Minimum Age to Work in MS
Mississippi (MS) Quick Reference Table
| Age | Summary of Requirements |
|---|---|
| 14-15 | May only work between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm. Can work up to three hours per day and 18 hours a week during the school year. |
| 16-17 | May only hold positions in non-hazardous occupations. |
| 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. |
Mississippi Child Labor Laws
In the state of Mississippi, employers and their underage workers have a set of strict guidelines that they must follow. These rules help minors remain healthy and safe as they perform job tasks, and ensure that they are able to still prioritize their education as they pursue different occupations.
Work Regulations
Do Teens Need a Work Permit in Mississippi?
Though many states require underage laborers in all occupations to obtain work permits, Mississippi’s regulations are more lenient. The need for a minor to have working papers depends on the type of job they hope to have. See the following information to learn which occupations require employment certificates, and to understand how to get a work permit in the summer.
Do you need a work permit during summer?
Regardless of whether school is in session, Employment certificates stand are necessary for Mississippi minors who are under 16 and want to work in factory, mill, cannery, or workshop jobs.
Where can I get a work permit besides school?
When school is out, Juveniles may acquire an Employment certificate application at their local board of education or Department of Labor office.
How do I get a work permit during summer?
- Get a job offer for a factory, workshop, cannery or milling position
- Obtain an application for a work permit from the local school board or department of labor.
- The minor, their legal guardian and the potential employer must fill out each section of the form.
- Return the completed form and a proof of age document (birth certificate, state ID card, etc.) to the issuing office for approval.
What Hours Can a Minor Work in Mississippi?
While the work permit laws only apply to minors in certain occupations, restrictions on work hours affect all employees under the age of 16. All the labor these teens perform must take place between 6:00am and 7:00pm. Also, they may only work for eight hours a day and 40 hours a week.
Work Prohibitions for Minors
Hazardous Occupations
Certain jobs include an inherent risk to the health and safety of employees. risky the health and safety of minors. State law prohibits minors from performing these tasks, with the exception of work-study programs and apprenticeships. Some occupations that are off-limits to minors include:
- Work with Explosives
- Work with Radioactive Substances
- Mining
- Logging/Sawmill Work
- Forest Fire Prevention/Fighting
- Packing or Processing Meat/Poultry
- Wrecking/Demolition
- Work with Power-driven Machinery
- Roofing
- Excavation
- Work with Balers/Compactors
- Driving/Working as an Outside Helper on a Motor Vehicle
Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Olds
Fourteen and fifteen year olds can pursue non-hazardous jobs such as:
- Office/Clerical Work
- Cashiering
- Non-cooking Kitchen Work
- Intellectual/Artistic Work
- Pricing/Tagging Goods
- Packing/Shelving Goods
- Pumping Gas
- Delivery on Foot/Bicycle
source: Mississippi child labor laws
