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# Washington

Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Min. Wage: $16.66/hr (2026) 

[Washington Department of Labor](https://lni.wa.gov)

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

### 

Family Business Exemptions Strict Rules 

No Broad Exemption

-   Follows federal parental exemption.
-   Washington does not classify married or parenting minors as minors for child labor purposes.
-   Agricultural: 12+ for hand-harvesting berries, bulbs, cucumbers, spinach.

### 

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 Sat/Sun), 8 hrs on non-school days.
-   Max 16 hrs during school weeks, 40 hrs during non-school weeks.
-   Max 6 days/week.

Ages 16-17

-   Non-school: 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week.
-   School: 4 hrs/day, 20 hrs/week (6 hrs/day, 28 hrs/week with additional consents).
-   6 days/week.

### 

Nightwork Restrictions 

### 

Permitted Job Types 

### 

Work Permit Requirements 

Permits Required

-   Minor work permits required.
-   Washington has a specific process for hiring youth under 14.

### 

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://lni.wa.gov) and the [U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor).

## Nearby States

[OR Oregon ](/state-labor-laws/oregon/)[ID Idaho ](/state-labor-laws/idaho/)[CA California ](/state-labor-laws/california/)

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