Georgia Child Labor Laws

Reflecting the atmosphere of the 19th century, Georgia’s first child labor law was signed in 1854, limiting all white persons under the age of 21 in the cotton, woolen, and manufacturing industry to the working hours of sunrise and sunset “with the usual and customary time for meals.”  In 1878, the Georgia Child Labor Law affecting all minors was passed and is currently regulated by the Georgia Department of Labor.

Child Labor Laws in Georgia For Minors Under 14​

While in most states the legal age to begin work is 14, in Georgia, the Child Labor Law states that the age to legally work is 12.  Approved jobs include newspaper sales or delivery positions.  Other types of light work may be engaged in with parental permission, including in the entertainment industry.

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

A work permit is required prior to beginning employment.  Minors in this age group may work in certain jobs but not ones considered to be hazardous.  Acceptable jobs for this age group include restaurants, parks and recreation, hospitality, and retail.  Prohibited jobs are loading or unloading vehicles, cooking, construction work, delivering messages, manufacturing or processing, or operating power-driven machinery.  They may not work in an establishment which sells or serves alcohol.

The Child Labor Law states the restrictions for this age group, including,

When public school is in session:

  • Not during school hours
  • A maximum of three hours per day on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours per day on non-school days
  • No more than 18 hours per week
  • Not earlier than 7am or later than 7pm

When public school is not in session:

  • A maximum of eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • Not earlier than 7am or later than 9pm from June 1 until Labor Day

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

A work permit is required prior to beginning employment.  Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a variety of jobs but not in those considered too hazardous.  Those in this age group may not work handling explosives, in logging or sawmills, near radioactive substances, or other professional activities not covered by state regulations.  They may not work in an establishment which sells or serves alcohol.

The Child Labor Law details the guidelines, including,

When public school is in session:

  • Not during school hours
  • No more than three hours on school days
  • No more than eight hours per day on non-school days

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • No more than 40 hours per week
  • No restrictions on times worked