Can my 12-year-old get a job in California? What state law says about kids working
Is your teenager looking to earn some extra cash this summer?
Whether it’s babysitting, bagging groceries or working at a local grocery store, California has rules governing when and how children under age 18 can legally join the workforce.
Here’s what our journalists with How to California — a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State — found:
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At what age can children work in California?
In California, children can legally start working at age 12, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations.
However, there are a few conditions.
Kids ages 12 and 13 are only allowed to work during school breaks, holidays and weekends. They cannot work on school days — including before, during or after school.
When school is out, those children can work up to eight hours a day for a total of no more than 40 hours a week.
Their work hours must fall between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. That window extends to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.
Children are not eligible for Work Experience Education programs.
Does my child need a work permit to get a job?
To legally work in California, all minors are required to have valid work permits.
Work permits can typically be obtained through your child’s school or directly through the California Department of Industrial Relations.
What are requirements for teenagers working in California?
Children ages 14 or 15 must have completed at least seventh grade to be allowed to work while school is in session.
During the academic school year, younger teens can work up to three hours per school day after class or eight hours on days when class is not in session, with a maximum of 18 work hours per week.
When school is out, they’re allowed to work up to eight hours a day and 40 hours a week. However, work hours must be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. — or until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.
Teens enrolled in a Work Experience Education program can be allowed to work during school hours and up to 23 hours per week.
Which hours can older teens work?
Kids ages 16 and 17 must have also finished seventh grade to work while school is in session.
Older teens enjoy more flexible work hours during the school year, although exact limits vary depending on the specific job and permit.
They can typically work up to four hours on school days and eight hours on non-school days, with a weekly maximum of 48 hours.
Certain students in Work Experience Education programs — or those working as personal attendants such as babysitters — may be allowed to work up to eight hours on a school day.
When school is out, they can work up to eight hours a day and 48 hours a week. Work hours must be between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. That can extend to 12:30 a.m. before a non-school day with permission.
Work Experience Education students might also be allowed to work until 12:30 a.m. any day with school approval.
Where can minors work in California?
Children ages 12 and 13 can only hold a few specific jobs in California.
They can be hired to babysit other kids, do household tasks or deliver newspapers.
Kids can also work in the entertainment industry — including acting in films or television shows — but only if they have special permits approved by the California Labor Commissioner.
Teens age 14 and older can work a variety of jobs, including:
- Retail
- Serving food
- Stocking shelves
- Bagging groceries
- Cleaning
- Running a register
- Office tasks
- Using kitchen equipment
How much should minors be paid in California?
According to the state Department of Industrial Relations, minors must be paid California’s current minimum wage: $16.50 per hour.
Those working at fast food restaurants must be paid at least $20 per hour.
Do same rules apply to child actors? Influencers?
California has specific labor laws to protect minors working in the entertainment industry, including child actors and social media influencers.
These laws cover how low long kids can work as well as schooling requirements, permits and financial protections.
In order to work in show business, each child needs an Entertainment Work Permit, while their employer must have a Permit to Employ Minors. You can apply for permits online through the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
The number of hours kids are allowed to work depends on their age and whether school is in session.
Children ages 6 to 8 can work up to six hours on a non-school day but only four hours when school is in session.
Child actors must spend part of their workday — usually around three hours — on schoolwork with a studio teacher.
California’s Coogan Law requires that 15% of a child’s earnings be placed into a special trust account that can’t be accessed until they’re an adult.
These rules also apply to child influencers, whose income must be saved the same way.
Under California law, children under 16 cannot work in dangerous jobs and time spent in hair, makeup and wardrobe must count as work.
In addition, a parent or guardian must stay on set within sight and sound of the child.
What are penalties for breaking child labor laws?
Parents, guardians and employers in California who do not follow the state’s child labor laws can face serious consequences.
If a minor is working without a valid permit, spending too many hours at the workplace or performing a job they’re not legally allowed to do, both the child’s employer and parent can be held legally responsible.
According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, violations can result in misdemeanor charges, which can lead to fines of up to $1,000, jail time or both.
Repeat or severe offenses — such as breaking labor laws multiple times — can carry fines between $5,000 and $10,000.
This story was originally published June 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Can my 12-year-old get a job in California? What state law says about kids working."
