In California, the legal age to work is 16. However, there are certain restrictions and limitations that depend on the type of job you wish to do and the age of the employee. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal requirements for working in California and the rights of minors.
Working Age Requirements in California
In California, the legal age to work is 16. There are some exceptions for 14 and 15 year olds, who can work in certain jobs and industries. Minors under the age of 16 are also not allowed to work in hazardous occupations.
Employers must also consider the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when hiring minors. The FLSA limits the hours that minors can work and the types of jobs they can do.
Understanding California’s Employment Laws
California has specific laws regulating the employment of minors. The state’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) is responsible for enforcing these laws.
Employers must obtain a work permit for minors under the age of 16. To obtain a work permit, employers must first submit an application to the DLSE. The application must include the minor’s age and the type of job they will be doing.
The DLSE also regulates the hours that minors can work. Minors under the age of 16 are not allowed to work more than 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 are not allowed to work more than 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week.
In addition, minors are not allowed to work during school hours or before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Minors are also not allowed to work more than six consecutive days.
In summary, the legal age to work in California is 16. There are certain restrictions and limitations for minors, which are enforced by the state’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Employers must obtain a work permit for minors under the age of 16 and must adhere to the hours that minors can work. By understanding and following California’s employment laws, employers can ensure they are providing a safe and secure working environment for their employees.
Working in the so-called Golden State is a desirable opportunity for many young adults that are just entering into the workforce. It is natural for them to ask, “How old do you have to be to work in California?” The answer to this question is generally 14-15 years of age with either paid or unpaid jobs, depending on some certain conditions.
High school students of this age and those who have a special permit from the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement have the prospect of being employed. There are restrictions for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 15 years of age; work must be performed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and may not extend beyond 4 hours. The hours are limited to 18 hours in a single week during the school year and beyond school hours, or during the summer vacation and holidays — they may work 3 hours without any restrictions.
Various safe occupations are also open to 16-year-olds who hold a valid working permit. This excludes other forms of employment/jobs such as driving a motor vehicle, slaughtering, operating heavy equipment and handling explosives, etc. At this age, unless there is a valid work permit, one is prohibited from any kind of employment, paid or unpaid.
Sixteen year olds are generally permitted to work in the majority of fields with a valid work permit. The hours worked during school hours must not exceed 3 hours per day and 8 hours per week and outside school hours they can work 6 days and 48 hours in a single week. The hours and days are restricted when school is in session.
In California, individuals who are eighteen and over that hold valid documents may work in any type of non-job/hazardous occupations. However, minors must comply with all restrictions as established by the State and Labor Authorities.
Individuals that are not eighteen and above must know, understand and comply with all the guidelines that have been established specifically for minors employed in the State of California. This will ensure a safe and productive work environment for all.
