Teens Can Work at 14, 3 Hours a School Day, 18 a School Week
Under federal rules, most nonagricultural jobs require workers to be at least 14; 14- and 15-year-olds may work only outside school hours, no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week, and only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day). Sixteen- and 17-year-olds may work unlimited hours but not in jobs declared hazardous; at 18, the youth employment rules no longer apply.
The Department of Labor says that when both federal and state laws apply, the stricter standard must be obeyed; federal rules don’t require minors to get work permits, but many states do. This article follows Fact Sheet #43 from the Wage and Hour Division (WHD): what each age group can do, the hour limits and which jobs are off-limits under 18.
What each age group can do
The Department of Labor explains (DOL WHD Fact Sheet #43):
- Under 14: may not work in nonagricultural jobs covered by the FLSA; exceptions include newspaper delivery, acting, and things not covered such as minor household chores and casual babysitting.
- A parent’s business: children of any age can generally work in a business wholly owned by their parents, but under-16s can’t work in mining or manufacturing, and no one under 18 can do hazardous work.
- 14 and 15: certain non-manufacturing, non-hazardous jobs outside school hours, with limits on hours and conditions.
- 16 and 17: unlimited hours in any job other than those declared hazardous.
- 18: no longer covered by the federal youth employment rules.
Hour limits for 14- and 15-year-olds
- When: outside school hours.
- School days: no more than 3 hours, including Fridays.
- Non-school days: no more than 8 hours.
- Weeks when school is in session: no more than 18 hours.
- Weeks when school is not in session: no more than 40 hours.
- Time of day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.
Hazardous jobs off-limits under 18 (examples)
- Explosives: places where explosives are made or stored.
- Driving: driving on public roads (with a limited exception for 17-year-olds driving cars or small trucks).
- Coal mining: most jobs in coal mining.
- Forklifts and cranes: most operation of power-driven hoisting equipment.
- Roofing: most roofing work.
Other things to know
- When state law is stricter: when federal and state laws both apply, follow the stricter one.
- Work permits: federal rules don’t require minors to get “working papers” or work permits, but many states do.
- Farm work: different rules apply to farm work; this fact sheet covers only nonagricultural jobs.
- Questions: call the WHD helpline at 1-866-487-9243, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in your time zone.
For the federal minimum wage and overtime, see Federal Minimum Wage Is $7.25, Overtime After 40 Hours; for what age kids can stay home alone, see Kids Home Alone, No Federal Age Rule, It Depends on State.
What this article did not check
- Your state’s rules and work permits: this article covers only federal rules and did not check state laws.
- Rules for farm work: the fact sheet covers only nonagricultural jobs, and this article did not check the farm rules.
- Version: this is the version revised in December 2016; it was still the same version when reopened on 2026-10-31.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 13-year-old work?
Not in most nonagricultural jobs; exceptions such as newspaper delivery, acting, casual babysitting and household chores are allowed.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work in a summer week?
Up to 40 hours in a week when school isn’t in session, up to 8 hours a day; from June 1 through Labor Day, until 9 p.m.
Are there hour limits at 16?
Federal law doesn’t limit hours for 16- and 17-year-olds, but many states do; when state law is stricter, follow state law.
Do I need a work permit?
Not under federal rules, but many states require one; check your state.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-31.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Fact Sheet #43: Child Labor Provisions of the FLSA for Nonagricultural Occupations (revised December 2016):https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture