Agricultural Employment

In farm work, permissible jobs and hours of work vary by age.

Parental exemption: Minors of any age may be employed by their parents at any time in any occupation on a farm owned or operated by his or her parent(s).

All exemptions to agricultural employment rules are statutory in nature and the Department's regulations reflect laws enacted by the U.S. Congress.

Many states' statutes and regulations place tighter restrictions on farm work hours performed by minors. Consult your state department of labor for specific information.

Webpages on this Topic

Child Labor Requirements in Agricultural Occupations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Child Labor Bulletin 102

State Child Labor Laws Applicable to Agricultural Employment
Chart displaying major rules pertaining to minors employed in agriculture.

Occupations in Agriculture Particularly Hazardous for the Employment of Children Below Age 16
Regulations on hazardous occupations.

Youth Rules!
A gateway providing quick access to information about federal and state labor laws that apply to young workers. The web page includes information designed to educate teens, parents, educators, and employers about the hours youth can work, the jobs youth can do, and how to prevent workplace injuries.

elaws Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor - Child Labor Rules
This Advisor answers questions about workers and businesses that are subject to the FLSA's child labor rules.

State Labor Offices/State Laws
Information on state minimum wage rates and other state child labor topics.

State Departments of Labor Websites
Links to state departments of labor websites and contact information for each department.

Related Webpages on this Topic

Health and Safety for Kids on the Farm
Young worker safety pamphlet from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Regulations on this Topic

29 CFR §570.2 - Hazardous Occupations in Agriculture

29 CFR §§579.1 through 579.9 - Minimum Age Standards for Non-Hazardous Employment

29 CFR §570.119 - 14-year Minimum Age for Certain Occupations