Employment of minors
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Overview
Employees who are between 14 and 17 years of age are classified as minors and their employment is regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). These regulations set specific requirements and restrictions related to work hours and the types of duties minors may perform. Hiring managers are responsible for understanding and following these regulations.
Hours of work
Minors are allowed to work limited hours compared to adults. In general, the hours they can work vary depending on the minor’s age and whether school is in session.
- 16- or 17-year-olds can be employed in any occupation (other than those declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor), and there are no work hours limits or restrictions.
- 14- and 15-year-olds can only work outside of school hours, and federal youth employment requirements limit the times of day and the number of hours they can work as well.
- Employment of minors under the age of 14 is limited to occupations that are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (e.g., acting).
Please refer to the U.S. Department of Labor for specific minor work hours limits and safety restrictions.
UW Student Employees
All UW student employees who are minors must adhere to federal youth employment requirements as well as the UW policy that limits their work to 19.5 hours maximum per week when the University is in session.
Student employees who work more than 40 hours in a FLSA workweek (Monday to Sunday), will earn overtime.
Employer’s work permit
As a public employer, the University is exempt from Washington child labor laws and is not required to maintain a minor work permit.