State rankings

Minimum Working Age by State

California has the highest Minimum Working Age (14), followed by Texas (14) and Florida (14). New Hampshire has the lowest (12).

EconomicsLaw50 states · 5 metricsUpdated Sep 26, 2025Original page
31 sources
Minimum Working AgeBetter directionWhether a higher or a lower value is better. A green arrow means higher is better, a red arrow means lower is better, and no arrow means neither.More in the glossary →
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Minimum Working Age

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All 50 ranked

Highest first.

Distribution Median and middle halfThe median is the middle value: half of places are above it, half below. The middle half is the range holding the central 50% of places.More in the glossary →

Each dot is one state; the lines mark the median and the middle half.

Median
14
Middle half 14 – 14
Average
13.7
50 states
Highest
14
California
Lowest
12
New Hampshire

Data

Click a column to sort, a row to highlight that place on the charts.

50 states · # = rank by Minimum Working Age
#
1California14Non-school day/week: 8-40, School day/week: 3-18Non-school day/week: 8-48, School day/week: 4-28 (work and school hours combined)Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m., 16 and 17yearold minors can't work from 10 p.m. (12:30 a.m. before nonschool day) to 5 a.m.All workers under the age of 18 must have a work permit unless working as a babysitter or doing odd jobs at a residence. Certain jobs are prohibited for workers under the age of 16. Restricted jobs include working on a railroad or a boat, in mines or tunnels, or as a driver.
1Texas14Base: 8-48-6—Under 16: No work 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (midnight before nonschool day or in summer if not enrolled in summer school).No work permit required.
1Florida14Base: 8-40-6 School day: 3 when followed by school day, except if enrolled in vocational program, Minors under 16 may work 8-40 during non-school day or week.Base: 8-30-6Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. prior to the school day to 7 a.m. on school day (9 p.m. during holidays and summer vacations to 7 a.m.)., 16 and 17yearolds can't work from 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., prior to the school day.Children who work in a parent's business in a nonhazardous occupation, or in newspaper delivery may start at 10 years of age. Age certificate required for all minors under the age of 18.
1New York14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18Non-school period (Friday �Sunday, holiday): 8-48-6, Preceding school day (Monday �Thursday): 4-28-6.Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. cutoff June 21 to Labor Day) Ages 16 to 17: No work 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. before school (midnight with consent); midnight to 6 a.m. otherwiseEmployment certificate is required for all minors under the age of 16.
1Pennsylvania14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18Non-school period: 10-48-6, School period: 8-28-6.Minors under 18 can't work from 7 a.m. to 1 hour after the end of the school day, Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (10 p.m. JunetoLabor Day)+1Farm workers under 14 aren't allowed to work.
1Ohio14Non-school day/week: 8-40, School day/week: 3-18—Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. June 1 to Sept. 1 and during school breaks of 5+ days); 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in doortodoor sales, Ages 16 to17 (in school): No work 11 p.m. to7 a.m. before school (6 a.m. if not working past 8 p.m.); 8 p.m. to7 a.m. in doortodoor sales.18yearold minors must provide an employment certificate if residing in an agriculture labor camp.
1North Carolina14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. during summer vacation), Ages 16 to 17: No work 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. before school days (unless with written parental and school consent).Minors aged 1415 may only work in retail, food service, service stations, and other business offices.
1Virginia14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-6—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.14, 15yearolds must have an employment certificate, (Code of Virginia § 40.184) have limits on hours they can work, and cannot work in certain jobs considered to be unhealthy, unwholesome, or dangerous.
1Washington14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-16-6+1Non-school day/week: 8-48-6, School day/week: 4-20-6+2Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. June 1 to Labor Day), 16, 17: No work 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. (Sunday to Thursday; midnight Friday/Saturday when school isn't in session)+2Minors under 14 must have and post a current minor work permit.
1Arizona14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-8—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9:30 p.m. (11 p.m. before nonschool day) to 6 a.m, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. in doortodoor sales or deliveries.Neither employment certificates nor age certification is required. Certain types of work are considered hazardous and so are prohibited to children in certain age groups.
1Tennessee14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-6—Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. to 6 a.m. before nonschool days), 16, 17: No work 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Sunday to Thursday before school days; midnight with parental consent up to 3 nights a week).Minors prohibited from working in certain occupations, parental consent forms may also be required.
1Massachusetts14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-6Up to 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week, regardless of the school period. Up to 6 days per week.Age 16: Work only 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during school year; 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 1 to Labor Day, Age 17: Work only 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. before school days (10:15 p.m. if business closes at 10)+1Youth Employment Permits required for all workers under 18.
