Balancing school, homework, and a part-time job can be challenging! Many teens feel like they need to prioritize making money to sustain themselves and their families rather than going to class.

If you're 16 and living in Ohio, you might be wondering just how many hours you can legally work while still keeping up with school. In this blog, we’ll break down Ohio's work-hour limits for teens during the school year so you can stay informed and make the most of your time!

Ohio’s Labor Laws for 16-Year-Olds

Work Hour Restrictions 

Ohio places specific restrictions on how many hours a 16-year-old can work in Ohio during the school year to ensure that students prioritize their education. The laws are designed to balance work and school, limiting the hours a teen can work so they can still focus on their studies. For instance, 16-year-olds are allowed to work up to 18 hours per week during a school week, with daily restrictions in place to protect their well-being.

These laws also regulate when teens can work, typically limiting shifts to after school and ensuring they aren’t working too late on school nights. These regulations safeguard a teen’s physical health, mental well-being, and academic success.

During the School Year

In Ohio, minors under 16 can work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on school days, but no more than 3 hours per day. When school is in session, they’re limited to 18 hours of work per week, with a maximum of 8 hours on non-school days. When school is out, they can work up to 48 hours a week. Minors aged 16 and 17 have more flexibility, with permission to work before 7 a.m. or 6 a.m. if they didn’t work past 8 p.m. the night before. They can also work past 11 p.m. on nights before school days. These restrictions are put in place to prevent exhaustion and ensure they are well-rested for their academic responsibilities, along with keeping students from overcommitting to jobs while they are required to attend school.

During Breaks and Holidays

During school breaks, holidays, and summer vacations, Ohio allows 16-year-olds to work longer hours. Teens can work up to 8 hours per day and up to 40 hours per week, giving them the opportunity to earn more income while school is not in session. This flexibility provides teens with more freedom to focus on work during times when they don’t have school commitments.

Work and Get High School Done with Career Prep

Career Prep High School offers a unique approach to high school by allowing students to create their own schedules.

However slowly or quickly you want to get through your high school classes, we will work with you! We can accommodate your need to work or see to other responsibilities. Our school can offer flexible hours, assistance with transportation, and many resources for students with difficult or unique circumstances. Best of all, it’s all free.  

This flexibility is especially beneficial for students who need to balance school with work. Students can adjust their class times to fit around their work shifts, ensuring they don’t have to choose between earning money and staying on top of their education. Whether it’s a part-time job after school or working on weekends, Career Prep’s model ensures that students can meet both academic and employment commitments without sacrificing one for the other.

We provide tools and guidance to help working students stay on track with their coursework, offering many kinds of academic support. The school also encourages students to gain valuable work experience, and understands the importance of building professional skills while in school. With Career Prep’s flexible and supportive approach, students can gain real-world experience so that they get the best job possible right out of high school. 

Enroll in Career Prep Today

If you’re a student who needs this type of flexibility, Career Prep is the place for you! We are a free charter school that prioritizes our students getting their requirements completed to receive a high school diploma. We are able to work with your unique needs and schedule to ensure that you hit all your requirements, no matter how fast or slow you need to take it. To learn more about the school, follow this link.

Benefits of Combining Work and School

Far from competing with the school, we believe that having a job while going to school can offer a valuable head start in students’ careers.

Working while attending school offers students benefits that extend beyond the classroom. One of the key advantages is gaining professional experience. By holding a job, students learn how to navigate the workplace, develop essential skills like communication, time management, and teamwork, and build a strong work ethic. These real-world skills are highly transferable and can give students a head start when they enter the workforce full-time after graduation.

In addition to experience, working also teaches students responsibility. Balancing schoolwork with job duties requires organization and prioritization, which helps students to become more disciplined and independent. This balance helps students manage their time more effectively and gain a skill that will serve them well in both their academic and professional careers.

Earning an income is another significant benefit. Not only does it provide financial independence, but it also allows students to contribute to their personal and family expenses. This can give students a sense of accomplishment and confidence as they take on more responsibilities. Overall, the combination of school and work helps prepare students for life after graduation, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers.

Long-Term Career Growth

Career Prep High School is dedicated to preparing students for long-term career success by offering flexibility and tailored educational pathways. Students are not only able to create schedules that allow them to balance work and school, but they also have access to career-focused opportunities that set them up for future success.

Career Prep offers various certification programs in fields like healthcare, technology, and business, which align with industry demands and students' career goals. These certifications provide students with specialized skills and qualifications, giving them a competitive edge in the job market right out of high school.

This approach allows students to explore different career paths and develop expertise in their chosen fields while completing their high school education. By offering this blend of academic flexibility and practical certification opportunities, Career Prep helps students build a strong foundation for their future careers.

Students can graduate with not just a diploma, but also valuable credentials that open doors to higher-paying jobs or further education. Career Prep’s emphasis on workforce readiness ensures that students are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and qualifications they need to thrive in their chosen career paths.