Iowa Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Iowa Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Iowa 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 Iowa's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Iowa
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Iowa 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.
Employment and age certificates are issued by both the Iowa Workforce Development Department and the schools.
Acquiring an Iowa Employment Certificate:
In Iowa, Employment Certificates for minors are issued by the Iowa Department of Labor. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in Iowa
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 Iowa law, but it is common practice that agencies will provide certification on request for minors under 16.
Acquiring an Age Certificate in Iowa:
In Iowa, minors can obtain age certification both through the Iowa Department of Labor and through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Iowa
Minors who are authorized to work in Iowa 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:
When school is in session minors may work 4 hours per school day and up to 28 per week, 8 hours per day and 40 in a week are permitted when school is not in session.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Iowa has no restrictions on maximum working hours for minors aged 16 and 17.
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. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Iowa has no restrictions on nightwork for minors aged 16 and 17.
Special Child Labor Laws in Iowa
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 Iowa, 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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