The legal working age in California is generally 14, but the employment of minors is heavily regulated by state and federal child labor laws. These laws prioritize a minor’s education, health, and safety, placing strict limitations on the types of jobs and the number of hours they can work. Understanding these specific regulations, which govern mandatory permits and time restrictions, is important for young people seeking their first job and the employers who hire them. This approach ensures work experience is valuable without compromising academic obligations or well-being.
Legal Eligibility and Necessary Permits
A 14-year-old seeking employment in California must first obtain a mandatory work permit. With few exceptions, any minor under the age of 18 who has not graduated from high school must obtain a Permit to Employ and Work before starting a job. This requirement is established under the California Education Code, granting authority to school officials to issue these permits.
The process begins with the minor and their potential employer completing Form CDE B1-1, officially titled the “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit–Certificate of Age.” This form requires the signature of a parent or legal guardian to show consent. It is then submitted to the minor’s school district, where an authorized official reviews the request, often checking the student’s academic standing and attendance.
If approved, the school district issues the official “Permit to Employ and Work” (CDE B1-4). This document details the exact job duties, location of employment, and the maximum hours the minor is allowed to work daily and weekly. The employer must maintain a copy of this permit at the work site for inspection by state officials. Work permits are not permanent; they typically expire five days after the start of the next school year, requiring annual renewal.
Strict Limitations on Work Hours
The hours a 14-year-old can work are restricted by California Labor Code Section 1391, with separate rules for the school year versus non-school periods. During the school session, a minor 14 or 15 years old may not work more than three hours on any school day. The weekly limit while school is in session is 18 hours.
Minors are prohibited from working during school hours unless enrolled in a school-supervised work experience or career exploration program. On non-school days, such as weekends and holidays, the daily limit extends to eight hours. The work day must be scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for most of the year.
During school vacations, including summer break, the hourly restrictions are significantly eased. Minors aged 14 or 15 can work up to eight hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week. The evening restriction is also temporarily extended during the summer months, allowing work until 9:00 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day.
Restricted and Prohibited Occupations
Federal and state laws strictly limit the types of jobs a 14-year-old can perform, excluding any occupation deemed hazardous or detrimental to their well-being. These restrictions prohibit employment in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and construction. Minors are also barred from roles involving the operation of power-driven machinery, including meat slicers, bakery machinery, and certain food-processing equipment.
Specific job duties are prohibited regardless of the industry, such as working from ladders or scaffolds, or performing occupations related to boiler or engine rooms. Any work involving exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances is forbidden. The intent is to keep young workers out of physically demanding or inherently unsafe environments.
Acceptable work for 14-year-olds is generally limited to non-hazardous, light-duty roles, most often in retail, office, or food service environments. Permitted work includes bagging groceries, stocking shelves, performing clerical office tasks, and working as a cashier. In food service, minors may perform cooking duties, provided they are in plain sight of customers and cooking is not their sole assigned duty.
Wage and Labor Protections for Minors
Minors in California are entitled to the same labor rights and protections as adult workers, including minimum wage, rest periods, and a safe work environment. While federal law allows a lower “opportunity wage,” California law generally requires employers to pay the state’s full minimum wage. A specific provision allows employers to pay a “learner” rate, which must be no less than 85% of the minimum wage, for the first 160 hours of work for an employee new to that job.
California law mandates specific meal and rest breaks for minors to ensure their health and safety during their shift. A 14-year-old who works a shift exceeding five hours is entitled to an unpaid 30-minute meal break. A paid 10-minute rest break must be provided for every four hours worked, or major fraction thereof.
Employers face significant penalties for violating these labor standards and must maintain a safe working environment consistent with adult worker protections. The state’s rigorous enforcement of these rules protects against exploitation and injury, reinforcing the priority of the minor’s well-being. This legal framework ensures a young person’s introduction to the workforce is safe and beneficial.