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

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in North Carolina can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00.

Does a 15 year old need a work permit in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. The minor and a parent or guardian apply online through the NC Department of Labor's youth-employment portal. The certificate is electronic, free, and reissued for each new employer. The employer must keep a copy on file.

NC · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in North Carolina?

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

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in North Carolina 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 15-year-olds in North Carolina — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from North Carolina 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

North Carolina 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

Summer hours apply June 1 through Labor Day; evening cutoff extends to 9:00 PM.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

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

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
North Carolina mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with NC Youth 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 North Carolina

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)
Tobacco harvesting for minors under 14(NC Gen Stat §95-25.5(j))
Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervision(NC Gen Stat §95-25.5(h))

Other ages in North Carolina

Same age, other states

Read the full North Carolina 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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