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August 30, 2022

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

An Equal Rights Division Communication

Back-to-school work restrictions for minor students

State law protects minor workers by setting reasonable limitations on hours they can work. If your child plans to work, make sure you both understand how being back in school can impact their schedule. 

14 and 15-year-olds

Students ages 14 and 15 may work up to 3 hours per school day and 8 hours per non-school day with an unpaid 30-minute break after 6 or more hours at a time. These are the maximum number of hours 14 and 15-year-olds may work even if they have more than one job. 

16 and 17-year-olds

Students ages 16 and 17 are mostly unrestricted on the hours they can work so long as they receive an unpaid 30-minute break when they work 6 or more hours at a time or 10 or more hours in a single day.

No minor of any age is permitted to work during the hours they are required to be in school. The only exception to this rule is for youth apprentices who are excused from school to participate in a school/work training program. 

Know Your Rights

State law protects the health, safety and welfare of minors in the workplace by setting reasonable limitations on hours they can work and prohibiting certain types of work that are dangerous or unsuitable for minors. If you have question about minor employment or would like to learn more about your rights or protections, view our resources or contact the Equal Rights Division.

Resources

• Visit the Equal Rights Employment of Minors webpage for more information.
• View our Welcome to the Workforce Video Library for Teens, or our 60-Second Questions Video Library to learn more about commonly asked equal rights and labor standards questions.

Questions?

Contact the Equal Rights Division.

Phone: 608-266-6860 Madison or 414-227-4384 Milwaukee
Email: erinfo@dwd.wisconsin.gov
Website: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/