Vermont Child Labor Laws

As one of the New England States, Vermont grew through agriculture and the development of small self-sufficient communities, relying on entire families for their success.  Children workers played a major role in this process.  Child labor laws were established around the beginning of the 1900’s to oversee this area.

Child Labor Laws in Vermont For Minors Under 14​

Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from working according to the Vermont Child Labor Law in order to protect children.  A few exceptions exist, however.  Beginning at the age of 12, they may work in non-hazardous agriculture jobs with written parental permission.  Also, they may be employed on farms not bound by minimum wage restrictions.  Children younger than 14 may work as performers.

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

Minors 14 and 15 years old may work in certain jobs with a work permit required prior to beginning employment.  They may work in jobs, including:

  • Cashier
  • Sales associate
  • Grocery clerk or bagger
  • Server
  • Dishwasher
  • Host/Hostess
  • Greeting and sales at amusement parks, ballparks, and movie theaters

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

There are a few farm jobs considered to be unsafe for this age group as follows:

  • Operation or maintenance of tractors over 20HP
  • Operation of large, power-driven equipment for harvesting, tilling, maintenance, or processing
  • Working at heights over 20 feet
  • Transporting people or goods by car, bus, tractor, or truck
  • Handling timber greater than six inches in diameter
  • Working in pens, stalls, or yards with newborn piglets, newborn calves still processing umbilical cords or bulls, boars, and horses intended for breeding

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

All minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in Hazardous Occupations listed below as outlined by the State:

Vermont Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours, except with an appropriate certificate
  • 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
  • No more than six days per week

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No earlier than 6am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
  • No more than six days per week

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

Minors 16 and 17 years old may work in a variety of jobs and do not require a work permit prior to beginning employment.

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

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

  • Work with Explosives
  • Driving a Motor Vehicle
  • Manufacturing Brick/Tile
  • Logging/Saw Milling
  • Mining
  • Exposure to Radiation Substances
  • Work with Power-Driven Machinery
  • Roofing
  • Meat Packing/Processing
  • Demolition
  • Excavation

Vermont Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours, except with an appropriate certificate as part of an educational training program.
  • 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 schedule restrictions

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No schedule restrictions