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

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

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

No. Virginia does not require a state-issued work permit for 16-year-olds. Employers must keep proof of age on file.

VA · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 16 year old do in Virginia?

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

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Virginia with the following limits during the school year: No state limit per school day, No state limit per week, time window — – 00:00. Work permit not required.

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

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 16-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Not required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

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

During the school year

Hours per day: No state limit
Hours per week: No state limit
Time window: — – 00:00

Virginia imposes no state weekly hour cap on 16-17-year-olds. Minors under 18 may not work past midnight without parental consent.

Summer / school breaks

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

No state hour limit during school breaks; federal FLSA has no cap for this age group in non-hazardous work.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

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

Cooking and baking with grills and deep fryers
Virginia drops the Employment Certificate at 16; the employer keeps proof of age on file instead.
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, or beach (with certification)
Cashier, sales associate, or stocker at any retail establishment
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

Restricted in Virginia

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(VA Code §40.1-100.1)
Tobacco-products sales for minors under 16(VA Code §40.1-100)

Other ages in Virginia

Same age, other states

Read the full Virginia 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 Virginia teen labor law →Compare all 50 states →FAQ →