Work permit in Alabama
No individual permit for the teen. The employer must get a Child Labor Certificate from the Alabama Department of Workforce for each work location ($15/yr): Class I for 14–15-year-olds, Class II for 16–17-year-olds, and post it. Employers keep proof of age, an Employee Information Form and time records. The school 'Eligibility to Work' form for 14–15-year-olds was eliminated June 1, 2024. Official permit page →
Hour limits for teens in Alabama
| Ages 14–15 | Ages 16–17 | |
|---|---|---|
| School day | 3 h | — |
| School week | 18 h | — |
| Non-school day | 8 h | — |
| Non-school week | 40 h | — |
| Time of day | 7 a.m.–7 p.m. when school is in session; 7 a.m.–9 p.m. in summer | Students 16–18 enrolled in school: not between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on nights before a school day |
Breaks: 14–15-year-olds: a 30-minute break after more than 5 continuous hours, recorded in time records. No break requirement for 16 and older.
Recent law changes
SB 53 (Act 2024-352) eliminated the school 'Eligibility to Work' form for 14–15-year-olds; employers must instead keep a list of all 14–15-year-olds employed (Class I/II certificates still required). Source
Places that hire at 14 in Alabama
- 14+AMC TheatresMovies, parks & fun · ✓ seen here
- 14+McDonald'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Chick-fil-AMost locations 16+
- 14+PublixGrocery & convenience
- 14+Culver'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Dairy QueenMost locations 16+
- 14+Burger KingMost locations 16+
- 14+Hy-VeeMost locations 16+
- 14+FarewayGrocery & convenience
- 14+Rita's Italian IceMost locations 16+
- 14+Arby'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Jimmy John'sMost locations 16+
- 14+RunzaFast food & restaurants
- 14+Braum'sFast food & restaurants
Places that hire at 15 in Alabama
- 15+Freddy's Frozen Custard & SteakburgersMost locations 16+ · ✓ seen here
- 15+Wendy'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Baskin-RobbinsMost locations 16+
- 15+Dunkin'Most locations 16+
- 15+KFCMost locations 16+
- 15+Domino'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Pizza HutMost locations 16+
- 15+Smoothie KingMost locations 16+
- 15+Little CaesarsMost locations 16+
- 15+Zaxby'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Chuck E. CheeseMovies, parks & fun
- 15+Six FlagsMost locations 16+
- 15+YMCAGyms & community
- 15+WegmansGrocery & convenience
- 15+Stop & ShopMost locations 16+
Questions
What is the youngest age you can work in Alabama?
14 for most jobs. Under 14 may not be employed; a child working under the sole supervision of a parent who solely owns the business may be exempt from the age requirement (non-hazardous duties only).
Do you need a work permit in Alabama?
No individual permit for the teen. The employer must get a Child Labor Certificate from the Alabama Department of Workforce for each work location ($15/yr): Class I for 14–15-year-olds, Class II for 16–17-year-olds, and post it. Employers keep proof of age, an Employee Information Form and time records. The school 'Eligibility to Work' form for 14–15-year-olds was eliminated June 1, 2024.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Alabama?
Up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week, between 7 a.m.–7 p.m. when school is in session; 7 a.m.–9 p.m. in summer.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Alabama?
Alabama limits 16- and 17-year-olds: Students 16–18 enrolled in school: not between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on nights before a school day.
Which jobs hire at 14 in Alabama?
AMC Theatres, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee and others hire at 14 at some locations.
Sources
State agency: Alabama Department of Workforce – Child Labor Enforcement