HR Compliance

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Iowa Minor Labor Restrictions

active

Iowa restricts the employment of minors under 16. Minors aged 14-15 may work a maximum of 4 hours on a school day and 28 hours during a school week. Minors may not work in hazardous occupations. Iowa also regulates the types of equipment and machinery that minors may operate.

Jurisdiction
IA (state)
Law Type
Minor Labor
Status
active
Citation
Iowa Code § 92
Effective Date
1976-01-01
Last Amended
2023-05-26
Last Verified
2026-01-15
Record Updated
2026-01-15

Applicability

Employee Types
all
Age Groups
14-15, under-14

Requirements

Under 14
Description
Children under 14 are generally prohibited from employment in Iowa, with limited exceptions for agricultural work, newspaper delivery, and domestic service.
Ages 14 15
Description
Minors aged 14-15 may work with restrictions on hours and types of work.
Max Hours School Day
4
Max Hours Nonschool Day
8
Max Hours School Week
28
Max Hours Nonschool Week
40
Work Permit Required
Yes
Hazardous Occupations Prohibited
Yes
Hazardous Occupations
Description
Iowa prohibits minors from working in hazardous occupations, including operating certain machinery, working with explosives, mining, and other dangerous activities as defined by state and federal law.

Penalties

Employers who violate Iowa's child labor laws may be subject to civil penalties. The Iowa Division of Labor enforces these provisions.

Notes

Iowa's child labor laws were significantly amended in 2023 (SF 542), expanding the types of work and hours permitted for minors aged 14-17 in certain circumstances. Employers should review the most current version of Iowa Code Chapter 92 for up-to-date requirements.

Sources