State and federal laws set age, hour, and job restrictions for minors working in 2025 to protect their safety. Review employment limits for children across all fifty states, including agricultural rules, certificates, and non-hazardous job requirements.
By Douglas Wade, Attorney
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Businesses that recruit employees under 18 must obey the regulations for child labor so they do not face charges and fines.
Child labor is governed by both state and federal laws to protect children from unfair treatment and unfair work settings.
Because navigating federal and state labor regulations regarding child labor can be challenging, we’ve included a guide to assist you in comprehending the following employment restrictions:
You can stay in compliance with federal and state laws and prevent heavy fines & civil penalties by being aware of these working norms and regulations surrounding the employment of children in the United States.
The FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) establishes the guidelines for firms to hire minors at the federal level.
The act governs various facets of child labor, including:
Federal and state restrictions may differ because many states have their own laws pertaining to child labor. The more stringent law’s provisions will be applicable in such circumstances.
1. Federal regulations on the working hours of children in non-agricultural occupations
The federal law restricts the number of hours of employment for young people in non-agricultural occupations alongside the minimum working age regulations.
Anyone aged eighteen years or higher can take on unlimited hours at any kind of job, the FLSA says, no matter the risks involved. Those who are between 16 and 17 years old are allowed to work as many hours as they want in non-risky jobs.
Minors between 14 and 15 years old are not allowed to work by the FLSA:
2. Federal prohibitions on minors working in non-agricultural occupations
Some occupations can be hazardous and harmful to children’s health and welfare. According to the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), these non-agricultural jobs are dangerous for children.
Therefore, the following professions are off-limits to kids below the age of 18:
The Secretary of Labor asserts that compared to other non-agricultural employment, these jobs have greater potential risks. The required minimum age is raised as a result.
3. State-specific minimum working age
Many states have passed legislation governing the employment of minors, even though federal law clearly lays out guidelines on child labor.
Similar to federal regulations, state laws govern:
The minimum working age restrictions for both agricultural & non-agricultural occupations for each state will be discussed here.
For adolescents who engage in agricultural vocations both during and outside of school hours, several US states have individual minimum working age regulations.
The following list discusses:
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work in California
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
We must also understand the days and hours limits for minors after knowing the legal age to work in California.
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
For adolescents below the age of sixteen, an agriculture permit or proof of age is necessary in addition to an employment certificate.
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
N/A
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Proof of age and an employment certificate are necessary for all children below the age of eighteen.
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
N/A
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
N/A
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
N/A
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
N/A
The necessary certificates
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
Legal age to work
The number of days and hours that a minor can work
The necessary certificates
N/A
There are now 17 states that prohibit children from working in agriculture, despite the fact that many states permit it. These states include:
Minors are prohibited from working in agriculture in these states.
The federal age requirement for work in non-agricultural occupations is 14. There are rules that specify the kinds of work and the hours adolescents can have in jobs that are not farm-related.
People who are below the age of 14 aren’t allowed to work in those jobs that could risk their health and well-being. At the same time, 14- and 15-year-olds aren’t allowed to take jobs during the hours of school. 16- and 17-year-olds can work as much as they like, yet only in jobs that are not dangerous.
The following federal limits (hours) are applicable to non-agricultural jobs for children between the ages of 14 and 15:
States have their own laws governing the working hours of non-agricultural workers under the ages of 16 and 17, in addition to federal standards. Let’s examine them below:
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours per week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to nine hours a day and twenty-three hours a week (including school and job hours). Over school weeks, up to six days a week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Six days a week, maximum.
Night Work
From 9 pm to 5 am, minors under the age of 16 are not permitted to work.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours per week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work between 9:30 pm (11 pm on non-school days) to 6 am or from 7 pm to 6 am while doing deliveries or selling things door-to-door.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Eight hours a day, forty-eight hours a week. Maximum of six days a week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Teens aged 16 have to follow the rule of working no more than ten hours every 24 hours or one day.
