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

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Rhode Island can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 21:00.

Does a 15 year old need a work permit in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. Minors 14-15 obtain a Special Limited Permit from their school district issuing officer. The minor presents the employer's offer plus a parent or guardian's signature. The permit is job-specific. 16- and 17-year-olds do not need a permit but the employer keeps age verification on file.

RI · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Rhode Island?

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

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Rhode Island state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-27

Quick answer

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

Legal work hours

Rhode Island 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: 06:00 – 21:00

Summer hours apply from the last day of school in June through Labor Day. RI allows a 6:00 AM start.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

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

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Rhode Island mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+. RI Special Limited Permit still required.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with RI Special Limited 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 Rhode Island

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(RI Gen Laws §28-3-1)
Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18(RI Gen Laws §3-8-11.1)

Other ages in Rhode Island

Same age, other states

Read the full Rhode Island 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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