Kara Sears
Child labor laws are in place to safeguard the health, well-being, and education of minors under 18 who are employed. These laws vary across states and include restrictions on the number of hours worked, the types of jobs they can do, and the wages they can earn. While federal laws provide a baseline, individual states may have more restrictive provisions, and where state laws offer greater protection to minors, they take precedence over federal laws. This variation in labor laws means that the applicability of certain rules to high school graduates specifically can differ depending on location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Child labor laws | Protect individuals until they turn 18 |
| Work hours for 14-15 year olds | Up to 3 hours on a school day and 23 hours in a school week |
| Work hours for 14-15 year olds | No more than 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week |
| Work hours for 14-15 year olds | No more than 18 hours per week while in school |
| Work hours for 14-15 year olds | Only allowed outside public school hours (from 8:30 a.m.) |
| Work hours for 16-17 year olds | No federal laws restrict the number of hours |
| Work hours for 18 year olds | No federal laws restrict the number of hours |
| Work hours for 18 year olds | Must be paid one and a half times their regular hourly rate when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek |
| Work hours for high school graduates | Several states have less restrictive provisions |
| Work hours restrictions | Do not apply to 18-year-olds, even if they are in high school |
| Hazardous occupations | Prohibited for youth under 18 |
| Hazardous occupations | Prohibited for 14-15 year olds |
| State laws | May differ from federal laws |
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What You'll Learn
- Child labor laws: These laws protect individuals until they turn 18
- Work hour restrictions: Youth under 16 have restricted work hours
- Hazardous occupations: Youth under 18 are prohibited from hazardous work
- Minimum wage: The FLSA establishes a minimum wage for youth workers
- State-specific laws: Some states have unique labor laws for high school graduates
Child labor laws: These laws protect individuals until they turn 18
Child labor laws are designed to protect individuals under the age of 18 from being exposed to hazards and working unreasonable shifts. These laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, which designates many occupations as too dangerous for young workers. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a minimum age of 18 for particularly hazardous occupations or those detrimental to the health and well-being of minors.
Children under the age of 14 are prohibited from employment in non-agricultural occupations covered by the FLSA. However, they may engage in work that is exempt from the FLSA, such as delivering newspapers or babysitting. Fourteen and 15-year-olds are permitted to work outside of school hours in non-manufacturing and non-hazardous jobs for limited periods and under specified conditions. They are also allowed to participate in approved Work Experience and Career Exploration programs, working up to 3 hours on a school day and 23 hours in a school week.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds may be employed for unlimited hours in any occupation other than those declared hazardous. They are also permitted to work as lifeguards at water park features, but not in natural environments like beaches or rivers. Once an individual reaches the age of 18, they are no longer subject to the federal youth employment provisions, and many of the labor laws for youth workers no longer apply.
It is important to note that state laws may differ from federal laws, and in the case of child labor laws, the law providing greater protection to the child is adhered to. Some states exempt high school graduates from certain provisions, such as hour restrictions and night work, or have less restrictive provisions for minors participating in school-work programs. Additionally, more than a dozen U.S. states require school attendance up to the age of 18, which may impact the labor laws applicable to high school graduates.
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Work hour restrictions: Youth under 16 have restricted work hours
In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) governs the employment of youth from those younger than 14 to 18 years old. The FLSA outlines specific restrictions on work hours for youth under 16. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of young workers and to prevent any interference with their education.
For 14 and 15-year-olds, there are limitations on both the number of hours they can work and the times of day they are permitted to work. During a school week, these youths may work up to 23 hours, and during a school day, they are limited to 3 hours. They are also restricted from working before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. However, from June 1 through Labor Day, their permissible hours are extended to 9:00 p.m. These restrictions apply to all youth, including migrant and local children, and ensure that their work does not interfere with their schooling.
There are exceptions to these restrictions for 14 and 15-year-olds enrolled in approved Work Experience and Career Exploration Programs. These students may work during school hours, adhering to the same hourly restrictions as above. Additionally, during non-school hours, they can take on non-hazardous jobs in agriculture, such as on farms, with parental permission.
For 12 and 13-year-olds, the restrictions are even more stringent. They can only work in agriculture on a farm that is exempt from federal minimum wage requirements and only during non-school hours with written parental consent.
Once a young person turns 16, the restrictions on work hours are lifted. They can work any day, for any number of hours, and in any job in agriculture. However, they are still prohibited from engaging in hazardous occupations that may put them at risk.
It is important to note that state laws may differ from federal laws. In some cases, state child labor laws may be more restrictive than federal laws, and in such cases, the state law takes precedence. Several states have their own provisions regarding work hours for minors, especially for high school graduates or those participating in school-work programs. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the specific laws in your state or region to understand the applicable work hour restrictions for youth under 16.
