New York Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: New York Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on New York 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 York's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in New York
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in New York for minors under 18. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
Employment certificates are issued by the state Labor Department for child performers employed in the entertainment industry.
Acquiring a New York Employment Certificate:
In New York, minors can obtain an Employment Certificate both through the New York Department of Labor and 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 York
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 New York law, but it is common practice that agencies will provide certification on request for minors 18 and over.
Acquiring an Age Certificate in New York:
In New York, minors can obtain age certification through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in New York
Minors who are authorized to work in New York 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 per day, 40 per week, 6 days out of the week are permitted when school is off. During a school week, 3 hours of work are permitted per day and up to 18 hours per week.
Students of 14 and 15 enrolled in approved Work Experience and Career Exploration programs may work during school hours up to 3 hours on a school day and 23 hours in a schoolweek.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
A maximum of 8 hours of work per day, 48 per week, 6 days out of the week are permitted. During school 4 hours may be worked before the school day, 8 hours on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday, and up to 28 hours per week, 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: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 21 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 10 p.m. (midnight before school days with written permission from both parent and school and before non-school day with written parental consent) to 6 a.m., while school is in session. Midnight to 6 a.m. while school is not in session.
Special Child Labor Laws in New York
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 York, 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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