Nebraska Child Labor Laws

The farmlands of Nebraska have long been essential to the State economy with children playing a significant role, especially during the severe droughts of the late 1800’s.  The first child labor restrictions were passed in 1907.  Currently the Nebraska Child Labor Law applies to minors under the age of 16.

Child Labor Laws in Nebraska For Minors Under 14​

Children under 14 are restricted from working with only specific exemptions.  With Nebraska being a major grower of corn, these youth may work detasseling corn during June, July, and August.  They may work a maximum of nine hours per day and 48 hours per week.  Time limits are no earlier than 6am or later than 8pm.  They must have written parental approval, and there must be at least two supervisors over the age of 18.

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

Minors 14 and 15 may work detasseling corn, a maximum of nine hours per day, 48 hours per week, and from 6am to 10pm.  Jobs for these minors are limited to retail, clerical, and child care jobs.  They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.  14 and 15 year olds are not allowed to work in Hazardous Occupations listed below. 

Nebraska Child Labor Law details restrictions on this age group, including:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than three hours per day
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm on school days
  • May work earlier than 6am or later than 10pm on non-school days with a special permit

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
  • May work earlier than 6am or later than 10pm with a special permit

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

Youth in this age group may work in a variety of jobs with child labor restrictions not being applicable to this age group.  However, all minors are prohibited from working in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Manufacturing and Processing
  • Mining and Quarries
  • Communications
  • Construction and Repair
  • Work with Power-Driven Machinery
  • Driving Motor Vehicles
  • Warehousing and Storage
  • Cooking and Baking
  • Meat Processing
  • Maintenance and Window Washing
  • Work with Explosives
  • Forestry Services, Logging, and Saw Mills
  • Exposure to Radioactivity
  • Wrecking and Demolition
  • Roofing

They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.

Nebraska Child Labor Law details restrictions on this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No time restriction

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No time restriction