Colorado Minor Labor Standards
activeColorado regulates the employment of minors under 16 with restrictions on maximum hours, time-of-day limitations, and work permit requirements. Minors under 16 may work a maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during non-school periods, with more restrictive limits during the school year. Work permits are required for minors under 16.
Applicability
Requirements
- Work Permit Required
- Under 16
- Yes
- 16 17
- No
- Description
- Work permits are required for minors under 16. Permits are issued by the minor's school district.
- Age Group Under 16
- Non School Period
- Max Hours Per Day
- 8
- Max Hours Per Week
- 40
- Earliest Start Time
- 07:00
- Latest End Time
- 21:00
- School Period
- Max Hours Per Day School Day
- 3
- Max Hours Per Day Non School Day
- 8
- Max Hours Per Week
- 18
- Earliest Start Time
- 07:00
- Latest End Time
- 19:30
- Note
- During school weeks, minors under 16 may not work during school hours.
- Summer Extended Hours
- Latest End Time
- 21:00
- Note
- From June 1 through Labor Day, the evening curfew extends to 9:00 PM.
- Age Group 16 17
- Description
- Colorado does not impose state-specific hour limitations on 16-17 year olds beyond federal requirements. However, 16-17 year olds are still prohibited from working in hazardous occupations.
- Hazardous Occupation Restrictions
- Yes
- Age Group Under 14
- Description
- Children under 14 are generally prohibited from employment, with limited exceptions for agricultural work, entertainment (with permits), and newspaper delivery.
- Prohibited Occupations
- Mining or quarrying, Manufacturing or processing using power-driven machinery, Work involving explosives, Logging and sawmilling, Slaughtering or meat packing, Roofing operations, Excavation operations, Power-driven bakery machines, Work in establishments where alcoholic beverages are served (under 16)
Penalties
Violations of Colorado child labor laws may result in civil penalties assessed by the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics. Willful violations may result in criminal penalties.
Per violation: $1000
Statute of limitations: 3 years
Notes
Colorado's minor labor laws are less restrictive for 16-17 year olds compared to states like Washington. The primary focus is on minors under 16, who face hour and time-of-day restrictions similar to federal standards. Work permits for minors under 16 are administered through school districts. Employers must maintain records of employment for all minors.