1Indiana1412 hours for minors who work outside of school hours., 3 hours per school day+4If enrolled in school, 16 and 17-year-old minors can work up to 9 hours per day and 40 hours per week in a school week. Up to 48 hours in a non-school week. Up to 6 days per week.Minors younger than 16 can't start work before 7:00 a.m. or finish after 7:00 p.m. but may work until 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day, except on a night followed by a school day.As of July 1, 2021, Indiana no longer issues employment or age certifications, instead employers must register all employed minors in an employer registration system maintained by the Indiana Department of Labor.
1Missouri14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, Up to 3 hours per day when school is in session.—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day; 10:30 p.m. at regional Fairs or expositions) to 7 a.m.Youths aged 14, 15 are permitted to work, but their work, as well as the work of all children in the entertainment industry, is subject to restrictions.
1Maryland14Non-school day/week: 8-40, School day/week: 4-23Up to 12 hours per day (work and school hours combined).Minors younger than 16 can't work from 8 p.m. (9 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day) to 7 a.m., On a nonschool day, 16 and 17yearold minors can't work more than 8 consecutive hours per day without a break.Work Permit is required for minors aged 14, 17.
1South Carolina14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. during summer break of the school district).No work permit required.
1Alabama14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Under 16: can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer vacation) to 7 a.m, 16 and 17 yearold minors can't work from 10 p.m. before the school day to 5 a.m., if enrolled in school (for the age of 19)Minors require a Class I Child Labor Certificate (ages 14 and 15) or a Class II Child Labor Certificate (ages 16 and 17).
1Kentucky14During non-school period: 8-40, During school period: 3-18School period: 6 �28 hours/week, Non-school period: 8 �40 hours/week.Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m, 16 and 17yearold minors can't work from 11 p.m. (1 a.m. Friday and Saturday) to 6 a.m. during school period.Employers of children under age 18 must maintain a proof of age.
1Louisiana14During non-school period: 8-40, During school period: 3-18—Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. June 1 to Labor Day), Nongraduates: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on school days (9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on nonschool days)+2Minors authorized to work in Louisiana are subject to restrictions on when and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions depend on the age of the minor and are designed to ensure work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
1Oregon14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18Up to 44 hours per week (emergency overtime with permit).Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.The minimum age requirement outside school hours is 9, if the minor is involved in picking berries or beans (of course, with parental consent)., Employment certificate is required only for minors under 18 who are in direct contact with powerdriven farm machinery.
1Oklahoma14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.Employment Certificate of Age and Schooling (Form 601 aka work permit) required for 14, 15yearolds.
1Connecticut14If enrolled in and not graduated from a secondary institution:, - 8-48-6 during non-school weeks. - 6 (8 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) during school day/weeks+2Enrolled in school:, - Up to 8-48 during non-school periods - 6-32 during school periods in listed industries+1Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. from July 1 to first Monday in Sept), Ages 16 to 17: No work 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in restaurants, recreation, and theaters (midnight if on break or no school next day)+1Between ages 14 and 18, child labor is permitted but heavily regulated with hours limited and hazardous work barred. Employment certificate required as well as a proof of age or an agriculture permit for minors under the age of 16
1Utah14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 4-20-6—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. prior to the school day.Children under 14 may deliver newspapers, babysit, or work in lawn care. 14 and older can work nonhazardous jobs including retail sales, restaurant work, or office work.
1Nevada14Base: 8-48——Minors have to be at least 14 years old to work during school hours in agricultural jobs.
1Iowa14During school period: 6-28 per week, During non-school period: 8-40 per week—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.A work permit applies to minors ages 14 or 15 years old
1Arkansas14Minors aged 14 can only work outside the school hoursMinors aged 16: 8-48-6, Minors aged 17: 10-54-6+1Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. before nonschool day) to 6 a.m.| 16 and 17yearold minors can't work from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. prior to the school day.In order to employ a worker under 16, the employer must obtain a permit from the Arkansas Department of Labor. Workers aged 1415 are subject to limitations on the hours of work and types of work they can perform.
1Kansas14Base: 8-40—Minors younger than 16 can't work after 10 p.m. prior to the school day to 7 a.m.Exceptions include (but are not limited to) paper routes, farm work, and child actors/actresses, children employed by their parents in nonhazardous occupations, and household chores. Work permits required for children under the age of 16 who are not enrolled in or attending se…
1Mississippi14Base: 8-44—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. in a factory, mill, cannery, or workshop.—
1New Mexico14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. outside the calendar school year) to 7 a.m.Employment certificate is required for all minors under the age of 16, and proof of age is required for all minors under the age of 18 (provided on request)
1Idaho14Base: 9-54—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.Work hours are restricted for minors under the age of 16.
1Nebraska14Base: 8-48—Minors under 14 can't work from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. 14 and 15yearold minors can't work from 10 p.m. (beyond 10 p.m. before a nonschool day; they're only allowed with a special permit) to 6 a.m.—
