Employment of Minors

Due to the variation in state laws associated with the employment of minors, individuals under the age of 18 may not be employed by the University outside of the state of Missouri.

For locations within Missouri and under Missouri law, children under the age of 14 may not be employed or otherwise permitted to work (except under narrow circumstances inapplicable to university employment). Children aged 14 and 15 may work, but only with a work permit and subject to strict limitations.

Children under age 16 may not work at Washington University during the regular school term unless and until the Office of Human Resources receives a work permit.

Children under 16 may not be permitted to work (a) more than three hours on any school day, (b) more than eight hours in any non-school day, or (c) more than six days or forty hours in any week. They may not work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer vacation). Under special circumstances, the state Director of Labor and Industrial Relations may waive certain aspects of these requirements. Contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions.

In all situations, the procedures laid out in the Youth Protection policy apply and must be followed.