As an employment law attorney at Sha California Law Group, I often receive questions about the legal working age in California. It’s a crucial topic for both young people eager to enter the workforce and employers looking to hire them. While the general answer is 14 years old, the specifics can be more nuanced, depending on the type of job and the number of hours involved. Let’s delve deeper into California’s child labor laws.
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The General Rule: 14 is the Starting Point
Generally speaking, in California, the legal age to begin working most jobs is 14 years old. However, the state recognizes that certain types of work may be suitable for younger individuals under specific conditions.
Exceptions for Younger Workers (Under 14)
California law makes exceptions for children under the age of 14 to participate in certain limited roles, primarily within the entertainment industry. This includes:
- Acting: Whether in film, television, or theater productions.
- Modeling: For various types of commercial or artistic projects.
- Rodeo: Participating in specific rodeo events.
For these types of jobs, strict regulations and work permits are required to ensure the child’s safety, well-being, and education are not compromised. These permits often involve limitations on working hours, the presence of a parent or guardian, and provisions for on-set schooling if necessary.
Interestingly, there are also a few specific types of jobs that minors under 14 can perform without any work permits:
- Yard work: Such as mowing lawns or raking leaves in a residential setting.
- Babysitting: Providing care for children on an occasional basis.
- Family Farms: Working on a farm owned or operated by their parents or guardians (with some limitations on hazardous tasks).
- Newspaper delivery: Delivering newspapers to homes or businesses.
Work Permits and Restrictions for Minors (Ages 14-17)
For most other jobs beyond these exceptions, minors aged 14 and older are generally required to obtain a work permit (also known as a “permit to employ and work”). This permit is typically issued by their school and signifies that their employment will not negatively impact their education.
The number of hours minors can work is also restricted to protect their schooling and well-being:
14 and 15-year-olds:
- School Days: Limited to a maximum of 3 hours of work outside of school hours.
- School Weeks: Limited to a maximum of 18 hours per week during the school year.
- Non-School Days: Can work up to 8 hours per day.
- Non-School Weeks: Can work up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session (e.g., summer break).
16 and 17-year-olds: While they have fewer restrictions than younger teens, there are still limitations:
- They generally cannot work past 10 p.m. on nights before a school day.
- There may still be limitations on the total number of hours they can work per week while school is in session, although these are less stringent than for 14 and 15-year-olds.
Prohibited Hazardous Work for Minors (Under 18)
Regardless of age, no one under the age of 18 is permitted to work in jobs deemed hazardous by California law. This is to safeguard young workers from dangerous conditions and potential injuries. Examples of prohibited hazardous occupations include:
- Roofing
- Manufacturing (in many capacities)
- Most jobs involving dangerous machinery, such as certain power-driven equipment.
- Specifically, in the food industry, this can include operating or cleaning dough and batter mixers commonly found in professional bakeries.
Consequences for Employers Violating Child Labor Laws
Employers in California must strictly adhere to these child labor regulations. Violations can lead to severe penalties, including significant fines ranging between $500 and $10,000 per violation. These penalties underscore the state’s commitment to protecting young workers.
Protecting Young Workers: Your Rights Matter
If you believe that your child has been subjected to illegal working conditions or other labor law violations in California, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek legal guidance. At Sha California Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of all workers, including minors.
We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. Contact us immediately at 877 SUE MY BOSS (877-783-6926).
Understanding California’s child labor laws is essential for ensuring the safety, well-being, and educational opportunities of young people in the workforce. By being informed, both young workers and their families can help prevent exploitation and ensure compliance with the law.
