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

During summer or school breaks, a 14-year-old in New York 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 New York?

Yes. New York requires a work permit for 14-year-olds. Apply at your local school district office or guidance counselor. The student fills out the application; a physician must sign the physical-fitness portion. A parent or guardian must sign for minors under 18.

NY · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 14 year old do in New York?

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

Yes — a 14-year-old can work in New York with the following limits during the school year: 3 hr per school day, 18 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 19:00. Work permit required.

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

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

During the school year

Hours per school day: 3 hr
Hours per non-school day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 18 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 19:00

No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

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

Hours apply June 21 through Labor Day.

Common allowed jobs for a 14-year-old

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

Retail cashier or sales clerk (with AT-19 Employment Certificate / Working Papers)
NY requires Working Papers from your school district for every minor 14-17. A physician must sign the physical-fitness portion.
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Cooking with grills or fryers, and power slicers (HO-10), stay 16+ federally.
Office or clerical work — filing, reception, data entry
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Power mowers and weed-whackers stay 16+ under federal HO-6, regardless of Working Papers.
Newspaper delivery on a regular route
Federal FLSA carve-out at 29 USC § 213(d) — Working Papers not required for delivery routes.

Restricted in New York

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Construction work for minors under 18(NY Labor Law §133)
Operating power-driven bakery machines(HO-11)
Door-to-door sales after dark for minors under 18(NY Labor Law §137)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)

Other ages in New York

Same age, other states

Read the full New York 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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