--- title: "Child Labor Laws: Key Rules, Risks and Employer Compliance" description: Child labor laws are under increased scrutiny as violations surge. Learn the rules, penalties and off-limits jobs employers must know to stay compliant. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Child-labor-laws-are-on-the-rise-_1200-x-628-px_%20(1).webp --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - 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[Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) Child Labor Laws: Key Rules, Risks and Employer Compliance 8:55 # Child Labor Laws: Why Violations Are Rising and How to Stay Compliant By [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) on [Dec 03, 2025](https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws) 6 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws) - [mailto:?subject=Child%20Labor%20Laws:%20Key%20Rules,%20Risks%20and%20Employer%20Compliance&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws](mailto:?subject=Child%20Labor%20Laws:%20Key%20Rules,%20Risks%20and%20Employer%20Compliance&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws) ![Grocery store staying compliant with child labor laws with teen workers](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Child-labor-laws-are-on-the-rise%20(1).webp?width=1200&height=800&name=Child-labor-laws-are-on-the-rise%20(1).webp) Across the U.S., the number of [child labor law violations is climbing](https://www.inc.com/sarah-lynch-/child-labor-violations-have-surged-are-you-protecting-young-workers.html) at a rate that should make every business owner pay attention. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the Department of Labor found [4,030 children employed in violation of federal law](https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/states-redraw-the-rules-on-child-labor/). Employers paid more than $15.1 million in civil penalties, an 89% jump from the previous year.  These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a nationwide trend fueled by labor shortages, [weakened state protections](https://abcnews.go.com/US/despite-hazardous-working-conditions-states-rolling-back-child/story?id=107209273), and, in some cases, managers cutting corners during busy periods. Whether intentional or not, the result is the same: serious financial penalties, reputational damage, and harm to young workers who rely on adults to protect them. RELATED: [Workplace Posters Made Simple: Federal, State and Remote Requirements >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/labor-law-required-workplace-posters) ## A National Surge in Child Labor Law Violations Federal investigators have uncovered minors working overnight in slaughterhouses, operating industrial equipment in auto part factories, and cleaning meatpacking plants — jobs clearly off-limits to anyone under 18. In January 2025, the Department of Labor had more than 1,000 open investigations into illegal child labor, with the number of children found in hazardous jobs increasing sharply since 2021. While many employers follow the law, others may unintentionally violate it. A 15-year-old working past 7 p.m. at a restaurant or a 16-year-old exceeding the weekly hour cap in retail might not seem like a big deal in the moment — but under federal standards, both are violations that could cost a business thousands. [![what employers need to know about fair labor standards act. The basics.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/e1cd5b49-a171-406f-b607-e2314e568ab8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/e1cd5b49-a171-406f-b607-e2314e568ab8) ## What’s Driving the Increase Experts point to several converging pressures: - **Labor shortages** have led some companies to rely on younger workers or third-party contractors who fail to properly verify ages. - **Economic pressures** have incentivized longer shifts and reduced oversight in low-margin industries such as food service, agriculture and logistics. - [Weakened state laws](https://abcnews.go.com/US/despite-hazardous-working-conditions-states-rolling-back-child/story?id=107209273) — in at least 12 states — have rolled back protections by expanding permissible work hours or removing age-verification requirements. - **Vulnerable populations**, particularly migrant children, are at the highest risk of exploitation, accounting for much of the recent increase in violations. Under-resourced enforcement agencies compound the problem, making it easier for illegal practices to persist undetected. RELATED: [50 Employees Compliance - What Employers Need to Know >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/hr-compliance-what-changes-when-your-business-reaches-50-employees) ## Federal Penalties for Child Labor Violations The Department of Labor assesses civil money penalties on a per-violation basis, meaning even small errors can add up quickly. And the price of ignoring child labor laws keeps rising.  In fact, in 2024, employers paid more than $15 million in civil penalties — nearly double the amount just two years earlier.  [Penalties include](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/fab/fab2023_4.pdf): - **Up to $15,138 per violation** For hour-limit violations, hiring underage workers, or allowing minors to perform prohibited tasks when no serious injury or death occurs. - **Up to $68,801 per violation** When a violation causes the death or serious injury of a minor under 18. - **Up to $137,602 per violation** When a serious injury or death violation is willful or repeated. Beyond financial loss, the reputational fallout can be devastating, especially when violations involve minors injured on the job. ## Federal Child Labor Law Standards at a Glance The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the national framework for [child labor laws](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor): - **Children under 14** generally cannot be employed in non-agricultural jobs. - Fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds may work limited hours outside school but are restricted to non-hazardous positions. [Here are the limited hours guidelines:](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture) - Must work outside school hours - No more than 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays - No more than 8 hours on a non-school day - No more than 18 hours during a week when school is in session - No more than 40 hours during a week when school is not in session - Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. - **Youths ages 16 and 17** can work unlimited hours but may not perform tasks deemed hazardous by the Department of Labor. These rules apply to nearly every industry, but specific state regulations may add another layer of complexity. [![employee break compensation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/48483793-c0c7-4b29-985e-01ba13014831.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/48483793-c0c7-4b29-985e-01ba13014831) ## Jobs Off-Limits for Kids Under 18 Federal law prohibits [minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor/what-jobs-are-off-limits). Below is a concise, easy-to-scan summary of the jobs that are off-limits under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): ### Meat Processing and Slicing - Operating meat slicers, saws, grinders or choppers - Cleaning or hand-washing machine parts - Using these machines on non-meat items - Working in most meat or poultry slaughtering, packing or rendering roles ### Power-Driven Woodworking Machinery - Operating chainsaws - Operating nailing or stapling machines - Operating power-driven sanders - Using any power-driven woodworking equipment ### Compactors and Balers - Operating trash compactors - Operating power-driven paper-product machines - Operating balers or compactors used for recycling or disposal ### Forklifts and Skid-Steers - Operating forklifts - Riding on forklifts - Assisting with forklift use - Operating non-automatic elevators - Operating skid-steers, backhoes, manlifts, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, boom trucks or cranes ### Logging, Forestry and Sawmilling - Working in forest fire fighting - Working in active fire suppression - Timber tract management - Forestry services - Logging or sawmilling operations ### Power-Driven Bakery Machines - Operating bakery mixers - Operating dough rollers, rounders, dividers or sheeters - Operating cookie or cracker machines - Cleaning or repairing these machines ### Metal-Working Machines - Operating power-driven metal-forming machines - Operating punching machines - Operating shearing machines ### Power-Driven Saws - Operating circular saws - Operating band saws - Operating guillotine shears - Operating chainsaws - Operating reciprocating saws - Operating woodchippers - Operating abrasive cutting discs ### Roofing - Any roofing work - Ground-level tasks related to roofing - Removing old roofing - Any work on or about a roof ### Driving - Driving motor vehicles as part of a job - Working as a driver’s helper (loading or unloading cargo) ### Explosives - Working where explosives are manufactured, handled or stored ### Demolition - Working in wrecking - Working in demolition - Working in ship-breaking ### Mining - Working in coal mines - Working in metal mines - Working in quarries or gravel pits - Working in surface or underground mining operations ### Radioactive Materials - Working around radioactive substances - Working where ionizing radiation is present ### Brick and Tile Manufacturing - Working in most roles involving the manufacture of brick, tile or similar products ### Trenching and Excavation - Working in trenching - Working in excavation - Entering trenches deeper than four feet RELATED: [Exempt vs Non-Exempt - What's the Difference >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/exempt-v.-non-exempt-whats-the-difference) ## Kansas and Missouri: Know the Local Rules In the Kansas City area, employers must also navigate state-specific child labor laws. ### [Kansas](https://www.dol.ks.gov/employers/workplace-laws) Child Labor Laws: - Youth under 16 are limited to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week. - Work is restricted to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. when school is in session (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). - Work permits are required for certain minors, and violations can trigger both state and federal penalties. ### Child Labor Laws [Missouri](https://labor.mo.gov/dls/youth-employment): - Youth under 14 are prohibited from most employment except limited activities, such as family businesses or agriculture. - Employers must maintain documentation verifying each minor’s age and permissible duties. - State lawmakers have proposed rolling back some of these requirements, but for now, the existing restrictions remain in force. [![HR compliance services for small businesses from Axcet HR Solutions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-189255892628.