Minimum Age to Work in CT
Connecticut (CT) Quick Reference Table
| Age | Summary of Requirements |
|---|---|
| 14-15 | May not work during school hours.• Before 7:00am or after 7:00pm • More than 3 hours per day • More than 18 hours a week |
| 16-17 | May work only from 6:00am to 11:00pm • 6 hours per day • 8 hours per day on Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| 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. |
Connecticut Child Labor Laws
The State of Connecticut states that the minimum working age for minors is 14 years old. At this age, teens can perform tasks as a golf caddy or pro shop employee, as well as a cashier, stock clerk or grocery bagger in a retail setting. Despite this fact, teenagers must be 16 before they can apply for a work permit or statement of age.
Prohibited Occupations
There are a variety of jobs that are unavailable to minors under 16. For instance, working in food service establishments, barber shops or any manufacturing facilities is illegal for these teens.
Both state and federal laws prohibit individuals under the age of 18 from performing jobs that require:
- Manufacturing and storing explosives
- Mining
- Operating power-driven machinery
- Baking
- Roofing
- Using power tools
- Demolition
- Digging trenches
- Meatpacking
- Metal working
- Automotive maintenance or repair
- Driving motor vehicles
Permissible Jobs for Minors in Connecticut
Due to safety concerns, the state of Connecticut limits the types of jobs minors can perform.
The following list outlines acceptable employment for minors under the age of 16:
- Street Trades
- Newspaper delivery, shoe shining, babysitting
- Agriculture
- Acting
- Golf caddying
- Household chores for private homes
- Housekeeping, yard work, snow removal
- Camp councilor
- Library attendant
- Hospitality services
- With the exception of food and laundry services
Getting a Work Permit
Teenagers in Connecticut must meet several requirements before they can receive working papers. For minors hoping to obtain an employment certificate after school is out, here are some tips on how to get a work permit in the summer.
Do you need a work permit during summer?
Yes. Connecticut teens must be 16 years old and possess a work permit in order to obtain legal employment. If they seek work with multiple employers, they must have a work permit on file for each job. A change of occupation and a lost or damaged work certificate voids the previous document, and the minor must apply for a new permit.
Where can I get a work permit besides school?
Minors hoping to enter the workforce can get a work permit from their local board of education office.
How do I get a work permit during summer?
- Get a written Promise of Employment from a potential employer
- Minor should bring the employer’s letter, their Social Security card and proof of age to the board of education office
- The issuer will look over all documents, approve a work permit and send the employment certificate to the employer.
How Many Hours Can a Minor Work in Connecticut?
Child labor hour restrictions allow young minors to work between 7:00am and 7:00pm, though they can work until 9:00pm during the summer. Individuals who are 14 or 15 can work up to three hours on school days, and eight hours on weekends. Though teens may only perform tasks for 18 or fewer hours a week during the school year, restrictions change to allow 40 hours of work during vacations.
Minors older than 15 may only work after 6:00am, and can only work after school hours. For most occupations, 16 and 17 year olds can work six hours a day for up to 32 hours per week as long as they are off the clock by 11:00pm. During the summer, these teens can work eight hours a day for a total of 48 hours per week.
source: Connecticut child labor laws
