Minimum Age to Work in AR
Arkansas (AR) Quick Reference Table
| Age | Summary of Requirements |
|---|---|
| 14-15 | 14 – Minimum age for employment outside school hours, except in specified occupations. |
| 16-17 | May work in any occupation, except the operation of a taxi or the sale, transport, or handling of alcohol. |
| 18-20 | Must be 18 to work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption. |
| 21 | Able to serve alcohol for consumption. No restrictions. |
Arkansas Child Labor Laws
With a few exceptions, the minimum age for employment in Arkansas stands at 14 years of age. Workers under 18 must comply with state regulations on hour restrictions and the sorts of jobs they can hold.
Arkansas Work Permit Regulations
Individuals under 16 years old must have a work permit in order to gain employment. While minors aged 16 and 17 can get a job without a permit, there are federal laws that limit the type of work they can perform. Most teens get a work permit application through their school. See the following instructions to learn how to get a work permit in the summer.
Do you need a work permit during summer?
Yes. Work permits are mandatory for all minors under 16.
Where can I get a work permit besides school?
Work permit applications for minors are available online at the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing website under the Child Labor section.
How do I get a work permit during summer?
- Print an “Application for Employment of a Minor” form from the Department of Labor webpage.
- The minor’s legal guardian and potential employer must fill out the application
- Turn in the completed form and a copy of a proof of age document (e.g. driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.) to the Department of Labor office
Applicability
The state of Arkansas places certain restrictions on the occupations a teenager can have, and the hours they are able to work. These guidelines prevent students from sacrificing the quality of their education in favor of employment. However, minors who are married, have children, or have a diploma from a high school or vocational program are exempt from these rules. Minors working under the supervision of their parents or as part of a youth sports program are also immune to these regulations.
What Hours Can a Minor Work in Arkansas?
Individuals under 16 can work between 6:00am and 7:00pm, and may perform job tasks for eight hours a day for a maximum of 48 hours per week. Minors aged 16 and 17 can work for 10 hours daily, though they must be off the clock by 11:00pm. These older minors may labor for a total of 54 hours weekly. On the weekends, 14 and 15 year olds can work as late as 9:00pm, while 16 and 17 year olds can stay on duty until midnight. All minors must receive at least one day off per week.
Additional Provisions for 16 and 17 Year Olds
Restricted employment fields for 16 and 17 year olds include:
- Businesses Serving Alcohol
- Adult/Nude Entertainment
- Security Guard Jobs
- Gambling Establishments/Race Tracks
- Truck Stops/Gas Stations
- Delivery jobs
Restricted Occupations
Prohibited Work for Youths in Arkansas
Hazardous work remains forbidden for minors 15 years of age and younger. The following list outlines some of the prohibited jobs deemed hazardous for all minors under 16:
- Work with Power-driven Machinery
- Railroad Work
- Work in Alcohol-Serving Establishments
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Construction
- Work with Explosives
- Slaughtering/Meat Packing
- Logging/Sawmilling
Agricultural Jobs for Minors
Farming jobs in Arkansas remain covered by most of the same provisions as non-agricultural jobs. Work off-limits to juveniles includes:
- Operation of a Tractor of 20 PTO Horsepower
- Operation of Harvest Equipment
- Work in a Pen with a Bull/Horse/Boar Maintained for Breeding Purposes
- Driving a Car/Truck/Bus to Transport Passengers
- Work in Fruit Silos/Granaries/Manure Pits
source: Arkansas child labor laws
