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

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Michigan can work up to 8 hr per day and 48 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00.

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

Yes. Michigan requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. The employer issues a Promise of Employment; the minor's school administrator countersigns the combined application/work-permit form (CA-6 for minors 14-15, CA-7 for 16-17). A parent or guardian must sign. The permit is job-specific and must be reissued for each new employer.

MI · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Michigan?

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

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Michigan with the following limits during the school year: 4 hr per school day, 24 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00. Work permit required.

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

Michigan 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: 24 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

Combined school + work may not exceed 48 hours per week. Daily on-site shift cap is 10 hours total (school + work).

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

When school is not in session for the full week, weekly cap rises to 48 hours.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

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

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Michigan mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with MI Combined Application / Permit, Form CA-6)
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 Michigan

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(MCL §409.116)
Working without a 30-minute rest after 5 continuous hours(MCL §409.112)

Other ages in Michigan

Same age, other states

Read the full Michigan 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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