinery, commercial cooking, baking, and working in freezers or meat coolers. They are also barred from occupations involving youth peddling, sign waving, and door-to-door sales. |
| Ages 16–17 |
This group is barred from the 17 hazardous occupations defined by federal law . This includes jobs involving explosives, logging, operating many types of power-driven machinery (including forklifts and meat slicers), roofing, excavation, and demolition . |
| All Minors (Under 18) |
Prohibited from employment in “immoral environments” like bars and casinos. They are also restricted from handling or serving intoxicating liquors. |
| All Minors (Under 19) |
Cannot work in jobs involving alcoholic beverages. |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Any employer who violates child labor laws in Idaho is subject to both state and federal penalties.
- State Penalties: For a first-time violation, the state can issue a fine as low as $50. However, continued violations can lead to fines between $5 and $20 per day.
- Federal Penalties: Federal civil penalties are much more severe in nature. The U.S. Department of Labor can impose fines as high as $15,138 per violation. To give you an example, a Twin Falls grocer was recently fined over $250,000 for violating child labor laws. This fine included employing a 13-year-old and asking them to perform hazardous duties like cleaning meat slicers.
- Parental Liabilities: Parents/guardians are usually not held responsible unless they themselves are the employer and fail to comply with the regulations.
HR Notifications and Documentations
While the state does not require minors to obtain a work permit, employers are legally bound to maintain specific records for all employees under 18 years of age to comply with federal law.
| Document |
Retention & Storage Details |
| Proof of Age |
Employers must obtain and keep on file a document verifying the minor’s age. Accepted documents include a birth certificate, baptismal record, or passport . |
| Employee Records |
Employers must keep a record of the name, age, and address of all employees under the age of 16 . |
| Time & Payroll Records |
Detailed records of hours worked each day and week, along with wages paid, must be maintained. These records are essential for proving compliance with hour restrictions. |
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