
Getting permission for a 16- and 17-year-old teen to work extra hours
If there is "good cause" why a 16- or 17-year-old teen needs to work more hours per week than shown on the chart on Hours of Work, the employer can apply for a variance of:
Up to 28 hours per week — through a Special Variance
Many 16- and 17-year-olds have a reduced school schedule or have demonstrated that they are able to work additional hours on top of their school schedule and extracurricular activities. L&I has delegated the responsibility to grant permission for a minor to work up to eight extra hours during the school week to the parents and the school.
- With a special variance, a 16- or 17-year-old teen can work up to 6 hours in a day, with a maximum of 28 hours during a school week in non-agricultural jobs if the school, business, parents, and teens agree that the extra work hours would not be detrimental to the teen's well-being, school attendance or academic performance.
- The special variance does not require approval from Labor & Industries.
- A special variance must include signatures of approval from the parent, teen, business, and the school.
- The special variance is included on page 2 of the regular Parent/School Authorization form.
- The school must verify that the employer has a valid minor work permit either verbally or by requesting a copy from the business.
- Important: The school must consider whether the student’s school schedule and school performance can allow for the specific work hours.
More than 28 hours per week — through a Regular Variance
If the extra hours provided by the special variance are not enough, the business can pursue a regular variance with L&I.
For more detail, see L&I Administrative Policy:
School
Week and Work Week for Minors (ES.C.4.1) (55 KB PDF)
For more detail, see Washington Administrative Code:
Non-agricultural
Employment of Minors (WAC 296-125)