Indiana Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Indiana has established specific child labor laws to protect minors in the workforce, ensuring their employment does not interfere with their education or well-being. These laws encompass age restrictions, work permits, limitations on working hours, and restrictions on certain occupations.​

Does Indiana Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, Indiana’s child labor laws have specific provisions that may differ from federal regulations, particularly concerning work permits and certain employment restrictions for minors. Notably, recent legislative changes have adjusted the working hours permitted for minors aged 16 and 17. ​

What is the Legal Age to Work in Indiana?

In Indiana, the minimum age for employment is 14 years old. However, exceptions exist for minors under 14 in specific situations, such as delivering newspapers, performing in entertainment, working in a parent’s business (excluding hazardous jobs), and doing babysitting or minor household chores. ​

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

No, Indiana no longer requires minors aged 14 through 17 to obtain work permits. As of July 1, 2021, employers who hire minors must register each employed minor in the Indiana Department of Labor’s Youth Employment System (YES). Employers must input details such as the minor’s name, age, and employment information into the system. Minors do not need to obtain individual permits from their schools.

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

Yes, Indiana law prohibits minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations, including but not limited to:​

• Manufacturing or storing explosives
• Driving motor vehicles or serving as helpers on vehicles​
• Coal mining​
• Logging and sawmilling​
• Operating power-driven woodworking machines​
• Exposure to radioactive substances​
• Operating power-driven hoisting apparatus​
• Operating power-driven metal-forming, punching, and shearing machines​
• Slaughtering, meatpacking, processing, or rendering​
• Operating power-driven bakery machines​
• Operating power-driven paper-products machines​
• Manufacturing brick, tile, and related products​
• Operating 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 Indiana?

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

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

While Indiana’s child labor laws generally align with federal regulations, the state imposes additional requirements, such as mandatory work permits for minors aged 14 through 17 and specific working hour limitations for different age groups. Recent legislative changes have further adjusted these regulations. ​

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in Indiana?

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

• Minors Aged 14 and 15:
  • During School Sessions:​
    • Maximum of 3 hours on school days
    • Up to 18 hours per week
    • Permissible work hours are between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM
  • During School Breaks:
    • Up to 8 hours on non-school days
    • Maximum of 40 hours per week
    • Extended work hours until 9:00 PM from June 1st through Labor Day
• Minors Aged 16 and 17:
  • As of January 1, 2025, 16 and 17-year-olds in Indiana can work the same hours as adults and are no longer restricted by school hours and days. They are also permitted to work overnight without adult supervision. ​

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

Minors aged 14 and 15 are generally prohibited from working during school hours unless they have completed high school or have been excused from attendance by the appropriate school authority. For minors aged 16 and 17, recent legislative changes have removed previous restrictions related to school hours. ​

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in Indiana?

Employers in Indiana must adhere to additional requirements when employing minors:​

• Breaks: As a worker under the age of 18, minors must receive one or two breaks totaling 30 minutes when scheduled to work 6 or more consecutive hours. 
• Recordkeeping: Employers must maintain records of each minor employee’s work permit and proof of age. ​
• Prohibited Occupations: Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in certain hazardous occupations as defined by state and federal

Conclusion

Indiana’s child labor laws are designed to safeguard young workers while providing opportunities for lawful employment. With age-based restrictions, mandatory work permits, and recent changes to working hour limits for older minors, employers must stay updated and compliant with both state and federal regulations. These laws ensure that minors are employed in safe environments that support their health, education, and development.