Kentucky Child Labor Laws

There were no restrictions on employment of minors in Kentucky until 1902 when legislation was passed that made it illegal for children under the age of 14 to work without parental approval.  Child labor laws in Kentucky are established and enforced by the Kentucky Department of Labor. 

Child Labor Laws in Kentucky For Minors Under 14​

Currently the Kentucky Child Labor Law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working in order to protect their overall development.  There are exceptions to this.  For example, they may work as golf caddies beginning at the age of 11.  Before the age of 13 they are prohibited from carrying a golf bag but may roll ones with wheels.  Those 13-15 may not carry any golf bag weighing more than 35 pounds.  No one under the age of 16 may drive a golf cart.  Youth under 14 may also work through school programs designed for youth employment training, as long as it is directly supervised by school district personnel.   

Child Labor Laws in Kentucky For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Minors in this age group may work in certain jobs but not ones on the Hazardous Occupations list which is provided at the end.  Minors 14-15 years old may also not work in mining, manufacturing, processing, operating power-driven machinery, transportation, and construction.  They are prohibited from working in an establishment that sells or serves alcohol for consumption. 

The laws outline the restrictions for this age group, including:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than three hours per day on school days
  • No more than eight hours per day on non-school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • Not earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
  • Must have a 30-minute break for every five consecutive hours of work (documented start and end time)

When public school is not in session:

  • May work up to eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • Not earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
  • Must have a 30-minute break for every five consecutive hours of work (documented start and end time)

Child Labor Laws in Kentucky For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a variety of jobs with fewer restrictions but not in those on the Hazardous Occupation list detailed below. 

The Child Labor Law details the guidelines, including:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • May work up to six hours on school days
  • May work up to eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 30 hours per week
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week with a GPA of at least 2.0 and written parental approval
  • Not earlier than 6am or later than 10:30pm on a school night
  • Not earlier than 6am or later than 1am on non-school days
  • Must have a 30-minute break for every five consecutive hours of work (documented start and end time)

When public school is not in session:

  • May work up to eight hours per day
  • May work up to 40 hours per week
  • Not earlier than 6am or later than 1am
  • Must have a 30-minute break for every five consecutive hours of work (documented start and end time)

All minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Work with Explosives
  • Driver/Motor Vehicle Helper
  • Logging/Sawmilling
  • Work with Power-Driven Machinery
  • Manufacturing Bricks/Tile
  • Exposure to Radioactive Substances
  • Wrecking/Demolition
  • Work in Pool/Billiards Rooms
  • Mining
  • Roofing
  • Excavation