Minimum Age to Work in ID
Idaho (ID) Quick Reference Table
| Age | Summary of Requirements |
|---|---|
| 14-15 | • May work up to 3 hours on a school day or 18 hours in a school week; • Can work 8 hours on a non-school day or 40 hours in a non-school week. Must work between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm, or until 9:00pm during the summer. Different rules apply in agricultural employment. Employers of “tipped employees” must pay a cash wage of at least $2.13 per hour if they claim a tip credit |
| 16-17 | May perform most task, except the 17 listed Hazardous Occupations: if any of them apply, it would be prohibited |
| 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. |
Idaho Child Labor Laws
The State of Idaho encourages young workers to apply for and work in occupations providing rewarding experiences and the opportunity to learn important skill sets. Nevertheless, certain industries remain dangerous and at times perilous for minors, so strict labor laws must remain in place. In accordance with both state and federal law, no minor may work in a job that jeopardizes the health or well-being of youths. Instances in which both state and federal rules apply require employers to adhere to whichever proves stricter.
Do Minors in Idaho Need to Obtain a Work Permit?
For minors wondering how to get a work permit in the summer, here is some information about employment certificates in the state of Idaho.
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Do you need a work permit during summer?
Idaho remains one of ten states in the United States that does not require minors to obtain a work permit in order to perform any occupation. Employers should still adhere to all state and federal regulations when hiring minors in any capacity. No minor under the age of 14 may work in any occupation, while minors under 16 may work both limited hours and in limited industries. Minors under 18 may experience more freedoms in choices of employment but must still obey certain restrictions
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Where can I get a work permit besides school?
If a minor’s school records are unavailable, they can use a government document such as a birth certificate or state ID to show their age, making them eligible for employment in certain occupations.
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How do I get a work permit during the summer?
- Choose a non-hazardous occupation
- Apply for a job in that area
- During interviews, supply potential employer with proof of age documents
How Many Hours Can a Minor Work?
Minors under the age of 16 may only work outside of normal school hours. During a school day, 14 and 15 year olds may work up to three hours in total, from 7:00am to 7:00pm. In a school week, the number of hours worked may not exceed 18. In non-school days, a minor may work up to eight hours total and up to 40 hours in a non-school week. The hours allowed may extend to 9:00pm from June 1 through Labor Day of each year. Minors over the age of 15 may work unlimited hours, though specific break times and rest periods may apply.
Permissible Employment
For 14 and 15 year olds, a variety of employment choices remain, though certain restrictions may still apply. Work in offices, grocery stores, retail establishments, restaurants, movie theaters, amusement parks, baseball parks, and gasoline service stations are all available to these teens. However, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) dictates that minors may only perform non-hazardous tasks within their chosen industry. For instance, when working in retail, a minor may perform cashiering, stocking, and bagging jobs, but may not perform such duties that include power-driven machinery. Minors may also work in restaurants performing minor kitchen duties, though most cooking remains off limits.
Restricted Professions
A minor may not perform in any profession deemed hazardous to the general health and well-being of said youth. The following list details the 17 hazardous occupations young workers under the age of 18 remain prohibited from performing:
- Mining
- Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention
- Manufacturing Brick, Tile, and Related Products
- Excavation Operations
- Wrecking, Demolition, and Shipbreaking Operations
- Balers, Compactors, and Paper-Processing Machines
- Power-Driven Hoisting Apparatus
- Exposure to Radioactive Substances
- Coal Mining
- Driving a Motor Vehicle
- Roofing Operations
- Manufacturing and Storing of Explosives
- Power-Driven Woodworking Machines
- Power-Driven Circular Saws, Band Saws, Guillotine Shears, Chain Saws, Reciprocating Saws, Wood Chippers, and Abrasive Cutting Discs
- Power-Driven Metal-Forming, Punching, and Shearing Machines
- Power-Driven Bakery Machines
- Meat and Poultry Packing or Processing
source: Idaho child labor laws
