Hiring youth for summer break

Colleen Malmassari
Founder of Back40 Advisors LLC

As summer approaches and students finish the school year, many minors (less than 18 years old) begin searching for seasonal jobs to earn extra income and gain valuable work experience. For business owners, hiring youth can be a great way to fill short-term labor needs. However, Washington state has specific regulations regarding youth employment—especially in agriculture—that every employer must understand and follow.

Age requirements and required documentation

In Washington, minors as young as 12 or 13 can be employed in agriculture under certain conditions, making it one of the few industries where such young workers are legally allowed. For most other industries, the minimum age to employ youth is 14 years old.  To hire a minor during summer school break, businesses must have a valid Minor Work Permit, a document verifying the youth’s age, and written authorization from a parent or legal guardian. These requirements are designed to ensure both legal compliance and the protection of young workers.

Work hour limitations and family farm exemptions

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) sets clear rules about how many hours minors can work during school breaks, depending on their age. Youths aged 12 to 15 may work up to eight hours per day and no more than 40 hours per week, with their workday limited to the hours between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Those aged 16 and 17 can work longer—up to ten hours per day and 50 hours per week—but must still stay within the hours of 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It’s important to note that these restrictions do not apply to immediate family members working on their own family’s farm. Washington’s “Family Farm Exemption” means that rules related to age, hours, wages, and prohibited duties do not apply to children working for their parents or guardians in an agricultural setting. That said, many family farm owners still choose to follow the guidelines voluntarily to instill safe work habits and establish consistent standards.

Wage requirements and break regulations for minor workers

Wage requirements also differ by age. Minors under 16 must be paid at least 85 percent of the state minimum wage (or $14.16 for 2025) , while those aged 16 and 17 must be paid at least the full minimum wage ($16.66 for 2025). Even though the law may not require it for family members.

Meal and rest breaks are another critical area of compliance. Youth under 16 must receive at least a 10-minute paid rest break for every two hours worked and cannot work more than two hours without a rest break. If they work more than four hours, an unpaid meal break is required. For 16- and 17-year-olds, paid rest breaks must be provided as close as possible to the midpoint of their shift, and they cannot work more than three hours without one. If their shift lasts five or more hours, they must be given at least a 30-minute unpaid meal break by the end of their third working hour.

Adhering to these rules helps ensure a safe, legal, and positive summer work experience for minors while also protecting your business from compliance issues. If you’re considering hiring youth workers this season and need help navigating the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help Washington’s employers make the most of their summer workforce.

Source:

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. (n.d.). How to hire minors. Retrieved May 9, 2025, from https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/youth-employment/how-to-hire-minors