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Can you work at 14 in Illinois?

In Illinois, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 16 (from school (issuing officer at the minor's school or school district, under the Superintendent of Schools)). 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. There are no state hour limits at 16 and 17.

State law · checked October 2026

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

Work permit in Illinois

The minor goes with a parent or guardian to the issuing officer at their school or district. They bring the employer's letter of intent to hire, proof of age, the issuing officer's statement about the school schedule, and a physical fitness statement (the latest school physical may be used). The Illinois Department of Labor does not issue permits. Students not enrolled in an Illinois school contact ISBE (workpermit@isbe.net). No state permit is needed at 16–17. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in Illinois

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 hNo limit
School week18 hNo limit
Non-school day8 hNo limit
Non-school week40 hNo limit
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor DayNo limit

820 ILCS 206/25: no more than 8 hours in any 24 hours, and school plus work time may not exceed 8 hours on a school day. Under 206/30, minors may work up to 8 hours on weekend days in the school year if they work no more than 6 days in a row and no more than 24 hours outside school that week. Park district and year-round-school exceptions allow later hours. CONFLICT: IDOL's 'Child Labor Changes – 2025' employer bulletin says 16 hours in school weeks; the statute (820 ILCS 206/25 via FindLaw) and the IDOL Requirements page say 18. Used 18. The Illinois law's hour limits regulate workers under 16 only. Federal FLSA has no hour limits for 16–17.

Breaks: Under 16: a meal break of at least 30 minutes no later than the 5th hour in a row of work. A break under 30 minutes does not interrupt the 5 hours (820 ILCS 206/35(d)).

Recent law changes

  1. Child Labor Law of 2024 (820 ILCS 206) replaced the old Child Labor Law. It keeps permits for under-16s, issued by school officials, who must weigh past injury reports at the workplace. It requires an adult 21 or older to supervise minors at all times. Employers must report work deaths within 24 hours and copy injury reports to IDOL and the issuing school. It adds banned jobs (gun ranges, serving alcohol, cosmetology, adult entertainment). Penalties rise to $20,000 per violation, or $60,000 if a minor is injured or killed. Source

Places that hire at 14 in Illinois

Places that hire at 15 in Illinois

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Illinois?

14 for most jobs. Under the Child Labor Law of 2024 (820 ILCS 206/15), 14–15-year-olds may work outside school hours once they have an employment certificate. Children 13 and under may work only where the Act explicitly allows it. Examples: entertainment or performing (with a certificate), park districts and golf courses, newspaper delivery, farm work, and 12–13-year-olds officiating youth sports.

Do you need a work permit in Illinois?

The minor goes with a parent or guardian to the issuing officer at their school or district. They bring the employer's letter of intent to hire, proof of age, the issuing officer's statement about the school schedule, and a physical fitness statement (the latest school physical may be used). The Illinois Department of Labor does not issue permits. Students not enrolled in an Illinois school contact ISBE (workpermit@isbe.net). No state permit is needed at 16–17.

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

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 Illinois?

Illinois has no hour limits for 16- and 17-year-olds; federal law doesn't either. Hazardous jobs are still off-limits until 18.

Which jobs hire at 14 in Illinois?

McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee, Fareway and others hire at 14 at some locations.

Sources

State agency: Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL)

  1. IDOL – Child Labor Law Requirements & Restrictions (2026)
  2. IDOL – Child Labor FAQ (2026)
  3. IDOL – Child Labor Changes – 2025 (bulletin for employers and school officials) (2025)
  4. IDOL – Illinois Child Labor Law Resource for Parents & Families (2025-01)
  5. 820 ILCS 206/25 – Allowable work hours (FindLaw, current as of 2025-01-01) (2025-01-01)
  6. 820 ILCS 206/35 – Employer requirements (meal period) (2025-01-01)
  7. US DOL WHD – State child labor laws applicable to non-farm employment (2025-07-15)
  8. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table (IL: employment cert under 16 mandatory, school; age cert 16–20 on request) (2024-01-01)

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