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Can you work at 14 in South Dakota?

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

No state work permit. South Dakota doesn't issue work permits or age certificates. Employers may ask for proof of age.

Hour limits for teens in South Dakota

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.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day (federal, stricter). State law alone: not after 10 p.m. before a school day.No limit

These are the effective limits: federal FLSA rules are stricter and apply to nearly all employers. State law alone (SDCL 60-12-1) allows 4 hours on a school day, 20 a school week, 8 on a non-school day and 40 a non-school week. SD DLR says federal law applies wherever state law is less restrictive. No state limits beyond federal (none for 16–17).

Places that hire at 14 in South Dakota

Places that hire at 15 in South Dakota

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

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Questions

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

14 for most jobs. 14 is the federal floor for most non-farm jobs. South Dakota law is looser: under-14s are barred from factories, workshops and mines, but may work in stores outside school hours until 7 p.m. (SDCL 60-12-2). From 14, teens may pump fuel at gas stations. Exceptions include actors and performers, work for parents, detasseling seed corn, and certified agricultural work. DLR may permit otherwise-barred work when a minor's earnings are needed for family support (SDCL 60-12-5).

Do you need a work permit in South Dakota?

No state work permit. South Dakota doesn't issue work permits or age certificates. Employers may ask for proof of age.

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

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. June 1–Labor Day (federal, stricter). State law alone: not after 10 p.m. before a school day..

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

South Dakota 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 Dakota?

Jimmy John's, 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: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Labor and Management

  1. SD DLR – Employment Laws: Youth Employment (2026-10)
  2. SDCL Chapter 60-12 – Child Labor (latest amendment SL 2014, ch 247) (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 (not issued) (2024-01-01)

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