California Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: California Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on California and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details California's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in California
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in California for minors under 18 who are minors enrolled in school. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
Employment certificates are issued by the state Labor Department for minors employed in the entertainment industry.
Acquiring a California Employment Certificate:
In California, minors can obtain an Employment Certificate both through the California Department of Labor and through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in California
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in California. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in California
Minors who are authorized to work in California are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
Up to 8 hours of work are permitted per day, 48 hours per week, 6 days per week when school is not in session. During a school period, 3 hours per school day / 18 hours per week are permitted.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
8 hours of work per day, 48 hours per week, a maximum of 6 days are allowed per non-school week. During a school week 4 hours per day and 28 combined hours of work and school are allowed per week, except 8 before non-school day.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 10 p.m. (12:30 a.m. before non-school day) to 5 a.m.
Special Child Labor Laws in California
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in California, see the following pages.
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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