Michigan Labor Laws for Minors (2026): What Every Teen Needs to Know

Your first job feels like a big deal. It should. But here’s what catches most teens off guard: Michigan has some pretty specific rules about who can work, what jobs are allowed, and how many hours you can actually work. Most young people have zero idea these laws exist until they hit a problem at work. The good news? We’re breaking it all down right here so you won’t be one of those surprises.

If you’re a teen looking for your first job, or a parent helping your kid navigate the workforce, this guide covers everything you need to know about working in Michigan.

What Is the Youth Employment Standards Act?

Michigan has a law called the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA for short). Basically, it’s the rulebook for hiring, paying, and managing anyone under 18 years old. The law exists to protect you. It makes sure your job doesn’t get in the way of school, that you’re not doing work that’s too dangerous, and that you’re treated fairly.

Trust me, these rules matter more than you think.

The Minimum Age to Work in Michigan

Let’s start with the basics. In Michigan, you need to be at least 14 years old to get most jobs. But here’s the thing—there are some exceptions that let younger kids work too.

If you’re under 14, you might still be able to work in specific situations. You could deliver newspapers, perform in entertainment (theater, TV, film, etc.), work as a referee or umpire for youth sports, or help out in your family business if it’s not hazardous. You might also work part-time in certain farm jobs, but those have their own special rules.

Sound complicated? It’s actually pretty straightforward once you know where the lines are.

Getting Your Work Permit (Big Changes in 2025)

Here’s something important that just changed. Starting April 2, 2025, Michigan shifted who issues work permits. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (DLEO) now handles this instead of your school. By October 2, 2026, everything will move to a brand new online system.

This is a big deal. You’re gonna love this one—it means the process is getting faster and more transparent.

Right now, here’s what you need to do to get a work permit:

First, you gather your documents. You need proof of your age (a birth certificate, passport, or school ID works). Your employer needs to fill out paperwork describing the job, your hours, and your pay. Your parent or guardian has to give written permission. Then you submit everything either to your school or through the new DLEO system.

Not sure what counts as proof of age? Basically anything official showing your birth date works—birth certificates, passports, and driver’s licenses are the most common.

The employer keeps the work permit on file for three years. That’s not your problem, but it’s good to know your boss has to have it ready if anyone asks.

Work Hours: The Rules You Actually Need to Follow

Okay, pause. Read this carefully. Work hour rules are the #1 thing employers get wrong, and the penalties are real.

For Ages 14 and 15

If you’re 14 or 15, your work hours are pretty limited when school is in session. Here’s what you can do:

You can work a maximum of 3 hours on any school day. During the school week, you can’t work more than 18 hours total. You can work a maximum of 8 hours on days when school is not in session. When school is completely out (like summer), you can work up to 40 hours per week.

Your work has to happen between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. You can’t work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m., no exceptions.

Pretty restrictive? Yep. But here’s the reason: Michigan wants to make sure school comes first.

Here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re 14 or 15 and in federal jurisdiction (many employers are), the rules actually get stricter. Federal law says you can’t work more than 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, or past 7 p.m. on school nights (except summer). Your employer has to follow whichever rules are stricter.

One more thing: you can’t work more than 6 days in a single week, and you can’t work more than 10 hours in a single day.

For Ages 16 and 17

Good news if you’re 16 or 17—you get more freedom. When school is in session, you can work up to 24 hours per week. When school is out, you can work up to 48 hours per week. There’s no limit on the time of day you work, though some jobs might have their own rules.

You also get a bit more flexibility on which days you can work.

The Break Rule Nobody Talks About

Honestly, this is the part most people miss. You need a 30-minute break if you work more than 5 hours in a row. That break doesn’t have to be paid, but your employer legally has to give it to you. Make sure you actually take it.

Jobs You Absolutely Cannot Do

Now, let’s talk about the work that’s completely off-limits. Michigan is pretty serious about keeping teens out of dangerous situations.

You cannot work jobs that involve hazardous or injurious tasks. Here’s what that includes:

Working with hazardous substances, chemicals, explosives, or radioactive materials. Driving vehicles or working as an outside helper on delivery routes (like pizza delivery—yeah, that’s prohibited). Jobs in logging, sawmill, or woodworking operations. Working on construction sites, excavation sites, bridges, streets, or highways. Meat processing, slaughtering, or butchering work. Operating power-driven equipment, machinery, saws, or tools (bakery machines, paper machines, metal-forming machines—basically industrial stuff).

Wait, it gets better. You also can’t work in places where alcohol sales are the main business (bars, liquor stores, etc.). You can’t sell or serve alcohol. And if you’re under 16, you can’t work in amusement places like pool halls, bowling alleys, or circuses.

These aren’t suggestions. These are hard lines.

Supervision and Wage Requirements

Here’s something employers often skip but legally can’t. You need supervision. A supervisor who is at least 18 years old needs to be present at the work location while you’re working. This is especially important if you’re working with cash transactions after sunset or 8 p.m.

