Wyoming Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Wyoming enforces child labor laws to protect minors, ensuring their employment does not interfere with their education, health, or well-being. These regulations encompass age restrictions, permissible working hours, required documentation, and prohibitions on hazardous occupations.​

Does Wyoming Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Wyoming’s child labor laws generally align with federal standards, setting the minimum employment age at 14 for non-agricultural work. However, minors under 14 may be employed in specific exceptions such as farm, domestic, or lawn and yard services. 

What is the Legal Age to Work in Wyoming?

The minimum legal age to work in Wyoming is 14. Minors aged 14 and 15 may work in various non-hazardous jobs outside school hours, provided they adhere to specific working hour restrictions. Individuals aged 16 and 17 may work in a broader range of occupations but are still restricted from hazardous positions. ​

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

Yes, employers intending to hire minors under 16 must obtain and keep on file proof of the child’s age to ensure compliance with minimum age requirements.

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

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

• Operating or assisting in operating power-driven machinery.​
• Working in or about plants or establishments manufacturing or storing explosives.​
• Coal or other mining operations.​
• Logging and sawmill operations, forest fire fighting and forest fire prevention operations, and timber tract and forestry service occupations.
• Occupations involving exposure to radioactive substances and to ionizing radiations.​
• Wrecking, demolition, and ship-breaking operations.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of minor workers. ​

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

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

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

While Wyoming’s child labor laws generally align with federal regulations, the state imposes additional requirements, such as obtaining proof of age for minors under 16. These measures provide further protection for minor workers beyond federal standards. ​

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in Wyoming?

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

• Minors Aged 14 and 15:
  • When school is in session:
    • May not work more than 3 hours on a school day.
    • May not work more than 18 hours in a school week.
    • May not work during school hours.
    • May work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  • When school is not in session:
    • May not work more than 8 hours on a non-school day.
    • May not work more than 40 hours in a non-school week.
    • May work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.
• Minors Aged 16 and 17:
  • Allowed to work the same hours as adults, with no restrictions on hours or times.​

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

Minors under 16 are generally prohibited from working during school hours. This ensures that employment does not interfere with their educational commitments. 

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in Wyoming?

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

• Proof of Age: Employers must have on file the birth dates of all employees under 19 years of age. Acceptable forms of proof of age include a duly attested birth certificate, a properly prepared Immigration and Naturalization Form I-9 showing the age of the child, or any other document showing the age of the child as approved by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
• Recordkeeping: Employers must maintain accurate records of each minor’s employment details, including age and work schedule, to demonstrate compliance with labor laws.

Conclusion

Wyoming’s child labor laws are designed to balance work opportunities for minors with protections for their health, safety, and education. From mandatory proof of age and restrictions on hazardous occupations to specific working hours and supervision rules, the state maintains rigorous standards for youth employment. Employers must adhere strictly to these regulations to ensure compliance and support the welfare of young workers in Wyoming.