Nebraska has specific laws in place to protect young workers while also providing them with opportunities to gain experience and earn income.
These labor laws establish the minimum legal working age, outline which jobs minors can and cannot perform, and set guidelines for when a work permit is required. If you’re a teenager looking for your first job—or a parent, employer, or educator—understanding these rules is essential.
Let’s take a closer look at the legal working age in Nebraska, who needs a permit to work, and what types of jobs are restricted for young employees.
Minimum Working Age in Nebraska
In Nebraska, the minimum legal working age is 14. Teens who are 14 or older can be legally employed, but their job options are limited based on age, school status, and the type of work involved.
Children under the age of 14 are generally not allowed to work, with a few exceptions. These exceptions include jobs such as newspaper delivery, babysitting, performing in entertainment, or working for a family-owned business (under certain conditions).
Who Needs a Work Permit in Nebraska?
While Nebraska doesn’t issue traditional work permits like some states do, 14- and 15-year-olds are required to provide proof of age and parental consent before they can begin working. This is typically done through an age certificate or documentation from school or a parent.
Employers must keep this documentation on file to show they are complying with child labor laws. These requirements help ensure young workers are placed in safe environments and aren’t working excessive hours.
Working Hour Restrictions for Minors
Nebraska follows federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines for youth employment, especially for those under 16. These guidelines limit the hours teens can work during the school year and summer:
For 14- and 15-year-olds:
- During school weeks: No more than 3 hours on school days and 18 hours total per week.
- When school is not in session (like summer): Up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- Work is only allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year (until 9 p.m. in summer).
Once a teen turns 16, many of these hour restrictions are lifted, though hazardous job restrictions still apply.
Job Restrictions for Teen Workers
To protect young workers from dangerous tasks, Nebraska has a list of prohibited occupations for minors under both state and federal law. These jobs are generally off-limits due to safety concerns.
Jobs prohibited for minors under 16:
- Operating motor vehicles
- Using power-driven machinery (including lawn mowers and forklifts)
- Construction or demolition work
- Cooking over open flames or deep fryers
- Working on ladders or scaffolding
Jobs prohibited for minors under 18:
- Mining and excavation
- Logging and sawmill operations
- Manufacturing explosives
- Roofing work
- Electrical work with high voltage
Employers who hire teens must ensure their job duties do not include these hazardous activities. Failing to comply can result in penalties.
Permitted Jobs for Teens in Nebraska
Despite the restrictions, teens in Nebraska have plenty of opportunities to gain work experience. Some of the most common jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds include:
- Grocery store bagging or cashiering
- Fast food or restaurant work (excluding hazardous cooking)
- Retail sales
- Lifeguarding (if properly certified)
- Office or clerical work
- Yard work or landscaping (without machinery)
Older teens (16 and 17) can take on more responsibility and have access to a wider range of job opportunities, though safety rules still apply.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers in Nebraska are responsible for understanding and complying with youth labor laws. This includes:
- Verifying a teen’s age and parental consent
- Assigning age-appropriate job tasks
- Adhering to restricted work hours
- Keeping proper documentation on file
Employers who violate these laws can face fines and may be held liable for injuries if a teen is performing a prohibited job.
Why These Laws Matter
Youth labor laws are designed to balance early work experience with safety and education. Working as a teen can build responsibility, work ethic, and financial skills—but it must be done responsibly. By following Nebraska’s legal guidelines, teens can safely explore the working world without jeopardizing their well-being or academic success.
Conclusion
Nebraska’s child labor laws serve as a vital framework to protect young workers. With a legal working age set at 14, teens must provide proof of age and follow job and hour restrictions to stay in compliance. Employers play a key role in enforcing these rules and ensuring that teen employees are given a safe, appropriate work environment.
Whether you’re a young person preparing for your first job or an employer looking to hire teen workers, knowing the rules around permits and job restrictions helps everyone stay safe—and legal.
