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

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

Yes. Ohio requires a work permit for 14-year-olds. The minor obtains a Pledge of Employment from the prospective employer, then applies at their school's administrative office with proof of age, a physician's certificate of physical fitness, and parent or guardian consent. The certificate is job-specific and must be reissued for each new employer.

OH · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 14 year old do in Ohio?

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

Yes — a 14-year-old can work in Ohio 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 Ohio — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Ohio 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

Ohio 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 1 through September 1 and during school holidays.

Common allowed jobs for a 14-year-old

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

Retail cashier or sales clerk (with OH Age and Schooling Certificate, Form 1-IM-2)
Ohio requires the Age and Schooling Certificate for every minor under 18 and it is job-specific — a new certificate is needed for each new employer.
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Working in or around freezers and meat coolers is restricted for every minor under 18 in Ohio (state HO beyond the federal floor).
Office or clerical work — filing, reception, data entry
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Ohio bans door-to-door sales for under-16 without adult supervision; power mowers and weed-whackers stay 16+ under federal HO-6.
Newspaper delivery on a regular route
Federal FLSA carve-out — the OH Age and Schooling Certificate is not required for delivery routes.

Restricted in Ohio

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Operating power-driven meat-processing machines(HO-10)
Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervision(OAC 4101:9-2-08)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)
Working in or around freezers and meat coolers(ORC §4109.06)

Other ages in Ohio

Same age, other states

Read the full Ohio 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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