HiringAgeWork permit in Louisiana
After a minor accepts a job offer, the employer completes LWC's Employment Certificate Form (on laworks.net), collects the parent or guardian's authorization and proof of age, and emails the form to EmploymentCertificate@la.gov. The certificate counts as issued once LWC emails confirmation. The employer keeps the records. Schools lost access to the LWC certificate system on July 24, 2026. Official permit page →
Hour limits for teens in Louisiana
| Ages 14–15 | Ages 16–17 | |
|---|---|---|
| School day | 3 h | — |
| School week | 18 h | — |
| Non-school day | 8 h | — |
| Non-school week | 40 h | — |
| Time of day | 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day | Non-graduates, nights before a school day: age 16 not 11 p.m.–5 a.m.; age 17 not midnight–5 a.m. |
Recent law changes
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. Source
Places that hire at 14 in Louisiana
- 14+AMC TheatresMovies, parks & fun · ✓ seen here
- 14+McDonald'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Chick-fil-AMost locations 16+
- 14+PublixGrocery & convenience
- 14+Culver'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Dairy QueenMost locations 16+
- 14+Burger KingMost locations 16+
- 14+Hy-VeeMost locations 16+
- 14+FarewayGrocery & convenience
- 14+Rita's Italian IceMost locations 16+
- 14+Arby'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Jimmy John'sMost locations 16+
- 14+RunzaFast food & restaurants
- 14+Braum'sFast food & restaurants
Places that hire at 15 in Louisiana
- 15+Wendy'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Baskin-RobbinsMost locations 16+
- 15+Dunkin'Most locations 16+
- 15+KFCMost locations 16+
- 15+Domino'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Pizza HutMost locations 16+
- 15+Smoothie KingMost locations 16+
- 15+Little CaesarsMost locations 16+
- 15+Zaxby'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Freddy's Frozen Custard & SteakburgersMost locations 16+
- 15+Chuck E. CheeseMovies, parks & fun
- 15+Six FlagsMost locations 16+
- 15+YMCAGyms & community
- 15+WegmansGrocery & convenience
- 15+Stop & ShopMost locations 16+
Questions
What is the youngest age you can work in Louisiana?
14 for most jobs. Federal floor of 14. Louisiana's own exceptions (e.g. family business, performers) could not be checked: the state labor department and legislature sites were unreachable on 2026-10-10.
Do you need a work permit in Louisiana?
After a minor accepts a job offer, the employer completes LWC's Employment Certificate Form (on laworks.net), collects the parent or guardian's authorization and proof of age, and emails the form to EmploymentCertificate@la.gov. The certificate counts as issued once LWC emails confirmation. The employer keeps the records. Schools lost access to the LWC certificate system on July 24, 2026.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Louisiana limits 16- and 17-year-olds: Non-graduates, nights before a school day: age 16 not 11 p.m.–5 a.m.; age 17 not midnight–5 a.m..
Which jobs hire at 14 in Louisiana?
AMC Theatres, 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: Louisiana Workforce Commission
- KNOE – 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)
- US DOL WHD – State child labor laws: hours and nightwork
- US DOL WHD – Employment/age certification under state child labor laws
- US DOL WHD – Minimum meal period requirements (footnote lists a Louisiana minors provision; no details)