Tennessee Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Tennessee Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Tennessee 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 Tennessee's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Tennessee
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are not required in order for minors to work under Tennessee law. Employers are still responsible for ensuring that they comply with all Tennessee child labor restrictions and regulations.
No age certificates are issued in Tennessee. However, all employers of minors under age 18 must obtain and keep on file proof of the minor's age.
A copy of the minor's birth certificate, passport, driver's license, State issued identification, or parent's oath as to the minor's age are considered acceptable proofs of age under the child labor law.
Age Certification in Tennessee
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 Tennessee. 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 Tennessee
Minors who are authorized to work in Tennessee 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:
Maximum hours/days when school is not in session: 8 hours daily / 40 hours weekly/ 6 days weekly.
Maximum hours/days when school is in session: 3 hours daily/ 18 hours weekly.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Tennessee 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. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. to 6 a.m. before non-school days)
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Sunday - Thursday before school days) (midnight with parental permission up to 3 nights a week)
Special Child Labor Laws in Tennessee
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 Tennessee, 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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