Jobs in Illinois

A minor in Illinois can generally work up to 3 hours per day or 24 hours per week when school is in session. A letter of intent must be obtained from all prospective employers, and the letter must outline the hours worked.

The teen and their parent/guardian must bring the letter to an issuing officer at the minor's school to obtain a work permit. The issuing officer will review the criteria and verify safety before issuing a work permit.

Employers are prohibited from hiring teens under 16 years of age who fail to present an approved work permit.

Employers who employ teens without a work permit are subject to fines. When school is in session, children 14 and 15 years of age may work up to 3 hours per day and up to 24 hours per week. The combined hours of work and school may not exceed 8 hours per day.

When school is not in session, children under the age of 16 may work up to 8 hours per day, 6 days per week, or 48 hours per week. Allowed hours of work are between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, except between June 1st and Labor Day, when working hours may be extended to 9:00 pm.

A scheduled meal period of at least 30 minutes must be provided no later than the 5th consecutive hour of work. The Child Labor law does not apply to the following:

• Sale and distribution of magazines and newspapers at hours when the school of the district is not in session

• Employment of a minor outside of school hours in or around a home of an employer when the work is not business related

• Work of a minor 13 years of age or older who is caddying at a golf course

• Minors 12 and 13 years of age employed as officials in certain sports activities

To start a nonprofit in Illinois you need to select a name for your organization, draft the nonprofit's articles of incorporation, and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Here are some details on these steps and others: