Labor Laws in Colorado for Minors (2026): Protect Your Teen’s Rights

Most parents have no clue how strict these rules actually are. But in Colorado, minor labor laws aren’t just suggestions. They’re serious legal requirements that can hit businesses hard if violated. Whether you’re a teen looking for your first job or a parent trying to protect your kid, here’s everything you need to know.

The state updated its penalties in 2024, and trust me, employers are paying attention now. Let’s break down what Colorado law actually says about teens and work.

What Are Minor Labor Laws?

Minor labor laws protect workers under 18 from dangerous jobs and long hours. These rules exist for one simple reason: to keep kids safe while letting them gain work experience.

Colorado follows the Youth Employment Opportunity Act, or CYEOA for short. This law sets the rules for every teen working in the state. It covers everything from how many hours you can work to what jobs are completely off limits.

Think of it like a safety net. The law makes sure school comes first and work stays safe.

Who Counts as a Minor in Colorado?

Pretty straightforward. If you’re under 18, you’re a minor under Colorado law. That means all these rules apply to you.

Wait, there’s one exception. If you’ve graduated high school or passed your GED test, you’re considered an adult worker. Same goes for emancipated minors.

So basically, most high school kids fall under these protections. College students under 18 do too.

Minimum Age to Work

You’ve gotta be at least 14 years old to work most jobs in Colorado. Kids under 14 can’t work in regular jobs at all. The state draws a hard line here.

Wondering if there are any exceptions? Yep, a few. Kids under 14 can do things like babysitting, delivering newspapers, and doing yard work for neighbors. Agricultural work is also allowed with some limits.

But for regular employment at a store, restaurant, or office? You need to be 14 minimum.

Work Hours for Minors Under 16

This is where things get specific. Kids aged 14 and 15 have the strictest limits. Colorado doesn’t mess around with these rules.

During the school year, minors under 16 can’t work during school hours. Obviously. After school, they can work up to 6 hours on a school day. If the next day isn’t a school day, they can work more.

Here’s the breakdown. No more than 40 hours per week total. No more than 8 hours in any 24-hour period. And here’s a big one: no working between 9:30 PM and 5:00 AM before a school day.

The only exception is babysitting. Babysitters can work later hours.

Summer is different. From June 1 through Labor Day, teens under 16 can work until 9:00 PM instead of 7:00 PM under federal rules. Colorado gives a bit more flexibility here.

Sound complicated? It’s actually not. The law just wants kids in bed at a reasonable hour and in school when they should be.

Work Hours for 16 and 17 Year Olds

Once you hit 16, things loosen up quite a bit. But don’t think all rules disappear. Colorado still limits you to 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day.

No restrictions on nighttime hours though. A 16 year old can legally work until midnight or later. The state figures at this age, you can handle it.

One catch: these are maximum hours. Your employer can’t force you to work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 in a week. If they try, that’s a violation.

Honestly, this is probably the most flexible age for working. You’re old enough for most jobs but young enough to still have protections.

Breaks and Meal Periods

Every minor gets a 30-minute meal break after working 5 hours straight. This applies whether you’re 14 or 17. The break needs to be uninterrupted, and you should be completely off duty.

Colorado is pretty strict about this. Employers can’t make you skip your break or work through lunch. If they do, they’re breaking the law.

This isn’t just nice to have. It’s required by state law.

Work Permits and Age Certificates

Hold on, this part is important. Colorado doesn’t require work permits for minors under 16 during school hours anymore. But employers can ask for an age certificate to prove how old you are.

What’s an age certificate? Basically a document from your school that shows your birthdate. Employers use it to make sure they’re following the age rules correctly.

You can get one through your school counselor or administrator. Takes just a few minutes. If an employer asks for it, you need to provide it.

Not sure if you need one? Ask your employer before your first day.

Prohibited Jobs for All Minors Under 18

Some jobs are just too dangerous for anyone under 18. Period. Colorado and federal law both ban minors from these occupations.

