If you’re a high school student planning to work in the US, you’re probably wondering: How many hours can I work? Will it affect my studies? Are there any restrictions for international students?
Balancing work and school can be challenging, but having a part-time job helps with extra income, gaining experience, and building skills. However, there are strict laws on how many hours you can work, depending on your age, visa status, and whether school is in session.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about how many hours a high school student can work in the US and how to manage it effectively.
Table of contents
- Legal Work Hours for High School Students in the US
- General Work Hour Limits Under US Law
- How Many Hours Can a High School Student Work in the US After School?
- How Many Hours Can International Students Work in the USA?
- How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work While in School?
- Best Jobs for High School Students in the US
- Tips for Balancing Work and School in the US
- State-Specific Work Hour Rules for High School Students
- FAQs
Legal Work Hours for High School Students in the US
If you’re a high school student looking for a job, you might be wondering, “How many hours can I legally work?” The answer depends on your age, state laws, and whether school is in session.
In general, students under 16 years old have stricter work limits, while 16- and 17-year-olds have more flexibility. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal rules, but some states have their laws. Check out the legal work hours for students in the US-
| Age Group | School In Session? | Hours Per Day | Hours Per Week | Days Per Week |
| Under 16 (14 & 15) | Yes | Generally Not Permitted | Generally Not Permitted | Generally Not Permitted |
| Under 16 (14 & 15) | No | 8 | 40 | Varies |
| 16 & 17 | Yes | (Consult Specific Regulations) | (Consult Specific Regulations) | (Consult Specific Regulations) |
| 16 & 17 | No | 8 | 48 | 6 |
General Work Hour Limits Under US Law
If you’re a student looking to work in the U.S., it’s important to know the legal limits on work hours. These rules vary based on age and whether school is in session. Understanding these limits helps you stay compliant with the law while earning extra income. Here’s a quick breakdown of the work-hour limits for students in the U.S.
| Age Group | School Days (Mon-Fri) | Non-School Days (Weekends, Holidays, Summer) | Maximum Weekly Hours |
| 14-15 Years | Up to 3 hours per day | Up to 8 hours per day | 18 hours (school weeks) / 40 hours (non-school weeks) |
| 16-17 Years | No federal daily limit, but must not interfere with school | No restrictions | No federal limit, but state laws may apply |
Important Notes:
- 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work before 7 AM or after 7 PM (extended to 9 PM in summer).
- 16- and 17-year-olds have fewer restrictions, but some states may have limits.
- Some jobs (like hazardous work) are not allowed for minors under federal law.
Also Read:
- International Students Working Hours: What You Need to Know
- Can International Students Work More than 40 Hours in Canada: A Detailed Guide
How Many Hours Can a High School Student Work in the US After School?
Balancing school and a part-time job? Good news—you can work after school, but the rules depend on your age!
If you’re under 16
- You can only work after school hours.
- Max 3 hours per day on school days.
- Max 18 hours per week during school weeks.
- No work during school hours!
If you’re 16 or 17
- No federal daily limit on work hours.
- But some schools or states might set their own restrictions.
- You can’t work in hazardous jobs (like construction).
Pro Tip: Each state has its own labour laws. In states like California and New York, stricter rules apply, so always check before taking up a job!
How Many Hours Can International Students Work in the USA?
If you’re planning to study in the USA, you might be wondering: how many hours can international students work in the USA? Managing expenses as a student is important, and many flexible jobs for students can help cover daily costs.
However, the U.S. government has strict rules on student employment, especially for those on an F-1 visa. Here’s what you need to know:
On-Campus Work for International Students
Allowed: Yes
During School Term: Up to 20 hours per week
During Breaks (Summer/Winter/Spring): Up to 40 hours per week
Where? On-campus jobs like:
- Library assistant
- Cafeteria worker
- Research or teaching assistant
- Administrative office work
Tip: Finding an on-campus job early is key, as positions fill up fast!
Off-Campus Work for International Students
- Generally NOT allowed for F-1 high school students.
- Possible in Special Cases: You may work off-campus only if you get a work permit under:
- Severe Economic Hardship – If you can prove financial difficulty, USCIS may grant permission.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – For university students, CPT allows paid internships related to your course.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) – After graduation, you can work for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM students).
Important: If you’re a high school student, you CANNOT apply for CPT or OPT. Your options are very limited compared to college students.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work While in School?
If you’re 16 and looking for a job while studying, you might wonder how many hours you’re allowed to work. In most countries, labour laws set limits to ensure students can balance school and work. In the U.S., 16-year-olds can work up to 18 hours per week during school days and up to 40 hours during breaks.
