How many hours can a 15-year-old work a week?

A 15-year-old can work varying amounts of hours in a week, depending on many different factors that include:

• The state the minor is working in

• The type of work the minor is doing

• If the minor is in school

• If the minor is in school and school is in session

• If the minor is in school and school is not in session

Most states cap 15-year-olds' work week hours in the range of 15 to 20 hours per week when they are in school and school is in session. Most states also cap the number of hours a 15-year-old can work on a school day at three to four hours.

When school is not in session, states cap the number of hours a 15-year-old can work in the neighborhood of 40 hours per week. However, this is only an average and can vary from state to state.

Each state determines specific working hour limitations, so there are differences on this issue that relate to where the 15-year-old lives and works.

Here are two examples of state restrictions for 15-year-olds' working hours:

• California. When school is in session, here are the specific limitations for 15-year-olds in California:

  • 15-year-olds can work 3 hours per day on school days but must be outside of school ours

  • 15-year-olds can work 8 hours per day on non-school days, such as weekends and holidays

  • 15-year-olds can work no more than 18 hours per week

  • WEE students are allowed to work during school hours and up to 23 hours per week

  When school is not in session, here are the specific limitations for 15-year-olds in California:

  • 15-year-olds can work 8 hours per day when school is not in session

  • 15-year-olds can work up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session

  15-year-olds in California must work between 7 AM and 7 PM. From June 1st through Labor Day, they can work anywhere from 7 AM to 9 PM.

• Florida. When school is in session, here are the specific limitations for 15-year-olds in Florida:

  • 15-year-olds can work 3 hours per day on school days but must be outside of school ours

  • 15-year-olds can work 8 hours per day on non-school days, such as weekends and holidays

  • 15-year-olds can work no more than 15 hours per week

  When school is not in session, here are the specific limitations for 15-year-olds in Florida:

  • 15-year-olds can work 8 hours per day when school is not in session

  • 15-year-olds can work up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session

  15-year-olds in Florida must work between 7 AM and 7 PM. During holidays, school vacations, and summer, 15-year-olds can work anywhere between 7 AM to 9 PM in Florida.