Child Labor Laws in Wyoming

Wyoming’s child labor laws strike the right balance between providing valuable work opportunities to minors and protecting their education, health, and safety. Enforced and administered by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, these regulations closely align with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). But they also include state-specific requirements, such as proper documentation and proof of age, to ensure compliance with the child labor laws. Let’s take a look at Wyoming’s child labor laws

How the State Regulates Child Labor

Wyoming’s law enforces strict rules regarding minimum age, work hours, and prohibits minors from working in hazardous occupations. The state’s Labor Standards Office oversees compliance and ensures that all employers maintain proper proof-of-age records and prevent minors from working in dangerous conditions. While federal law (FLSA) provides the baseline standards, the state adds further protections, such as consistent statewide enforcement and mandatory proof of age for all minors under the age of 16.

Relation to Federal Law

The state law works in conjunction with the federal FLSA for most core protections, such as keeping 14 as the general minimum for non-agricultural work, special hour restrictions for minors under 16 years of age, and no one under 18 can do federally prohibited hazardous jobs. However, when state rules clash with the federal rules, employers must follow the stricter standards to protect the interests of minors.​

Minimum Working Age in Wyoming

In Wyoming, the general minimum working age is set at 14 years for most non-agricultural work. However, some exceptions exist. For instance, 

• Working on a farm
• Providing domestic help
• Performing lawn/yard service jobs
• Working for one’s parents/grandparents/guardians in non-hazardous occupations outside school hours
• Delivering newspapers and babysitting
• Working in the entertainment industry

Work Permits for Minors in Wyoming

As of 2025, minors are not required to obtain a work permit to start employment. However, minors under 16 years of age must provide a proof of age document, such as a birth certificate, an I-9, or other approved document, to their employers for record purposes. 

Employers must also maintain a record of a minor’s work schedule and details for compliance checks.​

Hour Restrictions for Minors in Wyoming

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).​

16- and 17-year-olds:

• No state-specific limits
• Must not work during school hours 
• Must not work in occupations deemed hazardous by the state and federal governments.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors in Wyoming

Both state and federal laws restrict minors from working in hazardous occupations. The table below sheds light on these off-limits. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Civil Penalties: Employers who violate child labor laws are subject to civil penalties, substantial fines, and potential business sanctions. Willful or repeated violations can lead to more severe consequences under both state and federal law.​
• Parental Liabilities: 
  • Usually not held liable for law violations unless they knowingly employ their child in hazardous conditions or without age documentation. 
  • Can employ their own children on family farms or businesses in non-hazardous, non-school-hour jobs, and with limited restrictions.​

HR Notifications and Documentation

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.