How Late Can a Minor Work on a School Night?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 24, 2020

The federal labor law states that any minor under the age of 16 cannot work past 7 p.m. and anyone between the ages of 16 and 17 may work until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. Every state has its own rules, which can vary from the federal mandates due to various programs or situations like school work programs or someone who is not in traditional school.

If a student has graduated high school and is still considered a minor, numerous states exempt them from the minor laws regarding work. There are also exceptions made to these laws for farm workers, babysitters, newspaper carriers and performers.