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    The Department of Labor and Industry, through the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Child Labor Law (Act of 2012 P.L. 1209, No 151), and the Regulations Governing the Employment of Minors in Industry (R-1).

    Child Labor Act

    Prohibited Occupations Under the Child Labor Act

    Minors Serving in Volunteer Emergency Service Organizations

    YouthRules! (Federal Child Labor Regulations)

    The Child Labor Act provides for the health, safety and welfare of minors by:

    • prohibiting their employment or work in certain establishments and occupations;
    • under certain ages, restricting their hours of labor;
    • regulating certain conditions of their employment; and
    • requiring employment certificates (general or vacation) for minors under the age of 18.

    Changes are coming to the Child Labor Act and how school officers can issue minor work permits. 
     
    Before March 2020, the Child Labor Act required applicants for minor work permits to appear before a school issuing officer in person. In March 2020, the in-person appearance requirement was suspended and virtual appearances before school issuing officers were permitted. 
     
    Act 117 of 2022 makes this change permanent effective January 2, 2023. Going forward, applicants for minor work permits may appear before a school issuing officer virtually or in person.

    Summary of Minimum Age:

    Minors under 14 years of age may not be employed or permitted to work in any occupation, except children employed on farms or in domestic service in private homes. No minor under 14 years of age may be employed on a farm by a person other than the farmer. Under certain restrictions, caddies may be employed at the age of 12, news carriers at 11 years of age, and juvenile performers in the entertainment field.

    For individuals who are under 16 years of age, a written statement by the minor's parent or legal guardian acknowledging understanding of the duties and hours of employment and granting permission to work is required. This downloadable form is one way to satisfy that requirement.

    LLC-75, Parental Acknowledgement of Minor's Duties and Hours of Employment

    For the employment of any minor under 18, in compliance with the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act in a performance where a minor models or renders artistic creative expression in a live performance, radio, television, movie, Internet, publication, documentary, reality programming, or other broadcast medium that is transmitted to an audience, please download the Application for Minors in Performances.

    LLC-12, Application for minors in performances

    If you wish to request a waiver from entertainment provisions of the Child Labor Act, please fill out the Special Waiver Request for Entertainment Performances and send it to the Bureau no later than 48 hours prior to the time needed for the waiver to be acted on.

    For additional information regarding employment certificates, record keeping, hours of employment (including night work), prohibited occupations, and penalties, please download a copy of the LLC-5, Abstract of the Child Labor Act, Revised 1/13. Form No. LLC-5 (ESP) (1-13)

    The Bureau of Labor Law Compliance is responsible for the administration, education, and enforcement of labor laws. As such, it provides employers and employees with educational outreach seminars, conducts investigations and resolves disputes when complaints are received.

    Please direct your questions regarding Child Labor Act to the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, with offices in Altoona, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton.

    If you wish to file a complaint under the Child Labor Act, please use one of the methods outlined here.