1West Virginia14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-6—Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. June 1 to Labor Day), 14, 15 with supervision permit: Work until 1 p.m. during nonschool day/week.Ages 14, 17 are permitted gainful employment as long as the requirements of state law relating to child labor are honored.
1Hawaii14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. to 6 a.m. during authorized school breaks).Minors aged 14 and 15 are allowed to work very limited hours. Minors aged 16 and 17 require an Age Certificate, issued by the Hawaii Department of Labor.
1Maine14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-6Enrolled in school: 6-24-6 (except 8 on last scheduled day), Non-school week: 10-50-6.Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during summer vacation) to 7 a.m, If enrolled in school, 16 and 17yearold minors can't work from 10:15 p.m. (12 a.m. before nonschool day) to 7 a.m. during school period and to 5 a.m. otherwise.Employers must have a stamped, approved work permit on file before allowing any minor under 16 years old to work.
1Montana14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during nonschool period (June 1 through Labor Day, depending on local standards) to 7 a.m.At age 16, a child may be employed for most work other than work in specified hazardous or dangerous fields, such as demolition, logging, mining, or with radioactive materials. Youths aged 1617 excluded as minors if they are studentemployees and under supervision of a qualifie…
1Rhode Island14Base: 8-40-6Base: 9-48-6Under 16: No work 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (9 p.m. during school vacation), 16, 17 (enrolled in school): No work 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. (1:30 a.m. before nonschool day).Certificate of Age issued by the School Department is required for minor employment.
1Delaware14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 4-18-6Up to 12 hours per day (work and school hours combined).Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m., 16 and 17yearold minors can't work 8 consecutive hours of nonwork, and nonschool time is required in each 24hour day.Work permits are required for all employed minors under the age of 18.
1South Dakota14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 4-20-6—Minors younger than 16 can't work after 10 p.m. prior to the school day.No work permit required.
1North Dakota14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.Minors have to be at least 14 years old to work during school hours in agricultural jobs
1Alaska14Work and school hours combined: 9-23-6Up to 6 days per week.Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.Youth under 14 may only work in newspaper sales and delivery, babysitting, handiwork and domestic employment in or about private homes and in the entertainment industry as a performer. All minors 14, 15, 16 years of age must have an approved work permit. A new work permit must…
1Vermont14Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-6—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.Children aged 14, 16 are prohibited from working in an extensive list of occupations, and their hours of work are restricted.
1Wyoming14——Minors younger than 16 can't work from 10 p.m. (midnight before nonschool day and for minors not enrolled in school) to 5 a.m.All employers employing minors under the age of 16 must keep proof of age on file.
43Michigan13Work and school hours combined: 10-48-2, If working in farming: 11-62 (with parental consent)+1School week: 6-24-6, Non-school week: 6-48-6+1Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. If enrolled in school, 16 and 17yearold minors can't work from 10:30 p.m. (11:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and during school vacations) to 6 a.m. if attending school. If not, from 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.A work permit is required unless the minor is exempt from the act. Minors may be employed in most jobs except those considered hazardous.
44Illinois12During non-school period: 8-48, Up to 24 hours per week during school period.—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.Minors under 16 years of age must have an approved work permit and may only accept certain approved jobs.
44Georgia12Base: 8-40-4—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.An employment certificate (or a work permit which the school provides) for minors under 18 before beginning work, while proof of age isn't required.
44New Jersey12Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18+1Base: 8-40-6, June �Labor Day:10-50-6.Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from the last day of school through Labor Day in nonschool weeks with written permission) to 7 a.m.16 and 17yearold minors can't work from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during school.Employment certificate is required for all minors under the age of 16.
44Colorado12Base: 8-40-6, Minors over 14: Up to 12 work hours in 24 hours and up to 30 in 72 hours.+1Base: 8-40-6Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. prior to the school day.Children from 9 to 18 and up can work only specific authorized jobs. Age certificate required for all minors under the age of 18.
44Wisconsin12Non-school day/week: 8-40-6, School day/week: 3-18-6—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.Minors aged 12, 15 must possess a valid work permit before work may be performed.
44Minnesota12Base: 8-40, 12 year old can work only outside of school hours—Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m, 16 and 17yearold minors can't work from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. before a school day (11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. with written parental consent).Exceptions to the minimum of 14 years include newspaper carrier (at least 11 ) and agriculture (at least 12 and with parental/guardian consent).
44New Hampshire12Non-school day/week: 8-44, School day/week: 3-23Vacation: 6-48-6, Non-vacation: 6-30-6 (if enrolled in school).Minors younger than 16 can't work from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.A Youth Employment Certificate is required for any youth 12 to 15 years old and must be on file at the employer's place of business within 3 business days of the first day of employment.

