# Teen work rules in Louisiana

In Louisiana, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from Employer, via the Louisiana Workforce Commission (email system); schools no longer issue permits (HB 232, 2026)). 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.

- Minimum age: 14
- Work permit: required under 18
- Hours at 14–15: 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week
- Hours at 16–17: limited

## Recent changes

- 2026-05-11: HB 232 (2026 Regular Session), signed May 11, 2026: employers, not schools, now issue and keep employment certificates for minors, filing them with LWC by email. Parent or guardian authorization is still required. School access to the LWC certificate system ended July 24, 2026. The listed date is the signing date; the formal effective date was not confirmed.

## Employers hiring at 14 here

- AMC Theatres
- McDonald's
- Chick-fil-A
- Publix
- Culver's
- Dairy Queen
- Burger King
- Hy-Vee
- Fareway
- Rita's Italian Ice
- Arby's
- Jimmy John's
- Runza
- Braum's

## Sources

- KNOE – Louisiana law changes how minors get work permits; schools no longer issue them: https://www.knoe.com/2026/07/18/louisiana-law-changes-how-minors-get-work-permits-schools-no-longer-issue-them/
- Tangipahoa Parish School System – Work Permit for High School Students (HB 232 notice): https://www.tangischools.org/academics/workpermit
- US DOL WHD – State child labor laws: hours and nightwork: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/child-labor
- US DOL WHD – Employment/age certification under state child labor laws: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/age-certificates
- US DOL WHD – Minimum meal period requirements (footnote lists a Louisiana minors provision; no details): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks

Page: https://hiringage.com/louisiana/ — please cite with a link.