FLSA - Child Labor Rules

You have indicated that you are 16 years old or older. Remember, if you are 18 years old or older, the FLSA child labor rules do not apply.

The basic minimum age for employment under the FLSA is 16. This means that under the FLSA child labor rules, with the exception of certain hazardous jobs, you may work for any number of hours, at any time of day, and in any occupation. The occupations that the Secretary of Labor has found to be too dangerous, or detrimental to the health or welfare of youth younger than 18, are listed on the next page.

There are some "exemptions" for apprentices and student-learners that might let you work in these hazardous conditions under close supervision, if certain conditions are met. (These exemptions will be explained later.) However, there is no parental exemption with respect to these hazardous jobs. If the business you work for is covered by the FLSA, you may not be employed in these jobs, even if employed by your parents.

FLSA Section 13(c)(7) creates a limited exemption from the youth employment provisions for certain minors 14 through 17 years of age who are excused from compulsory school attendance beyond the eighth grade. This exemption allows eligible youth to be employed inside and outside of businesses that use machinery to process wood products (such as sawmills, furniture manufacturers, garden shed and gazebo manufacturers, cabinet makers and pallet shops) with some restrictions, but does not allow them to operate or assist in the operation of power-driven woodworking machinery.

You also may want to find out about your state's child labor rules, especially if you are still in school. When state and Federal child labor rules are different, the rule that provides the most protection to you is the one that must be followed.

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