How many hours can a 16 year old work in Delaware during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in Delaware can work up to 12 hr per day and No state limit per week, time window No state limit.

Does a 16 year old need a work permit in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware requires a work permit for 16-year-olds. Every minor under 18 must obtain a Work Permit through the Delaware Department of Labor online portal. The minor and parent or guardian apply electronically; the school confirms enrollment. The permit is job-specific and reissued for each new employer.

DE · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 16 year old do in Delaware?

Q: What jobs can a 16 year old do in Delaware?

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Delaware with the following limits during the school year: 4 hr per school day, 30 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 00:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 16-year-olds in Delaware — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Delaware state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 16-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

Delaware 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: 30 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 00:00

School-week cap of 30 hours. Combined school + work may not exceed 12 hours in a single day. Mandatory 8 consecutive non-work hours each day.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 12 hr
Hours per week: No state limit
Time window: No state limit

Up to 12 hours/day with mandatory 8 consecutive non-work hours each day. No state weekly cap during school breaks.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

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

Cooking and baking with grills and deep fryers (with DE Work Permit)
Distinctive Delaware rule: 16-17-year-olds still need a DE Work Permit issued by the school district under 19 Del. C. § 504 (one of the few states to extend the permit requirement through 17). **Distinctive 19 Del. C. § 506: Delaware caps 16-17-year-olds at 4 hrs per school day, 12 hrs combined school+work in a 24-hr period, and 8 consecutive hrs of rest — one of the strictest school-day caps in the nation** (federal floor has no cap at 16-17).
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, or beach (with certification)
Cashier, sales associate, or stocker at any retail establishment (non-alcohol)
Delaware sets the alcohol-server age at 18 under 4 Del. C. § 707 (typical floor) for beer / wine service in licensed restaurants; bartending in a licensed establishment requires 21+. 16-year-olds may cashier and stock non-alcohol retail but cannot sell or serve alcohol until 18.
Office assistant, receptionist, or data-entry clerk
Park, recreation, and camp staff
Warehouse jobs without power-driven hoists (HO-7) or forklifts
Hotel and hospitality front-of-house roles (no alcohol service)

Restricted in Delaware

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(19 Del. C. §504)
Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18(4 Del. C. §706)

Other ages in Delaware

Same age, other states

Read the full Delaware rules

This page summarizes the rules for 16-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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