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Pennsylvania Minor Labor Restrictions

active

Pennsylvania requires work permits for all minors under 18. Minors aged 14-15 may work up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week. Minors aged 16-17 may work up to 8 hours on a school day, 28 hours during a school week, and face a midnight curfew. The state has detailed regulations on permissible occupations for each age group.

Jurisdiction
PA (state)
Law Type
Minor Labor
Status
active
Citation
43 P.S. § 40
Effective Date
2012-07-01
Last Verified
2026-01-15
Record Updated
2026-01-15

Applicability

Employee Types
all
Age Groups
16-17, 14-15, under-14

Requirements

Work Permits
Description
Work permits (employment certificates) are required for all minors under 18 in Pennsylvania. Permits are issued through the minor's school district.
Required Ages
under 18
Issuing Authority
Local school district
Ages 14 15
Description
Minors aged 14-15 may work with significant hour restrictions.
Max Hours School Day
3
Max Hours Nonschool Day
8
Max Hours School Week
18
Max Hours Nonschool Week
40
Work Permit Required
Yes
Evening Curfew
7:00 PM (9:00 PM June 1 through Labor Day)
Ages 16 17
Description
Minors aged 16-17 may work with fewer restrictions than younger minors but still face hour limits and a curfew.
Max Hours School Day
8
Max Hours School Week
28
Max Hours Nonschool Week
44
Evening Curfew
Midnight
Work Permit Required
Yes
Under 14
Description
Children under 14 are generally prohibited from employment in Pennsylvania, with exceptions for agricultural work, newspaper delivery, entertainment (with special permits), and domestic work in private homes.

Penalties

Employers who violate Pennsylvania's child labor laws may face fines of up to $500 per offense. Willful or repeated violations may result in higher penalties and criminal prosecution.

Per violation: $500

Notes

Pennsylvania's child labor laws are among the more comprehensive in the country, with detailed rules for each age group. The midnight curfew for 16-17 year olds is relatively lenient compared to some states. Employers should note that Pennsylvania law requires permits even for 16-17 year olds, unlike some states that only require permits for younger minors.

Sources