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Washington Minor Labor Standards

active

Washington has among the most restrictive child labor laws in the nation, particularly for 16-17 year olds. During school weeks, 16-17 year olds may work a maximum of 20 hours (28 with a variance), no more than 4 hours on a school day, and must stop work by 10 PM. Minors aged 14-15 follow rules similar to federal standards. All minors must have a minor work permit. Minors receive a 10-minute paid rest break for every 2 hours worked, which is more frequent than the adult rest break requirement.

Jurisdiction
WA (state)
Law Type
Minor Labor
Status
active
Citation
RCW 49.12
Regulatory Citation
WAC 296-125
Effective Date
1973-01-01
Last Amended
2024-01-01
Last Verified
2026-01-15
Record Updated
2026-01-15

Applicability

Employer Size
1+ employees
Employee Types
non-exempt
Age Groups
16-17, 14-15, under-14

Requirements

Work Permit Required
Yes
Work Permit Details
All minors under 18 must obtain a minor work permit from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries before beginning employment.
Age Group 16 17
School Week
Max Hours Per Week
20
Max Hours Per Week With Variance
28
Max Hours Per Day School Day
4
Max Hours Per Day Non School Day
8
Curfew Time
22:00
Earliest Start Time
07:00
Non School Week
Max Hours Per Week
48
Max Hours Per Day
8
Curfew Time
00:00
Earliest Start Time
05:00
Variance
Description
Employers may obtain a variance to allow 16-17 year olds to work up to 28 hours during a school week.
Requires Parental Consent
Yes
Requires School Consent
Yes
Age Group 14 15
School Week
Max Hours Per Week
16
Max Hours Per Day School Day
3
Max Hours Per Day Non School Day
8
Curfew Time
19:00
Earliest Start Time
07:00
Non School Week
Max Hours Per Week
40
Max Hours Per Day
8
Curfew Time
21:00
Earliest Start Time
07:00
Age Group Under 14
Description
Children under 14 are generally prohibited from employment, with limited exceptions for agricultural work, newspaper delivery, and entertainment with permits.
Breaks
Rest Break Duration Minutes
10
Rest Break Frequency Hours
2
Paid
Yes
Meal Break Duration Minutes
30
Meal Break Trigger Hours
5
Note
Minors must receive a 10-minute paid rest break for every 2 hours worked, which is more frequent than the 4-hour interval required for adult workers.
Prohibited Occupations
Manufacturing or processing occupations, Operation of power-driven machinery, Mining, Logging and sawmilling, Work involving exposure to radioactive substances, Work in establishments serving alcohol (limited exceptions for 16-17), Roofing operations, Excavation operations

Penalties

Violations of minor labor laws may result in civil penalties per violation, criminal penalties for willful violations, and potential loss of the ability to employ minors.

Per violation: $1000

Statute of limitations: 3 years

Notes

Washington is considered one of the most restrictive states for employing 16-17 year olds due to the 20-hour school-week cap and 10 PM curfew. The minor work permit system is administered by the Department of Labor & Industries. Employers must keep minor work permits on file for the duration of employment. Agricultural employment of minors has additional specific provisions under WAC 296-125.

Sources