Teen Worker Hour Restrictions Under FLSA
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The Core Formula: Federal Youth Hour Caps
The FLSA splits minors into two groups: 14–15 year-olds and 16–17 year-olds. Under-14s generally can’t work in non-agricultural jobs at all.
Formula = 14–15 yr olds: limited hours outside school time; 16–17 yr olds: unlimited hours, no hazardous work
For 14 and 15 year-olds, work is limited to outside school hours, no more than 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, 8 hours on a non-school day, and 40 hours in a non-school week. Hours are restricted to 7 AM–7 PM during the school year (extended to 9 PM June 1–Labor Day).
Step-by-Step: Checking Your Teen’s Schedule
Say your 15-year-old works at an ice cream shop during summer break. Federal caps for non-school weeks:
- Max hours per day. 8 hours on a non-school day.
- Max hours per week. 40 hours in a non-school week.
- Time window. 7 AM–9 PM during summer (June 1–Labor Day).
- Breaks. Not required federally, but some states mandate them.
So a 5-day, 8-hour-per-day schedule (40 hours) is the federal summer maximum. During the school year, that drops to 18 hours/week max.
Track hours with the work hours calculator to make sure the schedule stays legal.
2026 Real Case: 15-Year-Old at a Fast Food Chain
Emma, 15, works at a fast-food restaurant in Texas during the school year. Her manager schedules her 5 PM–11 PM, four school nights a week.
| Rule | Federal Limit | Emma’s Schedule | Legal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours per school day | 3 max | 6 | No |
| Hours per school week | 18 max | 24 | No |
| End time on school night | 7 PM | 11 PM | No |
| Total weekly hours | 18 | 24 | No |
Every single line is a violation. A neighbor’s kid was on a schedule like this, and after a wage-and-hour complaint, the franchise got hit with thousands in penalties.
Where do people mess this up? They assume “16 means adult hours.” Federal law lets 16–17 year-olds work unlimited hours, but they still can’t do hazardous jobs — and many states cap their hours too.
State Caps That Add to Federal Limits
States frequently go beyond federal rules. Here’s a snapshot:
| State | 16–17 yr old cap (school week) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | 48 hrs/week max | Daily cap of 4 hrs on school days |
| New York | 28 hrs/week (school) | Work permit required |
| Texas | Federal only | No additional state cap |
| Washington | 20 hrs/week (school) | Strict daily limits |
| Florida | 30 hrs/week (school) | 11 PM end time |
For teen part-timers, the part-time salary estimator shows expected earnings, and the hourly salary calculator annualizes the rate. Our minimum wage and overtime compliance guide covers how teen wages interact with the floor, and what counts as working hours clarifies which hours must be paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can a 15-year-old work during the summer?
Under federal FLSA rules, 14–15 year-olds can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during non-school weeks (like summer), between 7 AM and 9 PM from June 1 through Labor Day.
Can a 17-year-old work unlimited hours?
Federal law allows 16–17 year-olds to work unlimited hours, but they cannot perform hazardous jobs (like operating certain machinery). Many states add their own caps on school-week hours, so check your state’s youth labor rules.
What time can teens stop working on a school night?
Federal law says 14–15 year-olds cannot work past 7 PM during the school year. Some states impose earlier curfews or extend restrictions to 16–17 year-olds. Summer hours can extend to 9 PM for 14–15 year-olds.
Are teen workers entitled to breaks?
Federal law does not require breaks for teen workers, but several states (including California, Oregon, and Washington) mandate meal and rest breaks for minors. Check your state’s specific youth labor rules for break requirements.
Bottom Line
Federal child labor laws cap hours for 14–15 year-olds tightly, and states often add more. Track your teen’s schedule with the work hours calculator to keep the employer on the right side of the law.