Mining, logging, and demolition work are completely off limits. Makes sense, right? Operating power-driven machinery like woodworking equipment, metal forming machines, or bakery machines is also prohibited.

Meatpacking and slaughtering livestock? Nope. Roofing and excavation? Also banned. Working with explosives or radioactive materials? Obviously not happening.

The marijuana industry is also prohibited for minors. You can’t work in cannabis shops, grow facilities, or any marijuana business.

These restrictions exist because these jobs have high injury rates. The state isn’t taking chances with teen safety.

Additional Restrictions for Minors Under 16

Kids 14 and 15 face even more job restrictions. They can’t do most manufacturing work, construction, or warehouse operations. Cooking is limited too, though some light kitchen work might be okay.

Federal law adds more restrictions. At 14 and 15, you can work in retail, food service, and office jobs. But only specific tasks within those jobs.

For example, in restaurants you can work as a cashier, clean tables, or bag food. But you can’t cook with a grill or use most kitchen equipment. In retail, you can stock shelves and help customers. But you can’t operate forklifts or work in freezers.

Pretty much, the younger you are, the fewer jobs you can do. It’s all about safety.

Jobs That Are Allowed

So what can minors actually do? Plenty of options, honestly. Retail jobs like cashier or stocker work great. Restaurant jobs like host, busser, or counter help are common.

Office work is allowed. Filing, data entry, receptionist duties. These are all fine for teens. Lifeguard positions work if you’re certified. Babysitting and tutoring are classic teen jobs.

Landscaping and yard work are okay for 14 and up. Camp counselor positions work too. Many entertainment jobs like movie theater employee are fine.

The key is avoiding hazardous work. Stick to customer service, office work, and light manual labor, and you’re usually good.

Minimum Wage for Minors

Here’s something many people don’t know. Colorado lets employers pay minors less than regular minimum wage. But only if the minor is not emancipated.

In 2026, Colorado’s minimum wage is $15.16 per hour. Employers can pay unemancipated minors 85% of that. That comes out to $12.89 per hour.

Tipped minors can be paid even less. The tipped minimum for minors is $9.96 per hour in 2026, as long as tips make up the difference to reach regular minimum wage.

Cities like Denver have higher rates. Denver’s minimum is $19.29, so minors there can be paid $16.40.

Wondering if this applies to you? If you’re living with your parents and they support you, you’re probably not emancipated. Emancipated means you’re fully financially independent.

Most teen workers aren’t emancipated, so most get the lower rate. It’s legal, but employers don’t have to pay less. Some choose to pay full minimum wage anyway.

Overtime Pay for Minors

Minors are entitled to overtime pay just like adult workers. After 40 hours per week or 12 hours in a single day, you get time and a half.

Wait, did you catch that? Colorado requires overtime after 12 hours in one day, not just after 40 hours per week. That’s more protective than federal law.

So if you work a 13-hour shift, that 13th hour needs to be paid at 1.5 times your regular rate. Same if you hit 41 hours in one week.

This applies to all minors, whether you’re 14 or 17.

Penalties for Violations

Colorado seriously beefed up penalties in 2024. The state realized old fines weren’t working. Now employers face much stiffer consequences.

For a first-time violation, employers can be fined up to $750. That’s per violation, not per minor. For willful or repeated violations, fines jump to $10,000.

These fines go into the Wage Theft Enforcement Fund. The state can also order the employer to pay damages to the affected minor.

On the federal level, penalties are even steeper. The U.S. Department of Labor can fine employers up to $14,050 per violation. If a violation causes serious injury or death, penalties skyrocket.

Employers can also face criminal charges for knowingly violating youth labor laws. That’s a misdemeanor in Colorado.

Bottom line: violations are expensive now. Most businesses take these laws seriously.

School Release Permits

If you’re under 16 and want to work during school hours, you need a school release permit. This is different from an age certificate.

Your school superintendent or designated person issues these permits. They only give them out in specific situations. The permit is only good for 30 days and only for one specific job.

To get one, you need parent consent. The school official also has to believe working is in your best interest. And the job can’t be a prohibited occupation.

