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

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Washington 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 Washington?

Yes. Washington requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. Washington does not issue a state work permit to the minor. Instead, the employer must register as a minor-work employer with the WA Department of Labor & Industries and obtain a signed Parent/School Authorization form from the minor's parent or guardian (and school, if school is in session). The form must be kept on file at the worksite.

WA · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Washington?

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

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Washington with the following limits during the school year: 3 hr per school day, 16 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 19:00. Work permit required.

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

Washington 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: 16 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 19:00

Maximum 3 hours on a school day, 8 on a non-school day, 16 per school week — stricter than the federal 18-hour cap. No work during school hours. Maximum 6 days per week.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 40 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

Summer hours apply when school is not in session for the full week.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

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

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Washington mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with WA Parent/School Authorization on file)
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 Washington

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(WAC 296-125-033)
Logging, sawmilling, and timber processing for minors under 18(WAC 296-125-030)

Other ages in Washington

Same age, other states

Read the full Washington 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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