As for wages—Michigan’s minimum wage keeps changing, and it affects you. As of February 21, 2025, the minimum wage is $12.48 per hour. However, minors can be paid 85% of the minimum wage, which is $10.61 per hour as of that date. If you get tips, your employer can pay you 38% of minimum wage as long as your tips bring you up to the full minimum.

Make sense, right?

New Penalties for Employers (They Just Got Serious)

Michigan just increased the penalties for employers who break the rules. These changes happened in 2024 and started taking effect in 2025. They’re pretty strict.

For the first violation: up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000. For the second violation: up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine up to $25,000. For the third or later violation: up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine up to $50,000.

These aren’t small fines. If an employer is breaking the law and putting you in unsafe conditions, they’re risking serious consequences.

Special Circumstances and Exemptions

Not everyone falls under these rules, and that’s important to know.

If you’ve graduated from high school and provided proof of graduation to your employer, you’re exempt. If you’ve passed your GED and have proof, same thing—you’re exempt. If you’ve been emancipated (there’s a legal process for this), the rules don’t apply to you.

Some students in approved work-based learning (WBL) or career and technical education (CTE) programs can work under different contracts with their school and employer. If you’re in one of these programs, your school handles the oversight.

Family business work has its own exemption. If you work in a business your parents own and it’s not hazardous, different rules might apply. But “your parents’ business” doesn’t mean hazardous work suddenly becomes okay.

Some unpaid volunteer work is exempt, but honestly? If you’re thinking about volunteering, check with the organization first.

What Happens If Your Rights Are Violated

Wondering if this applies to you? Most of the time it does.

If you think your employer is breaking the rules—making you work too many hours, putting you in a hazardous job, not giving you breaks, or anything else—you can file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (DLEO). You can reach them at 1-855-4MI-WAGE (1-855-464-9243).

You don’t need a lawyer to file a complaint. DLEO handles this stuff all the time, and they take violations seriously, especially after the 2024 law changes.

Your employer can’t retaliate against you for reporting violations. That’s illegal.

Recommended Steps Before You Start Working

Here’s what you should actually do before accepting your first job offer.

First, ask about the job details. What exactly will you be doing? When will you work? Will the hours fit with school? Get the answers in writing if possible. Second, research the employer. Are they known for following labor laws? Check online reviews or ask other teens who work there. Third, gather your documents before you apply. Know your exact birthdate and have a copy of your birth certificate or ID ready.

Fourth—and this is critical—read your work permit application carefully before signing. Make sure all the details are correct: job title, hours, pay rate, everything. If something doesn’t match what the employer told you, speak up. Fifth, show your work permit to your parents and understand it. They need to know what you agreed to.

Okay, pause. This part’s important. Once you start working, keep your own records of your hours. Write them down or take a photo of the time clock. If there’s ever a dispute about hours worked or pay owed, your records matter. Seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my employer wants me to work off the clock? That’s illegal. All work hours must be recorded, and you must be paid for every hour you work. If your employer is asking you to do this, report it immediately to DLEO.

Can I work during summer if school is out? Yes, absolutely. When school is not in session, you can work up to 40 hours per week (if you’re 14-15) or 48 hours per week (if you’re 16-17).

Do I need a new work permit if I change jobs? Yes. Every time you start a new job, you need a brand new work permit. Different jobs have different hour restrictions and job types, so each one needs its own permit.

What if I want to work in the entertainment industry? Entertainment work (theater, TV, film, etc.) has completely separate rules and requires a special permit from Michigan’s Department of Labor. You’ll need to apply specifically for entertainment work.

How old do I have to be to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor? Michigan allows 15-year-olds to work as lifeguards and swim instructors at certain aquatic facilities, but you need specific certification and a work permit that reflects these jobs. Check with your employer about age and certification requirements.

Can I apply for the online work permit system right now? As of January 2026, the system is still being rolled out. Contact your school district or call 1-855-4MI-WAGE to find out if the online system is available in your area yet.

Final Thoughts

Michigan’s labor laws exist to protect you, not to stop you from working. The rules about hours, job types, and permits might feel limiting, but they’re there because someone in the government decided teen workers matter enough to protect.

Your first job should be a good experience. You should earn fair money, learn real skills, and not have it destroy your grades or your health. If your employer isn’t following these rules, that’s on them, not on you.

Now you know the basics. Stay informed, understand your rights, and when you’re unsure about anything, ask your employer or contact the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. You’ve got this.

References

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (DLEO) – Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/wage-and-hour/youth-employment-standards-act-yesa

Michigan Legislature – Youth Employment Standards Act (Act 90 of 1978) https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-act-90-of-1978.pdf

Michigan Employment Standards – Employing Minors Brochure https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/leo/Folder23/whd9803_act_90_brochure_JH_Sugg_Edits.pdf

Michigan DLEO – Youth Employment Standards Act FAQs https://www.michigan.gov/leo/-/media/Project/Websites/leo/Folder11/YESA_FAQS.pdf

State of Michigan – Prohibited Occupations and Hazardous Work https://legalclarity.org/michigans-youth-employment-laws-and-regulations/

Michigan Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division Phone: 1-855-4MI-WAGE (1-855-464-9243)