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Can you work at 14 in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (online)). 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.

State law · checked October 2026

No work permitPermit until 16Permit until 18Most jobs from 16

Work permit in New Jersey

After a job offer, the minor applies online at myworkingpapers.nj.gov using the employer's 8-digit code. The employer approves, then a caregiver approves and uploads proof of age. If the caregiver doesn't act within 14 days, the application is provisionally approved. A new application is needed for each new employer or job change. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in New Jersey

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 h8 h
School week18 h40 h
Non-school day8 h—
Non-school week40 h—
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m.; until 9 p.m. from the last day of school through Labor Day6 a.m.–11 p.m.; later than 11 p.m. allowed during vacations and on nights not before a school day

6 days a week at most. 8 hours on a non-school day during a school week. N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.3. Under federal law the 9 p.m. summer limit starts June 1, so for FLSA-covered employers the stricter rule applies. 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, 6 days a week. From the last day of school through Labor Day: up to 10 hours a day and 50 hours a week.

Breaks: 30-minute meal break after 6 continuous hours of work for all minors under 18 (N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.4; NJDOL Workers Under 18 page). An NJDOL FAQ says 'after five consecutive hours'; the statute and the main page say six.

Recent law changes

  1. Under P.L.2022, c.63, NJDOL took over working papers from schools and moved them to an online system (myworkingpapers.nj.gov). Minors under 18, including farmworkers, now register online and need employer and caregiver approval. Source

Places that hire at 14 in New Jersey

Places that hire at 15 in New Jersey

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in New Jersey?

14 for most jobs. 14–15 may work outside school hours, but not in factories. Some jobs allow younger workers: newspaper carriers from 11, agriculture from 12. 15-year-olds may work as cashiers or baggers at checkout conveyor belts. Child performers need a separate entertainment permit.

Do you need a work permit in New Jersey?

After a job offer, the minor applies online at myworkingpapers.nj.gov using the employer's 8-digit code. The employer approves, then a caregiver approves and uploads proof of age. If the caregiver doesn't act within 14 days, the application is provisionally approved. A new application is needed for each new employer or job change.

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

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. from the last day of school through Labor Day.

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

New Jersey limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 8 h on a school day, 40 h in a school week, 6 a.m.–11 p.m.; later than 11 p.m. allowed during vacations and on nights not before a school day.

Which jobs hire at 14 in New Jersey?

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: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance

  1. NJDOL – Child Labor Laws (N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.1 et seq.) (2026-10)
  2. NJDOL – Workers Under 18 (2026-10)
  3. NJDOL – Working Papers Process, Step-by-Step (2026-10)
  4. NJDOL – FAQs: Working Papers for Minors (2026-10)
  5. US DOL WHD – Selected State Child Labor Standards (non-farm), as of 2025-07-15 (2025-07-15)
  6. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table, as of 2024-01-01 (lists school-issued certificates; superseded by the 2023 online system) (2024-01-01)

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