Minors are allowed to work limited hours compared to adults in Washington. In general, the hours they can work vary depending on age, the type of work, and whether school is in session.
The work week for minors is Sunday through Saturday and the school week is Monday through Friday. Any week with any amount of school time is considered a school week. Generally, minors cannot work during school hours their neighborhood public school is in session.
Employers may apply for variances from these limitations.
Non-agricultural jobs include retail, restaurants, manufacturing, construction, etc. All employers hiring minors need a minor work permit. The tables below show the hours youth 14-17 years old can work.
Under 14 years old
In most cases, you need a superior court’s permission for minors under 14 to work. Minors under 14 who are allowed to work must follow the 14-15 year old requirements below.
14-15 years old
Below are hours of work not to be exceeded.
| Schedule | Hours / day | Hours / week | Days / week | Start – End time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| * 8 hours Sat.–Sun. ** 9 p.m. June 1 to Labor Day |
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| School week | 3 hours * | 16 hours | 6 days | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | |
| Non-school week | 8 hours | 40 hours | 6 days | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ** | |
16-17 years old
Below are hours of work not to be exceeded.
| Schedule | Hours / day | Hours / week | Days / week | Start – End time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| * 8 hours Fri.–Sun. ** Midnight Fri.–Sat. or the day before a school holiday *** Midnight Fri.–Sat. |
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| School week | 4 hours * | 20 hours | 6 days | 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. ** | |
| Non-school week | 8 hours | 48 hours | 6 days | 5 a.m. – Midnight | |
| School week with special variance |
6 hours * | 28 hours | 6 days | 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. *** | |
Important notes
- Minors working in restaurants and retail businesses must be supervised by an adult after 8 p.m.
- Only teens 16-17 years old can work overtime. All overtime rules apply for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week.
- The same hours of work apply to minors attending home school or alternative schools, and minors not enrolled in school.
Hours of Work Exemptions
School hours
Teens who are 16-17 years old may work when their neighborhood public school is in session without a variance if they are:
- Excused from attendance by their public or private school. This includes having an alternative schedule that releases the minor while their neighborhood public school is in session
- Homeschooled
Minors may not work while any of their classes are actively in session. Minors are still subject to other hours of work rules.
School weeks
Teens who are 16-17 years old can work non-school week hours if they:
- Are married.
- Are a parent.
- Are enrolled and taking college courses (e.g. Running Start).
- Have a high school diploma or equivalency (GED).
Employers should request documentation as proof (e.g., marriage license, college enrollment, etc.) if a minor works under any of these exemptions. Minors working under these exemptions are still subject to all other teen labor laws (see prohibited duties; wages, breaks & meal periods).
Agricultural jobs can include raising and harvesting crops, handling livestock, farm operations, packing, storing, or processing agricultural and horticultural commodities, etc. All employers hiring minors need a minor work permit. The tables below show the hours youth 12-17 years old can work.
Minors working on their family farm are exempt from these restrictions.
12-13 years old
These youth are only allowed to work during non-school weeks hand-harvesting berries, bulbs, cucumbers, and spinach.
| Schedule | Hours / day | Hours / week | Days / week | Start – End time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School week | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | |
| Non-school week | 8 hours | 40 hours | 6 days | 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. | |
14-15 years old
Below are hours of work not be exceeded.
| Schedule | Hours / day | Hours / week | Days / week | Start – End time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School week | 3 hours * | 21 hours | 6 days | 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. ** | |
| Non-school week | 8 hours | 40 hours | 6 days | 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. | |
| * 8 hours non-school days ** 6 a.m. in animal agriculture and irrigation |
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Exception: Youth 14-17 years old are allowed to work 7 days a week in dairy, livestock, hay harvest, and irrigation during school and non-school weeks.
16-17 years old
Below are hours of work not be exceeded.
| * 8 hours non-school days ** No later than 9 p.m. on more than 2 consecutive nights before a school day. *** 60 hours per week in mechanical harvest of peas, wheat, and hay |
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| Schedule | Hours / day | Hours /week | Days / week | Start – End time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School week | 4 hours * | 28 hours | 6 days | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. ** | |
| Non-school week | 10 hours | 50 hours *** | 6 days | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. | |
Hours of Work Exemptions
Teens who are 16-17 years old may work any hours if they are:
- Married.
- A parent (must be listed on a birth certificate).
- Emancipated.
Employers must keep proof on file (e.g., marriage license, birth certificate, court order, etc.) for at least one year for minors working under any of these exemptions. Minors working under these exemptions are still subject to all other teen labor laws (see prohibited duties; wages, breaks & meal periods)
Emancipated Minors
Teens 16-17 years old who are emancipated by court order do not have hours of work limitations. They do not need to have a parent/school authorization form. Employers must still obtain a minor work permit and may not work emancipated minors in any prohibited occupation. (RCW 13.64.060 (g)). Employers should request documentation as proof of emancipation – typically a court order, driver’s license, or state-issued ID that indicates emancipated status.