Delaware Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Does Delaware Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, Delaware’s child labor laws include specific provisions that may differ from federal regulations, particularly concerning work permits, prohibited occupations, and working hours for minors. ​

What is the Legal Age to Work in Delaware?

In Delaware, the minimum age for employment is 14 years old. Minors aged 14 to 17 are permitted to work under specific conditions and restrictions to ensure their safety and well-being. 

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

Yes, employers in Delaware are required to obtain work permits for all employed minors under the age of 18. These permits must be verified, validated, and kept on file by the employer. A new work permit is necessary each time a minor changes employers. 

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

Yes, Delaware law prohibits minors under 18 from working in 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​
• Exposure to radioactive substances
• Power-driven woodworking machines​
• Power-driven hoisting apparatus​
• Power-driven metal-forming, punching, and shearing machines​
• Slaughtering, meatpacking, processing, or rendering
• 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 shipbuilding operations​
• Roofing operations and work on or about a roof​
• Excavation operations​

These restrictions align with federal hazardous occupation orders.

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

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

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

Yes, Delaware imposes additional restrictions beyond federal regulations, particularly concerning work permits for minors under 18 and specific working hour limitations for different age groups.

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in Delaware?

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

• Minors Aged 14 and 15:
  • Cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)​
  • Cannot work more than 4 hours per day on school days​
  • Cannot work more than 8 hours per day on non-school days​
  • Cannot work more than 18 hours per week when school is in session for five days​
  • Cannot work more than 6 days per week​
  • Cannot work more than 40 hours per week when school is not in session​
  • Cannot work more than 5 hours continuously without a non-work period of at least 30 consecutive minutes​
• Minors Aged 16 and 17:
  • Cannot work more than 12 hours in a combination of school and work hours per day​
  • Must have at least 8 consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each 24-hour period​
  • Cannot work more than 5 hours continuously without a non-work period of at least 30 consecutive minutes​

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

Minors under 16 are generally prohibited from working during school hours. For minors aged 16 and 17, employment during school hours is restricted and varies by industry. ​

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in Delaware?

Employers must adhere to the following additional requirements when employing minors in Delaware:​

• Breaks: Minors cannot work more than 5 hours continuously without a non-work period of at least 30 consecutive minutes. ​
• Prohibited Occupations: Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in certain hazardous occupations deemed unsafe by state or federal standards. ​

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

Delaware’s child labor laws provide strong protections to ensure minors work in safe environments that do not interfere with their education. With mandatory work permits, strict hour limits, and prohibitions on hazardous occupations, employers must carefully follow both state and federal regulations to lawfully employ minors and support their well-being.