What Is the Minimum Age to Work a Summer Job in 2026?

[Kenny]

The minimum age to work a summer job in most English-speaking countries (like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) is 14 years old, but this varies by state, province, or territory, and is subject to strict hour restrictions.

In the United States, federal law sets the general minimum age for non-agricultural employment at 14. However, many states have their own rules—some allow 12- or 13-year-olds to work in specific roles like newspaper delivery or family businesses, while others require work permits for minors. For example, California permits 14- and 15-year-olds to work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a maximum of 18 hours per week during school weeks. During summer, the limit rises to 40 hours per week.

In the United Kingdom, children can work part-time from 13 years old, but with a permit from the local council. 14- and 15-year-olds can work up to 12 hours per week during term time and 25 hours during holidays. Canada follows a similar pattern: most provinces set the minimum at 14, though some (like Alberta) allow 12-year-olds with parental consent and a permit. Australia has a national minimum of 14 years and 9 months for full-time work, but younger teens can do casual or part-time jobs with restrictions.

Key data on summer job age limits across countries:

Country	General Minimum Age	Common Summer Hour Limits (Ages 14–15)	Work Permit Required?
USA	14	Up to 8 hrs/day, 40 hrs/week	Often yes (state-dependent)
UK	13	Up to 5 hrs/day, 25 hrs/week (holidays)	Yes (local council)
Canada	14 (varies)	15–20 hrs/week (varies by province)	Yes (under 16)
Australia	14 years 9 months	Usually 12–15 hrs/week for under-15s	Yes (under 15)

Important: Even if you meet the age minimum, you still need a work permit, parental consent, and may be restricted from hazardous jobs. Employers must follow child labor laws, and penalties for violations can be steep. For teens, summer jobs are a great way to build soft skills, earn money, and gain early career exposure—but safety and legality come first. Always check your local labor department’s website before applying.

[CoraLee]

I started working my first summer job when I was 14, bagging groceries at a local store. That was the minimum age allowed in my state (Texas) back then, and it still is in 2026. But I remember my friend in New York couldn’t start until 15 because of stricter state rules. The key takeaway: check your local laws, not just the federal standard. Some states even let 12-year-olds do farm work or babysitting. So if you’re 13, don’t assume you’re out of luck—look into jobs like pet sitting or lawn mowing, which often have different rules.

[RachelLee]

In the UK, you can legally do a summer job at 13 with a work permit from your local council. I did newspaper rounds at 13 and later worked at a café at 15. The permits are easy to get—your employer just fills out a form. But be aware: 13-year-olds can only work 2 hours on school days and 5 hours on Saturdays, with a maximum of 25 hours per week during school holidays. It’s not a lot, but it’s a great start for building responsibility.

[OAustin]

I’m a parent, and I always tell my kids: 14 is the sweet spot for summer jobs in most places. My daughter started at a local ice cream shop at 14, and she could work 8-hour shifts but only during summer break. The rules around hours are strict—no more than 40 hours a week, and no late nights. It’s all about protecting their education and health. I’d recommend checking your state’s labor board website for exact details. Some states even require a parent-signed consent form.

[MacElliana]

From a recruitment perspective, the minimum age for summer jobs is 14 in the US, but many employers prefer 16+ because of insurance and liability. I’ve seen companies hire 14-year-olds for roles like cart retrieval or office filing, but they have to follow strict hour limits—no more than 3 hours on a school day, even in summer. If you’re 15, you’re more competitive. My advice: don’t just look at the age—consider the job type. Lifeguarding often requires being 15 or 16, while retail may accept 14-year-olds with a permit.