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Can you work at 14 in Vermont?

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

Most teens don't need a certificate. Vermont requires one only when a child under 16 works during school hours outside an approved educational or vocational course. In that case, the employer and a parent sign the Child Labor Certificate. It's emailed to Labor.WageHour@vermont.gov with the child's school records, proof of age, and a physician's letter showing fitness to work (the employer pays for the exam). The certificate must be renewed each year. VDOL urges employers to keep a certified birth certificate for every worker under 18. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in Vermont

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.; until 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day—

6 days a week at most. No work during school hours, except WECEP students, batboys/batgirls and performers. Source: VDOL booklet WH-30 (revised 11/10); matches the US DOL table (as of 2025-07-15). Only in manufacturing or mechanical establishments: no more than 9 hours a day or 50 hours a week (VDOL WH-30). No other state hour or night limits for 16–17.

Breaks: No break rule specific to minors found in the VDOL child labor materials reviewed.

Places that hire at 14 in Vermont

Places that hire at 15 in Vermont

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

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Vermont?

14 for most jobs. Under 14, non-farm work is generally banned. Exceptions: work for a parent or guardian, acting or performing, and newspaper delivery (VDOL WH-30).

Do you need a work permit in Vermont?

Most teens don't need a certificate. Vermont requires one only when a child under 16 works during school hours outside an approved educational or vocational course. In that case, the employer and a parent sign the Child Labor Certificate. It's emailed to Labor.WageHour@vermont.gov with the child's school records, proof of age, and a physician's letter showing fitness to work (the employer pays for the exam). The certificate must be renewed each year. VDOL urges employers to keep a certified birth certificate for every worker under 18.

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

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.

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

Vermont limits 16- and 17-year-olds: .

Which jobs hire at 14 in Vermont?

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: Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Program

  1. VDOL – Child Labor Compliance (2026-10)
  2. VDOL – WH-30 Important Information for Employers of Minors (rev. 11/10) (2010-11)
  3. VDOL – Child Labor Certificate form and directions (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 (VT: under 16 during school hours, mandatory, labor department) (2024-01-01)

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