No, child labor under 14 is not legal in Minnesota except under highly restricted exemptions, such as parental employment in family businesses or agricultural work with parental consent. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry enforces strict prohibitions under the Child Labor Standards Act, aligning with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provisions. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize heightened enforcement, particularly in gig economy roles and entertainment sectors, where permits are now mandatory for minors under 14.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Minnesota
- Parental Consent & Permits: Minors under 14 may work only in non-hazardous occupations with written parental consent and a Child Labor Certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Exemptions apply to family-owned enterprises but exclude manufacturing, mining, or occupations deemed hazardous by state statute.
- Hour Restrictions: During school weeks, work hours are capped at 18 per week (outside school hours) and 8 on non-school days, with no labor permitted before 7 AM or after 9 PM. Summer break (June–August) allows up to 40 hours weekly, but shifts cannot exceed 8 hours daily.
- Entertainment & Agriculture: Minors under 14 may perform in films, theater, or agricultural tasks only with a Minor Entertainment Permit or under direct parental supervision in family farming operations. The 2026 updates now require background checks for entertainment industry employers hiring minors under 14.