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Hazardous occupations: Youth under 18 are prohibited from hazardous work
In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) governs the employment of youth from ages 14 to 18. Under the FLSA, youth under 18 are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations that may expose them to dangerous conditions or compromise their safety, health, and well-being. These hazardous occupations are outlined in the Child Labor Regulations and include:
- Mining, manufacturing, or processing
- Occupations involving transportation, construction, warehousing, communications, or public utilities
- Working with power-driven machinery (except office machines)
- Baking operations
- Youth peddling, sign waving, or door-to-door sales
- Working from ladders, scaffolds, or similar structures
- Catching or cooping poultry
- Working in freezers or meat coolers
- Working with explosives or explosive components
It is important to note that state laws may impose additional restrictions on top of federal regulations. For example, some states have specific age certification rules for workers aged 18 to 21, and others require school attendance up to 18 years old. Additionally, several states have less restrictive provisions for minors participating in school-work programs or have different hour limitations for those enrolled in school.
While the FLSA provides a framework, the specific labor laws for high school graduates and minors can vary depending on the state and the nature of the occupation. It is crucial for employers to adhere to both federal and state regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of young workers.
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Minimum wage: The FLSA establishes a minimum wage for youth workers
In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. The FLSA requires payment of the federal minimum wage to all covered and non-exempt employees. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, effective 24 July 2009.
The FLSA governs employed youth from those younger than 14 to 18 years old. Fourteen and fifteen-year-olds are permitted to work certain hours when school is in session, but they cannot work in hazardous occupations that would expose them to dangerous conditions or jeopardise their safety or education. Youth workers aged 16 and 17 are permitted to work any number of hours, provided they are not engaged in dangerous occupations that put them at risk.
The 1996 Amendments to the FLSA allow employers to pay a youth minimum wage of $4.25 an hour to employees under 20 years of age during the first 90 consecutive calendar days after initial employment. This law contains certain protections for employees that prohibit employers from displacing any employee in order to hire someone at the youth minimum wage. Eligible employees may be paid the youth wage up to the day before their 20th birthday. On and after their birthday, their pay must be raised to no less than the applicable minimum wage.
It is important to note that state laws may differ from federal laws. Where a state child labour law is more restrictive than federal law, the state law applies. Several states exempt high school graduates from the hours and/or night work or other provisions, or have less restrictive provisions for minors participating in various school-work programs. In cases where an employee is subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher minimum wage.
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State-specific laws: Some states have unique labor laws for high school graduates
In the United States, labour laws for high school graduates vary across different states. While federal labour laws apply to all states, some states have their own unique labour laws that take precedence over federal laws in certain cases.
For instance, several states have specific regulations concerning the working hours of high school students. In Indiana, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico, there are age certification rules for workers aged 18 to 21. Additionally, certain states mandate school attendance up to 18 years of age, impacting the labour laws for high school graduates. In Florida, minors aged 16 and 17 are prohibited from working before 6:30 a.m.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor sets the minimum employment age, restricts work hours for youth under 16, and prohibits hazardous occupations for youth under 18. However, once an individual reaches 18 years of age, many federal labour laws for youth workers no longer apply. At this age, individuals are considered adults and are subject to standard labour laws.
Despite this, some states have distinct provisions for high school graduates. For example, certain states exempt high school graduates from restrictions on working hours or night work. These states may also have less stringent requirements for minors participating in school-work programs.
It is worth noting that when federal and state laws differ, employers are obligated to abide by the regulations that provide greater benefits to the workers. This ensures that workers are afforded the most favourable conditions, regardless of their state of residence.
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Frequently asked questions
Labor laws for high school graduates differ depending on the state and country. In the US, federal labor laws for youth workers generally don't apply once an individual is 18 years old. However, minimum wage provisions for youth workers apply to workers under 20 years old.
Fourteen- and 15-year-olds cannot work over 8 hours a day, with no more than 3 hours on a school day, and no more than 18 hours per week while in school. They also cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and cannot work during school hours.
Yes, both federal and state laws prohibit workers under the age of 18 from being exposed to hazards and working unreasonable shifts. Federal law also prohibits tasks deemed too dangerous for children, regardless of age.
Children of any age are generally permitted to work for businesses entirely owned by their parents, except for those under 16 in mining or manufacturing. Additionally, Section 13(c)(7) of the FLSA permits the employment of certain minors between 14 and 18 in places where machinery is used to process wood products, provided they are exempt from compulsory school attendance and supervised by an adult relative or religious member.
Age certificates are state-mandated or employer-requested documents that legally state the employee's age. They are used to protect employers from unintentional violations of child labor laws by officially documenting the age of minor employees.
