Labor and Labor Practices

Children from 16 to 17 years old may work in any non-hazardous job; there is no limitation on the number of hours they may work. Jobs classified as hazardous include work with explosives or radioactive materials, work using various types of machinery, and operation of motor vehicles. Most jobs in certain industries such as logging and meat packing are also deemed hazardous.

Children aged 14 to 15 may work in certain nonhazardous jobs, but limitations are more stringent than for 16- and 17-year-old youth; e.g., they may not work in construction jobs. The hours they may work are regulated during the school year to no more than three hours on a school day and no more than 18 hours during a school week; when school is not in session they may work up to 40 hours per week. They may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. during most of the year; the evening limit is extended to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day.

Children younger than 14 may work only in businesses owned by their parents (with hazardous jobs not permitted) and certain exempt jobs such as acting and delivery of newspapers.