FLSA - Child Labor Rules

In most instances, because your child is younger than 12 years old, he or she may not work in agriculture on a farm. However, if a farm is not required to pay the minimum wage under the FLSA, your child is allowed to work on that farm. Generally, a farm that does not have to pay the minimum wage is one that is small and does not have very many workers. You may need to check this with the farm owner before you let your child begin work.

If it is an exempt (i.e., small) farm, your child may only work during hours when school is not in session, and he or she must have your permission to be employed. Also, there are some dangerous jobs that your child may not perform. The Secretary of Labor has found that these jobs are too hazardous for anyone under 16 years of age. These dangerous jobs are listed on the next page.

Please note that the child labor rules are the same for all youth, migrant children as well as local resident children.

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