This summary is not a complete text of child labor laws in Texas, nor is it written in the exact language of the law. It is intended as an informal educational tool for filmmakers.
A detailed summary is available on the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) website at https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/fdcm/docs/whcl-75s-twc.pdf.
Texas’ child labor laws apply to all children under the age of 18 working in Texas, whether or not they reside in the state.
NOTE: By California law, when a California employer takes a resident minor out-of-state, California laws apply. In addition to the child labor laws, specific laws apply to employment of child actors under age 14, children under age 14 working as extras, children age 14-15 and children age 16-17.
Table of Contents
- Child Actors Under Age 14 - Application for Child Actor/Performer Authorization
- Employment of Child Actors Under Age 14
- Employment of Children Age 14-15
- Employment of Children Age 16-17
- Additional Online Resources
- Further Information
Child Actors Under Age 14 - Application for Child Actor/Performer Authorization
Prior to employment, every child actor under age 14 (except those working as extras; see below) must have an authorization of employment from the TWC. To apply:
- fill out the application form available from the TWC’s Labor Law Section (in Texas, call 800-832-9243; outside Texas, call 512-475-2670);
- attach a recent, 1½ inch x 1½ inch photo of the child;
- include proof of age, such as a copy of the child’s birth certificate; and
- have the application signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian.
The TWC may then issue its authorization for employment in the form of an ID card. The card is valid until the child’s 14th birthday, unless the TWC designates an earlier expiration date.
Application for Child Actor/Performer Authorization.
Employment of Child Actors Under Age 14:
- For a list of limitations on Employment of Child Actors under the age of 14, please refer to the “Limitations on Employment of Child Actors,” Section 817.33 of the Texas Child Labor Rules in the Texas Administrative Code.
- Additionally, please refer to the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Labor Law portion of their website for further restrictions/limitations on employment.
Extras Under Age 14:
The TWC may grant special authorization for children under age 14 to be employed as extras without the need for filing an application. The employer or their agent must meet the requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code.
- For a list of requirements, please refer to the “Application Exceptions,” Section 817.32 of the Texas Child Labor Rules in the Texas Administrative Code.
Employment of Children Age 14-15
Actors age 14-15 are not considered to be child actors, so the rules for child actors do not apply. But their employment is subject to Texas’ child labor laws. The TWC’s website details the following:
- Hours of Employment for children age 14-15.
- Permitted Occupations for children age 14-15.
- Prohibited Occupations for children age 14-15.
NOTE: Federal child labor law has stricter limitations than State of Texas law on hours of employment for children ages 14-15.
For further information, see the U.S. Department of Labor’s website detailing hours of employment, the Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP) and Work-Study Programs (WSP).
Employment of Children Age 16-17
Actors age 16-17 are not considered to be child actors, but their employment is subject to Texas’ child labor laws. Neither the State of Texas or the federal government restricts hours of employment for children age 16-17.
Additional Online Resources
Further Information
For more information on child labor laws in Texas, please contact:
John W. Best
Program Supervisor I
Texas Workforce Commission
Labor Law Investigations
Child Labor Law Unit
512-936-4209 (O)
512-921-7389 (C)
john.best@twc.texas.gov
www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/texas-child-labor-law
Anna Colbert
Director
Texas Workforce Commission
Labor Law Investigations
512-475-3027 (O)
512-936-4261(fax)
anna.colbert@twc.texas.gov
www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/texas-child-labor-law
FAQs
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) a child 14 or 15 years of age may not work during school hours, may not work more than three hours on a school day or 18 hours during a school week, and may not work more than eight hours on a non-school day or 40 hours during a non-school week.
How many hours can a 16 year old work in Texas? ›
A child who is 16 or 17 has no restrictions on the number of hours or times of day they may work. There are hour restrictions only for children who are 14 and 15, with separate state and federal laws that cover their work hours.
What are the new Texas child labor laws? ›
State Law — A person commits an offense if that person permits a child 14 or 15 years of age who is employed by that person to work: (1) more than 8 hours in one day or more than 48 hours in one week, (2) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on a day that is followed by a school day or between the hours of midnight ...
