How Many Hours Can A Minor Work?

First it should be noted that children younger than 14 are typically prohibited from working. Special rules apply to agricultural work, domestic work, and the entertainment industry. (LC 1285–1312).
Children age 14 and 15, must have completed 7th grade to work while school is in session and are then limited to 3 hours per schoolday (outside of school hours – EC 49112, 49116; LC 1391), 8 hours on any non-schoolday, and no more than 18 hours in any given week (EC 49116; LC 1391).

Children age 16 and 17 while school is in session are permitted to work 4 hours per day on any schoolday (EC 49112; 49116; LC 1391), 8 hours on any non-schoolday, or on any day preceding a non-schoolday (EC 49112; LC 1391), but never more than 48 hours in a week (LC 1391).

There are also special hours in which children under the age of 18 are permitted to work, whether or not school is in session.

Is a Work Permit Required?

Yes in California. Although federal law does not require employers to have minor work permits for employees under the age of 18, California requires both the employer and intended minor employee to complete the Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for Work Permit.

For more information, please see the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Child Labor Pamphlet at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ChildLaborPamphlet2000.html#50