Trending
HARRISBURG -- As students return to school, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry is reminding young workers, parents and employers about state laws governing the employment of minors.
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act limits the hours minors may work, restricts them from certain hazardous jobs and establishes requirements for work permits and other conditions of employment. The law applies to workers under age 18.
"As students head back to school, many will continue building valuable skills and earning income through part-time jobs, but those opportunities should never come at the expense of their safety or education," Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said.
Walker said most employers seek to comply with the law, but the department takes violations of protections for minors seriously.
In 2025, Labor & Industry investigated 1,265 child labor cases and found 231 companies in violation of the Child Labor Act.
Under state law, children under age 14 generally may not work, with limited exceptions.
When school is in session, 14- and 15-year-olds may work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. They are limited to three hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week.
Workers ages 16 and 17 may work between 6 a.m. and midnight when school is in session. They may work up to eight hours on a school day and 40 hours during a school week.
State and federal laws also prohibit minors from working in occupations considered hazardous. Prohibited work includes crane operation, electrical installation or repair, excavation, roofing, demolition and certain woodworking involving power tools.
Special rules also apply to children who work or volunteer as performers. Employers must obtain child entertainment permits for young performers, including minors performing at Halloween-themed attractions.
The Bureau of Labor Law Compliance investigates potential violations of the Child Labor Act. Complaints may be submitted by workers, parents, employers, school officials, co-workers or members of the public.