Can You Work at 14 in California? Laws, Restrictions, and Permits for 14- and 15-Year-Olds

Minors aged 14 can work in California, but strict federal and state labor laws limit hours, industries, and duties. Work permits are mandatory for 14- and 15-year-olds, and employment is subject to revocation if conditions are violated.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Restrictions

3. Restricted Employment

4. Work Permits

Introduction

The very first question that must be answered is: “Can you work at 14 in California?” Yes, to put it plainly. However, their working hours and the kinds of work they can perform are strictly regulated by federal laws. You should know the regulations governing minor employment if you’re a guardian/parent of a teenager who wants to earn some money on their own. You might want to see a skilled labor lawyer if you believe that your kid’s rights are getting infringed.

Restrictions

Can you work at 14 legally in California? Yes, but with restrictions. Adolescents between the ages of 14 and 15 are subject to stringent rules. They might not be able to work:

While attending school, except participating in a work-study program;
From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., excluding specific periods of the year;
Over three hours during the school day;
Over eight hours on days when school is not in session;
Over eighteen hours during a school week;
Over 40 hours during a week when there is no school.

The guideline covering “Can you work at 14 in California?” includes a few exceptions:

Once the adolescent has completed high school;
When the adolescent is exempt from mandatory school attendance;
When requirements for school have been suspended and the teen is in charge of providing for a child;
When a federal or state court orders the kid to stay home instead of going to school;
When a local school has permanently expelled the teen.

Restricted Employment

Even if the answer to “Can you work at 14?” is yes, that doesn’t mean teens can work just anywhere. In addition to hourly limitations, federal law forbids 14 and 15-year-olds from employment in several industries, such as:

Manufacturing;
Mining;
Occupations that the Secretary of Labor deems dangerous;
Work involving boiler rooms and engine rooms; maintenance or repair of power-driven equipment, including food slicers and lawnmowers;
Washing windows outside while standing on window sills;
Any task that calls for scaffolds or ladders;
Work involving the preparation of meat;
Loading and unloading goods into or out of automobiles, conveyors, or railroad cars;
Storing and warehousing;
Construction activities;
Employment as a public messenger.

Work Permits

So, can you work at 14 without a permit? No. In California, minors must get a work permit if they want to work, with very few exceptions. Having proof of age is part of that. No government agency may waive these papers, which are intended to shield children from hazardous working circumstances. They clearly outline the working hours and the precise place of the job. Both the minor’s parents and the employment supervisor must sign the permit. Permits may be revoked or denied at any time by the Labor Commissioner or school officials if they believe it is in the minor’s best interests.

Because of the rigorous limitations that have been outlined, extra caution must be used when hiring minors. These rules are intended to give both the employer and the minor worker a safe and effective working environment. Serious issues may occur when an employer fails to follow the wording of the law.

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Can You Work at 14 in California? Laws, Restrictions, and Permits for 14- and 15-Year-Olds

Introduction

Restrictions

Restricted Employment

Work Permits

Free Consultation