How many hours can a 15 year old work in Iowa during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Iowa can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 23:00.

Does a 15 year old need a work permit in Iowa?

Yes. Iowa requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. Minors 14-15 apply online through Iowa Workforce Development with proof of age, an employer's offer letter, and a parent or guardian's electronic signature. The permit is electronic and job-specific. 16- and 17-year-olds do not need a permit but the employer keeps age verification on file.

IA · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Iowa?

Q: What jobs can a 15 year old do in Iowa?

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Iowa with the following limits during the school year: 4 hr per school day, 28 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 15-year-olds in Iowa — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Iowa state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 15-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

Iowa 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: 28 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

Under the 2023 expansion (SF 542), Iowa allows up to 4 hours on a school day and 28 hours per school week — more than the federal 3-hour / 18-hour caps. No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 40 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 23:00

Summer hours apply June 1 through Labor Day; evening cutoff extends to 11:00 PM (looser than federal 9:00 PM).

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

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

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Iowa mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+. Iowa Work Permit still required.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with Iowa Work Permit)
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Office or clerical work
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Newspaper delivery on a regular route

Restricted in Iowa

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(Iowa Code §92.7)
Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18(Iowa Code §123.49)

Other ages in Iowa

Same age, other states

Read the full Iowa rules

This page summarizes the rules for 15-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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