# Teen work rules in Washington

In Washington, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from Employer's Minor Work Permit endorsement (Washington Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service) plus a parent/school authorization form for each minor). At 14 and 15 you can work up to 3 h on a school day, 16 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week. 16- and 17-year-olds also have hour limits.

- Minimum age: 14
- Work permit: required under 18
- Hours at 14–15: 3 h on a school day, 16 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week
- Hours at 16–17: limited

## Recent changes

- 2026-07-01: SHB 1121 (2025 session) lets minors in certain education programs, such as CTE worksite learning, work non-school-week hours during the school year.
- 2026-07-01: ESHB 1644 (2025 session): L&I must suspend an employer's Minor Work Permit endorsement for at least 12 months after an order of immediate restraint, or after a citation for a violation that seriously hurt or killed a minor. Suspended employers can't bid on public works. Student-learner variances now need an on-site DOSH safety consultation first. New penalties for child labor violations.

## Employers hiring at 14 here

- AMC Theatres
- McDonald's
- Chick-fil-A
- Publix
- Culver's
- Dairy Queen
- Burger King
- Hy-Vee
- Fareway
- Rita's Italian Ice
- Arby's
- Jimmy John's
- Runza
- Braum's

## Sources

- L&I – Hours of Work (updated for July 1, 2026 changes): https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/youth-employment/hours-of-work
- L&I – How to Hire Minors: https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/youth-employment/how-to-hire-minors
- L&I – Wages, Rest Breaks & Meal Periods: https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/youth-employment/wages-rest-breaks-and-meal-periods
- L&I – Hiring Youth Under Age 14: https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/youth-employment/hiring-youth-under-age-14
- L&I – FAQ: updates to child labor rules effective July 1, 2026: https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/_docs/Child-Labor-Rules-FAQs.pdf
- WA Department of Revenue – Minor Work Permit endorsement ($0 fee): https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/state-endorsements/minor-work-permit
- US DOL WHD – Selected State Child Labor Standards (non-farm), as of 2025-07-15: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/child-labor
- US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table, as of 2024-01-01 (WA: under 18, mandatory, labor department): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/age-certificates

Page: https://hiringage.com/washington/ — please cite with a link.