Honestly, these permits are rare. Most schools want kids in class, not at work. But if you’re in a special situation like online school or finishing graduation requirements early, it might be possible.

The permit gets canceled if you quit or get fired.

Exemptions and Special Programs

Some programs get exemptions from normal youth labor rules. Apprenticeship programs registered with Colorado’s State Apprenticeship Agency can allow some hazardous work for teens 14 and older.

Student-learner programs through schools can also get exemptions. These are vocational education programs where teens learn trades while working.

Agricultural work has special rules too. Some farm work that would normally be prohibited might be allowed under specific circumstances.

Employers can apply for exemptions through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. They have to explain why the work is safe and appropriate for the minor.

Most regular jobs don’t qualify for exemptions though. These are mainly for specialized training programs.

How to Report Violations

If you think an employer is breaking youth labor laws, you can file a complaint. The Division of Labor Standards and Statistics investigates these complaints.

You can submit a Youth Law Complaint Form online, by email, fax, or mail. The form asks about the violation: excessive hours, prohibited work, or other issues.

The Division will investigate. If they find a violation, they can order the employer to stop and pay fines and damages.

You’re protected from retaliation too. Employers can’t fire you or treat you worse for filing a complaint. If they try, that’s an additional violation with more penalties.

Don’t worry about reporting. The law protects whistleblowers. Your safety matters more than any job.

Parent and Guardian Rights

Parents, you have rights too. You can request an exemption for your child if needed. You can also file complaints on your child’s behalf.

The law used to penalize parents who let their kids work illegally. That changed in 2024. Now only employers face penalties, not parents.

Still, it’s smart to know the rules. Make sure your teen’s employer is following the law. Check their schedule, ask about breaks, and verify they’re not doing prohibited work.

If something feels off, ask questions. Better to be safe than sorry.

Federal vs. State Law

Both federal and Colorado laws apply to minor workers. When they conflict, the stricter rule wins.

Federal law is the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA. It sets baseline protections nationwide. Colorado’s CYEOA adds extra protections on top.

For example, federal law doesn’t limit daily hours for 16 and 17 year olds. Colorado does at 8 hours. So the Colorado rule applies.

When in doubt, follow the more restrictive law. That keeps everyone safe and legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 14 year old work in Colorado? Yes, but only in certain jobs and with strict hour limits. Most retail and food service positions are okay. No hazardous work allowed.

Do minors need work permits in Colorado? No work permits are required, but employers can ask for an age certificate. Your school can provide one to prove your age.

How late can a 16 year old work in Colorado? There are no nighttime restrictions for 16 and 17 year olds. However, they still can’t work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.

Can minors work during school hours? Not usually. Minors under 16 need a school release permit to work during school hours, and these are rarely granted.

What happens if an employer violates youth labor laws? Employers can face fines from $750 to $10,000 depending on the violation. The state can also order them to pay damages to the minor.

Final Thoughts

Colorado takes youth labor laws seriously, especially after the 2024 updates. The state wants teens to work safely without sacrificing education or wellbeing. These rules exist for good reasons.

If you’re a teen worker, know your rights. If you’re a parent, stay informed. If you’re an employer, follow the law. It’s really that simple.

When in doubt, check with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. They have resources and can answer specific questions. Better to ask than to guess and get it wrong.

Now you know the basics. Stay safe, work smart, and don’t let anyone push you into illegal working conditions.

References

Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act, C.R.S. Title 8, Article 12 https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/Colorado%20Youth%20Employment%20Opportunity%20Act,%20C.R.S.%208-12-101,%20et.%20seq.%20April%202023%20%5Baccessible%5D_0.pdf

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Youth Law Information https://cdle.colorado.gov/dlss/labor-laws-by-topic/youth-law

INFO #22 Employment of Minors in Colorado (2025) https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/info_%2322_employment_of_minors_in_colorado_5.30.2025_accessible.pdf

U.S. Department of Labor Child Labor Provisions https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor

Colorado Minimum Wage Information (2026) https://cdle.colorado.gov/dlss