July 28, 2025

Employment Law

How Old Do You Have To Be To Work in Chicago?

For teens in Chicago who want to enter the workforce, understanding child labor laws is the first crucial step. Many families ask, “How old do you have to be to work in Chicago?” Both Federal labor laws and Illinois state labor laws (specific to Chicago) dictate when, where, and how young people can work.

As a Chicago employment lawyer, Wanta Thome PLC provides this article to give teens and their families an overview of the age requirements to work in Chicago.

Age-Specific Requirements and Restrictions

The legal working age in Chicago, like the rest of Illinois, is primarily governed by the Illinois Child Labor Law. It’s important to note that when federal labor laws and state laws differ, the law that offers the most protection to teen workers always applies. Below are some age milestones to be aware of.

14 years old: This is the minimum age for many non-hazardous jobs. If you are 14 years old, you can begin seeking employment in a variety of non-hazardous occupations. Permitted jobs typically include:

• Retail sales (restrictions apply to handling certain products like alcohol or tobacco)
• Food service (other than handling/serving alcohol, and with certain restrictions on equipment use)
• Office work and clerical tasks
• Some light agricultural work
• Yard work (for private residences)
• Newspaper delivery
• Performing in entertainment (with specific regulations and trust fund requirements)

However, restrictions apply to the hours teens ages 14 and 15 can work:

• During School Weeks: You can work a maximum of 3 hours per day and no more than 18 hours per week. Combined school and work hours cannot exceed 8 hours in any single day.
• During Non-School Weeks (Summer vacation, Holidays): You can work up to 8 hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
• Time Restrictions: Generally, work is allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Labor Day until June 1. From June 1 until Labor Day, these hours extend to 9 p.m.
• Meal Breaks: A 30-minute meal period is required after 5 consecutive hours of work.

Crucially, a 14-year-old must have a work permit (a Certificate of Eligibility for Employment). This permit ensures that working will not negatively impact the minor’s health, welfare, or education.

16 years old: You can work in most non-hazardous jobs. Once you turn 16, the restrictions on working hours and types of jobs significantly loosen. Generally, the hourly restrictions enforced for minors who are 14 or 15 no longer apply. However, certain limitations still exist, primarily concerning hazardous occupations.

18 years old: You can work in any job. At this age, you are legally considered an adult in the workplace, and all child labor law restrictions, both Federal labor laws and Illinois state labor laws (specific to Chicago), no longer apply.

The Process of Obtaining a Work Permit in Illinois/Chicago

Young people under 16 must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. The process involves several steps and requires cooperation between the minor, their parent/guardian, and the prospective employer. It also requires school involvement.

To begin with, families need to know where to get the permit. Work permits are typically issued by the superintendent of schools or their authorized employees in the minor’s school district. To get a work permit, you need the required documentation:

• Letter of Intent to Hire: This is a crucial document from your prospective employer stating the details of your employment.
• Proof of Age: An original birth certificate is preferred. Other acceptable documents may include a baptismal certificate, passport, or notice of birth registration.
• Social Security Card: This must be the original card.
• Parent/Guardian Identification: A state ID or valid driver’s license of the parent or guardian is required.
• Parental Approval: This is a signed written statement from the parent or guardian approving the minor’s employment.
• Medical Statement: This is a signed physician’s statement, on letterhead or with a stamp, indicating that based on an examination within the last year, the child is physically fit for the intended employment.
• Principal’s Statement: During the school year, a signed statement from your school principal on school letterhead verifying your active enrollment and good academic standing is needed. This requirement is often waived during the summer months if the minor will not be working during the school year.
• Child Performer Trust Account (for the entertainment industry): If you are applying for a performing, acting, or modeling work permit, proof of a Coogan or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) blocked trust account is required.

Specific Industry Variations

While general rules apply, specific industries have unique age requirements and restrictions.

• Restaurants and Food Service: While teens can work in restaurants at age 14, they are strictly prohibited from handling or serving alcohol. Minors under 16 cannot operate or clean power-driven food slicers or meat processing machines or engage in hot cooking or baking beyond limited duties.
• Retail: While 14 and 15-year-olds can work in retail, they cannot handle or have access to goods that are illegal for minors to purchase or possess, such as tobacco or age-restricted magazines. Retail establishments selling tobacco products in Illinois are subject to a statewide minimum age of 21 for sales.
• Entertainment (acting, modeling): Illinois law has specific provisions for child performers. For instance, minors as young as 15 days old can work in certain entertainment capacities, with strict limitations on work hours and required rest periods. A trust fund (Coogan Account) is mandatory for performers under 16.
• Construction: Generally, teens under 16 are prohibited from working on actual construction sites, limiting them to office or sales work within the industry. At 16 years old, you are eligible to work in certain construction roles, but with limitations on specific hazardous tasks or operating heavy machinery.
• Hazardous Work: Both Federal labor laws and Illinois state labor laws (specific to Chicago) strictly prohibit minors from engaging in hazardous occupations.

Tips for Young Job Seekers in Chicago

Entering the job market as a teen can be exciting but complicated. Here are some tips for young job seekers in Chicago:

• Understand Labor Laws: Before you begin looking for a job, make sure you understand the labor laws that apply to your age group. That starts with being able to answer the critical question, “How old do you have to be to work in Chicago?”
• How to Find Age-Appropriate Jobs: Focus on industries and roles known to hire young workers. Retail, food service (with the alcohol restrictions noted), summer camps, movie theaters, and certain office roles are good starting points.
• Creating a Resume: Even without extensive work experience, you can create a resume. Highlight your education, any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any special skills (e.g., computer proficiency, language skills, strong communication).
• Preparing for Interviews: Research the company beforehand to understand what they do. Dress appropriately (one level above the expected dress code for the job). Maintaining eye contact, sitting up straight, and other positive body language can make a positive impression.
• Importance of School Attendance: Your employment should never interfere with your school attendance or academic performance. Employers are legally obligated to respect school hours and cannot employ minors during the hours they are required to be in school.
• Importance of Parental or Guardian Involvement: For minors, particularly those under 16, parental or guardian involvement is crucial. They will need to sign off on your work permit application and can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
• How to Handle Workplace Issues: If you encounter any issues in the workplace, such as concerns about hours, safety, or pay, it’s important to address them. First, try to communicate with your supervisor or employer. If the issue persists, you can contact the Illinois Department of Labor through a hotline specifically for child labor law inquiries.

Child labor laws can be confusing. If you believe an employer is violating them regarding your employment, a Chicago employment lawyer at Wanta Thome PLC is here for you. Contact us for a Free Consultation.