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKipV%2BtQNea7y%2B%2BGMWbl07loFBLYzCyGEyUGNkqqy0rZyaxyYQquzXiBEDtijB6gGZJ4gf4o0e1oGUtdS4oKRPusFi5ry1cGtrSWhTO7rnmaURoWwXNw2YvIRLhIufbQf8DOTsr8pZpbSR1Tm4MKbwEgmqgoH749CDWlznMuYaNntFSvvDhB39L4w8U4oP5VF%2FICpbrS9wnZjOcQdW%2F8VBmqfN07ZhbVRb8T1HLJKbDPwOp8dPffeVxj4kNOL%2FMmmvu1JKHc7gim2jSbPChts2EgFGlSQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=189255892628&portalId=2652187) ## Protecting Your Business — and Young Workers Avoiding violations starts with vigilance. Employers should: - **Verify** every employee’s age and eligibility to work. - **Train** managers on federal and state youth-employment laws. - **Aud****it** schedules to ensure minors don’t exceed hour limits. - **R****eview** vendor and subcontractor practices — you can be liable for violations in your supply chain. When in doubt, consult the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or your [HR compliance partner](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/hr-compliance-services/) before hiring or scheduling minors. ## Axcet Can Help Compliance with child labor laws isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about creating safe, lawful workplaces for the next generation. Axcet HR Solutions, a [certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) headquartered in Kansas City, helps small and midsized businesses stay compliant with ever-changing employment regulations, from FLSA standards to state-specific wage, hour and safety laws. Learn more about how our team of certified HR professionals can help your company protect its people — and its reputation. [Contact us today >>](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) [![LinkedIn-CTA-_2000-x-500-px_ (1)](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-197892267126.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKC4QEopebl5K6XnJO%2F2POVlvqgaH8cPisthKgHqvIPJy6nQv%2BXmI%2B1AkZnMRoNdO1VGOsqNwMgLB7HWn%2B8bKDHeV%2BwfvC3767dZiEJzQK%2Fpv69%2FHVRme1Y7Bfg0Y8L83cMvsRqqntvPXymodSpN6cDiVnAPYYCBIgwREWJPBwl19U9MbHbEfz7kSktup3fB31yi6UVWzg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=197892267126&portalId=2652187) [![Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeanette-04.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Jeanette-04.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Written by #### [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Jeanette Coleman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the Director of Human Resources at Axcet HR Solutions, where she has contributed her expertise for over 21 years. As a leader in the HR industry, she holds advanced certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Jeanette oversees HR strategy and operations, ensuring Axcet delivers exceptional HR services that help small and mid-sized businesses stay compliant and grow. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University, Jeanette is well-equipped to lead and support clients in navigating complex HR challenges. Throughout her 15-year tenure as Director of Human Resources, she has been instrumental in positioning Axcet as the Midwest’s largest and premier Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Her previous roles at Axcet include Director of Employee Benefits and Senior HR Consultant, where she gained extensive experience in HR outsourcing, and employee risk management. Jeanette’s expertise has been recognized through industry and regional publications. She co-authored the article “High-Touch in the Age of High-Tech: How PEOs Can Embrace AI Without Losing Their Humanity” (https://peoinsider.org/articles/high-touch-in-the-age-of-high-tech-how-peos-can-embrace-ai-without-losing-their-humanity/) for PEO Insider (March 2026), alongside Jo McClure, and was featured in Ingram’s Magazine in a Q&A (https://ingrams.com/article/qa-with-jeanette-coleman/) discussing generational change, technology, and workplace culture. These contributions reflect her perspective on balancing innovation with the human side of HR. Jeanette’s leadership reflects her deep commitment to helping businesses thrive through strategic, compliance-driven HR solutions. Through her writing, she shares insights on HR strategy, compliance, and best practices to help employers confidently manage their workforce. Published in: PEO Insider and Ingram's Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents ### Related Resources - [services Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [services HR Compliance](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/hr-compliance-specialist/) #### [Company Holiday Party Rules Every Employer Should Know ![Holidays and Christmas Workplace Compliance](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Christmas-Holiday-Workplace-Compliance-GUide-_1200-x-628-px_%20(1).webp)](https://blog.axcethr.com/how-to-avoid-legal-liability-in-your-companys-holiday-stocking) #### [![best Kansas City Christmas Tree Farms](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/kc%20christmas%20tree%20farm.png) 11 Must-Visit Kansas City Christmas Tree Farms: Holiday Magic Awaits](https://blog.axcethr.com/kansas-city-christmas-tree-farms) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-03T15:00:02.389Z", "datePublished" : "2025-12-03T15:00:02.000Z", "headline" : "Child Labor Laws: Key Rules, Risks and Employer Compliance", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Child-labor-laws-are-on-the-rise-_1200-x-628-px_%20(1).webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. Founded in Kansas City in 1988 with 35+ years of expertise.", "foundingDate" : "1988", "foundingLocation" : { "@type" : "Place", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" } }, "hasOfferCatalog" : { "@type" : "OfferCatalog", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Comprehensive HR management