How Late Can a Minor Work? (Hour Rules for Under-18s)
Scheduling a 16-year-old for the closing shift? The answer to 'how late can they work' depends on age, whether school is in session, and your state, and the stricter rule always wins.
Federal Limits for 14, 15-Year-Olds
During the school year: no work during school hours, no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week, and only between 7 AM and 7 PM. In summer (June 1 through Labor Day) the evening limit extends to 9 PM and caps rise to 8 hours a day, 40 a week.
16, 17-Year-Olds
Federal law sets no hour or curfew limits at 16 and 17, only a ban on hazardous occupations. But many states do impose school-night curfews (often 10 or 11 PM before a school day) and weekly caps for 16, 17-year-olds, so the state rule usually governs the closing shift.
Compliance Basics
Keep proof of age on file, check whether your state requires a work permit, and set hard scheduling limits so a minor can't be accidentally scheduled past curfew. A time clock that flags minors' hours catches the violation before it happens instead of at the audit.
FAQ
How late can a 16-year-old work on a school night?
Federal law sets no limit at 16, but many states impose a 10, 11 PM school-night curfew. Check your state's rule, the stricter standard applies.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work?
On school days: max 3 hours, 18 per school week, between 7 AM and 7 PM. In summer: up to 8 hours a day and 40 a week, until 9 PM.
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