Every employer must follow fair work hours for their employees. Typically, full-time employees work around 38 regular hours per week, and employers must provide extra pay or protections for shifts outside normal hours and must provide required meal and rest breaks.
The rules are stricter for teens, so understand them before you hire young workers.
Teen Work Hours
14-15 year old teens, school weeks
- 3 hours per day, Monday through Friday
- 8 hours Saturday and Sunday
- Max 16 hours per week, up to 6 days a week
- Work hours start at 7 a.m. and end by 7 p.m.
14-15 year old teens, non-school weeks
- 8 hours per day, Monday through Sunday
- Max 40 hours per week, up to 6 days a week
- Typical hours start at 7 a.m. and end by 7 p.m.; extended evening hours may apply seasonally in some jurisdictions
16-17 year old teens, school weeks
- 4 hours per day, Monday through Thursday
- 8 hours Friday through Sunday
- Max 20 hours per week, up to 6 days a week
- Start 7 a.m.; end by 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and by midnight on weekends
16-17 year old teens, school weeks with approved variance
- 6 hours per day, Monday through Thursday; 8 hours Friday through Sunday
- Max 28 hours per week, up to 6 days a week
- Start 7 a.m.; end by 10 p.m. or midnight on Friday and Saturday with approved variance
16-17 year old teens, non-school weeks
- 8 hours per day
- Max 48 hours per week, up to 6 days a week
- Typical hours can start as early as 5 a.m. and end by midnight
Breaks and Meals
Teen employees under 18 must be provided with regular breaks and meals. Meal breaks must last 30 minutes for individuals who work more than five hours in a day.
For every four hours worked, teens must receive at least one 10-minute paid rest break. Additionally, 14- and 15-year-olds must receive a separate 30-minute uninterrupted meal break at least once in any four-hour shift and a paid 10-minute rest break approximately every two hours.
How to Hire a Teen
When hiring teen employees, follow required steps to document eligibility and parental consent.
- Obtain and post a Minor Work Permit from your state or local labor office and reapply for it as required.
- Obtain a signed authorization form from the teen’s parent or guardian and, when required, from the teen’s school.
- Obtain and file a copy of the teen’s birth certificate or other acceptable proof of age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the maximum weekly hours for 14- and 15-year-olds during school weeks?
During school weeks, 14- and 15-year-olds may work up to 16 hours per week, with limits on daily hours and evening end times.
Can teens work late-night shifts?
Limits on late-night work depend on age and whether school is in session; younger teens face earlier end times and stricter limits.
Are meal and rest breaks required for teen workers?
Yes. Teens must receive 30-minute meal breaks when working over five hours and paid rest breaks for roughly every four hours worked, with additional rest-break rules for 14- and 15-year-olds.
What documentation do I need to hire a minor?
Employers should keep a Minor Work Permit, parental/school authorization, and proof of age on file as required by local rules.