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

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in Michigan can work up to 10 hr per day and 48 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 23:30.

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

Yes. Michigan requires a work permit for 16-year-olds. The employer issues a Promise of Employment; the minor's school administrator countersigns the combined application/work-permit form (CA-6 for minors 14-15, CA-7 for 16-17). A parent or guardian must sign. The permit is job-specific and must be reissued for each new employer.

MI · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 16 year old do in Michigan?

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

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Michigan with the following limits during the school year: 10 hr per school day, 48 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 22:30. Work permit required.

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

Michigan sets different hour caps depending on whether school is in session.

During the school year

Hours per day: 10 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 22:30

Combined school + work cap of 48 hours/week. Until 11:30 PM on nights not preceding a school day. Employers in resort/recreation may extend to 11:30 PM with parental consent during summer.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 10 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 23:30

Up to 11:30 PM during school breaks. Maximum 6 days per week.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

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

Cooking and baking with grills and deep fryers
Permitted at 16+ in food-service. Michigan switches from CA-6 to CA-7 Combined Application / Permit at 16; still job-specific and reissued per new employer.
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, or beach (with certification)
Cashier, sales associate, or stocker at any retail establishment
Form CA-7 must be reissued for each new employer.
Office assistant, receptionist, or data-entry clerk
Park, recreation, and camp staff
Michigan's 30-minute rest break after every 5 continuous hours of work still applies through age 17.
Warehouse jobs without power-driven hoists (HO-7) or forklifts
Hotel and hospitality front-of-house roles

Restricted in Michigan

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(MCL §409.116)
Working without a 30-minute rest after 5 continuous hours(MCL §409.112)

Other ages in Michigan

Same age, other states

Read the full Michigan 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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