Alabama Child Labor Law FAQ

Q. Who needs a work permit?

A. Employers must obtain work permits for all minors under 18 years of age and keeps the work permits on file.

Q. When are work permits required?

A. Permits are required all year.

Q. How do I get a work permit?

A. Work permits are issued at most high schools throughout the state, if the local school cannot issue the permit, the county or city board of education can issue the permit. The teen may obtain an application form for a work permit from school or at our web site, then the employer then must complete the application, the form is returned to the school for a permit to be issued.

Q. What hours can 14- or 15-year-olds work?

A. During the months when public schools are in session, 14- or 15-year-olds may not work during school hours, they can work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and no more than three hours on a school day. They may not work more than a total of 18 hours per week. During the summer months when public schools are not in session, a minor may work up to eight hours per day between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., but not more than 40 hours per week.

Q. What hours can a 14- or 15-year-old home schooled teen work?

A. 14- or 15-year-old home schooled students have the same restrictions as any other 14- or 15-year-old. (same as above).

Q. What hours can 16- 17- or 18-year-olds work?

A. 16- 17-or 18-year-olds who are enrolled in high school, may not work before 5 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on a night preceding a school day (Sunday through Thursday). If the teen has completed high school or is no longer in school there are no hour restrictions.

Q. Where can I work at 14 or 15?

A. You can work in an office, grocery store, retail store, restaurant, movie theater, or amusement park.

Q. Where can I work at 16 or 17?

You can work in any job that is not hazardous. Prohibited jobs include work in mining, logging, meatpacking, roofing, excavation or demolition. You can not drive a car or forklift. Also, you can not work with explosives, radioactive materials or most power-driven saws or machines.