Can 14 to 17-Year-Olds Work in Oregon?
April 08, 2026Fourteen to 17-year-olds can work and take paid internship positions in offices, stores, restaurants, hotels, carwashes, service stations, theaters, amusement parks, parks, yards, nursing homes, hospitals, daycare centers, kennels, and farms.
14- and 15-year-olds can work:
When school is in session:
- Three hours per day on school days
- Eight hours per day on non-school days
- 18 hours per week maximum
- Only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Working is not allowed during school hours
When school is not in session:
- Eight hours per day
- 40 hours per week maximum
- From June 1 through Labor Day: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
16- and 17-year-olds can work any time of year, any hours, and with no daily restrictions. They can also work up to 44 hours per week.
Employees must be paid the minimum wage for all hours worked. Some employees must be paid time-and-a-half the regular rate of pay for any time worked over 40 hours a week. Door-to-door sales are not subject to minimum wage law. Non-profit youth camps are not subject to the minimum wage or overtime laws.
For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/boli/employers/pages/minor-workers.aspx.
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This article is from the Oregon Careers magazine. Oregon Careers publications are aimed at the career planning needs of students. They contain information about how to select and prepare for a career.
Oregon Careers 2026 is currently available in English and Spanish. Order print magazines for your classroom today.
An activity guide for using Oregon Careers 2026 in the classroom is also in the Careers box at www.QualityInfo.org/pubs.
Topics covered in Oregon Careers 2026 include career planning and preparation, education beyond high school, and job search and resume creation. It also includes a career guide and additional resources.
