No, child labor under 14 is not legal in Wyoming, as state law aligns with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibitions. Exemptions exist only for agricultural work or parental business operations, strictly regulated by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and federal Wage and Hour Division. Violations trigger fines up to $11,000 per minor under 2026 enforcement updates.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Wyoming
- Parental Exemption: Minors under 14 may work in non-hazardous jobs solely owned by parents, limited to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, per DWS guidelines.
- Agricultural Work: Exemptions permit limited farm labor, but hours are capped at 18 per week during school weeks, enforced by DWS Field Compliance Officers.
- Permit Requirements: Employers must obtain a Wyoming Youth Employment Certificate from DWS before hiring minors under 14, verifying age and permissible work conditions.
Federal FLSA standards supersede state law, barring most employment for children under 14 except in entertainment, babysitting, or newspaper delivery. The DWS 2026 compliance initiative targets misclassification, mandating digital time-tracking for minors. Employers violating these rules face escalating penalties, including debarment from state contracts.