Mississippi Child Labor Laws
Settled first by the French and later the Spanish, Mississippi quickly became a major location for cotton plantations. Farming continues to be the most significant industry with early child labor laws dealing with this field.
Child Labor Laws in Mississippi For Minors Under 14
Mississippi Child Labor Laws are administered by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Employment Security. The emphasis is on minors being able to reap the experience critical to future careers and learn applicable skills on the job site. As such, those under the age of 14, are restricted from engaging in employment with the exception of a few jobs subject to parental approval. Children younger than 14 are strictly prohibited from working in a mill, cannery, workshop, factory, or manufacturing business.
Child Labor Laws in Mississippi For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
In addition to an employment certificate required of 14 and 15 year olds, they must be enrolled in and attending school to work in factory, mill, cannery, or workshop jobs.
Jobs for 14 and 15 year olds include:
- Office/Clerical Work
- Cashiering
- Non-cooking/Artistic Work
- Pricing/Tagging Goods
- Pumping Gas
- Delivery on Foot/Bicycle
- Grocery Store
- Retail Store
- Restaurant
- Movie Theater
- Baseball or Amusement Park
Those in this age group are not allowed to work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption. All minors are prohibited from working in certain Hazardous Occupations listed below.
Mississippi Child Labor Laws detail the restrictions as follows:
When school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours per day
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
When school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 7pm, if working in a factory, workshop, mill, or cannery
Child Labor Laws in Mississippi For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
An employment certificate is not required. Those in this age group are not allowed to work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.
Mississippi Child labor laws detail the restrictions, including:
When school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours per day
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
When school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 7pm, if working in a factory, workshop, mill, or cannery
All minors are prohibited from working in the following Hazardous Occupations, including:
- Work with Explosives
- Work with Radioactive Substances
- Mining
- Logging/Sawmill Work
- Forest Fire Prevention/Fighting
- Packing or Processing Meat/Poultry
- Wrecking/Demolition
- Work with Power-driven Machinery
- Roofing
- Excavation
- Work with Balers/Compactors
- Driving/Working as an Outside Helper on a Motor Vehicle