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Can you work at 14 in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. Arkansas does not require a state work permit. 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 Arkansas

No work permit since Aug 1, 2023 (Act 195 of 2023, Youth Hiring Act); employers may ask for proof of age. Entertainment work permits (16 and under) are still required from the Labor Standards Division. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in Arkansas

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 h10 h
School week18 h54 h
Non-school day8 h—
Non-school week40 h—
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day (federal); Arkansas alone allows 6 a.m.–7 p.m., 9 p.m. before non-school days16-year-olds: 6 a.m.–11 p.m.; until midnight before non-school days (midnight–6 a.m. allowed before non-school days except in listed workplaces such as restaurants, small retail stores, unsupervised work, alcohol-serving businesses)

Arkansas's own limits for under 16: max 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week, 6 days/week, no school-day cap. Federal FLSA limits (3/18 school day/week, 40 non-school week, 7 a.m. start) are stricter and apply. Applies to 16-year-olds only (state law covers under 17): max 10 hours a day (or in a 24-hour period), 54 hours a week, 6 days a week. No state limits for 17-year-olds.

Recent law changes

  1. Act 195 of 2023 (Youth Hiring Act) ended the requirement for child labor work permits (except entertainment permits); hour and occupation rules unchanged. Source

  2. Act 687 of 2023 increased civil and criminal penalties for child labor violations. Source

Places that hire at 14 in Arkansas

Places that hire at 15 in Arkansas

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Arkansas?

14 for most jobs. In most cases a child must be at least 14. Entertainment work for children 16 and under needs a state entertainment permit.

Do you need a work permit in Arkansas?

No work permit since Aug 1, 2023 (Act 195 of 2023, Youth Hiring Act); employers may ask for proof of age. Entertainment work permits (16 and under) are still required from the Labor Standards Division.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Arkansas?

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.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day (federal); Arkansas alone allows 6 a.m.–7 p.m., 9 p.m. before non-school days.

How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Arkansas?

Arkansas limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 10 h on a school day, 54 h in a school week, 16-year-olds: 6 a.m.–11 p.m.; until midnight before non-school days (midnight–6 a.m. allowed before non-school days except in listed workplaces such as restaurants, small retail stores, unsupervised work, alcohol-serving businesses).

Which jobs hire at 14 in Arkansas?

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: Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – Labor Standards Division

  1. Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing: Child Labor (2026)
  2. US DOL WHD: Selected State Child Labor Standards Affecting Minors Under 18 in Non-farm Employment (hours/nightwork) (2025-07-15)
  3. 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.