What hours can youth employees work?

Minors who are ages 14 to 17 may work in Minnesota, but there are limitations to the hours and types of work they can perform.

A minor less than 16 years of age:

• may work from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 7 p.m. from Labor Day until June 1 under federal law);
• cannot work more than eight hours in a 24-hour period period (or more three hours on a school day under federal law); and

• cannot work more than 40 hours in a seven-day workweek (or more than 18 hours per week when school in in session under federal law).

Minors who are 16 and 17:

• may not work before 5 a.m. on a school day;
• may not work past 11 p.m. on an evening before a school day; and
• may, with parental permission, work as early as 4:30 a.m. on a school day and as late as 11:30 p.m. on an evening before school.

Are seasonal employees eligible for overtime?

Seasonal or temporary employees are eligible for overtime pay after 48 hours worked (and after 40 hours worked under federal law) in a seven-day workweek.

Some seasonal employees may not be entitled to overtime if they work at a carnival, circus, fair or ski facility.

What type of breaks do employees earn?

Every employee is entitled to the following breaks.

• Time to use the nearest convenient restroom once for every four hours of work.
• Time to eat a meal once every eight hours worked.

Any break fewer than 20 minutes long is considered time worked and must be paid. 

Breaks more than 20 minutes long are not required to be paid if employees are completely relieved from work.