Working in California at age 14: What You Need to Know
California maintains comprehensive regulations regarding minor employment, prioritizing a student’s education and well-being. A 14-year-old seeking employment must understand that stringent child labor laws govern the types of work permitted and the exact hours they can be scheduled. Navigating these legal requirements is paramount for both the minor and the prospective employer before work begins. This preparation involves understanding a multi-step authorization process to ensure compliance with state protective measures.
Getting Your Work Permit
The first step for any minor under 18 is obtaining a “Permit to Employ and Work,” commonly called a work permit. This mandatory permit is issued by the school district and confirms that employment will not interfere with schooling. The process begins when the student secures a job offer and obtains a “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit” form from their school.
The form, sometimes called a B1-1, requires completion by the student, the employer, and the parent or guardian, confirming agreement to the terms of employment. The completed form is returned to the school’s authorized official, who checks for adherence to the Labor Code and educational requirements before issuing the final permit. The employer must possess a valid copy before the minor legally begins work. Permits issued during the school year typically expire five days after the start of the next school year and must be renewed then or upon starting a new job.
Types of Jobs Legally Available
Fourteen-year-olds are restricted to non-hazardous, non-industrial occupations outside of manufacturing, mining, and construction. The law focuses on the work environment, allowing minors to perform light tasks that do not involve dangerous machinery or activities. Permitted roles are typically found in service-oriented businesses and non-manufacturing settings.
Retail and Service Roles
Many entry-level positions in retail stores and service businesses are suitable for 14-year-olds. Tasks include bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and general cleaning. Allowed service roles also include tutoring younger students, performing light yard work for private residences, or working as an office assistant. These positions focus on customer service and manual tasks that do not require the operation of power-driven equipment.
Office and Clerical Work
Office environments often provide permissible work opportunities, such as filing, organizing documents, and performing basic data entry tasks. These clerical roles involve non-hazardous duties and allow minors to gain experience in a professional setting. Operating standard office machines like computers, copiers, and fax machines is permitted, as they are not classified as dangerous power-driven machinery.
Food Service and Restaurant Roles
Restaurants and food service establishments frequently hire 14-year-olds for specific front-of-house and non-cooking functions. Permitted duties include working as a host or hostess, waiting tables, bussing, preparing and serving food at a counter, and general cleaning. Minors are strictly prohibited from operating certain equipment, such as meat slicers, dough mixers, or powered fryers.
Specific Exemptions
Limited exemptions exist for certain types of employment, such as working for a parent or guardian. Parents may employ their minor children in domestic labor on premises they own or operate, or in agriculture, provided the work is non-hazardous. Irregular odd jobs like babysitting or performing occasional yard work at private residences do not require a formal work permit.
Jobs That Are Strictly Prohibited
Federal and state laws strictly prohibit 14-year-olds from employment in occupations deemed hazardous or detrimental to their health and safety. The most common restriction bars minors from working in manufacturing, mining, and most construction jobs.
Minors are not permitted to operate or assist in operating any power-driven machinery, including forklifts, woodworking equipment, meat slicers, or heavy hoisting apparatus. They are also barred from working in environments that expose them to toxic substances or involve heavy lifting beyond their capacity. Workplaces involving explosives, logging, roofing, or excavation are entirely off-limits.
Strict Limits on Working Hours
California law imposes precise restrictions on the hours a 14-year-old may be employed, fluctuating based on whether school is in session. A minor may work a maximum of three hours on any school day. During the school week, the total hours worked cannot exceed 18, and all work must be scheduled between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
These limits change when school is not in session, such as during weekends, holidays, or summer vacation. On non-school days, the minor can work up to eight hours per day, with a weekly maximum of 40 hours. The evening curfew is extended during the summer months, specifically from June 1 through Labor Day, allowing employment until 9 p.m.
Understanding Pay and Employee Rights
Minors employed in California are entitled to the same minimum wage protections as adult employees; the state does not have a separate sub-minimum wage for young workers. Effective January 1, 2025, the statewide minimum wage is set at \$16.50 per hour for all employers. Many cities and counties require a higher local rate, and employers must always pay the highest applicable minimum wage.
Fourteen-year-olds are also guaranteed fundamental labor rights, including mandated rest and meal periods. For a shift lasting more than five hours, an employee is entitled to a 30-minute meal break. A rest period of at least ten minutes is required for every four hours worked. The law also protects minors from discrimination and harassment, ensuring a safe and equitable work environment.
Practical Steps for Finding and Applying for a Job
Securing employment begins with creating a basic resume that highlights academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and volunteer work to demonstrate responsibility. Since 14-year-olds have limited professional experience, the resume should focus on transferable skills like organization, communication, and punctuality. The next step involves identifying local businesses known to hire young people, such as independent retail shops, neighborhood restaurants, or small offices.
The application process should involve practicing interview etiquette, focusing on clear communication and enthusiasm. When approaching an employer, the minor should be prepared to discuss the specific hours they are legally available to work. They should also mention they are prepared to submit the work permit documentation immediately upon being hired.