Starting your first job? Working after school? Michigan law protects you. That means:
You deserve to feel confident at work — not confused – and we’re here to help.
You must get a work permit before starting a job.
There are limits on:
How many hours you can work per day.
How late you can work.
Required meal/rest breaks.
If you’re under 18, you cannot do certain dangerous tasks, like:
Operating some power-driven machines.
Using meat slicers.
Handling certain hazardous chemicals.
Operating certain heavy equipment
An adult (18+) must always supervise minors while working.
CA-6 Work Permit for minor under 16 years of age
CA-7 Work Permit for minor 16 to 17 years of age
Employers must keep completed permits on file for each employed minor.
Your employer must:
Pay problems or unpaid wages
LEO Wage & Hour Division
855-464-9243
Money can’t just be taken out of your paycheck. Deductions must be:
If your employer offers benefits like vacation or bonuses, they must follow their written policy.
Michigan’s minimum wage is $13.73 per hour.
If you earn tips, your total pay (wages + tips) must equal at least minimum wage.
If you work more than 40 hours in one week, you must be paid 1.5 times your regular rate (with limited exceptions).
If you’re 18 or older and eligible, you earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. You can use sick time for:
Employers cannot punish you for using earned sick time.
Unused time may carry over (limits apply based on employer size).
You have the right to have a safe workplace.
Your employer must:
If something feels unsafe — speak up. Report a safety complaint by calling us at 800-866-4674 or filing a safety complaint online.
Construction
Landscaping
Restaurants
Retail
Michigan’s workers’ compensation system protects you from your first day on the job.
You do not have to pay medical bills for covered treatment.
If you miss work because of your injury:
If you can’t return to your old job, you may receive:
If something doesn’t feel right — ask questions.
Working teens have rights on the job, and employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace. MIOSHA and
the Wage and Hour Division want working teens to have a safe and rewarding work experience. MIOSHA can help
working teens prevent job-related injuries and illnesses.
Connect with your local Michigan Works! Service Center, a proud partner of the American Job Center network, to find career events in your area and get access to other valuable resources.
No. Effective March 24, 2021, the amended law allows in-person, remote and electronic methods that are acceptable to the school or school district issuing the work permit.
Yes. A minor shall not work unless the employer, or his or her employee at least 18 years of age, provides supervision. The supervisor must ensure immediate assistance is available in case of an emergency.
Yes, unless the minor is exempt. A minor may contact any local Michigan school where the employer or the minor is located to have a work permit issued.
"Issuing officer" means the chief administrator of a school district, intermediate school district, public school academy, or nonpublic school, or a person authorized by that chief administrator in writing to act on his or her behalf.
No, effective March 24, 2021, the amended law removed the yellow and pink paper distinctions. The act now uses a different means to distinguish work permits for youth under age 16 versus those 16-17 years of age. Work permits issued for minors under age 16 are printed in landscape orientation, and work permits for minors 16-17 years of age are printed in portrait orientation.
All work permits MUST include the applicable 2nd page; preferably printed on the back of the first page.
In general, the minimum age for youth employment is 14 years.
The Youth Employment Standards Act, 1978 Public Act 90, covers all businesses which employ minors under the age of 18 in the State of Michigan. When both state and federal youth employment laws apply to a business, the law with the most stringent standard controls.
More Youth Employment Frequently Asked Questions
If you work with teens, mentor young people or support youth programs, help us share important information to keep them safe and protected on the job. Our resources and handouts are designed to help young people understand workplace safety, fair pay, work permits and what to do if something doesn’t feel right on the job — giving them the knowledge and confidence to enter the workforce safely and successfully.
Share these resources on your social channels and help empower the next generation of Michigan workers using #MIYouthEmployment.
