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# Tennessee

Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses

Last updated: July 15, 2025

Min. Wage: No state minimum wage (federal $7.25 applies) 

[Tennessee Department of Labor](https://www.tn.gov/workforce)

1.  [Home ](/)
2.  [State Labor Laws](/state-labor-laws/)
3.  Tennessee 

### 

Family Business Exemptions Most Important 

Exemptions Available

-   Follows federal parental exemption.
-   Tennessee does not classify married or parenting minors as minors for child labor purposes.

### 

Minimum Working Age 

14 years old for most non-agricultural work.

Exceptions:

-   No state minimum when employed by parent (follows federal parental exemption).

### 

Hours Restrictions 

Under 14

-   Generally may not work.

Ages 14-15

-   Max 3 hrs on school days, 8 hrs on non-school days.
-   Max 18 hrs during school weeks, 40 hrs during non-school weeks.
-   Max 6 days/week.

Ages 16-17

-   No state-specific hour restrictions.

### 

Nightwork Restrictions 

### 

Permitted Job Types 

### 

Work Permit Requirements 

Permits Required

-   Employment certificate required.

### 

Recordkeeping Requirements 

### 

Key Considerations 

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your [state's Department of Labor](https://www.tn.gov/workforce) and the [U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor).

## Nearby States

[KY Kentucky ](/state-labor-laws/kentucky/)[VA Virginia ](/state-labor-laws/virginia/)[NC North Carolina ](/state-labor-laws/north-carolina/)[GA Georgia ](/state-labor-laws/georgia/)[AL Alabama ](/state-labor-laws/alabama/)[MS Mississippi ](/state-labor-laws/mississippi/)[AR Arkansas ](/state-labor-laws/arkansas/)

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