Age restrictions for working teens

Minimum age

A minor under the age of 14 may not be employed, except as:

• a newspaper carrier (at least 11 years of age);

• in agriculture (at least 12 years of age and with parental/guardian consent);

• an actor, actress or model; or

• a youth athletic program referee (at least 11 years of age and with parental or guardian consent).

Age and hours of work

A minor less than 16 years of age

A minor less than 16 years of age may not work:

• before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.* with the exception of a newspaper carrier;

• for more than 40 hours a week or more than eight hours per 24-hour period*, except in agriculture;

• on school days during school hours, without an employment certificate issued by the school district superintendent (see Minnesota Statutes 181A.05).

*During the school year, federal law restricts hours worked to no later than 7 p.m., no more than three hours a day and not more than 18 hours in a week.

A minor age 16 or 17 years old

By state law, 16- and 17-year old high school students may not work after 11 p.m. on evenings before school days or before 5 a.m. on school days. With written permission from a parent or guardian, these hours may be expanded to 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. No other limit is set for 16- and 17-year-olds.

For more information

Contact us at dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us, 651-284-5075 or 800-342-5354.