Child labor - New Hampshire

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

The New Hampshire Department of Labor, Inspection Division administers the child labor laws.

Work age

Youths must be:

• No age specified for infrequent or brief work (casual work)
• 12 for delivering newspapers, agriculture, and employment for parent, grandparent, or guardian
• 15 to serve liquor in original container delivered at place of business
• 16 for working in dangerous areas of factories and quarries, logging, and most non-hazardous jobs
• 16 to be a cashier in establishment selling liquor if 18 year old is present and employed
• 18 for all jobs, including night work more than 8 hours in any 24 hours nor more than 48 hours during the week

Work hours

Youths under 16 may work:

• 7 am to 9 pm
• 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week (3 hours/day, 23 hours/week when school is in session)

Youth 16 and older may work:

• 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week
• 6 days/week, 30 hours/week when school is in session
• 6 consecutive days or 48 hours/week during school vacations and from June 1 through Labor Day

If a youth who is 16 or 17 has graduated from high school or obtained a GED, the employer is not required to obtain and maintain a signed written document from the youth’s parent or legal guardian permitting the youth’s employment.

Permits

Youth under age 18 must have an employment certificate issued by local school officials, except for those employed in casual labor, farm labor, or for parent/guardian. Certificate must show proof of age and adequate health. Youth 16 and 17 must have a signed written document from the youth’s parent or legal guardian permitting employment.

Postings

Employers must post a notice in the area where minors are employed that states work hours, mealtimes, and maximum work hours allowed per day.

State

Contact

New Hampshire Department of Labor

Regulations

New Hampshire rules on employment of minors can be found at Title XXIII, Chapter 276-A, (Youth Employment Law) of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes.

Federal

Contact

The Department of Labor is the sole federal agency that monitors child labor and enforces child labor laws. Enforcement of the Fair Labor Standard Act's child labor provisions is handled by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department’s Employment Standards Administration.

Department of Labor

Regulations

U.S. child labor regulations can be found in CFR 29:

Part 570 Child Labor Regulations, Orders and Statements of Interpretation

Part 575 Waiver of Child Labor Provisions for Agricultural Employment of 10 and 11 Year Old Minors In Hand Harvesting of Short Season Crops

Part 579 Child Labor Violations – Civil Money Penalties