HiringAgeWork permit in Connecticut
After a job offer, the employer gives a Promise of Employment letter; the minor brings it with proof of age to the school district superintendent's designee, who checks the job and issues Working Papers. The minor gives them to the employer, who keeps them until 2 years after the minor turns 18. Papers for 14–15-year-olds only for golf caddie/pro shop (14+) or retail/camp/lifeguard (15+). Official permit page →
Hour limits for teens in Connecticut
| Ages 14–15 | Ages 16–17 | |
|---|---|---|
| School day | 3 h | 6 h |
| School week | 18 h | 32 h |
| Non-school day | 8 h | — |
| Non-school week | 40 h | — |
| Time of day | 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. July 1–first Monday in September | Restaurants, recreation/amusement, theaters: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. (midnight if no school next day); manufacturing/retail: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. (11 p.m. if no school next day; midnight in supermarkets of 3,500+ sq ft); hairdressing, bowling alleys, pool halls, photo galleries: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. |
Breaks: No minor-specific rule; Connecticut's general rule: anyone working 7.5 or more consecutive hours gets at least 30 consecutive minutes for a meal, after the first 2 and before the last 2 hours.
Recent law changes
Public Act 23-183 allowed 15-year-olds to work as youth-camp staff or lifeguards (supervised by someone 18+, during school vacations; age certificate needed unless employed by a municipality). Source
Questions
What is the youngest age you can work in Connecticut?
16 for most jobs. Under 16 may not work in manufacturing, mercantile, restaurants, theaters, bowling alleys or barber shops. Exceptions: 14+ as golf caddie or pro-shop worker; 15+ in retail as bagger, cashier or stock clerk, as youth-camp staff or lifeguard (school vacations, plus Saturdays in retail food stores); 14–15 may also work in places not covered (e.g., hotels, banks, offices, hospitals without food service/laundry, municipalities) without working papers.
Do you need a work permit in Connecticut?
After a job offer, the employer gives a Promise of Employment letter; the minor brings it with proof of age to the school district superintendent's designee, who checks the job and issues Working Papers. The minor gives them to the employer, who keeps them until 2 years after the minor turns 18. Papers for 14–15-year-olds only for golf caddie/pro shop (14+) or retail/camp/lifeguard (15+).
How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Connecticut?
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. July 1–first Monday in September.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Connecticut?
Connecticut limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 6 h on a school day, 32 h in a school week, Restaurants, recreation/amusement, theaters: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. (midnight if no school next day); manufacturing/retail: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. (11 p.m. if no school next day; midnight in supermarkets of 3,500+ sq ft); hairdressing, bowling alleys, pool halls, photo galleries: 6 a.m.–10 p.m..
Which jobs hire at 14 in Connecticut?
Few large employers hire under 15 in Connecticut.
Sources
State agency: Connecticut Department of Labor – Wage and Workplace Standards Division
- CTDOL: Employment of Minors
- CTDOL: Time & Hour Restrictions for 16 & 17 Year-Old Minors
- CTDOL: Permitted Occupations for 14 & 15 Year Olds
- CTDOL: Steps in Obtaining Working Papers for Minors
- Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 557 (secs. 31-13, 31-23, 31-51ii)
- US DOL WHD: Selected State Child Labor Standards Affecting Minors Under 18 in Non-farm Employment (hours/nightwork)
- US DOL WHD: State Child Labor Laws Applicable to Employment/Age Certification