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Can you work at 14 in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from North Carolina Department of Labor (online Youth Employment Certificate)). 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 North Carolina

After a firm job offer, the youth, the employer and a parent or guardian each e-sign an online Youth Employment Certificate before the first day of work. The employer keeps it on file; nothing is mailed to NCDOL. NCDOL says the process is changing so the employer starts the application. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in North Carolina

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 h—
School week18 h—
Non-school day8 h—
Non-school week40 h—
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. during summer vacationDuring the school term, youth in grade 12 or lower may not work 11 p.m.–5 a.m. before a school day, unless the employer has written permission from a parent and the principal.

Only outside school hours. North Carolina adopts the federal standards for 14–15; the time window comes from the US DOL state table. No daily or weekly hour caps; only the school-night time limit.

Breaks: Under 16: 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work.

Places that hire at 14 in North Carolina

Places that hire at 15 in North Carolina

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in North Carolina?

14 for most jobs. Under 14 generally not allowed except working for a parent, home newspaper delivery, or modeling and acting. 14–15 may not work on premises holding an ABC permit for on-premises alcohol sales. Farm work is exempt from the state Wage and Hour Act.

Do you need a work permit in North Carolina?

After a firm job offer, the youth, the employer and a parent or guardian each e-sign an online Youth Employment Certificate before the first day of work. The employer keeps it on file; nothing is mailed to NCDOL. NCDOL says the process is changing so the employer starts the application.

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

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. during summer vacation.

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

North Carolina limits 16- and 17-year-olds: During the school term, youth in grade 12 or lower may not work 11 p.m.–5 a.m. before a school day, unless the employer has written permission from a parent and the principal..

Which jobs hire at 14 in North Carolina?

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: North Carolina Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Bureau

  1. NCDOL – Youth Employment Rules (2026-10)
  2. NCDOL – Work Hour Limitations for Youths (2026-10)
  3. NCDOL – Youth Employment Certificate (2026-10)
  4. US DOL WHD – Selected State Child Labor Standards (non-farm), as of 2025-07-15 (2025-07-15)
  5. 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.