Start of School Means Limits on Work Hours For TeensThe start of school signals limits on work hours for teenagers in Washington state. For employers, it means a Sept. 30 deadline to renew Parent/School Authorization forms for teens to work during the school year. Show When school’s in session, a student’s priority should be school, whether they’re in a classroom, learning online, or homeschooled. That’s something important for businesses to support by working with parents and schools and actively managing the hours teen work. Minors are allowed to work limited hours compared to adults in Washington. In general, the hours they can work vary depending on age, the type of work, and whether school is in session. The work week for minors is Sunday through Saturday and the school week is Monday through Friday. Any week with any amount of school time is considered a school week. Minors cannot work during school hours. Employers may apply for variances from these limitations. Non-agricultural jobs include retail, restaurants, manufacturing, construction, etc. All employers hiring minors need a minor work permit. The tables below show the hours youth 14-17 years old can work. Under 14 years oldIn most cases, you need a superior court’s permission for minors under 14 to work. Minors under 14 who are allowed to work must follow the 14-15 year old requirements below. 14-15 years oldBelow are hours of work not to be exceeded.
16-17 years oldBelow are hours of work not to be exceeded.
Important notes
Hours of Work ExemptionsTeens who are 16-17 years old can work non-school week hours if they:
Employers should request documentation as proof (e.g., marriage license, college enrollment, etc.) if a minor works under any of these exemptions. Minors working under these exemptions are still subject to all other teen labor laws (see prohibited duties; wages, breaks & meal periods) Agricultural JobsAgricultural jobs can include raising and harvesting crops, handling livestock, farm operations, packing, storing, or processing agricultural and horticultural commodities, etc. All employers hiring minors need a minor work permit. The tables below show the hours youth 12-17 years old can work. Minors working on their family farm are exempt from these restrictions. 12-13 years oldThese youth are only allowed to work during non-school weeks hand-harvesting berries, bulbs, cucumbers, and spinach.
14-15 years oldBelow are hours of work not be exceeded.
Exception: Youth 14-17 years old are allowed to work 7 days a week in dairy, livestock, hay harvest, and irrigation during school and non-school weeks. 16-17 years oldBelow are hours of work not be exceeded.
Hours of Work ExemptionsTeens who are 16-17 years old may work any hours if they are:
Employers must keep proof on file (e.g., marriage license, birth certificate, court order, etc.) for at least one year for minors working under any of these exemptions. Minors working under these exemptions are still subject to all other teen labor laws (see prohibited duties; wages, breaks & meal periods) Emancipated MinorsTeens 16-17 years old who are emancipated by court order do not have hours of work limitations. They do not need to have a parent/school authorization form. Employers must still obtain a minor work permit and may not work emancipated minors in any prohibited occupation. (RCW 13.64.060 (g)). Employers should request documentation as proof of emancipation – typically a court order, driver’s license, or state-issued ID that indicates emancipated status. |