Sept. 20, 2018

Teen work-hours limited during school year

School is back in session

Now that school is back in session, the hours minor employees can work are limited.

Whether minor employees make up a large or small portion of your workforce, it is important to understand what hours and how many hours a minor may work when school is in session to ensure your business is compliant with child labor laws.

The following information will guide you through Minnesota's restrictions for minors.

Hours minor employees age 14 and 15 can work

• Minor employees age 14 or 15 may not work before 7 a.m.
• Minor employees age 14 or 15  may not work later than 9 p.m.
• Minor employees age 14 or 15 may not work more than 40 hours in a work week or more than eight hours in a 24-hour period.
• Minors younger than 16 may not work during school hours unless they have an employment certificate issued by the school district superintendent, the superintendent's agent or some other person designated by the Minnesota Department of Education and they have an exemption permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

Note:  The U.S. Department of  Labor enforces additional restrictions for minors under the age of 16. To ensure you are compliant with Minnesota and federal child labor guidelines, call us at 651-284-5075 for state guidelines and call the federal Department of Labor at 612-370-3341 for federal guidelines.

Hours high school students age 16 and 17 can work 

• High school students age 16 or 17 may not work before 5 a.m. on a school day.
• High school students age 16 or 17 may not work later than 11 p.m. on a school night.
• High school students age 16 or 17 may work later than 11 p.m. and earlier than 5 a.m. on nonschool days and nights.
• Note:  Minors may work before 4:30 a.m. on a school day or as late as 11:30 p.m. on a school night with written parental permission.

Who is a high school student?

Restrictions on hours worked apply to high school students enrolled in a traditional high school, as well as those who are home schooled or attend an online school. The term "high school student" does not include a student enrolled in an alternative education program.

Questions?

Labor Standards serves the citizens of Minnesota by providing 
information about the state's wage, hour and employment laws.

 Phone:  651-284-5070 or 800-342-5354
Email:  dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us
Web:  www.dli.mn.gov

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