Section 1330 of the Pennsylvania School Code allows for a 16 year old to drop out if the employment they are seeking requires a work permit. 16 - Basic minimum age for employment.Employers in Pennsylvania must stay compliant with Pennsylvania Child Labor Law when hiring employees that are under the age of 18. 16 and 17: Can work up to 8 hours on school days, 9 hours on nonschool days, and 30 hours per school week. MINORS AGES 16, 17 and Older. Minors ages 16 and older are exempt from the hour and scheduling restrictions. There are no restrictions on hours of work that a 16 or 17 year old minor may perform when school is not in session. Employers may not compel minors in this age group to work beyond 45 hours a week without the minor's permission. The general rule is that minors under 16 years of age may not be employed, except in certain occupations enumerated in the Child Labor Law. We are always looking for fun, hard working people who like getting their hands dirty.