Can 12-year-olds work in Ohio? Here’s what law says about child labor
Is your kiddo looking for a summer job? You may think they have to be at least a teenager, but Ohio has exceptions for children of all ages.
The rules about how old you have to be to work are meant to protect young people while also allowing them to get some work experience.
If you’re thinking about putting your children to work, here’s what you should know about age restrictions.
Rules for working children, by age
Based on guidelines from the Ohio Department of Commerce, children under 14 generally can’t be employed. There are some limited exceptions, such as delivering newspapers, working in entertainment or performing minor chores for private homes, but older children have more options.
For children under 16
Ohio law sets these guidelines:
Children under 16 are not permitted to work in any manufacturing, mining or processing occupation, nor in any job deemed hazardous by the state.
They can’t work during school hours unless officially excused from school.
They can’t work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. during the school year (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 to September 1 or during school vacations).
They can’t work more than three hours on a school day, eight hours on a non-school day, or more than 18 hours in a school week. When school isn’t in session, they can work up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
Ages 12 and 13
Children ages 12 and 13 generally cannot be employed in most jobs, but there are exceptions for newspaper delivery, entertainment or working for a parent’s business (with some restrictions). If employment is allowed, parents may need to obtain a work permit from the child’s school.
The permit process typically involves:
Verification of age (birth certificate or similar document)
A statement of physical fitness from a physician
A promise of employment from the prospective employer
Ages 14 and 15
Young workers this age can work outside school hours, but Ohio law and federal law both set tight restrictions.
This age group can work:
three hours per day on a school day
eight hours per day on a non-school day
18 hours per week during the school year
40 hours per week when school is not in session
This age group can’t work:
Before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (except from June 1 to September 1, when they can work until 9 p.m.)
During normal school hours unless excused or graduated
Ages 16 and 17
Teens ages 16 and 17 have fewer restrictions, but there are still some rules:
No working in hazardous occupations as defined by the state or federal government
No more than eight hours per day or 40 hours per week when school is not in session
No more than nine hours per day, 40 hours per week or 48 hours in a week when school is in session
No work between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. before a school day (unless exempted by parents and school officials)
Work permits are required for all minors under 18 in Ohio, and can be obtained through the school district.
If you have an ambitious potential worker, they’re in luck in Ohio. Kids of all ages have the ability to work, under certain conditions, so get those kiddos applying for the jobs they want.
My first job was a “kids coach” at Discovery Zone, a play place designed for younger children. What was your first job?Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 11:34 AM