Minimum Age to Work in RI
Rhode Island (RI) Quick Reference Table
| Age | Summary of Requirements |
|---|---|
| 14-15 | Unable to work during school hours, or for more than 18 hours per week or more than 3 hours per day when school is in session. May only be on shift between 7:00am and 7:00pm. |
| 16-17 | Employer Must have Class 2 work permit. May only start work after 5:00am, and must finish their duties by 10:00pm. See the link below for the prohibited 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. |
Rhode Island Child Labor Laws
In the State of Rhode Island, workers must be at least 14 years of age in order to assume employment. At this age, the minor must abide by the child labor laws of the state also places This may include restrictions on types of jobs available, hours they may work, and avenues through which teenagers may apply for jobs.
Work Permits in Rhode Island
Employment hopefuls fourteen to sixteen face further legal scrutiny and regulation in The Ocean State. Individuals under the age of 16 must obtain Special Limited Work Permits, while older teens have to possess Certificate of Age documents, which prove the ability for minors to assume certain jobs otherwise restricted to 14 and 15 year olds.
How To Obtain a Special Limited Work Permit or Certificate of Age
While student can get their employment certificates during school, the following instructions outline how to get a work permit in the summer.
Do you need a work permit during summer?
In Rhode Island, 14 and 15 year olds require a Special Limited Permit to Work while older minors must have a Certificate of Age before they may start working.
Where can I get a work permit besides school?
The state’s Department of Labor and Training website provides the proper documents for job seeking teens.
How do I a work permit during summer?
- Job seekers should first receive a job offer for an age-appropriate occupation.
- Teens must print the proper form for their age group, and fill in the Minor section of the application.
- The underage worker’s parent and potential employer will sign the application.
- The hiring manager must also complete an Intent to Employ document as well.
- When all the paperwork is completed, minors must submit the forms and proof of age document (i.e. a state-issued ID, birth certificate, passport, etc.) to their local board of education office for approval.
- The young worker will receive their employment certification after the issuing officer reviews and approves all of their paperwork.
Jobs for Teens 14 and 15
Under Rhode Island law, minors may work only in industries and occupations that do not jeopardize the health and safety of younger workers. Potential jobs must also avoid clashing with academic studies and adhere to several restrictions regarding scheduling. Employers must keep both Certificates of Age and Special Limited Work Permits on file throughout the employment of each young worker. The industries and occupations best suited for underage workers include:
- Advertising
- Cooking, Food Prep, Waiting
- Environmental Services
- Delivery
- Retail/Grocery Bagging
- Grounds-keeping
- Office/Administrative/Clerical Work
- Price-marking
Prohibited Work for Rhode Island Minors
Minors looking for work in Rhode Island face certain job restrictions. While several industries remain accessible for minors, occupations using potentially deadly or life-threatening equipment, such power-driven machines, scaffolds, and explosives are off-limits. Specific industries Rhode Island labor laws bar minors from assuming include logging, mining, demolition, roofing, excavating, and manufacturing.
Hours Restrictions
In efforts to minimize the impacts of employment on primary educations, Rhode Island child labor laws limit the schedules minors may assume while on the job. Restrictions take the form of limited hours and specific work days.
How Many Hours Can a 14 or 15 Year Old Work?
In Rhode Island, 14 and 15 year olds may reach a maximum of 40 hours per week in the summer. During school terms, the total amount of available hours goes down to 18. The law prohibits these teens from working during school hours, before 6:00am, or after 7:00pm. However, federal law allows for younger workers between the ages of fourteen and fifteen additional hours spanning from 7:00pm to 9:00pm during summer months (June 1 thru Labor Day). Individuals may work up to eight hours in a single day. Occupations falling under federal law may only permit three hours of work on school days.
How Many Hours Can a 16 or 17 Year Old Work?
Sixteen and seventeen year olds also face hours restrictions in the State of Rhode Island. Minors between the ages of sixteen and seventeen may work for a total of 48 hours per week and nine hours per day. Schedules must begin after 6:00am and end before 11:30pm or 1:30am on non-school nights. During school breaks, these restrictions cease to apply.
Respite
By law, the Rhode Island Labor Standard Unit enforces an eight-hour respite from employment between shifts for working minors. Employers and young employees alike must honor mandatory breaks for at least eight hours before resuming another shift.
source: Rhode Island child labor laws
