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Can you work at 14 in Montana?

In Montana, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. Montana 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 Montana

No work permit is required for non-hazardous jobs. US DOL lists a Montana age certificate (from the Department of Labor & Industry) as mandatory only for 16–17-year-olds in hazardous occupations, which is limited to apprentices and student-learners, and available on request otherwise.

Hour limits for teens in Montana

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.; until 9 p.m. outside the school year (June 1 through Labor Day, depending on local standards)No limit

MCA 41-2-115. Students in an approved school work-experience or career-exploration program may work up to 23 hours in a school week. No state hour limits for 16–17; hazardous occupations are banned (except apprentices and student-learners).

Places that hire at 14 in Montana

Places that hire at 15 in Montana

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Montana?

14 for most jobs. Under 14 allowed only in exempt work: for a parent (not manufacturing, mining or hazardous jobs), agriculture with parental consent, newspaper or circular delivery, acting, modeling or performing, legislative aide, casual domestic work, and nonprofit sports officiating.

Do you need a work permit in Montana?

No work permit is required for non-hazardous jobs. US DOL lists a Montana age certificate (from the Department of Labor & Industry) as mandatory only for 16–17-year-olds in hazardous occupations, which is limited to apprentices and student-learners, and available on request otherwise.

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

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.; until 9 p.m. outside the school year (June 1 through Labor Day, depending on local standards).

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

Montana 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 Montana?

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: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division

  1. Montana DLI – Montana's Child Labor Law Reference Guide (2026-10)
  2. US DOL WHD – Selected State Child Labor Standards (non-farm), as of 2025-07-15 (2025-07-15)
  3. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table, as of 2024-01-01 (2024-01-01)

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