Employment of Minors
Thinking about hiring someone under the age of 18 to work?
Minors must be at least 14 years of age to be employed in the State of Nebraska. There are a few exceptions, including minors working for their parent’s business and minors working in agriculture. Minors under 16 years of age must obtain an Employment Certificate from the school district in which they reside. Homeschooled children may obtain an Employment Certificate by providing proof of age and grade level to their City Superintendent of School’s Office or to the Nebraska Department of Labor. The minor must be present in order for a certificate to be issued.
More Information can be found at NE DOL' FAQ Page
The information on this page is intended to assist business employers who are considering hiring minors as workers for the summer months; it is NOT meant to replace legal guidance.
Minors must be at least 14 years of age to be employed in the State of Nebraska. There are a few exceptions, including minors working for their parent’s business and minors working in agriculture. Minors under 16 years of age must obtain an Employment Certificate from the school district in which they reside. Homeschooled children may obtain an Employment Certificate by providing proof of age and grade level to their City Superintendent of School’s Office or to the Nebraska Department of Labor. The minor must be present in order for a certificate to be issued.
Youth 14 and 15 years of age shall not be permitted to work more than eight hours a day, 48 hours a week, before the hour of 6 a.m. or after the hour of 10 p.m. under Nebraska's state law. Federal Child Labor rules are stricter. When both laws apply, the more stringent standard must be observed
Youth under 16 years of age may not be employed in any work which by reason of the nature of the work is dangerous to life or limb, or in which their health may be injured or their morals depraved.More Information can be found at NE DOL' FAQ Page
The information on this page is intended to assist business employers who are considering hiring minors as workers for the summer months; it is NOT meant to replace legal guidance.
Note: State and Federal Child Labor Laws are different. It is the responsibility of the employer to be aware of which law applies and to be governed by the more restrictive. Information regarding Federal Child Labor Laws may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Omaha, NE. 402.221.4682
Federal Hour Restrictions:
Nebraska Hour Restrictions:
(Last Updated April 2020)
Federal Hour Restrictions:
- No more than 3 hours on a school day
- No more than 18 hours in a school week
- No more than 8 hours on a non-school day
- No more than 40 hours in a non-school week
- Not before 7 a.m. nor after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 - Labor Day)
Nebraska Hour Restrictions:
- No more than 8 hours in one day
- No more than 48 hours in one week
- Not before 6 a.m. nor after 10 p.m.
(Last Updated April 2020)
