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

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in Washington can work up to 8 hr per day and 48 hr per week, time window 05:00 – 00:00.

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

Yes. Washington requires a work permit for 16-year-olds. Washington does not issue a state work permit to the minor. Instead, the employer must register as a minor-work employer with the WA Department of Labor & Industries and obtain a signed Parent/School Authorization form from the minor's parent or guardian (and school, if school is in session). The form must be kept on file at the worksite.

WA · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 16 year old do in Washington?

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

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Washington with the following limits during the school year: 4 hr per school day, 20 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 22:00. Work permit required.

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

Washington 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: 20 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 22:00

School-week cap of 20 hours (rising to 28 with special variance). Maximum 6 days per week. Up to midnight on Friday and Saturday with parental consent.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 05:00 – 00:00

Up to midnight during the summer and school breaks. Maximum 6 days per week.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. Washington 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. WA Parent/School Authorization still required for every minor under 18; the employer keeps it on file.
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
Washington bans logging, sawmilling, and timber processing for any minor under 18 — these stay restricted even at 16-17.
Warehouse jobs without power-driven hoists (HO-7) or forklifts
Hotel and hospitality front-of-house roles

Restricted in Washington

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(WAC 296-125-033)
Logging, sawmilling, and timber processing for minors under 18(WAC 296-125-030)

Other ages in Washington

Same age, other states

Read the full Washington 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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