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Can you work at 14 in Missouri?

In Missouri, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 16 (from school). 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 Missouri

14- and 15-year-olds need a work certificate to work during the regular school term (RSMo 294.024). The school district superintendent, a charter school CEO, or an authorized school official or principal issues it. The child applies in person with written parental consent, the employer's statement of intent (job, hours and days), proof of age and a school record (294.051). Age certificates are available on request for ages 16 and up. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in Missouri

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. Labor Day–June 1; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor DayNo limit

RSMo 294.030: 3 hours on a school day, 8 on a non-school day, 6 days and 40 hours a week. Missouri has no 18-hour school-week cap, so the 18 is the stricter federal FLSA limit. At regional fairs (June 1–Labor Day, not FLSA-covered employers) 14–15-year-olds may work to 10:30 p.m. with supervision and parental consent. No state limits beyond federal (none for 16–17). Missouri's child labor law covers only children under 16.

Places that hire at 14 in Missouri

Places that hire at 15 in Missouri

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Missouri?

14 for most jobs. Under 14 may not work (RSMo 294.021). Exceptions (294.011): work under a parent's direct control; from age 12, newspaper delivery or sales, child care, occasional yard or farm work, and youth sports referee or coach roles (not concessions); entertainment with a state permit (294.022). Missouri's child labor law applies to children under 16.

Do you need a work permit in Missouri?

14- and 15-year-olds need a work certificate to work during the regular school term (RSMo 294.024). The school district superintendent, a charter school CEO, or an authorized school official or principal issues it. The child applies in person with written parental consent, the employer's statement of intent (job, hours and days), proof of age and a school record (294.051). Age certificates are available on request for ages 16 and up.

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

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. Labor Day–June 1; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day.

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

Missouri 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 Missouri?

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

Sources

State agency: Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards

  1. Missouri DOLIR – Youth Employment (2026)
  2. RSMo 294.030 – Hours of work for minors (effective 2002-08-28) (2026)
  3. RSMo 294.045 – Work certificates issued by schools (2026)
  4. US DOL WHD – State child labor laws: hours and nightwork (2025-07-15)
  5. US DOL WHD – Employment/age certification under state child labor laws (2024-01-01)

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