The employment of 16-year-olds in Pennsylvania is governed by the state’s Child Labor Act, a set of regulations designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor’s education, health, or well-being. These rules establish specific, legally mandated limits on the number of hours a minor can work per day and per week, as well as the times of day they can be employed. The law enforces different standards depending on whether school is in session, reflecting a priority on scholastic attendance.
The Legal Foundation: Work Permits
Before a 16-year-old begins any form of employment in Pennsylvania, they must first secure an official work permit, also known as an employment certificate, from their local school district. This administrative step is mandatory for all minors under the age of 18, including those who have graduated from high school. The employer is legally required to keep the minor’s work permit on file throughout the duration of employment. Within five days of hiring the minor, the employer must also provide written notification to the school district where the permit was issued. The permit remains valid until the minor turns 18, even if the minor changes jobs, making it a transferable employment document.
Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours
The most significant restrictions placed on a 16-year-old’s employment hours depend entirely on the minor’s enrollment status in school. The law recognizes a regular school week as the five days from Monday through Friday when school is officially in session. Maximum work hours are significantly lower during the school term to prevent interference with academic obligations.
When School is in Session
A 16-year-old minor is limited to a maximum of eight hours of work on any single day during a regular school week. The total number of hours worked cannot exceed 28 hours during the school week, which includes Monday through Friday. The law permits minors to work an additional eight hours on Saturdays and Sundays, which are considered non-school days during the school term.
When School is Not in Session
The work hour limitations increase substantially during periods when school is not in session, such as summer vacation or official school holidays. During a school vacation period, a 16-year-old may be employed for a maximum of 10 hours per day. The weekly limit expands to a maximum of 48 hours in a single week during these non-school periods. Importantly, the minor has the right to refuse any request to work more than 44 hours in one week without fear of retaliation from the employer.
Time-of-Day Restrictions
In addition to the limits on total hours, the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act specifies fixed start and stop times for work. These restrictions determine when the minor can be scheduled, regardless of whether they have reached their daily or weekly hour maximum.
When school is in session, a 16-year-old may not begin working before 6:00 AM on any day. The minor cannot work past 12:00 AM, or midnight, during a regular school week. During school vacation periods, the earliest start time remains 6:00 AM, but the curfew is extended. A 16-year-old can work until 1:00 AM when school is not in session.
Mandatory Breaks and Rest Periods
The law includes specific requirements for mandated rest periods. These provisions are designed to prevent fatigue and ensure continuous well-being during a shift.
Any minor between the ages of 14 and 17 who works five or more consecutive hours must receive a minimum 30-minute uninterrupted break. This half-hour break is a non-negotiable legal requirement for the employer. Minors also cannot be scheduled to work more than six consecutive days in a week, with an exception made for newspaper delivery positions.
Exemptions and Prohibited Occupations
Certain occupations are exempt from the standard hour regulations of the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act, including farm labor, domestic service in private homes, and newspaper delivery. Minors who have either graduated high school or are exempt from compulsory school attendance are also not subject to the Act’s hours-of-employment restrictions.
The law strictly prohibits all minors under the age of 18 from working in jobs deemed hazardous. The purpose of these prohibitions is to protect young workers from high-risk environments and specialized dangerous tasks. Examples of prohibited occupations include:
Operating heavy machinery such as cranes.
Working in mines or quarries.
Engaging in certain construction activities like roofing or excavation.
Woodworking, welding, or electrical work.
Handling explosives or highly flammable materials.