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Can you work at 14 in Colorado?

In Colorado, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. Colorado 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 Colorado

No general work permit. 14–15-year-olds who want to work during school hours need a school release permit from their school district. Schools issue age certificates on request.

Hour limits for teens in Colorado

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 h8 h
School week18 h40 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); Colorado alone bars only 9:30 p.m.–5 a.m. before a school day—

Federal FLSA limits are stricter and apply. Colorado's own rule (C.R.S. 8-12-105): max 6 hours on a school day (unless the next day is not a school day), 8 hours in 24 hours, 40 hours a week. Colorado caps all minors at 8 hours in any 24-hour period and 40 hours a week (the Director may allow more than 8 in emergencies; seasonal agricultural piece-rate exceptions). No night limit for 16–17.

Places that hire at 14 in Colorado

Places that hire at 15 in Colorado

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Colorado?

14 for most jobs. Under 14 only as allowed by C.R.S. 8-12-104, -106 and -107 (limited exemptions and light work).

Do you need a work permit in Colorado?

No general work permit. 14–15-year-olds who want to work during school hours need a school release permit from their school district. Schools issue age certificates on request.

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

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); Colorado alone bars only 9:30 p.m.–5 a.m. before a school day.

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

Colorado limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 8 h on a school day, 40 h in a school week.

Which jobs hire at 14 in Colorado?

Jimmy John's, AMC Theatres, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King and others hire at 14 at some locations.

Sources

State agency: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Division of Labor Standards and Statistics

  1. C.R.S. 8-12-105: Minimum age requirements – maximum hours of work (2024 C.R.S., current through Fall 2025) (2025)
  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.