Every year, thousands of teens take on part-time jobs to earn their own money.
But most families don’t realize that strict labor laws govern how many hours a minor can work a week, and ignoring those rules can lead to serious consequences for employers and families alike.
Some parents assume their child can work as many hours as needed, and that’s not how the law works. Federal and state regulations set clear limits based on age and school schedules.
Knowing these rules protects young workers from overwork and keeps their education on track. This guide breaks down exactly what the law says.
How Many Hours Can a Minor Work a Week on Average?
In the U.S., minors are typically limited to 18 hours per week during school weeks and 40 hours per week during school breaks.
During school days, minors are limited to a maximum of 3 working hours, while on non-school days, they may work up to 8 hours.
These limits may vary by state, with some states imposing stricter regulations to prioritize minors’ safety and education.
Understanding Federal Child Labor Laws
Learning federal child labor laws is essential for employers and parents alike to ensure young workers are protected, treated fairly, and employed in safe and appropriate conditions.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Foundation of Minor Work Regulations
The Fair Labor Standards Act, passed in 1938, established the baseline for child labor protections in America.
The U.S. Department of Labor enforces these regulations to ensure minors aren’t overworked or placed in dangerous situations.
These federal standards apply nationwide, but states can often impose stricter rules.
Recent enforcement efforts have intensified. In 2024, the DOL recovered over $8 million in civil penalties for child labor violations, showing they’re serious about protecting young workers.
If federal and state laws conflict, the more protective law always wins.
Federal Hour Restrictions by Age Group
Federal law divides minors into two main categories: 14-15-year-olds and 16-17-year-olds. The younger group faces significant restrictions, while older teens have more freedom.
For 14-15-year-olds
The FLSA limits work hours during school, allowing up to 18 hours per week and 3 hours per day. During summer and breaks, this increases to 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day.
They can work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with evening hours extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day.
For 16-17-year-olds
Federal law is surprisingly lenient. There are no federal limits on the number of hours they can work per week or per day. They can work any time of day or night.
However, many states impose their own restrictions, so don’t assume unlimited hours are actually legal where you live.
Indiana State Minor Work Laws
Indiana enforces strict youth employment regulations that often go beyond federal standards.
Minors aged 14-15 can work 18 hours per week during school weeks and 40 hours per week during non-school weeks, with hours restricted to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (9 p.m. in summer).
For 16-17-year-olds, work is limited to 30 hours per week during school and 40 hours during breaks.
Minors under 18 must have a work permit, which includes parental consent and academic verification, and can be revoked if grades drop. Violations can result in fines, criminal charges, or suspension of a business license.
Let’s look at other states’ laws and regulations regarding minors.
State-by-State Minor Work Hour Regulations
While I’ve covered Indiana in detail, other states have their own rules. Find their unique rules. Here’s a quick reference table for all other states:
| State | 14-15 Year Olds | 16-17 Year Olds | Special Restrictions/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Must have a work certificate under 16; cannot work during school hours |
| Alaska | 18 hours/week, 9 hours/day on weekends | 23 hours/week during school | Strict time restrictions: no work before 5 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on school nights |
| Arizona | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Work permits required under 16; cannot work during school hours |
| Arkansas | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | 6-day work week maximum; work permits required under 16 |
| California | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week (combined work + school) | Work permits required until 18; school + work cannot exceed 48 hours/week |
| Colorado | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | No work before 5 a.m. or after 9:30 p.m. on school nights for those under 16 |
| Connecticut | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 32 hours/week for 16-year-olds, 48 hours for 17-year-olds | Work permits required under 18; cannot work after 10 p.m. before school day |
| Delaware | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Work permits required under 18; cannot work during school hours |
| Florida | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 30 hours/week during school | 30-minute break after 4 hours; no work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m.; permits required |
| Georgia | 18 hours/week, 4 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Work permits required under 18; cannot work during school hours |
| Hawaii | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work before 6 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on school nights; permits required under 16 |
| Idaho | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Work permits required under 16; cannot work during school hours |
| Illinois | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week, any time | Cannot work after 7 p.m. before school day (9 p.m. in summer); permits required under 16 |
| Iowa | 18 hours/week, 4 hours/school day | 28 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 9 p.m. before school day; work permits required under 16 |
| Kansas | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Work permits required under 16; cannot work during school hours |
| Kentucky | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. before a school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| Louisiana | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Follows federal guidelines closely; minimal state-specific restrictions |
| Maine | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 50 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. before school day; work permits required under 16 |
| Maryland | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 36 hours/week during school, 12 hours/day max | Cannot work after 10 p.m. (midnight Fridays/Saturdays); permits required under 18 |
| Massachusetts | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. before a school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| Michigan | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | 6-day work week maximum; work permits required under 18 |
| Minnesota | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 9 p.m. before school day; work permits required under 16 |
| Mississippi | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Minimal state-specific restrictions; follows federal guidelines |
| Missouri | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Cannot work during school hours; work permits required under 16 |
| Montana | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit (8-hour daily max during school) | Work permits are required for those under 18; agricultural exemptions are common |
| Nebraska | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | Cannot work during school hours; work permits required under 16 |
| Nevada | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. before school day; work permits required under 16 |
