Child Labor

The child labor articles below briefly explain youth-worker provisions in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which is sometimes referred to as the Federal child labor law.

Topics include the minimum legal work age and maximum-allowable daily and weekly work hours for youth workers.

Resource links are provided for conducting further research into state and Federal child labor laws, such as employer compliance requirements.

State and Federal child labor laws apply to youths under age 18 in most cases. For youths age 16-17, the laws typically restrict work to non-hazardous jobs, but do not restrict work hours.

For youths age 15 and under, the laws typically restrict work to non-hazardous jobs and also restrict work hours, mostly to accommodate school when in session.

As with most laws, there are exceptions. Learn more about child labor and related laws in the articles linked below.

Child Labor Topics

Child Labor
Summarizes Federal child labor law provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Also provides links for researching state and Federal child labor laws, and employer compliance requirements.

Topics Related to Child Labor

Click on a link below to display the related topic indicated. Click on the to display the section from which the related topic originates.

Minimum Wage
Minimum wage basics, including the current Federal amount for workers who are under age 20.

Work Hours for Minors - Child Labor
Expands the Child Labor article above by providing additional information about work hour restrictions for minors based on age, under Federal child labor law.

For information about adult work hours and overtime, see Hours.