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours per week. Companies need to check the legal age to work in California in addition to knowing the days and hours limits.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Up to eight hours a day and forty-eight hours every week while school is not in session. During the school term, up to four hours a day and twenty-eight hours a week (combined job and school hours). 8 hours on any day before a day off from school.
Night Work
Anyone under the age of sixteen cannot work at all between 7 pm (9 pm from June 1 until Labor Day) and 7 am. The law does not allow people aged 16 and 17 to work from 10 pm (12:30 am on days off from school) to 5 am. These laws are strict and as per the accepted legal age to work in California.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
During school hours, up to eight hours a day and forty hours per week are allowed. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
The maximum limit is 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day.
Night Work
Prior to the beginning of the school day, those who are below the age of sixteen are not permitted to work between 9:30 pm and 5 am.
Maximum number of days and hours that minors below 16 can work
When the youngster is on a longer than five-day school vacation, commerce tasks are allowed up to eight hours a day and forty hours per week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During school hours, up to four hours a day and eighteen hours per week are allowed. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
12 hours a day, including school and job hours.
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm (9 pm from June 1 until Labor Day) to 7 am. Minors aged 16 and 17 are not permitted to labor for eight hours straight, and each 24-hour day must include non-school time.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. Unless registered in vocational institutions, up to three hours a day and fifteen hours a week when after a school day. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
During the academic year, up to eight hours a day and thirty hours a week. At most six days a week.
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. Up to four hours per day while classes are in session.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Children under 16 are not permitted to work between 9 pm and 6 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Working from 7 pm to 7 am is prohibited for minors under the age of 16 (9 pm to 6 am during approved school breaks).
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
54 hours a week, a maximum of nine hours a day.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Children under 16 are not permitted to work between 9 pm and 6 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty-eight hours every week while school is not in session. Up to three hours every day (eight hours total between job and school). Up to twenty-four hours a week while classes are in session.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Except for June 1 until Labor Day, when work can be prolonged till 9 pm, there is no employment before 7 am or after 7 pm for people under 16.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours per week. Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Minors aged 16 and 17 may work up to nine hours a day and forty hours a week during a school week if they have enrollment in school. Forty-eight hours in a week when there is no school. Six days a week, maximum.
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
During the school day, up to six hours each day and twenty-eight hours per week. Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Except for June 1 until Labor Day, when work can be prolonged till 9 pm, there is no employment before 7 am or after 7 pm for people under 16.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Before the school day begins, minors under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work between 10 pm and 7 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours per week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Six hours a day, thirty hours a week (eight hours on Sat and Sun) if registered in school. With parental approval and a minimum grade point average of 2.0, a maximum of forty hours a week is permitted.
Night Work
From June 1 to Labor Day, 16-year-old workers can finish work at 9 pm if needed, but they are prohibited from working before 7 am and after 7 pm any other time. People between the ages of 16 and 17 cannot work during school hours from 11 pm (1 am on Friday and Saturday) to 6 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
During the non-school period, up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week for six days in a row. During the school term, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week for six days in a row.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
50 hours a week for six days in a row during a no-school week, and up to 10 hours a day if enrolled in school. Up to six hours every day for six days in a row during an academic week, and twenty-four hours every week (with the exception of eight hours on the final day of the week).
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During school hours, up to four hours a day and twenty-three hours a week are allowed. If a kid doesn’t work outside of school hours for more than six days in a row, they may work up to eight hours on Saturday and Sunday. No more than twenty-four hours should be spent working outside of school.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
12 hours a day, including school and work hours.
Night Work
From 8 pm (9 pm on Memorial Day until Labor Day) until 7 am, minors under the age of 16 are not permitted to work. Minors aged 16 and 17 are not permitted to work more than eight hours straight without a break on non-school days.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours per week. Up to eight hours a day and forty-eight hours every week while school is not in session. On Sundays, Saturdays, and holidays, up to eight hours per day. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
No matter the time of day, up to nine hours a day and forty-eight hours a week. As much as six days a week.
