No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Pennsylvania under the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act and federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Exceptions exist only for limited agricultural or entertainment work with strict permits, but general employment remains prohibited. Violations trigger penalties from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and federal enforcement.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Pennsylvania
- Permit Requirements: Minors under 14 may work only in non-hazardous jobs with a special permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, typically for theatrical, agricultural, or modeling work.
- Hour Restrictions: Even with permits, minors under 14 face strict limits—no more than 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and no work during school hours.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Pennsylvania’s 2026 updates to the Child Labor Act align with federal standards, tightening oversight for entertainment industry permits and expanding penalties for unauthorized employment.
Local enforcement falls under the Pennsylvania Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, which collaborates with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Employers violating these provisions face fines up to $11,000 per minor per violation under federal law, with additional state penalties. Agricultural exemptions require proof of parental consent and adherence to seasonal labor guidelines.