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Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA)

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Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA)

If you hire anyone under age 18 in Michigan, there are special rules you need to follow. These rules help keep young workers safe and make sure their education comes first. This page explains what employers and teens need to know about work permits, allowed work hours, supervision, and jobs that minors cannot do.

Understanding the Law

The Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), Public Act 90 of 1978, sets the rules for employing workers under age 18 in Michigan, and applies to all employers who hire anyone under 18 years old, including:

  • Part-time and full-time employees
  • Volunteers
  • Independent contractors
  • Performing artists

If both state and federal youth labor laws apply, you must follow whichever rule is stricter.

Youth Employment Standards Act Webinar

  • Hours and Break Requirements

    YESA limits how long and how late minors may work, and employers are responsible for tracking hours to ensure compliance.

    • Workers under 16 have stricter daily and weekly hour limits.
    • Workers ages 16–17 have expanded hours, but limits still apply.
    • Required meal and rest periods depends on hours worked.

  • Work Permits

    Before starting work, a minor must have a valid work permit. Here’s a look at the process:

    • All youth work permits in Michigan must be obtained exclusively through the State of Michigan’s centralized work permit system (YEPP), overseen by the Wage and Hour Division.
    • The State approves and issues the permit through YEPP.

  • Prohibited and Hazardous Work

    Minors may not perform certain dangerous tasks, and employers are responsible for ensuring minors are not assigned prohibited duties.

    Prohibited Examples:

    • Operating certain power-driven machinery
    • Using meat slicers
    • Working with hazardous chemicals
    • Operating certain hoisting or heavy equipment

  • Supervision Requirements

    Minors must be supervised at all times by an adult (age 18 or older) while working.

  • Posting and Recordkeeping

    Employers must:

    • Post required YESA notices in the workplace
    • Maintain accurate time records for each minor employee
    • Keep work permits on file (law changes on Oct. 1, 2026)
YEPP page loaded on a laptop

Youth Employment Permit Portal

Michigan’s Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP) makes it easier for employers and young workers to complete the youth employment permit process online, all while helping protect young workers and ensuring employers understand their responsibilities.

Employers can register with LEO; minors can complete their portion online and required employment information can be submitted through one convenient system.

Get Started with YEPP