Louisiana Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Louisiana enforces 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 Louisiana Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Louisiana’s child labor laws align closely with federal regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Both set the minimum employment age at 14 for non-agricultural work, with specific exceptions. However, Louisiana law imposes additional restrictions on working hours and prohibited occupations for minors. ​

What is the Legal Age to Work in Louisiana?

The minimum age for employment in Louisiana is 14 years old. Exceptions include minors employed by their parents in non-hazardous work, household chores, casual labor in private homes, delivery or messenger work (e.g., paper routes), and agricultural activities. ​

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

Yes, employers in Louisiana must obtain an employment certificate for minors under 18 before they can begin work. This certificate is issued by the city or parish superintendent of schools. 

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

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

• Oiling, cleaning, or wiping machinery or shafting, or applying belts to pulleys
• Working in or about any mine or quarry
• Working in or about places where stone cutting or polishing is done
• Working in or about any plant manufacturing explosives or articles containing explosive components, or in the use or transportation of the same
• Working in or about iron or steel manufacturing plants, ore reduction works, smelters, foundries, forging shops, or rolling mills
• Operating or assisting in operating any grinding, abrasive, polishing, or buffing machine, or any planing or milling machine​
• Operating or assisting in operating any machines used in picking wool, cotton, hair, or any other material​
• Working in or about sawmills or cooperage stock mills​
• Operating power-driven woodworking machines, or off-bearing from circular saws
• Working in logging operations
• Driving any motor vehicle on a public road if they are 16 years of age or younger. Minors 17 years of age or older may be employed as drivers under certain restrictions. 

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

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

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

While Louisiana’s child labor laws generally align with federal regulations, the state imposes additional requirements, such as obtaining employment certificates for minors under 18 and specific working hour limitations for different age groups. For instance, Louisiana law mandates that minors under 16 may not work more than 3 hours on a school day, more than 8 hours on a non-school day, more than 18 hours in a school week, more than 40 hours in a non-school week, or outside of the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (except from June 1 through Labor Day, when they may work until 9 p.m.). ​

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in Louisiana?

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

• Minors Aged 14 and 15:
  • May work up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week.​
  • May work up to 8 hours on a non-school day and 40 hours during a non-school week.​
  • Work hours must be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day. ​
• Minors Aged 16:
  • May not work between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on any day before a school day. 
• Minors Aged 17:
  • May not work between midnight and 5 a.m. on any day before a school day. 

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

Minors under 16 who have not graduated from high school are generally prohibited from working during school hours. Employers must ensure that employment does not interfere with the minor’s school attendance.

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in Louisiana?

Employers in Louisiana must comply with several additional requirements when hiring minors:

• Meal Breaks: Minors under the age of 16 are entitled to a minimum 30-minute uninterrupted break after working five consecutive hours.
• Rest Between Shifts: All minors must receive at least an eight-hour rest period between the end of one workday and the start of the next.
• Employer Records: Employers are required to maintain accurate records for each minor, including personal details, hours worked, and wages paid, to ensure compliance with child labor regulations.

Conclusion

Louisiana’s child labor laws provide clear guidelines to protect minors in the workforce while allowing lawful employment opportunities. With required employment certificates, restrictions on hazardous occupations, and limits on working hours, employers must ensure full compliance with both state and federal regulations. These protections help balance work experience with the educational and developmental needs of young workers.