Alabama Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Alabama Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Alabama and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details Alabama's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Alabama
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Alabama for minors under 18, or under 18 if working in mines. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
In Alabama, no minor under 18 years of age may be employed in, about, or in connection with any of the following occupations, positions, or places:
In tunnels or excavations with depths exceeding four (4) feet.
The following occupations in excavation operations are prohibited: Excavating, working in or backfilling (refilling) trenches, except manually excavating or manually backfilling trenches that do not exceed four feet in depth at any point.
Minors age 16 or older may be issued a permit to work at excavation sites which are less than four (4) feet in depth.
Acquiring an Alabama Employment Certificate:
In Alabama, minors can obtain an Employment Certificate through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in Alabama
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in Alabama. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Alabama
Minors who are authorized to work in Alabama are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
Maximum hours/days when school is not in session: 8 hours daily / 40 hours weekly/ 6 days weekly.
Maximum hours/days when school is in session: 3 hours daily/ 18 hours weekly
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Alabama has no restrictions on maximum working hours for minors aged 16 and 17.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer vacation) to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 10 p.m. before school day to 5 a.m., if enrolled in school (to age 19) For 16/17 year olds, exemptions may be granted when the individual circumstances are found to be in the best interests of the minor.
Special Child Labor Laws in Alabama
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in Alabama, see the following pages.
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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