Indiana Wage Payment Regulations for Minors and Young Workers
Indiana's wage payment regulations for minors and young workers are primarily governed by federal and state laws. Here are key points regarding these regulations:
Wage Requirements
- Minimum Wage: Employers in Indiana are not allowed to pay minors below the federal minimum wage during the first 90 days of employment.
- General Wage Payment: Indiana follows federal guidelines for wage payments, which require employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked.
Employment Hours and Restrictions
- Age 14-15: These minors are restricted in their work hours. They can work up to 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week. During non-school weeks, they can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. They may now work until 9:00 PM from June 1 through Labor Day.
- Age 16-17: As of January 1, 2025, these minors can work the same hours and days as adults, with no restrictions on hours or days.
Registration and Compliance
- Employer Registration: Employers who hire five or more minors (ages 14-17) must register with the Indiana Department of Labor's Youth Employment System (YES).
- Posters and Information: Employers must update their youth employment posters to reflect changes in the law and ensure compliance with all regulations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Penalties: Employers may face penalties for violating child labor laws, including fines for hour violations and failure to register minor employees correctly.
Additional Considerations
- Hazardous Occupations: Restrictions on minors working in hazardous occupations continue to mirror federal law.
- Agricultural Employment: Indiana defers to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for specific prohibitions on work conditions for minors in agricultural employment.
🔴 Immediate Actions (Today or ASAP)
- Check Your Age and Work Hours: Confirm your age and the hours you have worked or plan to work to ensure they comply with Indiana’s rules for minors.
- Talk to Your Employer: Ask your employer about their registration with Indiana’s Youth Employment System (YES) if they hire five or more minors.
- Request Wage Information: Ask your employer for a clear explanation of your wage rate and pay schedule to confirm you are being paid at least the federal minimum wage.
- Gather Pay Records: Collect all recent pay stubs, time sheets, and any written communication about your wages and hours worked.
🟡 Short-Term Steps (This Week)
- Review Work Hours and Restrictions: Make sure your work hours comply with the limits for your age group, especially if you are 14-15 years old.
- Confirm Employer Compliance: Verify that your employer has posted the required youth employment posters and follows child labor laws.
- Document Any Violations: Keep a detailed record of any hours worked beyond allowed limits or if you are paid less than minimum wage.
- Contact Indiana Department of Labor: Reach out to the Indiana Department of Labor for guidance or to report concerns about wage or hour violations.
🟢 Strategic Follow-Up (Next 2-4 Weeks or Longer)
- File a Complaint if Needed: If your employer is violating wage or hour laws, consider filing a complaint with the Indiana Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you face retaliation or serious violations, consult a legal aid organization or labor rights attorney.
- Monitor Changes in Law: Stay informed about any future changes to Indiana’s youth employment laws, especially regarding work hours for 16-17 year olds.
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about hazardous occupation restrictions and agricultural work rules if applicable to your job.
Your Legal Rights
- You have the right to be paid at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, including during your first 90 days of employment.
- There are strict limits on how many hours minors aged 14-15 can work, especially on school days and weeks.
- Employers must register with the Indiana Youth Employment System if they hire five or more minors aged 14-17.
- Employers must follow federal and state child labor laws, including restrictions on hazardous jobs.
- You have the right to file a complaint if your employer violates wage or hour laws without retaliation.
Where to Get Help
- Indiana Department of Labor: Visit https://www.in.gov/dol/ or call (317) 232-2655 for questions or to report violations.
- U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division: Call 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243) or visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd for federal wage and hour issues.
- Legal Aid Organizations: Contact Indiana Legal Services at https://www.indianalegalservices.org/ or call 1-800-822-4774 for free legal help.
- Keep Records: Maintain copies of pay stubs, work schedules, and any communication with your employer about your wages and hours.
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