As students across Pennsylvania return to the classroom, state labor officials are reminding employers, parents and young workers about restrictions governing the employment of minors during the school year.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry said the state’s Child Labor Act limits when and how long minors may work, restricts them from certain hazardous occupations and requires work permits and other protections for workers under age 18.
The reminder comes after L&I investigated 1,265 child labor cases in 2025 and found 231 companies in violation of the Child Labor Act.
“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,” L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. “Most employers want to do the right thing, and L&I is here to provide the guidance they need to comply with the law. But when employers cut corners or ignore protections for minors, we will take those violations seriously.”
Under state law, children under 14 generally may not be employed, although there are limited exceptions.
For 14- and 15-year-olds, additional restrictions apply while school is in session. They may work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., for no more than three hours on a school day and no more than 18 hours during a school week, Monday through Friday.
Workers who are 16 or 17 may work between 6 a.m. and midnight while school is in session. They are limited to eight hours per school day and 40 hours during a school week, Monday through Friday.
State and federal laws also prohibit minors from working in occupations considered hazardous. Examples include jobs involving crane operation, electrical installation or repair, excavation, roofing, wrecking and demolition, and woodworking with power tools. Minors also may not serve or dispense alcoholic beverages.
Special rules apply to children who work or volunteer as performers. Employers must obtain entertainment permits for each child performer, including minors performing live at Halloween-themed attractions. The state also requires haunted attraction operators to submit an approved safety plan before seeking permits for performers under 18.
L&I said its 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 through the department’s website.
The department encouraged employers, families and young workers to review Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act guidance for detailed requirements before a minor begins working.