Child Labor Laws in Louisiana

The Louisiana Workforce Commission enforces child labor laws in the state and has established a legal framework that all employers must follow. The primary objective of these laws is to promote safety, compliance, and a positive work environment for young employees. They also define some essential guidelines, such as the minimum working age, the need for a work permit, the number of hours and time of day a minor can work, and hazardous occupations restricted for minors seeking employment. 

Employers in Louisiana must comply with both the state laws and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and always adhere to the stricter provisions to protect the interests of the minors. 

This guide provides a practical overview of Louisiana’s child labor laws for 2025, designed for employers, HR leaders, and the employees themselves. Let’s take a look. 

How the State Regulates Child Labor

Louisiana has set a series of frameworks to govern youth employment across the state.

• Minimum Age: The state allows minors aged 14 and above to seek employment in Louisiana. However, it has made some exceptions for 12 and 13-year-olds as well. 
• Employment Certificates: Unlike many U.S. states, Louisiana mandates a state-issued employment certificate or work permit for all minors under the age of 18 years.
• Hour Restrictions: The law defines specific maximum daily and weekly hours, and time-of-day curfews for 14 and 15-year-olds.
• Hazardous Occupations: Both state and federal laws identify some jobs and tasks that are considered too dangerous for minors to perform, and hence, they must not be allowed to work in these occupations.

Relation to Federal Law

Louisiana’s child labor laws work in tandem with the federal FLSA. However, in case of differences, employers must always follow the more restrictive rules to protect the minors. For instance, the federal law is stricter for minors aged 14 and 15, limiting their working hours to only 3 hours during school days. On the other hand, the state law requires an 8-hour rest break between two shifts for 16- and 17-year-olds. Such a protection is not found in the federal FLSA, making the state law the one employers must follow for this age group.

Minimum Working Age in Louisiana

In general, all 14-year-olds and above can work in most non-agricultural jobs in Louisiana. However, some exceptions exist. For instance,

• Working for one’s own parents in a non-hazardous occupation
• Performing household chores or working as casual labor in a private home
• Delivering newspapers
• Performing agricultural work
• Performing in the entertainment industry

Work Permits for Minors in Louisiana

The state of Louisiana requires minors aged 18 and below to obtain an employment certificate or a work permit before beginning employment. 

The process to obtain a permit is as follows:

• The minor must receive a job offer and an “Intention to Employ” form from the employer.
• The minor must get the form filled out by their parent/guardian and the employer.
• The minor must then submit the form with age proof (such as a birth certificate) to their school or the Louisiana Workforce Commission office.
• The issuing authority will authenticate the details, approve the application, and provide the official employment certificate.
• The minor must then submit a copy of the employment certificate to their employer, who must, in turn, keep the certificate on file for compliance purposes. 

Hour Restrictions for Minors in Louisiana

In Louisiana, working hour limitations vary by age and whether the school is in session. 

For Minors Aged 14 and 15:

• During the School Year:
  • A maximum of 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours per school week
  • Must work only between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM
  • Must not work during school hours.
• During Summer Vacation (June 1 to Labor Day):
  • A maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week
  • Must work between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM only.

For Minors Aged 16 and 17:

• Hours: No such state or federal limitations set on the number of daily or weekly hours this age group must work.
• Rest Breaks: They must receive an 8-hour rest break between two shifts.

All minors must receive a 30-minute meal break after working for five consecutive hours.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors in Louisiana

The table below lists all jobs that are hazardous and restricted for minors to perform as per both state and federal laws.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers who violate Louisiana’s child labor laws are subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

• Parental Liabilities: While legal liability for violations lies with the employer, the state law suggests that parents must be held responsible for damages caused by their children, which could create liability in certain circumstances.
• Employer Penalties:

• • State Penalties: Fines can range from $100 to $500 per offense, with potential jail time of at least 30 days to 6 months in the case of more severe violations. Civil penalties of up to $500 per offense may also be charged.
  • Federal Penalties: The U.S. Department of Labor can impose much larger civil penalties. They can go as high as $12,845 per violation.
  • Workplace Injury: If a minor suffers injuries while employed in violation of the law, the employer can face increased liability in any workers’ compensation or tort claim.

HR Notifications and Documentations

All organizations must maintain proper records and comply with child labor laws in Louisiana.