services including recruitment, retention, performance management, and company culture development", "name" : "Human Resources Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Accurate payroll processing and payroll tax filing with dedicated payroll consultants", "name" : "Payroll Processing" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Group employee benefits management including health insurance evaluation, selection, and administration", "name" : "Employee Benefits Administration" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Workplace safety compliance and risk management solutions", "name" : "Risk Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Employment law compliance, regulatory reporting, and guidance from employment law attorneys", "name" : "HR Compliance & Legal Support" } } ], "name" : "HR Solutions Services" }, "keywords" : "PEO, Professional Employer Organization, HR Solutions, Human Resources Outsourcing, Payroll Services, Employee Benefits, Kansas City PEO, Small Business HR, Mid-Sized Business HR, HR Consulting, IRS Certified PEO, CPEO", "knowsAbout" : [ "Human Resources Management", "Professional Employer Organization", "PEO Services", "Payroll Processing", "Employee Benefits Administration", "Risk Management", "HR Compliance", "Health Plan Management", "Talent Recruitment", "Performance Management", "Workplace Safety", "Employment Law Compliance" ], "legalName" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com/wp-content/uploads/axcet-logo.png" }, "memberOf" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organizations" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "numberOfEmployees" : { "@type" : "QuantitativeValue", "value" : "50-200" }, "sameAs" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com" ], "slogan" : "HR Support That Drives Success", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/child-labor-laws#article", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "Across the U.S., the number of child labor law violations false", "articleBody" : "Across the U.S., the number of child labor law violations is climbing at a rate that should make every business owner pay attention. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the Department of Labor found 4,030 children employed in violation of federal law. Employers paid more than $15.1 million in civil penalties, an 89% jump from the previous year. These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a nationwide trend fueled by labor shortages, weakened state protections, and, in some cases, managers cutting corners during busy periods. Whether intentional or not, the result is the same: serious financial penalties, reputational damage, and harm to young workers who rely on adults to protect them. RELATED: Workplace Posters Made Simple: Federal, State and Remote Requirements >> A National Surge in Child Labor Law Violations Federal investigators have uncovered minors working overnight in slaughterhouses, operating industrial equipment in auto part factories, and cleaning meatpacking plants — jobs clearly off-limits to anyone under 18. In January 2025, the Department of Labor had more than 1,000 open investigations into illegal child labor, with the number of children found in hazardous jobs increasing sharply since 2021. While many employers follow the law, others may unintentionally violate it. A 15-year-old working past 7 p.m. at a restaurant or a 16-year-old exceeding the weekly hour cap in retail might not seem like a big deal in the moment — but under federal standards, both are violations that could cost a business thousands. What’s Driving the Increase Experts point to several converging pressures: Labor shortages have led some companies to rely on younger workers or third-party contractors who fail to properly verify ages. Economic pressures have incentivized longer shifts and reduced oversight in low-margin industries such as food service, agriculture and logistics. Weakened state laws — in at least 12 states — have rolled back protections by expanding permissible work hours or removing age-verification requirements. Vulnerable populations, particularly migrant children, are at the highest risk of exploitation, accounting for much of the recent increase in violations. Under-resourced enforcement agencies compound the problem, making it easier for illegal practices to persist undetected. RELATED: 50 Employees Compliance - What Employers Need to Know >> Federal Penalties for Child Labor Violations The Department of Labor assesses civil money penalties on a per-violation basis, meaning even small errors can add up quickly. And the price of ignoring child labor laws keeps rising. In fact, in 2024, employers paid more than $15 million in civil penalties — nearly double the amount just two years earlier. Penalties include: Up to $15,138 per violation For hour-limit violations, hiring underage workers, or allowing minors to perform prohibited tasks when no serious injury or death occurs. Up to $68,801 per violation When a violation causes the death or serious injury of a minor under 18. Up to $137,602 per violation When a serious injury or death violation is willful or repeated. Beyond financial loss, the reputational fallout can be devastating, especially when violations involve minors injured on the job. Federal Child Labor Law Standards at a Glance The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the national framework for child labor laws: Children under 14 generally cannot be employed in non-agricultural jobs. Fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds may work limited hours outside