Child Labor Law

Child labor law, enacted by the Federal Government, restricts when children can work and what jobs they can do. Teens hired for nonagricultural employment (which is just about everything other than farm work) must be at least fourteen. Other child labor law restrictions, regulating the type of positions young workers can hold and the type of work they can do are also in effect.
Child Labor Law: Job Restrictions
18 Years of Age
Once a youth reaches 18 years of age, he or she is no longer subject to the federal youth employment and child labor law provisions.
16 and 17 Years of Age
Sixteen- and 17-year-olds may be employed for unlimited hours in any occupation other than those declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. Examples of equipment declared hazardous in food service establishments include power-driven meat processing machines (meat slicers, saws, patty forming machines, grinders, or choppers), commercial mixers and certain power-driven bakery machines.
14 and 15 Years of Age
During the school year, hours are limited to 3 hours a day and 18 hours a week.