Colorado Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Does Colorado Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, Colorado’s child labor laws align with federal regulations but include additional state-specific provisions to further protect minors in the workforce.

What is the Legal Age to Work in Colorado?

In Colorado, the minimum age for employment is 14 years old. However, minors aged 12 and 13 may engage in certain non-hazardous occupations, such as:​

• Sale and delivery of periodicals​
• Door-to-door selling and delivery of merchandise​
• Babysitting​
• Gardening and lawn care
• Cleaning of walks
• Non-hazardous agricultural work

Are There Any Requirements or Permits for Employers to Hire Minors in Colorado?

Colorado does not require work permits or employment certificates for minors under 18. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable child labor laws when hiring minors. ​

Are There Any Industries or Occupations That Have Different Minimum Age Requirements in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado law prohibits minors under 16 from working in certain hazardous occupations, including:​

• Manufacturing or storing explosives​
• Driving a motor vehicle or working as an outside helper on motor vehicles​
• Mining operations​
• Logging and sawmilling​
• Power-driven woodworking machines​
• Exposure to radioactive substances​
• Power-driven hoisting apparatus​
• Power-driven metal-forming, punching, and shearing machines​
• Meat packing or processing (including the use of power-driven meat slicing machines)​
• Power-driven bakery machines​
• Power-driven paper products machines​
• Manufacturing brick, tile, and related products​
• Power-driven circular saws, band saws, and guillotine shears​
• Wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking operations​
• Roofing operations and all work on or about a roof​
• Excavation operations​

Are There Different Age Requirements for Employment in Cities or Municipalities Across Colorado?

No, Colorado’s child labor laws are enforced uniformly across the state, with no variations in minimum age requirements between different cities or municipalities. ​

Does Colorado Have Child Labor Laws That Differ from Federal Child Labor Laws?

While Colorado’s child labor laws generally align with federal regulations, the state imposes additional restrictions on the hours minors under 16 can work, especially concerning nighttime employment. ​

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado has specific regulations governing the working hours of minors:​

• Minors Under 16:
  • When School is in Session:​
    • Up to 3 hours on a school day (including Fridays)
    • Up to 18 hours per week
    • Not before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)
  • When School is Not in Session:​
    • Up to 8 hours on a non-school day
    • Up to 40 hours per week
    • Not before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

What Requirements Are There for Employment During School Hours in Colorado?

Minors under 16 are prohibited from working during school hours when school is in session, ensuring that employment does not interfere with their educational commitments. ​

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in Colorado?

Additional requirements for employing minors in Colorado include:​

• Breaks: Employers must provide minors with a 30-minute break after five consecutive hours of work.
• Recordkeeping: Employers must maintain records of minors’ dates of birth and daily starting and ending times for work shifts. ​

Employers must adhere to both federal and state regulations when employing minors. In cases where state laws are more restrictive than federal laws, the more stringent standard applies.

Conclusion

Colorado’s child labor laws provide clear guidelines to ensure minors are employed safely and responsibly. While generally aligned with federal standards, the state includes additional requirements around work hours, break times, and restricted occupations. Employers must remain compliant with both state and federal laws to lawfully employ minors and support their education and well-being.