What is the youngest age to work in child labor? ›
Generally speaking, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment (14 years for non-agricultural jobs), restricts the hours youth under the age of 16 may work, and prohibits youth under the age of 18 from being employed in hazardous occupations.
Is 17 considered a minor in Texas? ›
Like many other states, Texas recognizes 18 as the "age of majority." This is the age when residents are legally considered adults. Prior to that age, they are considered "minors."
Can you work at Chick-Fil-A at 14 in Texas? ›
At Chick-fil-A, our star team members are the ones who show up on time with a positive attitude ... Must be at least 16 years of age We set high expectations for our team to always put people first ...
What age can you start working at Chick-Fil-A in Texas? ›
Most Chick-fil-A locations set the minimum age requirement at 16 for their employees. But some positions are open for workers who are as young as 14 to 15 years old.
What is the youngest age you can work in Texas? ›
The purpose of the Texas Child Labor Law is to ensure that a child is not employed in an occupation or manner that is detrimental to the child's safety, health, or well-being. Except as specifically authorized by the statute, it is illegal to employ a child under 14 years of age.
Can I get a job at 14 in Texas? ›
If interstate commerce is not involved, and the FLSA does not apply, then Texas law provides that 14- and 15-year-olds may work no more than 8 hours per day and no more than 48 hours in a week; may not work between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. before a school day; may not work between midnight and 5:00 a.m. before a non- ...
What is the latest a 16 year old can work? ›
Ages 16 & 17
Older teens are allowed to work for up to 48 hours over the course of the week. 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to work between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. most days and as late as 12:30 a.m. on nights before nonschool days.
The federal child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) were enacted to ensure that when young people work, the work is safe and does not jeopardize their health, well-being or educational opportunities.
Who ended child labor in the US? ›
The most sweeping federal law that restricts the employment and abuse of child workers is the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA), which came into force during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration.
Is child labor illegal in China? ›
Another crucial law in protecting minors is the People's Republic of China Labor Law. This law prohibited employment of children under the age of 16. While minors are protected by law, there are some exceptions. These exceptions state that children can work in certain fields if their education is not hindered.
What is the Juliet law in Texas? ›
According to Texas' Romeo and Juliet Law, anyone between the ages of 14 and 17 can legally give consent to have sex with someone within 3 years of their age. This means that an 18-year-old and 15-year-old would be able to have consensual sex under Texas law without it being considered a child sex offense.
Can a 40 year old date a 17 year old in Texas? ›
Though there are some exceptions, the age of consent is 17 in Texas. That means that an older person can lawfully engage in consensual sex with someone who is 17 years or older.
What age can you legally leave home in Texas? ›
Youth must show they can take care of themselves financially, can make their own decisions, and can prove that being emancipated from their parents is in their best interests. Typically, you need to be 16 or 17 years old to become emancipated from a parent in Texas.
What's the longest a 16 year old can work? ›
Hours of Work
16- and 17-year-olds may work 4 hours per day on any school day, 8 hours on any non-school day or any day preceding a non-school day, up to 48 hours per week, and between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p. m., except on evenings preceding non-school days, the minor may work until 12:30 a.m.
Can you work over 16 hours in a day in Texas? ›
With only extremely narrow exceptions relating to certain regulated industries or collective bargaining agreements, adults, as well as youths ages 16 or 17, may work, and/or may be required to work, unlimited hours each day (the only limits are employee morale, practical realities, and common sense in general).
Does Texas require a work permit for minors? ›
Do child workers require a work permit: Though a work permit is not required, Texas does have a certificate of age document that is available to children to prove their age to an employer. Child actors or performers under the age of 14 must obtain a permit.
What is minimum wage in Texas? ›
Employers in Texas must comply with the state's minimum wage law, which is currently $7.25 per hour (rising to $9.50 per hour in 2024). This means that employers must pay their non-exempt employees at least $7.25 per hour. Tipped employees must receive at least $2.13 per hour in cash wages, plus tips.
