Child labor working hour restrictions by state

Effectively managing youth employment starts with a clear understanding of the rules governing when minors are allowed to work.

Our Fifty state chart on child labor working hour restrictions gives HR teams a comprehensive breakdown of federal and state restrictions on minor work hours, including the maximum number of hours and days a minor may work each week, the maximum daily hours permitted, and timing limitations that dictate which hours of the day minors may work and prohibit work when school is in session.

To support accurate and compliant scheduling, the chart also outlines hour‑specific exemptions that apply directly to these work‑hour rules. It does not include broader child‑labor exemptions, ensuring HR professionals can focus on the details that directly affect scheduling and workforce planning.

This chart intentionally excludes rules that apply only to minors employed in the entertainment industry, as well as other child‑labor topics such as prohibited or permitted occupations, work certificates, and meal or rest break requirements for minors, keeping the focus squarely on hour‑based compliance.

In nearly all cases, employers must follow the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements whenever they provide greater protections than state law. Only in rare scenarios—when an employer is not covered by the FLSA or a minor is exempt from it while still covered under state law—may state rules take precedence. This makes the chart an essential tool for HR teams aiming to ensure full compliance and protect young workers while minimizing legal risk.

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