Teen Workers
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Questions? E-mail us at TeenSafety@LNI.wa.gov
Posters (required and recommended)
Comparison Chart of Washington and Federal Child Labor Laws
Other Web Sites
OSHA’s Teen Workers web site
YouthRules, U.S. Dept. of Labor
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
University of Washington Worksafe
California Network for Young Workers
APHA Young Workers’ Network
Learn About Doing Business in Washington
Governor Gregoire proclaims the month of
May as Teen Safety Month.
View the official proclamation. (154 KB PDF)
Hot Topic: Watch an online video featuring teen workers.

How to Hire a Teen
The minimum age for minors to work is 14, except under special conditions. Find out what employers, parents, teens and schools need to know for teens to work in non-agricultural jobs, including in their family's business.

Hours of Work
Find out what hours and days of the week teens are normally allowed to work during school and non-school work periods for non-agricultural jobs. Find out how to apply for a variance, if necessary.

Prohibited Duties
Learn about the work restrictions for all minors in non-agricultural jobs; those under 16 have additional restrictions. See also "Prohibited Duties" for agricultural jobs.

Wages, Breaks & Meal Periods
Learn the requirements for minimum wage, rest breaks and meal periods in non-agricultural jobs.

Agricultural Jobs for Teens
Find out the hours of work, prohibited occupations, and wages for minors working in farming and some packing operations. Note: These regulations do not apply to children of farm owners.

Youth Job Safety Resources
Online and print resources about various topics are available here, such as use of lawn care equipment, construction for 16- and 17-year-olds, agriculture and more.

Teen Worker Forms & Publications
Look up and print forms and publications about teen workers.


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