Ohio Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Ohio 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 Ohio Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, Ohio’s child labor laws align with federal regulations but include additional provisions to further protect minors. For instance, while federal law sets the minimum employment age at 14 for non-agricultural jobs, Ohio requires all minors aged 14 through 17 to obtain a working permit before starting work. ​

What is the Legal Age to Work in Ohio?

In Ohio, the minimum age for employment in non-agricultural jobs is 14. However, exceptions exist for certain roles, such as delivering newspapers, acting in entertainment productions, or working in businesses owned by their parents (excluding hazardous occupations). ​

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

Yes, employers must obtain a working permit for minors aged 14 through 17 before they begin work. The process involves the employer, the minor, and the minor’s parent or guardian completing and signing the permit. The employer must verify the youth’s age, proposed job duties, and any restrictions. The completed permit must be kept on file by the employer. 

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

Yes, Ohio law prohibits minors under 18 from working in certain hazardous occupations, including:​

• Occupations involving slaughtering, meat-packing, processing, or rendering.​
• Power-driven bakery machines.
• Occupations involved in the manufacture of brick, tile, and kindred products.
• Occupations involved in the manufacture of chemicals.
• Manufacturing or storage occupations involving explosives.
• Occupations involving exposure to radioactive substances and ionizing radiations.​
• Power-driven paper products machines.

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

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

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

While Ohio’s child labor laws generally align with federal regulations, the state imposes additional requirements, such as the necessity of obtaining working permits for minors aged 14 through 17 and specific working hour limitations for different age groups. ​

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in Ohio?

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

• Minors Aged 14 and 15:
  • No more than 3 hours per day on school days.​
  • No more than 8 hours per day on non-school days.​
  • No more than 18 hours per week when school is in session.​
  • No more than 40 hours per week when school is not in session.​
  • Work hours must be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through September 1 or during any school holiday of five school days or more).​
  • A 30-minute rest period is required after five consecutive hours of work. 
• Minors Aged 16 and 17:
  • No person 16 or 17 who is required to attend school shall be employed before 7 a.m. on any day that school is in session or 6 a.m. if the person was not employed after 8 p.m. the previous night.​
  • No person 16 or 17 who is required to attend school shall be employed after 11 p.m. on any night preceding a day that school is in session. ​

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

Minors under 16 years of age are generally not permitted to work during hours when public schools are in session, except where specifically permitted by Chapter 4109. 

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in Ohio?

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

• Wage Agreement: No employer shall give employment to a minor without agreeing with him/her as to the wages or compensation he/she shall receive for each day, week, month, year, or per piece for work performed. ​
• Rest Period: No employer shall employ a minor more than 5 consecutive hours without a rest period of at least 30 minutes. 
• List of Minors Employed: Employers shall keep a list of minors employed at each establishment, and the list must be posted in a conspicuous place to which all minor employees have access.
• Time Records: Every employer shall keep a time book or other written record showing the actual starting and stopping time of each work and rest period. These records must be kept for two years.

Conclusion

Ohio’s child labor laws are designed to protect minors by regulating their employment conditions. With specific working hour limitations, restrictions on hazardous occupations, and requirements for working permits, the state ensures that young workers are engaged in safe, age-appropriate employment. Employers must adhere to both state and federal child labor regulations, maintain accurate records, and uphold rest and scheduling rules to ensure legal compliance and foster a healthy, supportive environment for minors in the workforce.