California Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

Does California Have Age Requirements That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, California’s child labor laws are more stringent than federal regulations. While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets 14 as the minimum age for employment, California imposes additional restrictions on the types of work and hours minors can perform. ​

What is the Legal Age to Work in California?

In California, the general minimum age for employment is 14. However, individuals under 18 must obtain a work permit to be employed. There are exceptions for certain jobs, such as entertainment, agricultural work for parents, and casual work like babysitting. ​

Are There Any Requirements or Permits for Employers to Hire Minors in California?

Yes, employers must secure a “Permit to Employ and Work” issued by the minor’s school district before hiring individuals under 18. This permit outlines the employer’s responsibilities and ensures compliance with child labor laws. ​

Are There Any Industries or Occupations That Have Different Minimum Age Requirements in California?

Yes, California law prohibits minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations, including:​

• Manufacturing or storing explosives​
• Driving a motor vehicle or working as an outside helper on motor vehicles​
• Mining operations​
• Logging and sawmilling
• Power-driven woodworking machines​
• Exposure to radioactive substances​
• Power-driven hoisting apparatus​
• Power-driven metal-forming, punching, and shearing machines​
• Meat packing or processing (including the use of power-driven meat slicing machines)​
• Power-driven bakery machines​
• Power-driven paper products machines​
• Manufacturing brick, tile, and related products​
• Power-driven circular saws, band saws, and guillotine shears
• Wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking operations
• Roofing operations and all work on or about a roof​
• Excavation operations​

Additionally, minors under 16 are restricted from performing certain tasks, such as:​

• Operating or assisting in operating power-driven machinery​
• Cooking (except at soda fountains, lunch counters, snack bars, or cafeteria serving counters)​
• Baking
• Working in freezers or meat coolers​
• Loading or unloading goods to and from trucks, railroad cars, or conveyors​
• Working in warehouses​

Are There Different Age Requirements for Employment in Cities or Municipalities Across California?

No, California’s child labor laws are enforced statewide, ensuring uniform age requirements across all cities and municipalities. ​

Does California Have Child Labor Laws That Differ from Federal Child Labor Laws?

Yes, California’s child labor laws are generally more protective than federal laws, imposing stricter regulations on the types of work minors can perform and the hours they can work. ​

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in California?

Yes, California law specifies the following work hour restrictions for minors:​

• Ages 12 and 13:
  • May work only on non-school days.​
  • Maximum of 8 hours per day.​
  • Up to 40 hours per week.​
  • Permitted work hours are between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extending to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.​

• Ages 14 and 15:
  • When school is in session:
    • Up to 3 hours on school days.
    • Up to 8 hours on non-school days.
    • Maximum of 18 hours per week.
    • Work hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

  • When school is not in session:​
    • Up to 8 hours per day.
    • Maximum of 40 hours per week.
    • Work hours between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.

• Ages 16 and 17:
  • When school is in session:​
    • Up to 4 hours on school days.
    • Up to 8 hours on non-school days or days preceding non-school days.
    • Maximum of 48 hours per week.
    • Work hours between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., extending to 12:30 a.m. on evenings preceding non-school days.
  • When school is not in session:​
    • Up to 8 hours per day.
    • Maximum of 48 hours per week.
    • Work hours between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.

Conclusion

California’s child labor laws provide comprehensive protections for minors, exceeding federal standards in many areas. With specific age, permit, and hour requirements, the state ensures that minors are employed in safe environments that do not interfere with their education. Employers must stay informed and compliant to lawfully hire minors and uphold California’s strict labor standards.