school but are restricted to non-hazardous positions. Here are the limited hours guidelines: Must work outside school hours No more than 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays No more than 8 hours on a non-school day No more than 18 hours during a week when school is in session No more than 40 hours during a week when school is not in session Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Youths ages 16 and 17 can work unlimited hours but may not perform tasks deemed hazardous by the Department of Labor. These rules apply to nearly every industry, but specific state regulations may add another layer of complexity. Jobs Off-Limits for Kids Under 18 Federal law prohibits minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations. Below is a concise, easy-to-scan summary of the jobs that are off-limits under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Meat Processing and Slicing Operating meat slicers, saws, grinders or choppers Cleaning or hand-washing machine parts Using these machines on non-meat items Working in most meat or poultry slaughtering, packing or rendering roles Power-Driven Woodworking Machinery Operating chainsaws Operating nailing or stapling machines Operating power-driven sanders Using any power-driven woodworking equipment Compactors and Balers Operating trash compactors Operating power-driven paper-product machines Operating balers or compactors used for recycling or disposal Forklifts and Skid-Steers Operating forklifts Riding on forklifts Assisting with forklift use Operating non-automatic elevators Operating skid-steers, backhoes, manlifts, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, boom trucks or cranes Logging, Forestry and Sawmilling Working in forest fire fighting Working in active fire suppression Timber tract management Forestry services Logging or sawmilling operations Power-Driven Bakery Machines Operating bakery mixers Operating dough rollers, rounders, dividers or sheeters Operating cookie or cracker machines Cleaning or repairing these machines Metal-Working Machines Operating power-driven metal-forming machines Operating punching machines Operating shearing machines Power-Driven Saws Operating circular saws Operating band saws Operating guillotine shears Operating chainsaws Operating reciprocating saws Operating woodchippers Operating abrasive cutting discs Roofing Any roofing work Ground-level tasks related to roofing Removing old roofing Any work on or about a roof Driving Driving motor vehicles as part of a job Working as a driver’s helper (loading or unloading cargo) Explosives Working where explosives are manufactured, handled or stored Demolition Working in wrecking Working in demolition Working in ship-breaking Mining Working in coal mines Working in metal mines Working in quarries or gravel pits Working in surface or underground mining operations Radioactive Materials Working around radioactive substances Working where ionizing radiation is present Brick and Tile Manufacturing Working in most roles involving the manufacture of brick, tile or similar products Trenching and Excavation Working in trenching Working in excavation Entering trenches deeper than four feet RELATED: Exempt vs Non-Exempt - What's the Difference >> Kansas and Missouri: Know the Local Rules In the Kansas City area, employers must also navigate state-specific child labor laws. Kansas Child Labor Laws: Youth under 16 are limited to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week. Work is restricted to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. when school is in session (extended to 9 p.m. in summer). Work permits are required for certain minors, and violations can trigger both state and federal penalties. Child Labor Laws Missouri: Youth under 14 are prohibited from most employment except limited activities, such as family businesses or agriculture. Employers must maintain documentation verifying each minor’s age and permissible duties. State lawmakers have proposed rolling back some of these requirements, but for now, the existing restrictions remain in force. Protecting Your Business — and Young Workers Avoiding violations starts with vigilance. Employers should: Verify every employee’s age and eligibility to work. Train managers on federal and state youth-employment laws. Audit schedules to ensure minors don’t exceed hour limits. Review vendor and subcontractor practices — you can be liable for violations in your supply chain. When in doubt, consult the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or your HR compliance partner before hiring or scheduling minors. Axcet Can Help Compliance with child labor laws isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about creating safe, lawful workplaces for the next generation. Axcet HR Solutions, a certified PEO headquartered in Kansas City, helps small and midsized businesses stay compliant with ever-changing employment regulations, from FLSA standards to state-specific wage, hour and safety laws. Learn more about how our team of certified HR professionals can help your company protect its people — and its reputation. Contact us today >>", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateCreated" : "2025-12-03", "dateModified" : "2025-12-03", "datePublished" : "2025-12-03", "description" : "Across the U.S., the number of child labor law violations is climbing at a rate that should make every business owner pay attention. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the Department of Labor found 4,030 children employed in violation of federal law. 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