Utah’s Legal Working Age: Who Needs a Permit and What Jobs Are Restricted?

Finding a job as a minor can be an exciting milestone, offering valuable experience, responsibility, and financial independence.

However, in Utah, as in many other states, specific laws regulate the employment of minors to ensure their safety and well-being. Understanding Utah’s legal working age, who needs a work permit, and which jobs are restricted is essential for both young workers and their employers.

Legal Working Age in Utah

Utah follows federal child labor laws, meaning the minimum working age is generally 14 years old. However, there are exceptions where younger children may work in limited circumstances, such as in family businesses, agricultural work, and certain entertainment industry jobs.

• Under 14 Years Old: Minors under 14 are generally not allowed to work, except in specific situations such as delivering newspapers, babysitting, or working for a family-owned business (excluding hazardous jobs).
• Ages 14-15: At this age, minors can work in non-hazardous jobs but have strict limitations on work hours.
• Ages 16-17: Minors in this age group have more flexibility in work hours but are still restricted from certain hazardous occupations.
• 18 and Over: Once a person turns 18, child labor laws no longer apply.

Work Permits: Who Needs One?

Unlike some states, Utah does not require work permits for minors seeking employment. However, employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal labor laws regarding hours and job restrictions. While minors do not need a permit, parental consent may still be required for certain job positions, especially those involving potentially hazardous work.

Work Hour Restrictions for Minors

To prevent minors from overworking and interfering with their education, Utah imposes restrictions on work hours based on age:

Ages 14-15:

• Can work outside of school hours
• Cannot work more than 3 hours on a school day
• Cannot work more than 8 hours on a non-school day
• Cannot work more than 18 hours in a school week
• Cannot work more than 40 hours in a non-school week
• Work hours are limited to 7 AM – 7 PM (except from June 1 to Labor Day, when they can work until 9 PM)

Ages 16-17:

• Can work unlimited hours outside of school hours
• Cannot work during school hours without an exemption
• Cannot work past 10 PM on school nights or past midnight on weekends
• Employers must ensure that work does not interfere with the minor’s education

Jobs That Are Restricted for Minors

Utah follows the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, which prohibit minors from working in hazardous occupations. Some of the jobs restricted for minors include:

Jobs Prohibited for Minors Under 16:

• Manufacturing, mining, or processing jobs
• Working with power-driven machinery (such as meat slicers or bakery equipment)
• Operating motor vehicles or being a delivery driver
• Work in hazardous environments such as construction sites

Jobs Prohibited for Minors Under 18:

• Operating heavy machinery
• Logging and sawmill work
• Roofing and excavation work
• Handling explosives or toxic chemicals
• Mining and demolition work
• Operating meatpacking or processing machines

Jobs Minors Are Allowed to Work In

While there are restrictions, minors in Utah have several job opportunities available to them, including:

• Retail jobs (cashiers, sales associates, stock clerks)
• Foodservice (busser, host/hostess, fast food worker)
• Office or clerical work
• Movie theaters, amusement parks, and recreational facilities
• Grocery stores (bagging, stocking, but not operating hazardous machinery)
• Lifeguarding (for those at least 15 years old and certified)
• Babysitting or pet sitting

Exceptions for Agricultural and Family Businesses

Minors working in agriculture have different rules. In Utah, children under 14 can work on farms owned or operated by their parents. However, hazardous farm jobs (such as operating heavy equipment) are restricted until the age of 16. Family businesses also allow minors to work at a younger age, provided they are not engaged in hazardous activities.

Penalties for Violating Child Labor Laws

Employers who fail to comply with Utah’s child labor laws may face fines and penalties. The Utah Labor Commission enforces these regulations, and violations can result in:

• Fines of up to $10,000 per minor for violating federal child labor laws
• Criminal charges for serious or repeated violations
• Civil lawsuits if a minor is harmed due to illegal working conditions

Conclusion

Utah’s child labor laws aim to balance the need for young people to gain work experience while ensuring their safety and education are not compromised. While minors do not need a work permit in Utah, they and their employers must adhere to strict work-hour limits and job restrictions.

Understanding these regulations helps protect young workers while providing them with valuable opportunities to develop their skills and gain financial independence. If you are a minor seeking employment or an employer hiring young workers, be sure to check both state and federal labor laws to ensure compliance and a safe working environment.