Child Labor Laws in Nevada

Nevada enforces child labor laws to protect minors from overwork, unsafe conditions, and roles that may interfere with their education. The Nevada Labor Commissioner oversees these laws and are also aligned with federal standards under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

While federal rules apply nationwide, Nevada has additional restrictions on permitted ages, hours, and hazardous occupations. Employers must always follow the stricter of state or federal laws.

Minimum Working Age in Nevada

The general minimum working age in Nevada is 14 years, with limited exceptions for minors under 14.

• Under 14 years: Employment is prohibited except in narrow circumstances, such as work in family businesses, domestic tasks, agricultural roles, or the entertainment industry with permits.
• Ages 14–15: May work in approved, non-hazardous jobs with strict limits on hours and duties.
• Ages 16–17: Permitted to work more hours and in a wider range of jobs, but are restricted from hazardous occupations.
• 18 years and older: Exempt from child labor laws.

Work Permits for Minors

In Nevada, minors under the age of 18 must obtain an Employment Certificate before starting work.

Steps to obtain a permit:

• The minor secures a job offer.
• Parent/guardian provides written consent.
• The school or district verifies age and academic status.
• The certificate is issued, outlining permitted hours and the type of work.
• The employer must keep the certificate on file for inspection.

Exemptions: Babysitting, household chores, and agricultural work for a parent/guardian’s farm generally do not require certificates.

Validity: Permits typically last for the duration of employment and must be renewed if the minor changes jobs or employers.

Hour Restrictions for Minors

Nevada sets work hour limits based on the minor’s age and whether school is in session.

Additional Notes:

• Minors must be given a 30-minute meal break for shifts lasting more than 8 hours.
• Work schedules cannot interfere with school attendance.
• Hazardous work hour exemptions do not apply to minors, regardless of whether they have parental consent.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors

Nevada prohibits minors from working in hazardous occupations. These restrictions vary by age:

Industry-specific restrictions:

• Food service: Minors may not operate hazardous kitchen appliances, such as slicers, grinders, or fryers.
• Agriculture: Minors under 16 are prohibited from working with heavy machinery, applying pesticides, or engaging in hazardous farm work.
• Entertainment: Minors may work only with a special permit and are subject to strict limits on their hours.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers violating Nevada child labor laws face serious consequences:

• First violations: Civil penalties starting at $250.
• Subsequent violations: Escalating fines up to $5,000 per violation.
• Criminal liability: Willful violations may lead to misdemeanor charges.
• Federal penalties: May apply if the violation breaches FLSA standards in addition to state law.

Employers are strictly responsible for compliance; parents are not penalized unless they are directly employing their children without proper authorization.

HR Notifications and Documentation

Nevada requires employers to maintain accurate records and ensure state and parental notifications are in place.

Notifications Required:

• To Labor Commissioner: Certificates, compliance matters, and injury reports.
• To Parents/Guardians: Updates to work schedules, safety incidents, and changes in job duties.

Nevada law does not require employers to make child labor compliance reports public.