Hiring ages › States › South Carolina

Can you work at 14 in South Carolina?

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

No state work permit. South Carolina has no work permit or age certificate rule. Employers may ask for proof of age.

Hour limits for teens in South Carolina

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. during the summer break of the minor's home school districtNo limit

Outside school hours only (S.C. Code Regs. 71-3106). The state rule mirrors the federal FLSA limits, except the summer 9 p.m. period follows the local school district's summer break. Federal law allows 9 p.m. only June 1–Labor Day, so FLSA-covered employers must use the stricter dates. No state limits beyond federal (none for 16–17). Only the hazardous-occupation bans apply.

Places that hire at 14 in South Carolina

Places that hire at 15 in South Carolina

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

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Questions

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

14 for most jobs. Under 16 may work only under the child labor regulations (S.C. Code Regs. 71-3103 to 71-3106), which by statute may not be stricter than federal law. Exempt: newspaper sale or delivery, performers in film, radio, TV and theater, and children working for a parent (except in hazardous jobs). Farm work outside school hours is allowed from 14, or from 12–13 with parental consent.

Do you need a work permit in South Carolina?

No state work permit. South Carolina has no work permit or age certificate rule. Employers may ask for proof of age.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work in South 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.; until 9 p.m. during the summer break of the minor's home school district.

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

South Carolina 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 South 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: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), Division of Labor

  1. S.C. Code Title 41, Chapter 13 – Child Labor (last amended 1998) (2026-10)
  2. S.C. Code of Regulations Chapter 71, Article 3 – Child Labor (Regs. 71-3100 to 71-3110; last amended 2006) (2026-10)
  3. US DOL WHD – Selected State Child Labor Standards (non-farm), as of 2025-07-15 (2025-07-15)
  4. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table, as of 2024-01-01 (no provision) (2024-01-01)

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