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
48 hours a week (including school and work hours) and a maximum of ten a day. Up to eight hours every day on days when school is not in session. Six days a week, maximum. No employment during the school hours.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Ten hours a day, including school and work hours. 48 hours during a non-school week and up to 24 hours during a school week. Six days a week, maximum. No employment during the school hours.
Night Work
No one under 16 can work during the hours between 9 pm and 7 am. Any person under 18 who works while registered in school cannot work between 11:30 pm and 6 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
40 hours a week, up to eight hours a day.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Working in a mill, cannery, factory, or workshop for up to eight hours every day and forty-four hours every week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Working in a mill, cannery, factory, or workshop between 7 pm and 6 am is prohibited for minors under the age of 16.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. Up to three hours every day during the school day. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm to 7 am (9 pm from June 1 until Labor Day; 10:30 pm for regional expositions or fairs).
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Depending on municipal norms, minors under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm to 7 am (9 pm in non-school periods, which may include June 1 until Labor Day).
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
48 hours a week, up to eight hours a day.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
18-year-olds are not permitted to work between 8 pm and 6 am Minors aged 14 and 15 are not permitted to work from 10 pm (after 10 pm on a non-school day; they require a special permit to work after that time) until 6 in the morning.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
48 hours a week, up to eight hours a day.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
N/A
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours every day when classes are not in session. If registered in school, a maximum of 48 hours a week on vacation. If registered in school, up to three hours a day and twenty-three hours per week throughout the school day.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Up to six workdays and no more than forty-eight hours a week if registered in school and during vacation. Up to six workdays and no more than thirty hours a week if registered in school and if not on vacation.
Night Work
Children under 16 are not permitted to work between 9 pm and 7 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
40 hours a week, as much as eight a day. Only between the final day of classes and Labor Day can minors 16 years of age and older work a maximum of ten hours a day and fifty hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm to 7 am (9 pm during non-school weeks from the final day of classes through Labor Day with written authorization). Minors aged 16 and 17 are not permitted to work during the school day from 11 pm to 6 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm (9 pm beyond the regular school year) until 7 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
A maximum of eight hours a day and a maximum of 48 hours throughout the week (Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays) during non-school time (when enrolled in classes). Up to four hours a day and twenty-eight hours a week may be used on the day before going to school (Monday through Thursday).
Night Work
Minors who aren’t sixteen years old can’t work between the hours of 7 pm at night and 7 am in the morning. From 10 pm (or 12 am when agreed with the school) to the next morning at 6 am, people aged 16 or 17 are not permitted to work except during weekends or when they have no classes the following day.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
People under the age of sixteen are not allowed to hold jobs from 7 pm to 7 am (9 pm throughout summer vacation).
People aged 16 & 17 are not permitted to work during the hours of 11 pm to 5 am before the start of the school day (unless they have formal parental & school consent).
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During school hours, up to three hours a day and eighteen hours a week (if not excused from classroom attendance). Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm (9 pm from June 1 until Labor Day) to 7 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Minors who aren’t sixteen years old can’t work between the hours of 7 pm at night and 7 am in the morning.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
44 hours a week, including emergency overtime with a permit.
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm (9 pm from June 1 until Labor Day) to 7 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
48 hours a week and a maximum of ten per day during the non-school period. Up to eight hours a day, twenty-eight hours a week, during the school day. Up to six days in a row.
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 7 pm to 7 am (10 pm from June through Labor Day vacations). Minors aged 16 and 17 are prohibited from working from 12 pm (1 am before a non-school day) until 6 am if they have enrollment in school.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
40 hours a week, a maximum of eight a day.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
During the academic year, up to nine hours each day and forty-eight hours a week.
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are prohibited from working from 7 pm (9 pm on school breaks) to 6 am; if they are enrolled in school regularly, 16 and 17-year-olds are prohibited from working from 11:30 pm (1:30 am on non-school days) to 6 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Under-16-year-olds are prohibited from working from 7 pm to 7 am (9 pm in the school district’s summer break).