| New Hampshire | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 9 p.m. (11:30 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays); permits required under 16 |
| New Jersey | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. before a school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| New Mexico | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Cannot work during school hours; work permits encouraged but not mandatory |
| New York | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 28 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m.; strict work certificate system; permits required under 18 |
| North Carolina | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 11 p.m. before a school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| North Dakota | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Cannot work during school hours; work permits required under 16 |
| Ohio | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 32 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 11 p.m. before a school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| Oklahoma | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Cannot work during school hours; work permits required under 16 |
| Oregon | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 44 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 11 p.m. before a school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| Pennsylvania | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 44 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 11 p.m. (midnight Fridays/Saturdays); permits required under 18 |
| Rhode Island | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 11:30 p.m. before school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| South Carolina | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Cannot work during school hours; work permits required under 16 |
| South Dakota | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Follows federal guidelines closely; minimal state-specific restrictions |
| Tennessee | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. before a school day; work permits required for those under 18 |
| Texas | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 48 hours/week during school | Cannot work during school hours or after 10 p.m. before school day; no permits required |
| Utah | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 9:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. on non-school nights); permits required under 18 |
| Vermont | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. before school day; work permits required under 16 |
| Virginia | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Cannot work during school hours; work permits required under 16 |
| Washington | 16 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 28 hours/week during school | Cannot work after 10 p.m. (midnight on non-school nights); strict enforcement; permits required |
| West Virginia | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 40 hours/week during school | Cannot work during school hours; work permits required under 18 |
| Wisconsin | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | 50 hours/week any time | Cannot work after 11 p.m.; work permits required under 18 |
| Wyoming | 18 hours/week, 3 hours/school day | No state limit | Follows federal guidelines; agricultural exemptions common; permits required under 16 |
Prohibited Occupations for Minors
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the following occupations are considered too dangerous for minors under 18 years of age:
1. Manufacturing or storing explosives: Includes manufacturing, handling, or storage of explosives, etc.
2. Motor vehicle driving: Driving motor vehicles or serving as an outside helper on motor vehicles.
3. Coal mining: Any occupation in coal mining, including surface and underground work
4. Logging and sawmilling: Forest fire fighting, timber tract work, forestry services, logging, and sawmill work.
5. Power-driven woodworking machines: they can’t operate or assist with these machines.
6. Exposure to radioactive substances: Any work involving exposure to radioactive materials.
7. Power-driven hoisting apparatus: Operating power-driven hoisting apparatus, including forklifts, etc.
8. Power-driven metal forming, punching, and shearing machines: Operating or assisting is prohibited.
9. Mining (other than coal): Any occupation in mining other than coal is not allowed.
10. Slaughtering or meat packing: Occupations involving slaughtering, meat packing, processing, or rendering.
11. Power-driven bakery machines: Operating power-driven bakery machines, including mixers, etc.
12. Power-driven paper products machines: Operating power-driven paper products machines.
13. Manufacturing brick, tile, and related products: Occupations in the manufacturing of brick, tile.
14. Power-driven circular saws: Operating power-driven circular saws, band saws, and guillotine shears.
15. Wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking: Work involving wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking operations.
16. Roofing operations: All roofing operations and work performed on or about a roof.
17. Excavation operations: Excavation operations, including trenching and working deeper than 4 feet.
Work Permits and Employment Certificates: What You Need to Know
Which states require work permits? Most states require some form of work authorization for minors, though the age ranges vary.
California, New York, and Massachusetts require permits for all workers under 18. Texas and Mississippi have minimal permit requirements.
How to obtain a work permit:
- Getting a job offer from an employer
- Obtaining the proper forms from your school or state labor department
- Having a parent/guardian sign the consent
- Getting school approval (often requires proof of passing grades)
- Submitting completed forms to the employer for retention
Processing usually takes 1-5 business days, though some schools issue permits immediately.
Protecting Minor Workers: Rights and Safety
Beyond hour restrictions, minors have important workplace rights. They’re entitled to the minimum wage (the federal minimum is $7.25/hour, though many states set higher rates).
They’re protected from discrimination and harassment under the same laws as adult workers.
- Minimum Wage: Minors are entitled to at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, though many states set higher rates to ensure fair compensation for their work.
- Protection from Discrimination and Harassment: Minors are protected from workplace discrimination and harassment under the same laws that apply to adult workers.
- Safety Training: Employers must provide proper safety training before minors are allowed to operate any machinery.
- Right to Breaks: Minors have the right to appropriate breaks during their work shift, including meal breaks, depending on the length of their shift.
- Freedom from Hazardous Work: Minors cannot be employed in jobs that expose them to hazardous work environments, such as handling dangerous chemicals, etc.
Wrapping It Up
Knowing how many hours can a minor work a week isn’t just about following the law, it’s about protecting your teen’s future.
A part-time job can build responsibility and confidence, but balance is key. Parents should monitor schedules and ensure both federal and state rules are followed.
When school stays the priority and work stays within legal limits, teens get the best of both worlds. For updated labor laws, visit your state’s Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor’s YouthRules!
If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to your local labor department.
