Kansas . Child Labor . Updated April 2026

Kansas child labor laws align with federal, with key state nuances for minors.

Kansas child labor laws largely mirror federal FLSA provisions, but include specific state regulations for minors, particularly concerning hours and hazardous occupations. No state work permits are required, simplifying compliance for employers. Teambridge ensures all shifts are compliant with age-based restrictions and time limits.

Work Permits
Not required
14-15 Year Olds
3 hrs/school day; 18 hrs/school week
16-17 Year Olds
No state hour limits
Active

Kansas child labor

Ensures minors are employed safely and within legal hour restrictions.

Blocks non-compliant shifts
Flags potential violations
Always running

What those rules do as a Kansas shift is created.

Teambridge automatically applies Kansas child labor laws to ensure compliance from the moment a shift is scheduled. Our system integrates age data with shift times and durations to prevent violations before they occur, protecting both your business and your minor employees.

Blocks excessive hours for 14-15 year olds

Any scheduled shift that would cause a 14-15 year old to exceed 3 hours on a school day, 8 hours on a non-school day, 18 hours in a school week, or 40 hours in a non-school week (summer) is automatically blocked.

Prevents work during prohibited hours

Shifts for 14-15 year olds are blocked if they are scheduled before 7 AM or after 7 PM (9 PM during summer months, June 1 through Labor Day). Work between 10 PM and 7 AM preceding a school day is strictly prohibited for this age group.

Flags hazardous occupation assignments

While Kansas law prohibits minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations, Teambridge flags any attempt to schedule a minor in a role identified as hazardous, based on federal and state guidelines, prompting review by a manager.

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The rule, plainly stated

Kansas child labor laws protect minors in the workforce.

Kansas child labor laws, primarily found in K.S.A. 38-603 et seq., establish specific protections and restrictions for the employment of minors. These regulations largely align with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but employers must be aware of state-specific nuances, especially regarding hours and prohibited occupations.

K.S.A. 38-603: Employment of Minors

No minor under 14 years of age shall be employed or permitted to work in any gainful occupation, except in agricultural pursuits, domestic service, or as an actor or performer in motion pictures or theatrical productions. Minors 14 and 15 years of age may be employed in certain occupations, subject to restrictions on hours and times of employment. Minors 16 and 17 years of age are not subject to state hour restrictions but are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations.

Age-Specific Hour Restrictions

For minors aged 14 and 15, Kansas law, consistent with federal FLSA regulations, imposes strict limits on working hours. During school weeks, these minors may not work more than 3 hours on a school day and a maximum of 18 hours per week. On non-school days, they can work up to 8 hours, with a weekly maximum of 40 hours during non-school weeks (e.g., summer vacation). Work is generally permitted between 7 AM and 7 PM, extending to 9 PM during the summer (June 1 through Labor Day). Employment is prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM preceding a school day. These rules are crucial for ensuring minors maintain adequate time for education and rest.

Hazardous Occupations and Work Permits

Kansas law prohibits all minors under the age of 18 from employment in occupations deemed hazardous. These prohibitions largely mirror federal regulations and are designed to protect young workers from dangerous machinery, explosives, mining, and other hazardous environments. Unlike some other states, Kansas does not require work permits for minors to be employed. Employers are, however, still responsible for verifying the age of their minor employees and ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal child labor laws.

On autopilot

Teambridge automates Kansas child labor compliance.

Teambridge integrates Kansas child labor laws directly into your scheduling and HR workflows, providing continuous compliance without manual oversight. Our system handles the complexity, allowing you to focus on your operations with confidence.

01 . Age Verification

Automatic age-based rule application

Upon onboarding, Teambridge securely records employee birthdates. This data is then used to automatically categorize employees into age groups (e.g., under 14, 14-15, 16-17) and apply the correct set of child labor rules to their profiles and scheduled shifts.

02 . Schedule Enforcement

Real-time shift compliance checks

When managers create or modify schedules, Teambridge instantly checks proposed shifts against Kansas's hour restrictions for minors. This includes daily, weekly, and time-of-day limits for 14-15 year olds, preventing conflicts before they are published.

03 . Hazardous Occupation Flagging

Proactive warnings for restricted roles

Teambridge allows you to tag specific job roles or tasks as "hazardous." If a minor under 18 is assigned to such a role, the system issues an immediate alert, ensuring managers are aware of potential violations and can adjust assignments accordingly.

04 . Audit Trails & Reporting

Comprehensive compliance records

All scheduling decisions, rule applications, and any flagged instances are logged, providing a clear audit trail. Teambridge generates reports on minor employee hours and compliance status, simplifying internal reviews and external audits.

FAQ

People also ask.

Are work permits required for minors in Kansas?

No, Kansas state law does not require work permits for minors to be employed. Employers are still responsible for verifying the age of their minor employees and complying with all applicable child labor laws.

What are the working hour limits for 14 and 15-year-olds in Kansas?

For 14 and 15-year-olds, Kansas law (mirroring federal FLSA) limits work to 3 hours on a school day, 8 hours on a non-school day, 18 hours during a school week, and 40 hours during a non-school week (e.g., summer). They generally cannot work before 7 AM or after 7 PM (extending to 9 PM during summer months: June 1 through Labor Day). Work between 10 PM and 7 AM preceding a school day is prohibited.

Are there any hour restrictions for 16 and 17-year-olds in Kansas?

No, Kansas state law does not impose specific hour restrictions on minors who are 16 or 17 years old. However, they are still prohibited from working in occupations deemed hazardous by state and federal regulations.

What types of jobs are considered hazardous for minors in Kansas?

Kansas law generally aligns with federal guidelines regarding hazardous occupations. These typically include jobs involving manufacturing, mining, operating certain power-driven machinery, working with explosives, or in environments deemed dangerous to the health or well-being of minors under 18.

Do Kansas child labor laws differ significantly from federal FLSA rules?

Kansas child labor laws largely align with federal FLSA provisions, especially regarding hour restrictions for 14-15 year-olds and hazardous occupations. The primary distinction is that Kansas does not require work permits, simplifying the hiring process for employers.

What are the penalties for violating Kansas child labor laws?

Violations of Kansas child labor laws can result in civil penalties, including fines. The specific penalties can vary depending on the nature and severity of the violation, as well as whether it is a first or repeat offense. Employers may also face legal action from affected minors or their families.