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During school hours, up to four hours a day and twenty hours a week are allowed. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
After 10 pm before the start of the school day, minors under the age of 16 are not permitted to work.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week or more
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Minors who aren’t sixteen years old can’t work between the hours of 7 pm at night and 7 am in the morning. (9 pm to 6 am on non-school days); teenagers aged sixteen and seventeen are prohibited from working from 10 pm to 6 am (Sunday through Thursday before school days; midnight with guardian/parental authorization up to three evenings a week).
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
48 hours a week, up to eight hours a day.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Children under the age of sixteen are not permitted to work from 10 pm (midnight on non-school days or during the summer if they don’t participate in summer school) until 5 am.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. Up to four hours per day while classes are in session.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Minors who are not 16 years old cannot work between the hours of 9:30 pm at night and 5 am in the morning prior to the start of the school day.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Minors who aren’t sixteen years old can’t work between the hours of 7 pm at night and 7 am in the morning.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Minors who aren’t sixteen years old can’t work between the hours of 7 pm at night and 7 am in the morning.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During school hours, up to three hours a day and sixteen hours per week are allowed. On Sundays and Saturdays, up to eight hours a day. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
Up to eight hours a day and forty-eight hours every week while school is not in session. During school hours, up to four hours a day and twenty hours per week are allowed. On Fri, Sat, and Sun, with a maximum limit of eight hours a day. With permission from the student, employer, parents, and school, up to six hours a day and twenty-eight hours per week.
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
Up to eight hours a day and forty hours a week while school is not in session. During the school day, up to three hours each day and eighteen hours a week. Six days a week, maximum.
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
NA
Night Work
Minors who aren’t sixteen years old can’t work between the hours of 7 pm at night and 7 am in the morning.
Maximum number of days & hours that minors below 16 can work
N/A
The maximum allowed days and hours for people aged 16 and 17
N/A
Night Work
Younger than 16-year-olds are prohibited from working from 10 pm (midnight preceding a non-school day and for unenrolled minors) to 5 am.
1. Which state’s minimum age to work is the youngest?
The youngest age to work is found in the state of Illinois. In particular, 12-year-olds are permitted to work in agriculture during school hours under Illinois’ child labor statute, but the minimum age requirement for children who want to work after school is 10.
Nevada & North Dakota have regulations against child labor that require minors to be no less than fourteen years old in order to work in agricultural jobs during school hours.
Vermont, Massachusetts, & New Mexico are among the other states that permit 14-year-olds with labor certification to work farming during school hours (but only in hardship situations).
Besides, if a juvenile is involved in foraging beans or berries not during school, they must be at least 9 years old, while their parent(s) agreed to it as well.
2. Are 12-year-olds able to work in the United States?
This is possible, although there can be some restrictions. Many employment opportunities do not let twelve-year-olds participate in jobs that are not related to farming. Still, kids 12 years old and younger can work by cutting grass, feeding and walking pets, cleaning cars, windows, and fences, swimming in the pool, or assisting inside the home.
3. Which states do not let 14-year-individuals work?
There are several exceptions, even though the majority of states have a minimum authorized working age of 14. For instance, the minimum age to work in Georgia is twelve due to child labor stipulations. Nevertheless, only employers exempt from the FLSA are subject to these regulations.
