Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws
In Pennsylvania, the Quaker faith, among others, regarded children as part of the family economy. Parents and children worked together in the fields, where the parents taught the children religious beliefs and discipline, thus creating a stronger family unit. Early Child Labor Laws in Pennsylvania came about to regulate children working on farms.
Child Labor Laws in Pennsylvania For Minors Under 14
Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws are administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from working, with certain exceptions. Beginning at age 11, they may work as newspaper carriers. Children at least 12 years old may work as golf caddies, carrying no more than one golf bag and working no more than 18 holes per day. Those under 14 may work in non-hazardous farming jobs and domestic service.
Child Labor Laws in Pennsylvania For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Minors 14 and 15 years old may work in certain jobs with a work permit. They may work in appropriate jobs at hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, sporting events, bowling alleys, golf courses, retirement homes, and ski resorts.
They may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
They may not work in the Hazardous Occupations listed below which prohibit all minors under 18.
Pennsylvania 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
- A maximum of six days 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
- A maximum of six days per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1st and Labor Day
Child Labor Laws in Pennsylvania For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors 16 and 17 years of age may work in a variety of jobs with a work permit. They may work in amusement parks, as an attendant, as a cook, and as a lifeguard. They may also work in non-hazardous jobs at bowling alleys, golf courses, retirement homes and ski resorts.
They may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
They may not work in the following Hazardous Occupations which prohibit all minors under 18:
- Brick Maker
- Crane Operator
- Demolition Worker
- Driver
- Electrical Worker
- Elevator Operator
- Excavator
- Forest Fire Fighter
- Meat Processor
- Mill Worker
- Paint or Poison Manufacturer
- Roofer
- Welder
- Wood Worker
- Work on Boats, Machinery, Railroads and Rivets
- Work in Metal Industries
- Work in Mines and Quarries
- Printing and Paper Industry
- Tanneries
- Work near Radioactive Substances
Pennsylvania Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- A maximum of eight hours per day
- A maximum of 28 hours per week
- A maximum of six days per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 12am
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- A maximum of six days per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 12am