Arkansas Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Arkansas Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Arkansas and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details Arkansas' child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Arkansas
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Arkansas for minors under 16. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
Acquiring an Arkansas Employment Certificate:
In Arkansas, Employment Certificates for minors are issued by the Arkansas Department of Labor. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in Arkansas
Age certification is a process through which minors provide proof of their age to a prospective employer, which helps ensure that all child labor laws mandated for their age bracket are followed.
Age certification is not required under Arkansas law, but it is common practice that agencies will provide certification on request for minors 16 and 17 .
Acquiring an Age Certificate in Arkansas:
Under Arkansas law, age certification for minors is carried out by the Arkansas Department of Labor.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Arkansas
Minors who are authorized to work in Arkansas are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
Up to 8 hours of work are permitted per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
10 hours per day, 54 per week, 6 days per week are permitted (for 16 year-olds only). There are no maximum hours for 17 year-olds.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. before non-school day) to 6 a.m
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. before school day (for 16 year-olds only; no requirements for 17 year-olds)
Special Child Labor Laws in Arkansas
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in Arkansas, see the following pages.
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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