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Amit2025-06-13 11:53:122025-06-13 11:53:14Legal Age to Work in 2025: Employment Limits for Minors
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Amit2025-06-13 11:29:442025-06-13 11:29:45Abusive Conduct Under California Law: Definition, Workplace Examples, and Employer Obligations
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Amit2025-06-13 11:27:332025-06-13 11:27:35Minimum Wage in San Diego 2025: Updated City and County Pay Rates for Employers
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Amit2025-06-06 15:40:022025-06-06 15:40:04California Labor Law: 2025 Employer & Employee Guide to Wages, Breaks, Leave, and Rights
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Nakase2025-06-06 15:00:512025-06-06 15:08:10California Final Paycheck Law: Payment Timelines, Legal Rules, and Employer Responsibilities
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Amit2025-06-06 14:58:382025-06-06 14:58:40Can You Work at 14 in California? Laws, Restrictions, and Permits for 14- and 15-Year-Olds
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Amit2025-06-06 14:55:152025-06-06 14:55:50How Many Hours Is a 9-5 Job? Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
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Amit2025-05-30 11:30:382025-05-30 11:30:40Exempt Employee California: 2025 Rules, Salary Thresholds & Classification Tests Explained
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Amit2025-05-30 11:18:142025-05-30 11:19:53Fair Chance Employers: A 2025 Guide to Compliant and Inclusive Hiring Practices
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Amit2025-05-30 11:13:332025-05-30 11:13:34PAGA Claims in California: How Workers Can File and What Penalties Employers Face
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Amit2025-05-30 11:11:002025-05-30 11:11:02How Many Hours Can a 16 Year Old Work? A Complete Guide to U.S. Child Labor Laws
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Amit2025-05-30 11:04:302025-05-30 11:04:31New Hire Forms Checklist: Required Documents & Onboarding Essentials for Employers
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Amit2025-05-23 10:46:552025-05-23 11:03:33Comp Day Explained: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Calculate It Correctly
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Amit2025-05-23 10:39:592025-05-23 11:04:07Work Permit California: Requirements, Age Limits, and Job Restrictions for Minors
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Amit2025-05-23 10:37:292025-05-23 11:03:12Split Shift Meaning Explained: How It Works, Benefits, Laws, and Real-World Examples
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Amit2025-05-16 07:34:542025-05-16 07:36:08Is California an At-Will State? 4 Key Exceptions You Need to Know
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Amit2025-05-16 02:25:172025-05-16 02:26:27California Pay Data Reporting: 2025 Deadline, New MENA Category, and Updated Filing Requirements
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Amit2025-05-16 02:18:072025-05-16 02:19:49Family Leave California: Paid Family Leave Benefits, Eligibility, and Updates for 2025
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Amit2025-05-16 02:16:542025-05-16 02:16:55California Child Labor Laws: Key Rules About Work Permits, Hours, and Restrictions for Minors
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Amit2025-05-16 02:14:182025-05-16 02:14:19California Minimum Wage Increase 2025: New Rates for State, Fast Food, Healthcare, and Localities
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Amit2025-05-16 02:12:462025-05-16 02:12:48Background Check California: Laws, What Shows Up, and How to Clear Your Record
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Amit2025-05-09 12:18:042025-05-09 12:18:05How Many Hours Can a Minor Work in California? A Complete Guide to Labor Laws and Restrictions
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Amit2025-05-09 12:12:522025-05-09 12:15:40California Overtime Law: Rules, Exemptions, Pay Rates, and Worker Rights Explained
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Amit2025-05-09 11:53:012025-05-09 11:54:38How to Calculate Overtime in California: Daily, Weekly, and Double Time Pay Explained
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Amit2025-05-09 11:51:042025-05-09 11:51:06What is Comp Time for PTO? A Complete Guide for Employers and Employees
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Amit2025-05-07 10:22:582025-05-07 10:22:59No Tax on Overtime in California: 2025 Policy Updates, Exemption Timeline, and What Workers Should Expect
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Amit2025-05-07 10:20:222025-05-07 10:20:23Minimum Wage in California 2025: State and City Rates Explained
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Amit2025-05-07 10:18:032025-05-07 10:19:10California Fast Food Minimum Wage 2025: Statewide and Local Updates
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Amit2025-05-07 10:16:472025-05-07 10:16:48How old do you have to be to work? Age limits explained
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Amit2025-05-07 10:11:572025-05-07 10:13:08Workplace Culture and Hostile Work Environments in California: Your Rights and Legal OptionsSee all blogs: Business | Corporate | Employment