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

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in New York can work up to 8 hr per day and 48 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 00:00.

Does a 16 year old need a work permit in New York?

Yes. New York requires a work permit for 16-year-olds. Apply at your local school district office or guidance counselor. The student fills out the application; a physician must sign the physical-fitness portion. A parent or guardian must sign for minors under 18.

NY · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 16 year old do in New York?

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

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in New York with the following limits during the school year: 4 hr per school day, 28 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 22:00. Work permit required.

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

New York 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: 28 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 22:00

Up to midnight on evenings preceding a non-school day with written parental + school consent.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 00:00

Up to midnight during school vacations.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. New York 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. Switch from AT-19 to AT-20 Employment Certificate at 16.
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, or beach (with valid certification)
Cashier, sales associate, or stocker at any retail establishment
Still requires AT-20 Working Papers. NY caps 16-17-year-olds at 28 hrs per school week and 4 hrs per school day.
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
Newspaper delivery on a regular route
Construction and demolition stay banned for every minor under 18 under NY Labor Law § 130 — stricter than the federal HO-16 roofing-only rule.

Restricted in New York

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Construction work for minors under 18(NY Labor Law §133)
Operating power-driven bakery machines(HO-11)
Door-to-door sales after dark for minors under 18(NY Labor Law §137)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)

Other ages in New York

Same age, other states

Read the full New York 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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