New Jersey Child Labor Laws
While the early economy in New Jersey was based on agriculture, crop failure and poor soil, led the State to become the center of the Industrial Revolution in New England. Child labor was essential in both of these industries, first becoming regulated to some extent in 1851.
Child Labor Laws in New Jersey For Minors Under 14
Child labor laws in New Jersey prohibit children younger than 14 from working in order to protect their development: physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are a few provisions for minors under 14 for employment. Beginning at the age of 12, youth may work in non-hazardous jobs in agriculture. Those at least 11 may have newspaper routes. With parental approval, they may work in nursery, raising livestock and other animals, gardening, and forestry jobs. Employment in theater or entertainment is permissible at any age.
Work in the following occupations has specific restrictions for minors under 14, as indicated below:
- Agriculture: May not work more than 10 hours per day
No more than six days per week
- Newspaper Routes: May not start earlier than 7am or end later than 7pm
No more than three hours per day on school days
A maximum of 18 hours per week
A maximum of six days per week
- Theater: May not appear in more than two shows per day
Maximum of eight shows per week
May not work or rehearse more than five hours per day or 24 hours per week
May not work earlier than 7am or later than 11:30pm
Child Labor Laws in New Jersey For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Those 14 and 15 may work in certain jobs. An employment certificate is required prior to beginning employment. They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption. There is a Hazardous Occupations list below which pertains to all minors under 18.
New Jersey Child Labor Law details 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
- No more than 18 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
- A maximum of six consecutive days
- After every five hours, a 30-minute break is mandatory
When public school is not in session:
- A maximum of eight hours per day
- No more than 40 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
- A maximum of six consecutive days
- After every five hours, a 30-minute break is mandatory
Work in the following occupations has specific restrictions for minors 14 and 15 years of age, as indicated below:
- Agriculture: May not work more than 10 hours per day
No more than six days per week
- Newspaper Routes: May not start earlier than 7am or end later than 7pm
No more than three hours per day on school days
A maximum of 18 hours per week
A maximum of six days per week
- Theater: May not appear in more than two shows per day
Maximum of eight shows per week
May not work or rehearse more than five hours per day or 24 hours per week
May not work earlier than 7am or later than 11:30pm
Child Labor Laws in New Jersey For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors 16 and 17 may be employed in a variety of jobs. They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption. A Hazardous Occupations list prohibits work for all minors as follows:
- May not Handle Paint/Lead
- No Work with Dangerous Chemicals or Toxins
- No Work with Explosives
- May not Operate Power-Driven Machinery
- Construction
- Meat Packing/Slaughtering
- Mines/Quarries
New Jersey Child Labor Law outlines restrictions for this age group, including:
When school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 11pm
- A maximum of six consecutive days
- After every five hours, a 30-minute break is mandatory
When public 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 3am with written parental approval
- A maximum of six consecutive days
- After every five hours, a 30-minute break is mandatory
Work in the following occupations has specific restrictions for minors 16 and 17 years of age, as indicated below:
- Agriculture: May not work more than 10 hours per day
No more than six days per week
- Newspaper Routes: May work up to eight hours per day
A maximum of 40 hours per week, even when school is in session
A maximum of six days per week
- Theater: May not appear in more than two shows per day
Maximum of eight shows per week
May not work or rehearse more than five hours per day or 24 hours per week
May not work earlier than 7am or later than 11:30pm