Child Labor Laws

Child Labor

The child labor provisions do not apply to children employed as actors or performers in motion pictures, theatrical, radio or television productions. A Youth Employment Certificate must be completed before hiring youth/children under the age of 18. Please visit the NC Department of Labor's YEC AUTO page for an online certificate form and other vital information. If you are concerned that your child is in danger of exploitation, please contact the NC Attorney General.

N.C. Department of Labor - Wage & Hour Act

959-25.5 Youth Employment. - (a) No youth under 18 years of age shall be employed by any employer in any occupation without youth employment certificate unless specifically exempted. The Commissioner of Labor shall prescribe regulations for youth and employers concerning the issuance, maintenance and revocation of certificates. Certificates will be issued by county directors of social services, subject to review by the Department of Labor; provided, the Commissioner may by regulation require that the Department of Labor issue certificates for occupations with unusual or unique characteristics.

(g) Youths employed as models, or as actors or performers in motion pictures or theatrical productions, or in radio or television products are exempt from all provisions of this section except the certificate requirements of subsection (a).

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
U. S. Department of Labor
Employment Standards Administration
Wage and Hour division WH Publication 1330
Rev. July 1978

Additionally, per North Carolina General Statute 48A-14, 15% of a minor's gross earnings must be set aside by the minor's employer in trust, in an account other than savings, and perserved for the benefit of the minor.

The Screen Actors Guild offers guidance for Young Performers and their parents.