Washington Child Labor Laws

The history of Washington shows its main industry to be forestry.  The Minute Women of Washington played an important role in the 1800’s by addressing child welfare issues.  Part of their work involved implementation of the Federal Child Labor Law in 1917.

Child Labor Laws in Washington For Minors Under 14​

Washington Child Labor Laws are administered by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and dictates that minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from working to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional development.  Among the exceptions are working on a farm or for a family business in a safe job.

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

Washington allows 14 and 15 year olds to work in certain jobs with a work permit. 

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

Minors in this age group are not allowed to work in the following Hazardous Occupations:

  • Driving an Automobile
  • Cooking/Baking
  • Door-to-Door Sales
  • Work in Amusement Parks
  • Maintenance/Repair in Gas Stations
  • Operating Food Processors
  • Loading/Unloading Trucks

Additionally, there is a Hazardous Occupations list below from which all minors are restricted.

Washington Child Labor Law details 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 16 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
  • Must have a 30 minute meal break after four hours of work
  • Must have a 10 minute rest after two hours of work

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
  • Must have a 30 minute meal break after four hours of work
  • Must have a 10 minute rest after two hours of work

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

Minors 16 and 17 years old may work in a variety of jobs with no work permit required.

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:

  • Operating/Cleaning Meat Slicers
  • Delivery Driving
  • Driving a Forklift
  • Working at Heights 10 Feet or Greater
  • Wrecking/Demolition
  • Work with Elevators/Hoists/Cranes
  • Mining
  • Fire Fighting
  • Trenching/Excavating
  • Work with or Exposure to Hazardous Substances
  • Nurse’s Aide/Assistant
  • Work with Paper Balers
  • Work in Processing Freezers or Meat Coolers
  • Slaughtering/Meat Packing
  • Logging and Saw Mill Work
  • Manufacturing of Brick/Tile
  • Traffic Flagging
  • Work with Explosives
  • Work in Boiler/Engine Rooms
  • Sales to Motorists on a Public Roadway
  • Work in Saunas/Massage Parlors

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

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than four hours on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • No more than six days per week
  • A maximum of 20 hours per week (28 hours with a variance)
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
  • Must have a 30 meal minute break after four hours of work
  • Must have a 10 minute rest break for every four 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 1 and Labor Day
  • Must have a 30 minute break after four hours of work
  • Must have a 10 minute rest break for every four hours worked

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