Back to school brings limits on work hours for teens

Published 5:59 pm Friday, September 16, 2016

Changes to work hours and requirements for teens are here.

The state Department of Labor & Industries is reminding employers that they have until the Sept. 30 deadline to renew and have on file permission from parents and schools for teens to work during the school year. The permission must include start and quit times and job duties and be signed by the employer, teen, parent and school authority.

In addition to the authorization, employers should keep a copy of the teen worker’s proof of age, such as their birth certificate, driver’s license or passport.

For non-agricultural jobs, 14- and 15-year-olds can work three hours per day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for no more than 16 hours, six days a week. Teens aged 16-17 can work four hours per day between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) for no more than 20 hours, six days a week. Teens aged 16-17 can work up to 28 hours per week, with six-hour shifts during the school week, but only with special permission from their school and parents.

A list of work hours for teens working in agricultural jobs during weeks school is in session can be found at L&I’s teen worker webpage.