Minors 16 years of age or older may not be employed before 6 am or after 12 midnight during a regular school week. Employers in Pennsylvania must stay compliant with Pennsylvania Child Labor Law when hiring employees that are under the age of 18.The Pennsylvania Child Labor Act requires all minors ages 14 - 17 to have a work permit in order to be employed. The Child Labor Act of Pennsylvania stipulates that minors are eligible for employment only when they reach the age of 14 or above. The law states those aged from 14-17 years old are entitled to at least a 30 minute break when working for 5 consecutive hours. Children under 16 may not be employed in any manufacturing or mechanical occupation or process. The general rule is that minors under 16 years of age may not be employed, except in certain occupations enumerated in the Child Labor Law. The general rule is that minors under 16 years of age may not be employed, except in certain occupations enumerated in the Child Labor Law. Children under 16 may not be employed in any manufacturing or mechanical occupation or process. However, employers of minors under age 18 must obtain and keep on file proof of the minor's age.