Every summer, many Michigan businesses look to hire temporary workers to help meet seasonal demand. In many cases, this includes hiring minors—workers under the age of 18—for roles in retail, hospitality, recreation, food service, landscaping, and other sectors.
Youth workers can be a valuable part of your workforce, but hiring minors comes with specific legal requirements that employers must follow. Michigan’s Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) governs the employment of minors—and new legislation that took effect in April 2025 is set to modernize the system further by October 2026.
Here’s what employers need to know about hiring minors in Michigan, including what’s already changed and what’s still ahead.
Understanding Michigan’s Youth Employment Law
In Michigan, a “minor” is anyone under the age of 18. The Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) governs their employment, including the type of work they can do, the hours they can work, and the permits required before employment begins.
Traditional Work Permits Are Still Required—for Now
Minors must obtain a valid work permit before starting any job. If a minor changes jobs, a new permit must be issued. Work permits are issued by the minor’s school—either the district where the minor is enrolled or the school closest to the worksite.
That system is still in place, but it’s scheduled to change. New legislation signed into law in January 2025 and effective as of April 2, 2025, transitions work permits away from schools and into a centralized state-run system. This new system is scheduled to begin in October 2026.
Work Hour Restrictions
Work hour restrictions vary depending on the minor’s age and whether school is in session.
Minors Under Age 16 (Ages 14–15)
Under Section 10 of YESA and federal regulations:
- May work only outside school hours
- When school is in session:
- Up to 3 hours per day
- No more than 18 hours per week
- When school is not in session:
- Up to 8 hours per day
- No more than 40 hours per week
- Permissible hours:
- Between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day
- Between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. the rest of the year
Minors Ages 16–17
Hour limits for older minors are governed by administrative rule, not statute, and currently include:
- No more than 6 days per week
- No more than 10 hours per day
- An average of 8 hours per day across the workweek
- When school is in session: up to 24 hours per week
- When school is not in session: up to 48 hours per week
Permissible hours:- 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
- 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and during school breaks of 7 or more days
Employers must also provide all minors who work more than five continuous hours with a 30-minute uninterrupted break—a requirement that does not apply to adult employees under Michigan law.
Prohibited Hazardous Occupations
Regardless of age, minors may not be employed in certain hazardous occupations. These include, but are not limited to:
- Jobs involving hazardous chemicals or explosives
- Work using power-driven equipment or saws
- Employment at construction or excavation sites
- Meat slicing, butchering, or use of cleavers or boning knives
- Any job declared hazardous by LEO or federal standards
What’s Coming: A New Statewide Permit and Registration System
Starting in October, 2026, a new centralized system will take effect:
- Minors will register directly with LEO using an online portal.
- Employers will also register with LEO and must be authorized to employ minors.
- Employers will be required to submit information about the proposed worksite, the nature of the job, and a certification of legal compliance.
- LEO will review each proposed employment within five days. If no response is issued, employment may begin.
- Once employment ends, employers must notify LEO directly of the termination.
- A public database of authorized employers will be maintained by LEO.
If a parent or guardian objects to a deviation requested as part of a proposed job arrangement, LEO must deny the deviation.
What Employers Should Do
- Start the work permit process early to avoid delays
- Review and confirm work schedules comply with all applicable limits
- Provide training to managers and staff on break requirements and task restrictions
- Prepare for the transition to the new LEO registration system in 2026
- Keep documentation of compliance, including permits and work schedules
Final Thoughts
When hiring youth workers, it is critical to understand and follow Michigan’s legal requirements. The rules regarding work hours, break periods, and prohibited occupations are designed to protect young workers and provide clarity for employers.
If you have questions about hiring minors, structuring summer job programs, or preparing for the upcoming work permit changes, please contact Zana Tomich.
