New Hampshire Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: New Hampshire Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in New Hampshire
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in New Hampshire 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.
In New Hampshire, work certificates are not required for 16- and 17-year-olds to be employed. Instead, employers must acquire and maintain on file a signed, written document from the youth's parent or legal guardian authorizing the employment. The New Hampshire Department of Safety may issue age certificates to 16- and 17-year-olds as required.
Acquiring a New Hampshire Employment Certificate:
In New Hampshire, minors can obtain an Employment Certificate through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in New Hampshire
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in New Hampshire. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in New Hampshire
Minors who are authorized to work in New Hampshire 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:
8 hours of work on non-school day, 48-hours per week are allowed during vacation, if enrolled in school. During a school week: 3 hours of work are permitted per day and 23 per week if enrolled in school.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
A 48-hour work week, with work up to 6-days per week, is permitted during vacation, if enrolled in school. A 30-hour work week, with work up to 6-days per week, is permitted if enrolled in school.
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: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
New Hampshire has no restrictions on nightwork for minors aged 16 and 17.
Special Child Labor Laws in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire, see the following pages.
- Entertainment Industry Child Labor Laws in New Hampshire
- Agricultural Child Labor Laws in New Hampshire
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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