It’s approaching that time of year where high school kids are looking for summertime employment.  This is a great resource for employers looking for part-time or temporary help during the summer months.  However, youth employment comes with restrictions. It’s important to keep these restrictions in mind when hiring employees who are minors. The Department of Labor takes child labor issues very seriously. The last thing any employer wants to face is a misdemeanor conviction or administrative penalty for violating any of the youth employment restrictions.

Before you begin the hiring process for this summer, consider the following about youth employment:

• Minors under the age of 16 cannot work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per workweek when school is in recess. When school is in session, minors under the age of 16 cannot work more than 3 hours per day or 18 hours per workweek, outside of school hours.
• Minors under the age of 16 can only work between the hours of 7am and 9pm during the summer (June 1 through Labor Day). When school is in session, minors under the age of 16 are only permitted to work until 7pm.
• Minors under the age of 17 are prohibited from driving during their employment. Minors that are at least 17 years old are permitted to drive during their employment, but only under the following circumstances:
  • They drive no more than 1/3 of their work time in any workday and no more than 20% in any workweek
  • The take no more than 2 trips away from the job site in a single workday to deliver goods and/or transport passengers
  • They must only drive during daylight hours, hold a valid driver’s license, have successfully completed state-approved driver’s education, have no record of any moving violations at the time of hire, and drive a vehicle (< 6,000 pounds) equipped with a seat belt for the driver and any passengers.
• Minor employees are entitled to the same meal and rest periods as all other employees.
• Minor employees are prohibited from working any jobs that are hazardous or injurious to health or morals, including, but not limited to, working with explosives and radioactive materials, operating various types of power-driven saws and guillotine shears, most jobs in slaughtering and meat packing establishments, etc.
• Employing minor employees under the age of 14 requires written permission from a district court judge in the county where the minor resides.

If you have any questions regarding youth employment or any of the restrictions, please contact NAE at (775) 329-4241. NAE want to ensure you remain in compliance regardless of whom you are hiring this summer.

Nevada Association of Employers (NAE) is not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that employers are able to compete lawfully, ethically, and efficiently in the state of Nevada. NAE has provided services and support to Nevada businesses for nearly 80 years. Businesses throughout the state have come to rely on NAE for professional expertise in human resources, labor/employment law, government relations, training, and surveys. NAE currently supports over 400 Nevada business and membership is rapidly growing. Join this distinguished group of Nevada businesses today.