HiringAgeWork permit in California
After a job offer, get the 'Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit' (form B1-1) from the school, have the employer and a parent/guardian complete and sign it, and return it to the school, which issues the 'Permit to Employ and Work' (B1-4) to the employer. Required for minors who must attend school (not high-school graduates). Entertainment work needs a separate Labor Commissioner permit. Official permit page →
Hour limits for teens in California
| Ages 14–15 | Ages 16–17 | |
|---|---|---|
| School day | 3 h | 4 h |
| School week | 18 h | 48 h |
| Non-school day | 8 h | — |
| Non-school week | 40 h | — |
| Time of day | 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day | 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; until 12:30 a.m. before a non-school day |
Breaks: No minor-specific rule; California's general rule applies: a 30-minute meal period for work periods over 5 hours (waivable by mutual consent if the day is no more than 6 hours).
Places that hire at 14 in California
- 14+AMC TheatresMovies, parks & fun · ✓ seen here
- 14+McDonald'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Chick-fil-AMost locations 16+
- 14+PublixGrocery & convenience
- 14+Culver'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Dairy QueenMost locations 16+
- 14+Burger KingMost locations 16+
- 14+Hy-VeeMost locations 16+
- 14+FarewayGrocery & convenience
- 14+Rita's Italian IceMost locations 16+
- 14+Arby'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Jimmy John'sMost locations 16+
- 14+RunzaFast food & restaurants
- 14+Braum'sFast food & restaurants
Places that hire at 15 in California
- 15+Chuck E. CheeseMovies, parks & fun · ✓ seen here
- 15+Six FlagsMost locations 16+ · ✓ seen here
- 15+Wendy'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Baskin-RobbinsMost locations 16+
- 15+Dunkin'Most locations 16+
- 15+KFCMost locations 16+
- 15+Domino'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Pizza HutMost locations 16+
- 15+Smoothie KingMost locations 16+
- 15+Little CaesarsMost locations 16+
- 15+Zaxby'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Freddy's Frozen Custard & SteakburgersMost locations 16+
- 15+YMCAGyms & community
- 15+WegmansGrocery & convenience
- 15+Stop & ShopMost locations 16+
Questions
What is the youngest age you can work in California?
14 for most jobs. 12–13-year-olds may work only on non-school days with a permit (and not for employers covered by the federal FLSA); under 12 only in entertainment with a Labor Commissioner permit. Exempt from permits: self-employment, newspaper carriers (12+), casual work in private homes, some work for a parent.
Do you need a work permit in California?
After a job offer, get the 'Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit' (form B1-1) from the school, have the employer and a parent/guardian complete and sign it, and return it to the school, which issues the 'Permit to Employ and Work' (B1-4) to the employer. Required for minors who must attend school (not high-school graduates). Entertainment work needs a separate Labor Commissioner permit.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work in California?
Up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week, between 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work in California?
California limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 4 h on a school day, 48 h in a school week, 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; until 12:30 a.m. before a non-school day.
Which jobs hire at 14 in California?
AMC Theatres, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee and others hire at 14 at some locations.
Sources
State agency: California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE), Department of Industrial Relations
- California DIR: Information on Minors and Employment
- California Labor Commissioner: Minors summary charts (hours of work)
- California Child Labor Laws booklet
- California Labor Commissioner: Meal periods FAQ
- US DOL WHD: Selected State Child Labor Standards Affecting Minors Under 18 in Non-farm Employment (hours/nightwork)
- US DOL WHD: State Child Labor Laws Applicable to Employment/Age Certification