Published by Schmidt & Clark, LLP is not currently accepting these types of cases and has posted this content for information purposes only. We encourage you to seek a qualified attorney, if you feel you might have a case.
How Many Hours Can a Minor Work in California During School?
If you are under the age of 18, you may only work 4 hours per day on any school day. Minors can work 8 hours on any non-school day or on any day preceding a non-school day. 48 hours per week maximum.
Related Article: Working 7 Days in a Row?
Night Work Restrictions for Minors
Night work restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work. For minors under the age of 16, work is prohibited from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. For minors aged 16 to 17, work is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
What is a Work Permit?
If you are a minor under the age of 18 who lives in California, you must have a work permit before you can start a job. You get your permit from your school.
Minors are only able to hold down certain types of jobs, for example, non-hazardous jobs. Work permits are not required for employment as a newspaper carrier, babysitter, or gardener in private homes.
What is the Minimum Wage for Minors in California?
California employers may pay 18-year-olds and minors under the age of 18 the youth minimum wage of $4.25 for the first 90 days of employment. Other labor law exemptions for minors in California may exist.
Read Also: California Child Labor Laws
Entertainment Industry Exceptions
Child labor laws in California have exceptions for the entertainment industry regarding the employment of minors.
The biggest exemption is for child actors. Minors as young as 15 days old can work as actors. However, all minors need to have a work permit to work in the entertainment industry.
These permits can only be issued by the Labor Commissioner at the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, not by the school district.
Penalties for Employers Who Violate California Child Labor Laws
An employer who violates California child labor laws can be charged with either a Class A or Class B violation. A Class A violation carries a penalty of between $5,000 and $10,000.
A Class B violation carries a violation from $500 to $1,000. Criminal prosecution is also possible, depending on the type of violation.
Related Articles:
FAQs
Do minors in California need a work permit?
Yes, minors under the age of 18 in California need a work permit to be legally employed. The work permit must be obtained from the minor's school and signed by a school official. The permit verifies the minor’s age and specifies the hours they are allowed to work. Employers are required to have this permit on file.
Are there any jobs that minors are not allowed to do in California?
Yes, California law prohibits minors from performing certain jobs that are considered too dangerous or inappropriate for their age. These jobs include working with hazardous machinery, handling explosives, roofing, logging, meatpacking, and any job that involves exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances.
What are the penalties for employers who violate child labor laws in California?
Employers who violate child labor laws in California can face severe penalties, including fines, criminal charges, and civil lawsuits. Penalties may include fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation, and in some cases, imprisonment. Employers may also be held liable for any injuries sustained by minors as a result of illegal employment practices.
See all related hourly worker wage dispute lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was involved with any of these matters, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.