Illinois Child Labor Law: 2025 Rules for Hiring Minors

Illinois Child Labor Law protections have been modernized under the Child Labor Law of 2024, enacted through Senate Bill 3646 and codified as Public Act 103-0721. Effective January 1, 2025, Illinois replaced its previous child labor framework with updated standards designed to safeguard minors in the workforce better.

The updated law strengthens oversight of minors’ employment opportunities by setting more precise limits on working hours, refining the employment certificate process, requiring appropriate adult supervision, and increasing penalties for violations. These updates reflect Illinois’ commitment to balancing minors’ ability to gain safe, age-appropriate work experience while protecting their access to education, health, and safety.

Illinois has chosen a different path as other states move to loosen child labor protections. The 2025 changes modernize the legal framework to reflect current educational standards, workforce conditions, and public health priorities. Employers, school officials, parents, and minors must be aware of these updates to ensure compliance and protect young workers’ rights.

Illinois Child Labor Law: New Standards for Minors in 2025

The Illinois Child Labor Law regulates employment for individuals under the age of 16. Before a minor can begin work, the law requires an employment certificate issued by an authorized school official, commonly referred to as a work permit. This process ensures the minor’s eligibility to work while balancing educational commitments.

Minors must obtain parental or guardian consent and complete an application that verifies their age, ability to work safely, and academic status. Employment certificates must be kept on file with the employer and readily available for inspection.

The law restricts the number of hours minors may work, particularly during school days. Generally, minors may not work during school hours, more than three hours on a school day, more than eight hours on a non-school day, or more than 24 hours during a school week. Work must be performed within allowable timeframes—typically no earlier than 7 a.m. and no later than 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. in the summer).

Certain hazardous occupations, such as manufacturing, construction, and the operation of heavy machinery, remain prohibited for minors. These prohibitions are intended to protect young workers from physically dangerous or exploitative work environments. The Illinois Department of Labor enforces these standards through investigations and compliance checks.

What Illinois Child Labor Law Requires for Working Minors

To legally employ minors, Illinois employers must comply with several core requirements. First, employers must obtain and maintain a valid employment certificate for every minor under their employment. Without this certificate, employing a minor is prohibited.

Minors must only perform work that is deemed age-appropriate and non-hazardous under Illinois law. Specific industries—such as manufacturing, warehousing, and certain agricultural operations—have special restrictions in place to protect young workers. Permitted jobs often include retail, food service, and office support roles, provided that the work does not involve hazardous machinery or dangerous conditions.

The Illinois Child Labor Law also mandates limits on daily and weekly work hours, including maximum shift lengths and required rest periods. Employers must monitor minor employees’ schedules to ensure compliance with both the daily and weekly limits set by law.

Additionally, minors must be provided safe working environments, including clear emergency procedures, access to appropriate safety equipment, and supervision when handling potentially risky tasks. Supervision of minors must be sufficient to ensure that workplace conditions meet state health and safety standards.

Employers who fail to comply with these requirements face significant legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and potential civil actions brought by affected minors or their representatives.

Key 2025 Changes to Work Hours, Permits, and Penalties

The amendments to the Illinois Child Labor Law, effective January 1, 2025, introduce significant new standards for both employers and minors. One major update is the stricter limitation on work hours for minors under the age of 16, ensuring that employment does not interfere with educational responsibilities or overall well-being.

Under the 2025 law, school officials who issue employment certificates must now consider the “health, welfare, and education” of the minor applicant. This includes reviewing any prior incidents of injury or death of minors at the proposed workplace. The minor’s school schedule must also be incorporated into the work permit, providing greater alignment between work and academic obligations.

Supervision standards have been strengthened. Employers must ensure that a responsible adult, at least 21 years of age, is present during a minor’s working hours to provide oversight and maintain a safe environment.

In cases where minors experience homelessness or lack traditional documentation, such as a birth certificate, the employment certification process has been clarified to accommodate these situations without compromising protections.

Civil penalties for child labor violations have been increased under the 2025 updates. Additionally, where violations result in a minor’s injury, illness, or death, penalties are subject to multipliers to reflect the severity of the harm caused. Employers must now report any injury or fatality involving a minor to the minor’s school, reinforcing accountability across the educational and employment sectors.

What Employers and Minor Workers Need to Know in 2025

Employers hiring minors in Illinois must take proactive steps to comply with the updated Illinois Child Labor Law. First, businesses should review and revise their policies to ensure they meet the new standards regarding permissible working hours, required adult supervision, and employment certification procedures.

All employers must confirm that work permits accurately reflect the minor’s school schedule and ensure that supervisors understand their responsibilities for monitoring minor employees. Work assignments should be reviewed to guarantee compliance with hazardous occupation and task restrictions.

Failure to adhere to the updated regulations exposes employers to heightened enforcement actions by the Illinois Department of Labor. Penalties for violations include monetary fines, and serious cases involving injuries may result in compounded financial liability and reputational harm.

For minors and their families, it is essential to understand the rights granted under the Illinois Child Labor Law. Minors should be informed about safe working conditions, balancing employment with education, and reporting unsafe or illegal labor practices.

The Illinois Department of Labor, in partnership with the Attorney General’s Office, has enhanced its enforcement mechanisms to protect minors from exploitation. Reporting pathways are available for minors or concerned parties who believe a violation has occurred.

Protecting Young Workers: Illinois Child Labor Law in 2025

The 2025 Illinois Child Labor Law updates reflect a clear intent to prioritize minors' safety, educational opportunities, and long-term well-being. By modernizing employment standards for young workers, Illinois has created a more structured, protective environment that acknowledges the realities facing today’s workforce.

Employers must familiarize themselves with the expanded requirements and enforcement risks associated with noncompliance. Adopting clear internal policies that respect the law’s boundaries is a legal necessity and a demonstration of commitment to youth worker safety.

For minors, the updated law provides stronger protections and reinforces the importance of education as a foundation for future success. Understanding their rights empowers young workers to advocate for safe, fair, and lawful employment conditions.

As other states loosen child labor regulations, Illinois stands out by strengthening its child labor protections in 2025. By doing so, the state continues to affirm that minors deserve safe, respectful workplaces that align with their academic and personal development goals. To learn more about the Child Labor Law, contact the civil rights and employment law firm of O’Malley & Madden, P.C.