North Dakota Child Labor Laws

Many of the early settlers in North Dakota were German Americans who typically had large families.  It was common for all members of a family, including children, to work together on a farm.  Out of this practice, around the turn of the century, regulations pertaining to child labor were introduced in North Dakota.

Child Labor Laws in North Dakota For Minors Under 14​

North Dakota Child Labor Laws are administered by the Department of Labor and Human Rights and state that no minor under the age of 14 may hold employment.  There are a few exceptions, including non-hazardous work on a farm, domestic service, or working for a parent or guardian.

Child Labor Laws in North Dakota For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Minors 14 and 15 years of age are required to have a work permit and may be employed in certain jobs.

They may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption. 

Minors 14 and 15 years old may not work in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Construction work other than general cleaning, errand running, moving, stacking, and unloading of materials by hand
  • Employment involving Power-Driven Machinery
  • Lumbering, Logging, and Sawmill Operations
  • Manufacturing or Use of Explosives
  • Steam Machinery
  • Operation of or Assisting in Laundry Machinery
  • Manufacture of Paints, Colors, or White Lead
  • Operating or Assisting the Operation of Passenger or Freight Elevators
  • Work in a Mine or Quarry
  • Manufacturing Goods for Immoral Purposes
  • Work Involving Elevated Surfaces, such as Ladders and Scaffoldings
  • Occupations Requiring the Use of a Firearm
  • Door-to-Door Sales
  • Occupations Involving Fertilizers, Pesticides, or any Chemical, Toxin, or Heavy Metal
  • Working with Medical or Dangerous Wastes
  • Cooking, Baking, Grilling, or Frying
  • Warehouse or Storage Work
  • Trucking or Commercial Driving

Any minor under the age of 18 is prohibited from working in the Hazardous Occupations listed below.

North Dakota Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than three hours on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day

Child Labor Laws in North Dakota For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Youth 16 and 17 years of age are not considered to be minors as far as employment is concerned.  However, they may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption. 

Any minor 14 and 15 years of age, along with youth 16 and 17, are prohibited from working in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Motor Vehicle Driving and Outside Helper
  • Coal Mining
  • Power-Driven Wood Working Machinery
  • Exposure to Radioactive Substances
  • Operating Power-Driven Meat Processing Equipment
  • Power-Driven Bakery Machinery
  • Manufacturing Bricks, Tiles, and Kindred Products
  • Wrecking, Demolition, and Ship Breaking
  • Roofing Operations
  • Excavation Operations

North Dakota Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No Hours or Time restrictions

When public school is not in session:

  • No Hours or Time restrictions

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