Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), youths 14 and 15 years old may work outside school hours in various non-manufacturing, non-mining, non-hazardous jobs under certain conditions.
Permissible work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds are:
- 3 hours on a school day;
- 18 hours in a school week;
- 8 hours on a non-school day;
- 40 hours in a non-school week; and
- between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., except from June 1 through Labor Day, when nighttime work hours are extended to 9 p.m.
Child labor laws vary from state from state. Please consult your state department of labor for this information.
Webpages on this Topic
What Hours Can Youth Work?
Specific information on permissible work hours for minor employees.
How Many Hours Can Young Workers Work?
Additional information on work hours questions.
How Many Hours Per Day Or Per Week Can An Employee Work?
Additional information on work hours questions.
General Information About the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
An overview of many aspects to the FLSA, ranging from child labor to enforcement.
What Does the FLSA Require?
List of FLSA requirements, with a special section on employment of minors.
Fact Sheet on the Application of the Child Labor Provisions of the FLSA to Grocery Stores
Specific direction on what jobs minor employees of certain ages may perform while employed by grocery stores.
Fact Sheet on the Application of Federal Child Labor Provisions to Amusement Parks and Recreation Establishments
Specific direction on what jobs minor employees of certain ages may perform while employed by amusement parks. Also provided is information on what hours the minor employee may perform these tasks.
elaws Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor - Child Labor Rules
This Advisor answers questions about workers and businesses that are subject to the FLSA's child labor rules.
Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP)
Offers exceptions to the child labor regulations that permit 14- and 15-year-olds to be employed in otherwise prohibited circumstances. WECEP is designed to provide a carefully planned work experience and career exploration program for students who can benefit from a career-oriented education.
State Labor Offices/State Laws
Information on state minimum wage rates and other state child labor topics.
State Departments of Labor Websites
Links to state departments of labor websites and contact information for each department.
Wage and Hour Division: District Office Locations
Addresses and phone numbers for Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division district offices.
Regulations on this Topic
29 CFR §§570.31-34 - Employment of Minors Between 14 and 16 Years of Age
29 CFR §570.35 - Periods and Conditions of Employment (Work Hours)
29 CFR §570.35a - Work experience & career exploration programs (allowable extended work hours)
29 CFR §§570.70 through 570.71 - Hazardous Farm Work Regulation