Colorado Child Labor Laws

Colorado child labor laws began in the late 1800’s in the mining industry with the passage of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act (CYEOA) in 1887. Colorado does not require a work permit, but does require an age verification. Current CYEOA guidelines do not apply to those involved in school work and supervised educational activities, working for a parent or guardian (unless the parent or guardian receives payment for the work), employed as newspaper carriers, and as actors, models, and performers.

Child Labor Laws in Colorado For Minors Under 14

Currently, the CYEOA states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working because of the importance of their physical, mental, and emotional development. While this minimum age was established, those younger than 14 are allowed to work in certain circumstances. Beginning at the age of nine, children can work distributing marketing collateral, shoe shining, caddying on golf courses, casual housework, and gardening, lawn care, and snow removal as long as the job does not require use of power equipment. At the age of 12 youth may work doing babysitting, nonhazardous farm work, door-to-door sales, and newspaper delivery.

Child Labor Laws in Colorado For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Minors in the 14-15 age category are allowed to work in nonhazardous jobs in construction or mining, food service, or retail positions. They may also work in warehouses and storage facilities, restaurants, offices, hotels, gas stations, janitorial work, parks and recreation, relaying messages, and running errands. The CYEOA outlines the restrictions for this age group, including,

When public school is in session:

On school days no more than three hours between 7am and 7pm
On school days may work during school hours only with a school release permit

On school days a maximum of six hours after school hours unless the next day is not a school day
On non-school days no more than eight hours per day
A maximum of 18 hours per week

May work between 9:30pm and 5:30am if babysitting
No restrictions on time of day worked if employed as actors, models, or performers

When public school is not in session:

A maximum of eight hours per day
No more than 40 hours per week
No later than 9pm from June 1 to Labor Day

May work between 9:30pm and 5:30am if babysitting
No restrictions on time of day worked if employed as actors, models, or performers

Child Labor Laws in Colorado For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

The CYEOA allows more work options to those in this age group, particularly the operation of a motor vehicle if the youth has a valid driver’s license. Those who have earned a high school diploma or passed the GED are not subject to the restrictions on minors. The CYEOA contains the regulations, including,