You may hire youth as workers, but there are certain considerations when employing minors. Federal child labor law generally prohibits you from employing minors under the age of 14 in nonagricultural occupations, restricts the hours and types of work that can be performed by minors under 16, and prohibits the employment of minors under the age of 18 in any hazardous occupation. Different child labor law standards apply to agricultural employment.

Detailed information on Federal and state child labor laws is available on YouthRules.gov.

Questions? We’re here to help.

We are committed to helping you understand your responsibilities as an employer. Many questions about youth employment may be answered by using the following elaws (Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses) Advisor:

For additional assistance, please contact:

  • The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor: 1-866-4-US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243)
  • Your state Labor Office

All discussions with us are free and confidential.

Learn about WHD