New York Child Labor Laws

Throughout the nineteenth century, New York was the entry point for immigrants coming from Europe, bringing with them a new supply of child workers.  New York has long been a center for factories producing goods with cotton from the South.  Children were put to work in these factories, and this practice led to the origin of the early Child Labor Laws in this State.

Child Labor Laws in New York For Minors Under 14​

The New York Child Labor Laws are administered by the Division of Labor Standards and indicate that minors must be at least 14 years of age to hold employment.  There are some exceptions, however.  Children who are at least 11 years old may work in the sale and delivery of newspapers, periodicals, or shopping papers to private residences or commercial establishments.  Minors who are at least 12 may assist farmers in harvesting crops manually and may not use any dangerous equipment or machinery.  All minors under the age of 14 may work in acting or modeling.  A work permit is required in all of these areas.  

Child Labor Laws in New York For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Minors 14 and 15 years old may work in limited jobs with a work permit.  Youth in this age group may work in the following areas:

  • Clerical jobs in factory offices away from the manufacturing zone
  • Providing counter services at dry cleaning facilities, laundromats, tailor or shoe repair shops and other similar businesses
  • Retail stores
  • Restaurants
  • Recreational facilities

Minors 14 and 15 years old may not work in an establishment which sells or serves alcohol for consumption. 

They also may not work in factories, painting or cleaning the exteriors of buildings and performing dangerous work on farms.

They may not work in the Hazardous Occupations listed below which are prohibited for all minors under the age of 18.  

New York 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 more than six days per week, except for farming assistants and newspaper carriers
  • 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, except for farming assistants and newspaper carriers
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day

Child Labor Laws in New York For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Minors 16 and 17 years old may work in a variety of jobs, all of which require a work permit.  Minors 16 and 17 years old may not work in an establishment which sells or serves alcohol for consumption. 

They may not work in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Construction
  • Logging
  • Meat Packing
  • Mining
  • Operating Power-Driven Equipment or Industrial Machinery
  • Exposure to Radioactive or Poisonous Substances
  • Production of Bricks
  • Handling Explosives
  • Custody of Inmates in Correctional Institutions

New York Child Labor Law details the restrictions for 16 and 17 year olds as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than four hours per day, Monday through Thursday
  • A maximum of eight hours per day on weekends and holidays
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No more than six days per week, except for farm assistants and newspaper carriers
  • No earlier than 6am or later than 10pm

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 48 hours per week
  • No more than six days per week, except for farm assistants and newspaper carriers
  • No earlier than 6am or later than 12am between June 21 and Labor Day