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

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in Pennsylvania can work up to 10 hr per day and 48 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 01:00.

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

Yes. Pennsylvania requires a work permit for 16-year-olds. The minor applies in person at the school district's Issuing Officer with proof of age and a parent or guardian's signature. The permit is general (not job-specific) and remains valid until age 18 or revocation.

PA · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 16 year old do in Pennsylvania?

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

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Pennsylvania with the following limits during the school year: 8 hr per school day, 28 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 23:00. Work permit required.

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

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

During the school year

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 28 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 23:00

Up to midnight on evenings not preceding a school day with written parental consent. Maximum 6 consecutive days.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 10 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 01:00

Up to 1:00 AM on nights not preceding a school day during summer and school breaks.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. Pennsylvania 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. PA LLC-1 Work Permit still required for every minor under 18.
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, or beach (with certification)
Cashier, sales associate, or stocker at any retail establishment
Pennsylvania caps 16-17-year-olds at 28 hrs per school week and 8 hrs per school day — among the strictest in the Mid-Atlantic.
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
Construction and demolition stay banned for every minor under 18 under PA Child Labor Act § 7 — stricter than the federal HO-16 roofing-only rule.

Restricted in Pennsylvania

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(43 P.S. §40.7)
Construction work and demolition for minors under 18(43 P.S. §40.7(b))

Other ages in Pennsylvania

Same age, other states

Read the full Pennsylvania 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.

Full Pennsylvania teen labor law →Compare all 50 states →FAQ →