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Can you work at 14 in Delaware?

In Delaware, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from school issuing officer or Delaware Department of Labor (email accepted)). 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 Delaware

Fill in the minor's section of the Child Labor Work Permit (parent/guardian also signs if 14–15), have the employer complete its section, then return it with proof of age (birth certificate, passport, driver's license or state ID) to an issuing officer at school, a Delaware DOL office, by fax (302-736-9196) or by email to workpermits@delaware.gov. A new permit is needed for each new employer. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in Delaware

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.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor DayAt least 8 consecutive hours off work and school in every 24 hours

Delaware allows 4 hours on a school day; the federal 3-hour limit is stricter and applies. Max 6 days a week; not during school hours. School hours plus work hours may not exceed 12 hours a day. No weekly cap.

Breaks: All minors under 18: no more than 5 hours in a row without a non-working break of at least 30 minutes.

Places that hire at 14 in Delaware

Places that hire at 15 in Delaware

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Delaware?

14 for most jobs. Minimum age 14. Exemptions include farm work, domestic work in private homes and work in a parent's business; theatrical work needs a limited exemption.

Do you need a work permit in Delaware?

Fill in the minor's section of the Child Labor Work Permit (parent/guardian also signs if 14–15), have the employer complete its section, then return it with proof of age (birth certificate, passport, driver's license or state ID) to an issuing officer at school, a Delaware DOL office, by fax (302-736-9196) or by email to workpermits@delaware.gov. A new permit is needed for each new employer.

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

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.

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

Delaware limits 16- and 17-year-olds: At least 8 consecutive hours off work and school in every 24 hours.

Which jobs hire at 14 in Delaware?

Rita's Italian Ice, 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: Delaware Department of Labor – Division of Industrial Affairs, Office of Labor Law Enforcement

  1. Delaware DOL Industrial Affairs: Youth Employment & Child Labor Resources (2026)
  2. Delaware DOL: Child Labor Work Permit form and instructions (2026)
  3. Delaware DOL: Child Labor Law booklet (last edited Nov 17, 2021) (2021-11-17)
  4. Delaware Code Title 19, Chapter 5 (Child Labor) (2026)
  5. US DOL WHD: Selected State Child Labor Standards Affecting Minors Under 18 in Non-farm Employment (hours/nightwork) (2025-07-15)
  6. 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.