The Legal Age to Work in California (2024)

FAQs

What's the legal age to work in California? ›

Federal and state occupational restrictions are such that in most cases minors must be at least 14 years of age to begin working. Any minor who is at least 12 years of age may be issued a permit by school officials [EC 49111], however few occupations are available to them. (See Chapters 6 and 7 of this digest).

The general rule is that the legal working age in California is 14-years-old, but anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit. The permits are known as a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit.

California's minimum legal age to work is generally 14 years old. However, anyone under 18 must have a work permit, called a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. The minor's school typically issues these permits. Most minors will need their parents' permission to work.

Except in limited circ*mstances defined in law and summarized in the Child Labor Law Booklet, all minors under 18 years of age employed in the state of California must have a permit to work. Prior to permitting a minor to work, employers must possess a valid Permit to Employ and Work.

Generally speaking, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment (14 years for non-agricultural jobs), restricts the hours youth under the age of 16 may work, and prohibits youth under the age of 18 from being employed in hazardous occupations.

No double time required. Time and one-half for all hours in excess of 40 in a workweek. If employee works more than 16 hours in a workday, must be paid two times employee's regular rate of pay for all such excess hours.

The hiring age in California is either 16 or 17 years of age.

This law adds a 11% state tax on firearms and ammo sold in the state starting in July 2024 — making California the only state in the U.S. to have such a tax. This tax is on top of existing federal taxes. Depending on the gun type, the federal tax is either 10% or 11%.

Minimum Wage Increases: As of Jan. 1, 2024, the California state minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour for all employers, regardless of employee headcount. This also means that as of Jan. 1, 2024, exempt employees in California must be paid a minimum annual salary of $66,560.

Work permits are typically issued by the school where the student is enrolled. Minors entering the state from other locales will have to contact the school district local to where they will be staying in California to see if that district will issue them a work permit, even though they are not enrolled there.

Can a 14 year old work in LA? ›

No minor under the age of 18 years shall be employed until the employer has procured and has on file an employment certificate for such minor issued by the city or parish superintendent of schools. No minor under the age of 14 years may be employed, permitted, or suffered to work except as provided in RS 23:151.

Employees must be paid the state minimum wage with very few exceptions. Most non-exempt employees in California must receive paid 10-minute rest breaks for every four hours worked in a day. They must also receive an unpaid 30-minute meal break for every five hours worked in a day.

Your guide to California's minimum wage: Getting by in an expensive state. The California minimum wage is $16 an hour. By law, it can be adjusted annually for inflation. It's really expensive to live in California.

Rate Changes Due to the Minimum Wage Increase – January 1, 2024. Due to the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 3, the California minimum wage increased to $16.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2024, for all employers.

You must apply in person.

When school is in session, you must bring a current school transcript. Please contact your school of attendance for information on obtaining a copy of your transcript. Your GPA must be 1.6 or above. If your GPA is lower than the required, you will not be issued a work permit.

All you'll need is an outstanding attitude, willingness to learn and grow and the capability to excel in a fast-paced, team environment. We'll teach you the rest. For job openings on your schedule - part time or full time - give us a try. You must be 16 years of age or older to work as a Crew Member at McDonald's.

In California, the general overtime provisions are that a nonexempt employee 18 years of age or older, or any minor employee 16 or 17 years of age who is not required by law to attend school and is not otherwise prohibited by law from engaging in the subject work, shall not be employed more than eight hours in any ...

Federal child labor law generally prohibits the employment of minors in nonagricultural occupations under the age of 14, restricts the hours and types of work that can be performed by minors under 16, and prohibits the employment of minors under the age of 18 in any hazardous occupation.