What correlates with Minimum Working Age?

Pearson r against 2,113 other state metrics sharing at least 30 states. Ranks are read by standing: a better rank counts as higher, whether rank 1 is the best place on a list or the worst. Correlation is not causation.

Higher together

Places that have a higher Minimum Working Age tend to score higher on these (or rank better)

  1. Outdoor Allergy Grass Pollen ScoreAllergy-Friendly States
    r = +0.43 · moderate · n = 48
    Plot
  2. % of Households That Own PetsPet Ownership Statistics by State
    r = +0.40 · moderate · n = 49
    Plot
  3. Per Capita Balance of PaymentsFederal Aid by State
    r = +0.39 · moderate · n = 50
    Plot
  4. % of Households Who Own DogsPet Ownership Statistics by State
    r = +0.39 · moderate · n = 49
    Plot
  5. Per Capita Balance of Payments without COVIDFederal Aid by State
    r = +0.39 · moderate · n = 50
    Plot
  6. Economic DiversityLeast Diverse States in the USA rank: rank 1 is the best
    r = −0.37 · moderate · n = 50
    Plot

Opposite directions

Places that have a higher Minimum Working Age tend to score lower on these (or rank worse)

  1. Internet Access (1-10)Best States for Camping
    r = −0.46 · moderate · n = 49
    Plot
  2. Cases of West Nile Virus ReportedMosquitoes by State
    r = −0.44 · moderate · n = 45
    Plot
  3. Voter Turnout General ElectionsVoter Turnout by State
    r = −0.44 · moderate · n = 50
    Plot
  4. Hunting Licenses Tags Permits and StampsBest States For Hunting
    r = −0.44 · moderate · n = 50
    Plot
  5. % Voted 18-24Young Voters by State
    r = −0.44 · moderate · n = 50
    Plot
  6. EVs to Charger Ports RatioEV Charging Stations by State
    r = −0.43 · moderate · n = 50
    Plot

Quick answers

Which state has the highest Minimum Working Age?
California has the highest Minimum Working Age, at 14, followed by Texas (14) and Florida (14).
Which state has the lowest Minimum Working Age?
New Hampshire has the lowest Minimum Working Age, at 12.
What is the median Minimum Working Age across US states?
The median is 14 across the 50 US states with data.
Where does this minimum working age by state data come from?
Rankodex compiles it from World Population Review and the primary sources it cites: Minimum Working Age by State—Complete Guide for 2025 - Clockyfy; Child Labor - Alabama.gov; Know Your Rights - State of Alaska; Child Labor - The Official Website of the State of Arkansas.