In the UK, the limit is 12 hours per week during school and 35 hours during holidays. However, rules vary by country and state, so always check local labour laws before applying for a job.
If you’re 16 or 17, you have more flexibility,
- There’s no federal cap on how many hours you can work per week.
- But work hours should not interfere with school.
- Some states still limit work hours (e.g., California caps it at 48 hours per week).
Also Read:
- Work and Travel Australia: Working Holiday in Australia
- Flexible Jobs for Students: Working while Studying
Best Jobs for High School Students in the US
Finding a good part-time job can help you earn money and gain experience. They help you to keep some savings for you as well as in skill building. Here are some of the best part-time jobs for high school students:
| Job Type | Average Hourly Pay (USD) | Best for |
| Fast Food Worker | USD 12 – USD 15 | Flexible shifts, easy to start |
| Retail Cashier | USD 13 – USD 16 | Customer service experience |
| Tutor | USD 15 – USD 25 | Strong academic skills |
| Babysitter | USD 15 – USD 20 | Responsible students |
| Grocery Store Worker | USD 14 – USD 18 | Stocking, cashier work |
| Lifeguard | USD 15 – USD 20 | Requires certification |
Tips for Balancing Work and School in the US
Balancing work and school can be challenging, but with effective time management and planning, you can make it work. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your studies while earning money:
- Prioritize Your Studies: Always put school first. Don’t let your job interfere with your academic performance. Avoid working late shifts the night before exams or major assignments.
- Plan Your Work Schedule Wisely: Schedule more work hours on weekends or during school holidays when you have more free time. During exam periods, cut back on hours to focus on your studies.
- Know Your Rights as a Student Worker: Remember, your employer can’t force you to work more hours than the legal limit. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your employer or school advisor for support.
- Stay Organized with a Planner: Use a planner or digital calendar to track both school deadlines and work shifts. This helps you plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.
- Make Time for Yourself: Balance is key. Make sure to take breaks and engage in activities that help you relax, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Maintaining your mental health is just as important as your work and studies.
State-Specific Work Hour Rules for High School Students
In the United States, while federal law sets the minimum standards for work hours for high school students, some states have stricter regulations. Students need to be aware of these state-specific rules to avoid any legal issues and ensure they are balancing work with school properly. Here are some examples of state-specific work-hour rules for minors:
| State | Work Hour Limits for Minors |
| California | Max 4 hours per day on school days, 8 hours on weekends |
| New York | No work after 10 PM for under 18s |
| Texas | 14-15-year-olds can’t work after 7 PM on school nights |
| Florida | 15-year-olds can work up to 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on weekends |
| Michigan | Max 6 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days |
| Georgia | No work after 9 PM for minors under 16 during school weeks |
| Ohio | Max 3 hours on school days for 14-15-year-olds, 8 hours on weekends |
| Pennsylvania | No work before 7 AM or after 9 PM for 14-15-year-olds during school week |
| Illinois | 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days |
Working part-time as a high school student in the US can be a great experience, but it’s important to follow the legal work-hour limits. Before taking a job, check your state laws, choose a flexible work schedule, and make sure your studies come first.
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FAQs
High school students are typically allowed to work up to 18 hours per week during the school year in the US. However, this may vary by state, so it’s important to check local labour laws for specific regulations.
Yes, high school students can work up to 40 hours per week during the summer when school is not in session. This is the maximum allowed for minors under federal law.
The total number of hours a high school student can work on weekends depends on their school schedule and state laws. During the school year, the general limit is 18 hours per week, but weekends can be used to help meet this total.
In general, high school students are not allowed to work overnight shifts. The maximum hours allowed during the school year are from 7 AM to 7 PM, and they cannot work late hours unless it’s summer or school is not in session.
Yes, high school students in the US have restrictions on the type of work they can do. They cannot work in hazardous jobs such as construction or manufacturing. Safe options include retail, food service, and tutoring.
Yes, a 16-year-old high school student can work up to 40 hours per week during the summer when school is out. However, during the school year, the limit is generally 18 hours per week.
In some cases, there may be exceptions for high school students to work more hours, such as during school breaks or with parental consent. However, the general rule is limited hours to ensure academic focus.
No, high school students cannot work more than 18 hours per week during the school year, even with parental consent. This is a federal guideline to balance work and education.
During school holidays, high school students can work up to 40 hours per week. This includes holiday periods such as winter and spring breaks when school is not in session.
Yes, high school students can work after school hours, but they must stay within the limit of 18 hours per week during the school year. This includes evening shifts after school.
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