California Child Labor Laws

Child labor laws had their origin in California during the late 1800’s in the field of agriculture.  With California being a major base for the entertainment industry, California has more legislation regarding minors working in the entertainment than other states.  Youth 15-18 must have a specific work permit for the entertainment industry while employers in this field and all other fields must have a permit to employ from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

Child Labor Laws in California For Minors Under 14​

Currently, the California Child Labor Law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working because of the importance of protecting their physical, mental, and emotional development.  California does allow 12 and 13 year olds to work certain jobs on non-school days, including holidays, vacations, and weekends.  They are generally prohibited from working before, after, or during the school day.  12-13 year olds are permitted to do casual work, such as babysitting, yard work, and lawn mowing privately, and may be news carriers and deliver newspapers.  Those 12-13 may work only on non-school days, up to 8 hours per day, and 40 hours per week.  Minors under the age of 12 are prohibited from working.  Child labor restrictions do not apply to parents or legal guardians whose children work for them on property they own or operate.

Child Labor Laws in California For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Minors 14-15 may work in certain jobs but not ones considered hazardous.  This includes selling alcohol, operating dangerous machinery with mowers or cutters, or performing office work for companies involved in the construction or transportation of aircrafts, vessels, automobiles, and trains.  Those in this age group must obtain a work permit from the local school district prior to beginning a job to be filled out by the student and the employer.  They need to have completed the seventh grade to work during the school year with the permit varying due to the health and academic needs of the youth.  Minors 14-15 who are involved in learning activities may or may not be included under child labor laws depending on the nature of the learning experience.  Child labor restrictions do not apply to parents or legal guardians whose children work for them on property they own or operate.

The laws outline the restrictions for this age group, including,

When public school is in session:

  • No more than three hours on school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No work during school hours
  • Not earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
  • No more than eight hours per day on non-school days

When public school is not in session:

  • Not earlier than 7am and later than 7pm
  • No more than eight hours per day
  • No more than 40 hours per week from June 1 to Labor Day

Child Labor Laws in California For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a variety of jobs but not ones considered too dangerous.   Those 16-17 may not serve or sell alcohol, use power equipment, or work in demolition or roofing.  School dropouts remain subject to the provisions of the Child Labor Law.  Child labor restrictions do not apply to parents or legal guardians whose children work for them on property they own or operate.  The Child Labor Law details the guidelines, including,

When public school is in session:

  • A maximum of four hours per day on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • Not earlier than 5am and later than 10pm
  • A maximum of 48 hours per week
  • With the Labor Commissioner exception, may work up to 10 hours per day on non-school days in an agricultural packing shed in the peak harvest season

When public school is not in session:

  • A maximum of eight hours per day
  • Not earlier than 5am and later than 10pm
  • A maximum of 48 hours per week
  • With the Labor Commissioner exception, may work up to 10 hours per day in an agricultural packing shed in the peak harvest season