Iowa Child Labor Laws
With Iowa being a major agricultural state, typically children have helped fill the workforce along with jobs in factories. In 1915, legislation began to regulate the employment of minors in these areas. Currently, labor laws pertaining to minors are enforced by the Iowa Division of Labor.
Child Labor Laws in Iowa For Minors Under 14
Currently the Iowa Child Labor Law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working due to health risks often involved with employment. There are several exceptions to this. Children as young as 10 years may work in street trades such as delivering newspapers, magazines or circulars, with the proper permits. They also may work in modeling and migrant labor.
The Iowa laws outline the restrictions for minors under 14 years as follows:
When public school is in session:
- In street trades, they may work 4am to 7pm
- Migrant laborers, ages 12 and 13, may work from 5am to 7:30pm
- Those under the age of 14 employed as models may work up to three hours per day or 12 hours per month
- Youth models may work 7am to 10pm
- Must have a 30 minute break if working a shift totaling five or more hours
When public school is not in session:
- In street trades, they may work 4am to 8:30pm
- Migrant laborers may work 5am to 9pm
- Youth models may work up to three hours per day or 12 hours per month
- Youth models may work 7am to 10pm
- Must have a 30 minute break if working a shift totaling five or more hours
Child Labor Laws in Iowa For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Youth in this age group must have a work permit on file with the employer. They may work in retail and food service, agriculture, caddying on golf courses, selling gas and oil, and performing office and clerical work. They can also work in street trades, migrant labor, and as models. Those who work in agriculture part-time (less than 20 hours per week) are exempt from child labor restrictions. They may not work in an establishment that sells or serves alcohol for consumption. They also are restricted from working in Hazardous Occupations as follows:
- Manufacturing or Construction
- Insurance
- Real Estate
- Hotels or Motels
- Restaurants
- Local Government
- Lumberyard
- Garages or Auto Repair
- Hospitals and Nursing Homes
- Greenhouses and Nurseries
- Printing and Publishing Firms
Additionally, minors in this age group are not allowed to work in Hazardous Occupations prohibited to all minors as listed below under 16-17 year olds.
The Iowa laws outline the restrictions for this age group, including:
When public school is in session:
- May not work during school hours
- Maximum of four hours per day outside of school hours
- No more than 28 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am and no later than 7pm
- In street trades, they may work 4am to 7am
- Migrant laborers, may work from 5am to 7:30pm
- Those employed as models may work up to three hours per day or 12 hours per month
- Youth models may work 7am to 10pm
- Must have a 30 minute break if working a shift totaling five or more hours
When public school is not in session:
- May work eight hours per day
- May work up to 40 hours per week
- No work earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
- In street trades, they may work 4am to 7am
- Migrant laborers may work from 5am to 7:30pm
- Those employed as models may work up to three hours per day or 12 hours per month
- Youth models may work 7am to 10pm
- Must have a 30 minute break if working a shift totaling five or more hours
Child Labor Laws in Iowa For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Youth in this age group must have a work permit on file with the employer. Those 16 years old do not have the same hour restrictions on work, however, those working in the transmission, distribution, or delivery of goods or messages must follow the regular hour guidelines. Those who work in agriculture part-time (less than 20 hours per week) are exempt from child labor restrictions. Those in this age group may not work in an establishment that sells or serves alcohol for consumption. They are also prohibited from working in Hazardous Occupations, including:
- Any Exposure to Explosives
- Logging or Sawmills
- Using Power-Driven Machinery
- Exposure to Radioactive Materials
- Slaughter or Meat Packaging
- Using Saws
- Wrecking or Demolition
- Roofing
- Excavating
- Mining
- Operating Motor Vehicles
The Iowa laws outline the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than four hours per day
- No more than 28 hours per week
- May not work earlier than 7am or later 7pm
- Must have a 30 minute break if working a shift totaling five hours or more
When public school is not in session:
- Maximum of eight hours per day
- No more than 40 hours per week
- May not work earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
- Must have a 30 minute break if working a shift totaling five hours or more