How many hours can a 14 year old work in Delaware during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 14-year-old in Delaware can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00.

Does a 14 year old need a work permit in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware requires a work permit for 14-year-olds. Every minor under 18 must obtain a Work Permit through the Delaware Department of Labor online portal. The minor and parent or guardian apply electronically; the school confirms enrollment. The permit is job-specific and reissued for each new employer.

DE · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 14 year old do in Delaware?

Q: What jobs can a 14 year old do in Delaware?

Yes — a 14-year-old can work in Delaware with the following limits during the school year: 4 hr per school day, 18 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 19:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 14-year-olds in Delaware — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Delaware state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 14-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

Delaware sets different hour caps depending on whether school is in session.

During the school year

Hours per school day: 4 hr
Hours per non-school day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 18 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 19:00

Delaware allows up to 4 hours on a school day (vs. federal 3). No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 40 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

Summer hours apply June 1 through Labor Day; evening cutoff extends to 9:00 PM.

Common allowed jobs for a 14-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. Delaware adds its own restricted-occupations list below — check that before accepting any job.

Retail cashier or sales clerk (with DE Work Permit)
Distinctive Delaware rule: 14-15-year-olds must obtain a Work Permit issued by the school district under 19 Del. C. § 504. The parent and employer sign; the permit is job-specific and lists the position, hours, and is reissued per employer.
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Delaware caps 14-15-year-olds at 4 hrs per school day, 18 per school week, 7 AM–7 PM during the school year (9 PM June 1–Labor Day) — slightly stricter daily cap than the federal 3-hr floor (DE uses 4 daily but with stricter weekly enforcement).
Office or clerical work — filing, data entry, reception
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Power-driven mowers, weed-whackers, and chainsaws stay 16+ under federal HO-6 / HO-12.
Newspaper delivery on a regular route
Federal FLSA carve-out at 29 USC § 213(d).

Restricted in Delaware

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Operating power-driven meat-processing machines(HO-10)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)
Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervision(19 Del. C. §504)
Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18(4 Del. C. §706)

Other ages in Delaware

Same age, other states

Read the full Delaware rules

This page summarizes the rules for 14-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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