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Can you work at 14 in Alabama?

In Alabama, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from Alabama Department of Workforce (employer applies online, per location)). At 14 and 15 you can work up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week. 16- and 17-year-olds also have hour limits.

State law · checked October 2026

No work permitPermit until 16Permit until 18Most jobs from 16

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 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 h—
School week18 h—
Non-school day8 h—
Non-school week40 h—
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m. when school is in session; 7 a.m.–9 p.m. in summerStudents 16–18 enrolled in school: not between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on nights before a school day

Max 6 days a week; no work during school hours. Federal rule also caps the 9 p.m. summer window to June 1–Labor Day. No daily/weekly hour caps for 16–17. The school superintendent may grant individual exemptions to the night limit.

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

  1. 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

Places that hire at 15 in Alabama

Company minimums combined with Alabama law. Franchise locations can set a higher age. “✓ seen here” means we found a real posting in Alabama.

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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

  1. Alabama Department of Workforce: Alabama Child Labor Law pamphlet (2026)
  2. Alabama SB 53 (2024) enrolled act (2024)
  3. US DOL WHD: Selected State Child Labor Standards Affecting Minors Under 18 in Non-farm Employment (hours/nightwork) (2025-07-15)
  4. US DOL WHD: State Child Labor Laws Applicable to Employment/Age Certification (2024-01-01)

Federal rules (the Fair Labor Standards Act) apply too; where they differ, the stricter rule wins. General information, not legal advice.