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Can you work at 14 in Texas?

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

No work permit is required. A child 14 or older may apply to the Texas Workforce Commission for a certificate of age (Texas Labor Code §51.022) as proof of age. TWC says employers aren't required to get one. Applications come from the TWC Labor Law Section (1-800-832-9243) or a local TWC office. Certificates are valid until 18.

Hour limits for teens in Texas

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. June 1–Labor Day (federal; stricter than Texas law)No limit

The numbers shown are federal FLSA limits, which are stricter and cover most employers. Texas law alone (Labor Code §51.013) caps 14–15-year-olds at 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week. If enrolled in school, Texas law bars work from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. before a school day and midnight to 5 a.m. on other nights. In summer, it bars work from midnight to 5 a.m. if not in summer school. TWC can grant hardship waivers of the state hour limits (40 TAC §817.22). No state limits beyond federal (none for 16–17).

Breaks: No meal or rest break rule for minors in the TWC child labor materials reviewed. Federal law has none either.

Recent law changes

  1. HB 2459 (88th Legislature, 2023) changed child labor enforcement procedure only: who may appeal child labor orders, plus Commission review of appeal tribunal orders. TWC proposed matching rule changes to 40 TAC 817 in October 2024. Ages, hours and permits did not change. Effective date not confirmed. Source

Places that hire at 14 in Texas

Places that hire at 15 in Texas

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Texas?

14 for most jobs. 14 is the general minimum, with some state and federal exceptions. TWC can authorize children under 14 to work as actors or performers in film, theater, radio or TV. Other Texas Labor Code ch. 51 exceptions weren't checked here.

Do you need a work permit in Texas?

No work permit is required. A child 14 or older may apply to the Texas Workforce Commission for a certificate of age (Texas Labor Code §51.022) as proof of age. TWC says employers aren't required to get one. Applications come from the TWC Labor Law Section (1-800-832-9243) or a local TWC office. Certificates are valid until 18.

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

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. June 1–Labor Day (federal; stricter than Texas law).

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

Texas 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 Texas?

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: Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Law Section (Child Labor)

  1. TWC Child Labor Laws poster LLCL-70 (11/07), copy hosted by Texas Tech University (2007-11)
  2. Texas Labor Code ch. 51 – Employment of Children (TWC copy; blocked when checked, text taken from search excerpts) (2026-10)
  3. TWC rules, 40 TAC ch. 817 – Child Labor (blocked when checked) (2026-10)
  4. US DOL WHD – Selected State Child Labor Standards (non-farm), as of 2025-07-15 (TX under 16: 8-48; nightwork 10 p.m. (midnight before non-school day or in summer if not in summer school) to 5 a.m.) (2025-07-15)
  5. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table, as of 2024-01-01 (TX: no provision; age certificates for under 18 on request, issued by TWC) (2024-01-01)

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