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

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Nebraska can work up to 8 hr per day and 48 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 22:00.

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

Yes. Nebraska requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. Minors 14-15 obtain an Employment Certificate from their school superintendent. The minor presents a Statement of Intent to Employ from the employer plus proof of age. 16- and 17-year-olds do not need a state certificate.

NE · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Nebraska?

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

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Nebraska with the following limits during the school year: 3 hr per school day, 18 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 22:00. Work permit required.

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

Updated: 2026-05-30

Quick answer

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

Legal work hours

Nebraska 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: 06:00 – 22:00

Nebraska's time window for 14-15 is 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (vs. federal 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM). Hour caps still mirror federal FLSA.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 22:00

Summer cap of 48 hours per week (8 more than federal). Same 6:00 AM-10:00 PM window.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

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

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Nebraska mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+. NE Employment Certificate still required.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with NE Employment Certificate)
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 Nebraska

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(Neb. Rev. Stat. §48-302)
Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 21(Neb. Rev. Stat. §53-180)

Other ages in Nebraska

Same age, other states

Read the full Nebraska 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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