New Hampshire Child Labor Laws

During the Industrial Revolution in the New England states, one of the world’s largest textile mills was located in Manchester, New Hampshire, where child labor was extremely common throughout the 1800’s.  The turn of the 20th century brought the first child labor laws to this region.

Child Labor Laws in New Hampshire For Minors Under 14​

Child labor law is enforced by the New Hampshire Department of Labor.  Those younger than 14 are prohibited from working to ensure their physical, mental, and emotional development.  There are a few exceptions, however.  Children under the age of 11 may work on farms which are exempt from minimum wage provisions.  Those 12 and 13 may work in agriculture with parental consent.

Child Labor Laws in New Hampshire For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

A work permit is required prior to beginning employment.  They may work in certain jobs, including:

  • Office/Clerical Work
  • Bagging/Carrying Goods
  • Modeling/Art Work/Advertising
  • Errand/Delivery Work on Foot/Bicycle/Public Transport
  • Price-Marking
  • Non-Meat Related Kitchen Work
  • Dispensing Gas/Oil
  • Cashiering
  • Cleanup Work

Minors 14 and 15 are not permitted to work in some positions, as follows:

  • Work in Manufacturing
  • Communications/Public Utilities
  • Processing Jobs
  • Warehouse/Storage Work
  • Construction
  • Work in Boiler/Engine Rooms
  • Cooking/Baking
  • Work in Freezers/Meat Coolers
  • Loading/Unloading Rail or Conveyor Goods
  • Agricultural Jobs with Animals Used for Breeding
  • Driving a Tractor over 20 Horsepower
  • Operating Farm Machinery
  • Work in Fruit or Grain Silos

They are prohibited from working an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.  Employment in Hazardous Occupations as listed below is prohibited for all minors.

New Hampshire Child Labor Law outlines restrictions for this age group, including:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than three hours per day on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week for work under federal law
  • No more than 23 hours per week for work under state Law
  • No more than six consecutive days
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm

When public school is not in session:

  • A maximum of eight hours per day
  • No more than 40 hours per week for work under federal law
  • A maximum of 48 hours per week for work under state law
  • No more than six consecutive days
  • No earlier than 7am or alter than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day

Child Labor Laws in New Hampshire For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Minors in this age group may work in a variety of jobs.  An employment certificate is not required, although written permission from a parent or guardian is mandatory.  Any work connected with agriculture is permissible.  They are prohibited from working in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.

New Hampshire Child Labor Law details restrictions, including:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than 30 hours per week
  • A maximum of eight hours at night
  • Manufacturing shifts must be less than 10 hours
  • Limit of 10 ¼ hours per day for manual and mechanical work
  • No more than six consecutive days

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 48 hours per week
  • A maximum of 54 hours per week if not enrolled in school
  • A maximum of eight hours at night
  • Manufacturing shifts must be less than 10 hours
  • Limit of 10 ¼ hours per day for manual and mechanical work
  • No more than six consecutive days

Minors under the age of 18 may not work in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Explosives
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Mining
  • Work with Power-Driven Machinery
  • Logging/Sawmilling
  • Radioactive Substances
  • Manufacturing of Brick/Tile
  • Slaughtering/Meat Packing
  • Demolition/Wrecking/Ship-Breaking
  • Roofing
  • Excavation