Missouri Child Labor Laws

Growth in Missouri in the 1800’s was accelerated after the arrival of the railroad, leading to an increase in farming where minors have typically worked.  Education has played a major role in the State due to the belief that modernization would thrive through a strong school system.  Child labor laws apply to those under the age of 16.

Child Labor Laws in Missouri For Minors Under 14​

Child labor law in Missouri is administered by the Missouri Department of Labor.  Youth under the age of 14 are prohibited from maintaining employment in order to focus on their physical, mental, and emotional development.  They are allowed to work in the entertainment industry and doing certain casual work.  Those 12-13 are permitted to work in babysitting, occasional yard and light farm work, coaching youth sports teams, officiating youth sports events, and newspaper delivery.

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

Minors in this age group may work in entertainment with a special work permit.  Those 14-15 are permitted to work in babysitting, occasional yard and light farm work, coaching youth sports teams, officiating youth sports events, and newspaper delivery.  They may also work in office administration, retail sales, grocery services, maintenance for private residences, food preparation and delivery, and car washing and cleaning.  They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption.

Minors in this age group are prohibited from working in Hazardous Occupations, including:

  • Work with Heavy Machinery
  • Industrial or Milling Tools
  • No ladders or scaffolding
  • No metal-producing factories
  • No sawmills
  • No hotels, motels, or resorts
  • No door-to-door work except for programs related to churches, school, and scout troops

Missouri Child Labor Law details the restrictions as follows:

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 more than six days per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No more than six days per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
  • May work until 10:30pm in a regional fair or specialty venue

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

No work permit is required.  As far as employment is concerned, those 16 and 17 do not fall under the Missouri Child Labor Law.  They may not work in an establishment which serves or sells alcohol for consumption. 

Missouri Child Labor Law outlines general guidelines similar to those for adult workers, including:

When public school is in session:

  • No hours restrictions
  • May work up to eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week

When public school is not in session:

  • No hours restrictions
  • May work up to eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week