Oklahoma Child Labor Laws

Historically, Oklahoma has placed an emphasis on education, so white children were enrolled in schools.  The large Native American population, however, remained mostly uneducated, and their children were mainly put to work, primarily in factories.  The first regulatory group for child labor was called the Bureau of Factory Inspections, dealing with working conditions for children in factories and on farms.

Child Labor Laws in Oklahoma For Minors Under 14​

The Oklahoma Child Labor Laws are administered by the Oklahoma Department of Labor and restrict those under the age of 14 from working.  There are some exceptions, such as working on a farm, or in a business owned by the minor’s parent or guardian.  They may also work delivering newspapers, babysitting, or performing small chores in private homes, and performing in film, stage, or other theatrical performances.    

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

Minors 14 and 15 years of age must have a work permit to be employed.  They may work in certain occupations, including:

  • Retail establishments, performing cashiering, stocking, bagging, and general cleaning
  • Computer programming
  • Teaching or tutoring
  • Acting, playing an instrument, or singing
  • Delivery or errands by public transit, bike or on foot
  • Yard Work not using Power-Driven Equipment
  • Dispensing Gasoline and Hand Washing Vehicles
  • Loading and Unloading Objects for use at a Worksite, such as rakes, shovels, and other tools

They may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption.

Minors in this age group may not work in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Manufacturing, Mining, or Processing
  • Public Messenger Service
  • Warehouse or Storage Work
  • Public Utilities
  • Construction and Demolition
  • Using Slicers or Sharp Knives
  • Transporting Individuals by Rail, Air, Water, or Highway
  • Any Power-Driven Machinery other than Office Machines
  • Baking and Cooking
  • Fryers or Grills
  • Ladders and Scaffolding
  • Youth Peddling

Oklahoma Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than three hours on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
  • Must have a 30 minute rest break for every five hours worked
  • Must have a one hour rest break for every eight hours worked

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 1st and Labor Day
  • Must have a 30 minute rest break for every five hours worked
  • Must have a one hour rest break for every eight hours worked

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

Minors 16 and 17 years of age may work in a variety of jobs with a work permit.  In addition to the occupations permitted for 14 and 15 year olds, they may also work in retail, food service, hospitality, amusement parks, and education.

They may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption.

Oklahoma Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than three hours on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
  • Must have a 30 minute rest break for every five hours worked
  • Must have a one hour rest break for every eight hours worked

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 1st and Labor Day
  • Must have a 30 minute rest break for every five hours worked
  • Must have a one hour rest break for every eight hours worked