Utah has established laws to safeguard the welfare of minors in the workplace, prioritizing their safety by prohibiting dangerous conditions and promoting consistent school attendance through restrictions on child labor.
This article aims to examine the essential components of Utah’s child labor regulations, including age limitations, limitations on working hours, and industry-specific guidelines.
This article covers:
- Employment Age for Minors in Utah
- Working Permit for Minors in Utah
- Working Hours for Minors in Utah
- Time Tracking of Minors’ Hours in Utah
- Utah Payment Laws for Minors
- Break Requirements for Minors in Utah
- Banned Jobs for Minors in Utah
- Workplace Notices and Documentation Requirements for Child Employees in Utah
- Sanctions for Violating Minors Employment Laws in Utah
Employment Age for Minors in Utah
The Utah Labor Commission states that minors under the age of 18 must be compensated at least the minimum wage, although employers have the option to pay them $4.25 per hour for the initial 90 days of their employment.
Employers in Utah are obligated to adhere to the prevailing minimum wage, which is consistent with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Working Permit for Minors in Utah
In Utah, minors under the age of 18 are not obligated to obtain a work permit to engage in work permitted by state law.
However, employers must have evidence of their compliance with Utah’s child labor laws.
One way to fulfill this requirement is by requesting an age certification from the minor’s school.
Working Hours for Minors in Utah
When it comes to minors and their legal working hours, the FLSA has different requirements for those under 16 years old and those who are 16 or 17:
| Age Group | Work Hour Restrictions |
| Minors Under 16 Years Old | On school days:
+Can work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. +Maximum of 3 hours +Maximum of 18 hours in a week while school is in session While school is out of session: +Can work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. +No more than 8 hours on a non-school day +No more than 40 hours in a weekday |
| Minors Aged 16 and 17 Years | No particular restrictions on work hours |
Time Tracking of Minors’ Hours in Utah
Tracking working hours for underage employees plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, thereby preventing the exploitation and mistreatment of child laborers. This practice allows for a delicate balance between work and education, safeguarding a child’s right to receive an education and have a healthy upbringing.
Additionally, the monitoring of attendance and working hours serves to oversee health and safety conditions, thereby reducing the risk of children being exposed to hazardous or excessively long work periods.
Furthermore, maintaining records and timesheets can serve as a mechanism for holding employers accountable for their treatment of child laborers. Moreover, the data generated from time clock software can be a priceless resource for child rights organizations and policymakers as they advocate for stronger safeguards and regulations, ultimately contributing to the overall welfare and future prospects of child laborers.
To know more about the entitlements of employees, check our guides on your rights as a salaried employee in Utah and your rights as an hourly employee in Utah.
Utah Payment Laws for Minors
Subminimum wages can be paid to disabled workers and employees under 20 years of age, with rates set by the government and employers, respectively. The “Student-Learner program” allows full-time student employees to receive 85% of the minimum wage, setting the rate for students at $6.16.
Utah follows the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to ensure that the state minimum wage rate matches the federal one. Only FLSA-covered employees are entitled to this rate, which is currently set at $7.25 per hour for those covered by FLSA laws.
Break Requirements for Minors in Utah
Utah adheres to federal provisions concerning child labor laws, with one notable deviation. Minors working for 5 or more hours in a row are entitled to a 30-minute break, which is specific to the state.
In Utah, there’s one exception to the laws regarding breaks: minor employees are allowed to take a 30-minute break after working for 5 consecutive hours.
Banned Jobs for Minors in Utah
The FLSA has provisions that restrict certain occupations for minors due to their risky nature, and this law applies to employees who are under 18 years old. In Utah, there are specific occupations that fall under this category, including:
- Boiler room operator
- Excavator
- Miner
- Meat processing operator
- Motor vehicle operator/servicer
- Power-driven machinery operator
- Roofer
- Welder
- Occupations in establishments that serve alcohol
Workplace Notices and Documentation Requirements for Child Employees in Utah
When hiring a minor, it is necessary to complete new hire paperwork and furnish written documentation of company policies and procedures.
Additionally, employers are responsible for monitoring and remitting employment taxes for each employed minor.
Sanctions for Violating Minors Employment Laws in Utah
Employers who hire minors for prohibited occupations or fail to pay them the required wages according to state law may be subject to a fine of $500 for each violation.
Learn more about Utah Labor Laws through our detailed guide.
Important Cautionary Note
When making this guide we have tried to make it accurate but we do not give any guarantee that the information provided is correct or up-to-date. We therefore strongly advise you seek advice from qualified professionals before acting on any information provided in this guide. We do not accept any liability for any damages or risks incurred for use of this guide.
