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Can you work at 14 in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. Mississippi does not require a state work permit. 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 Mississippi

No general state work permit. Under the US DOL certification table (as of 2024-01-01), the school must issue an employment certificate only for minors under 16 working in mills, canneries, workshops or factories. Employers may ask for proof of age.

Hour limits for teens in Mississippi

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

State follows federal FLSA limits. The only state hour rule covers minors in factories, mills, canneries, workshops and manufacturing: 8 hours a day, 44 a week, and no work 7 p.m.–6 a.m. (US DOL table as of 2025-07-15). No state limits beyond federal (none for 16–17), except the factory, mill, cannery, workshop and manufacturing rule listed by DOL (8 hours a day, 44 a week, no work 7 p.m.–6 a.m.), which the table does not split by age.

Places that hire at 14 in Mississippi

Places that hire at 15 in Mississippi

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Mississippi?

14 for most jobs. Mississippi's child labor law covers only mills, canneries, workshops, factories and manufacturing establishments. Everywhere else the federal FLSA rules apply, with a minimum age of 14 for most non-farm jobs.

Do you need a work permit in Mississippi?

No general state work permit. Under the US DOL certification table (as of 2024-01-01), the school must issue an employment certificate only for minors under 16 working in mills, canneries, workshops or factories. Employers may ask for proof of age.

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

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 Mississippi?

Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

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: No state labor department enforces child labor; contact the US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

  1. US DOL WHD – State child labor laws: hours and nightwork (2025-07-15)
  2. US DOL WHD – Employment/age certification under state child labor laws (2024-01-01)
  3. Mississippi Legislature – all measures, 2022–2026 sessions (no child labor bills enacted) (2026)

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