Utah’s child labor laws, outlined in the Utah Employment of Minors Act, ensure that employment does not interfere with the education, safety, or well-being of young individuals. The Utah Labor Commission enforces these rules, and they apply to all workers under 18 years of age.
The state’s rules work in tandem with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, when the two differ, employers must adhere to the standards that offer maximum protection to young workers. Let’s delve deeper into Utah’s child labor laws.
Minimum Working Age in Utah
Unlike many U.S. states, Utah follows a tiered system for the minimum working age. It is more permissive for certain types of jobs compared to the federal laws.
| Age |
Type of Job |
| 10 years and older |
- Delivering newspapers
- Working as a shoe-shiner
- Working as a caddie
- Taking care of lawns (no use of power-driven equipment)
|
| 12 years and older |
- Babysitters
- Agricultural laborer (non-hazardous)
- Door-to-door merchandising
|
| 14 years and older |
The general minimum age at which minors can work in most non-hazardous establishments, such as retail, restaurants, and offices. |
| 16 years and older |
Can work any job that’s not officially declared hazardous by the Utah Labor Commission or the federal FLSA. |
Work Permits for Minors in Utah
The state does not require minors to obtain a work permit or an Employment Certificate to get employed in Utah. However, employers are still legally required to verify a minor’s age before offering a job and keep the age proof on record for compliance and audit purposes.
Minors under 16 years of age who work in the entertainment industry must obtain a special authorization from the Utah Department of Labor before beginning employment.
Hour Restrictions for Minors in Utah
The state has set specific working hours limits for minors under 16 years of age.
Minors Aged 15 and Under
- During the school year:
- A maximum of 4 hours on a school day and a total of 8 hours on a non-school day.
- Must not work during school hours
- Must only work between 5:00 AM and 9:30 PM on a school night and 11:00 PM on non-school nights.
Minors Aged 16 and 17
- Neither the state nor federal law places any restrictions on the number of hours or the times of day 16- and 17-year-olds can work. However, they are still restricted from working in hazardous establishments.
Breaks
- All minors must receive a 30-minute meal break within the first 5 hours of their shift and a 10-minute rest break after every 4 consecutive hours of work.
Prohibited Jobs for Minors in Utah
Both state and federal laws restrict minors from working in hazardous occupations. The table below sheds light on these off-limits.
| Age Group |
Prohibited Occupations & Special Conditions |
| Under 16 |
Operating motor vehicles, working on construction sites, manufacturing units, and using power-driven machinery like slicers or compactors. |
| Ages 16–17 |
Prohibited from the 17 hazardous occupations defined by the federal FLSA, including working with explosives, logging, roofing, excavation, demolition, and operating power-driven hoisting apparatus, like forklifts.
They may be allowed to operate a motor vehicle for work under very limited circumstances, only if they are properly licensed. |
| All Minors (Under 18) |
Restricted from working in establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption, though some exceptions exist for restaurant work not involving the direct handling of alcohol. |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
In Utah, employers who violate child labor laws can face penalties from both the state and federal governments.
- Parental Liabilities: Typically, parents/guardians are not held responsible unless they themselves are the employer and knowingly violate the law.
- Employer Penalties:
-
- State Penalties: Violating the state’s child labor laws can result in penalties of up to $500 per violation. According to a 2025 amendment, knowingly and repeatedly violating child labor laws is considered a Class B misdemeanor and can lead to criminal prosecution as well.
- Federal Penalties: The U.S. Department of Labor can impose significantly higher civil penalties depending on the severity of violation. In a recent case, a creamery in Utah was fined $42,000 for making minors operate dangerous machinery.
HR Notifications and Documentations
While work permits are not required, Utah employers must maintain specific documentation for all minor employees.
| Document |
Retention & Storage Details |
| Proof of Age |
Obtain and keep a copy of a minor’s age proof in the office records. This can include a birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, or any other state-issued ID card. |
| Parental Consent |
Written consent from a parent/legal guardian is required for minors under 16 and is a recommended best practice for those aged 16 and 17. |
| Time & Payroll Records |
Detailed records of all hours worked each day and week, along with wages paid, must be maintained to demonstrate compliance with hour and break regulations. These records should be kept for at least three years. |
| State Labor Law Poster |
Employers are required to display a poster summarizing Utah’s wage and hour laws, which includes child labor provisions. |
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