Guide to Minnesota's Child Labor Standards

Note: This is an abridged version of Minnesota's child labor standards; for an official copy contact the Film Board or the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Labor Standards Division at 612-296-2282.

The Minnesota Child Labor Act
Employers should be aware that there are both Federal and State Child Labor laws. The same criteria used to determine coverage for the minimum wage and overtime laws is used to determine coverage under these laws. The Federal restrictions on hours that minors under 16 may work during the school year are marked with asterisks below.

Minimum Age
A minor under 14 years of age may not be employed, except:

as an actor/actress or model;
as a newspaper carrier, if at least 11 years of age;
in agriculture, if at least 12 years of age and if parents or guardians consent.

Hours of Work
A minor under the ate of 16 may not work:

Before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.* with the exception of a newspaper carrier.
For more than 40 hours per week* or more than 8 hours per 24 hour period* except in an agricultural operation.
On school days, during school hours, without an employment certificate issued by the appropriate school officials.

No limit is set for minors 16 years of age or older.

For more information on how these standards apply to our industry, please contact one of Minnesota's professional casting directors or talent agents listed in the Crew & Production section of this site.
* During the school year federal law restricts hours to no later than 7:00 p.m., no more than 3 hours per day and not more than 18 hours per week.