Tennessee Child Labor Laws

As one of the Southern States, Tennessee has long been a center for the cotton and cottonseed industry.  Children played a major role in working in the cotton mills, often at very young ages.  Child labor laws in Tennessee began to regulate the ages and hours of these children workers and to ensure at least a certain level of education be attained.

Child Labor Laws in Tennessee For Minors Under 14​

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Child Labor Laws and states minors younger than 14 years of age may not engage in gainful employment.  They may work on a farm if their parent is employed there.  There is some light work available with parental permission.

Child Labor Laws in Tennessee For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Tennessee does not require a work permit for minors under 18 prior to beginning employment.  They may work in certain jobs.  They may not work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption. 

Additionally, there is a Hazardous Occupations list below from which all minors are restricted.

Tennessee Child Labor Law details 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 23 hours per week if it is part of a Work Experience or Career Exploration Program
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
  • Must have a 30 minute meal break during the first hour if working at least six hours

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • Must have a 30 minute meal break during the first hour if working at least six hours

Child Labor Laws in Tennessee For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Minors 16 and 17 years old may work in a variety of jobs with no work permit required.  All minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in the following Hazardous Occupations as outlined by the State:

  • Work with Explosives
  • Driving Motor Vehicles
  • Mining Coal or Other Elements
  • Work in Logging/Saw Milling
  • Operation of Power-Driven Machinery
  • Exposure to Radioactive Substances
  • Slaughtering/Meat Packing
  • Manufacturing
  • Operation of Saws/Shears
  • Wrecking/Demolition
  • Roofing
  • Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
  • Posing/Modeling for Obscene Products
  • Occupations involving Youth Peddling

Tennessee Child Labor Law outlines 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 6am or later than 10pm on school nights
  • No earlier than 6am or later than 12am with a signed Parental Consent Form
  • Must have a 30 minute meal break during the first hour if working at least six hours

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No hours restriction is specified
  • Must have a 30 minute meal break during the first hour if working at least six hours

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