Youth Employment Laws & Employer Compliance
Employers hiring workers under 18 are responsible for complying with federal and state child labor laws. Requirements vary by state, age, and job duties.
The following official government resources explain employer responsibilities when hiring minors in this jurisdiction.
- Employment / Age Certificates (U.S. Department of Labor)
- State labor or workforce agency
- Federal child labor rules (FLSA – Workers Under 18)
- YouthRules! – Employer compliance guidance
Employer responsibility: Employers are legally responsible for verifying
age eligibility, work permits (if required), allowable hours, and prohibited duties.
Penalties may apply for non-compliance.
Employer obligations
- Verify employee age
- Obtain work permits if required
- Follow hour and scheduling limits
- Avoid prohibited or hazardous jobs
- Maintain required records
Federal baseline
Federal law generally sets 14 as the minimum age for non-agricultural employment, restricts hours for workers under 16, and prohibits hazardous jobs under 18.
Need guidance?
If you’re unsure how youth employment laws apply to your business, consult your state labor agency or contact TeenWorks.