The U.S. Department of Labor has set forth child labor regulations in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Your company must abide by these federal standards if there are no state laws in effect that overrule them. Generally, only state laws that have stricter guidelines for minors will overrule federal law.

There are regulations regarding the types of jobs that minors can perform, the industries in which they may work, and the equipment and machinery that they are allowed to operate. The hours that teenagers under the age of eighteen are allowed to work vary based on whether or not school is in session. There are daily and weekly limitations and they may not work between specific hours.

A work permit may be required before you can offer a job to a minor. If you do not know if one is required in your state, contact the counseling office of your local high school or your state employment board. A school will issue an application for a work permit to students in good standing. Generally, the application must be signed by both the parent and the prospective employer. It will advise you of the hours in which the student will be allowed to work and your signature confirms that you will stay within these guidelines. The application may also state that you will maintain workers' compensation insurance. In lieu of a work permit, some states require a proof-of-age certificate to ensure that the minor is old enough to be employed.