For many teens, getting a part-time job feels like an important step forward. It’s a chance to earn a paycheck, gain useful skills, and build a sense of self-reliance. But in California, teens can’t just start working without limits. There are laws that decide when and how much they’re allowed to work—especially while school is in session. Nakase Law Firm Inc. provides helpful guidance when parents and teens wonder: how many hours can you work at 16 under California labor law?
These rules aren’t just guidelines—they’re legal requirements that aim to keep teens healthy, focused on school, and safe while on the job. Employers also need to stay within these rules to avoid any legal trouble. California Business Lawyer & Corporate Lawyer Inc. regularly helps employers stay in line with state rules, especially when they need to know how many hours can a 17-year-old work in California during school and holidays.
California’s Rules for Working Teens
California has strict protections in place when it comes to teen labor. These protections take into account two main things: the teen’s age and whether school is in session. Teens aged 16 and 17 are allowed to work, but only within specific hour limits. These limits are different depending on whether it’s a school day or a break.
The laws are in place to ensure students stay focused on their classes and aren’t overworked. Whether the teen is working in retail, a restaurant, or helping out in an office, the same rules apply.
Work Limits for 16-Year-Olds
If you’re 16, you’re old enough to take on a job, but you can’t work as much as an adult. The number of hours you can work is capped depending on whether school is in session.
When School Is in Session:
- No more than 4 hours on a school day
- Up to 8 hours on a non-school day, like Saturday or Sunday
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- Allowed to work between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or until 12:30 a.m. before a non-school day
When School Is Not in Session:
- Up to 8 hours a day
- Still limited to 48 hours per week
During the summer or holiday breaks, teens aged 16 are allowed to work full-time hours, as long as they have a current work permit.
Work Limits for 17-Year-Olds
At 17, you’re almost considered an adult, but the state still places limits on your work schedule. These are similar to the rules for 16-year-olds, especially during the school year.
When School Is in Session:
- A maximum of 4 hours on school days
- Up to 8 hours on weekends or other non-school days
- No more than 48 hours in any one week
- Work hours must fall between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or until 12:30 a.m. if the next day isn’t a school day
When School Is Not in Session:
- You can work 8 hours a day
- You’re still capped at 48 hours a week
Even during vacations, the total hours worked each week must stay within that limit.
Work Permits Are Required
In California, teens from 14 through 17 years old need a work permit before starting any job. This rule applies to nearly all jobs except some types of casual work, such as yard work or babysitting done informally.
To get a work permit:
- The student must fill out a permit application with help from their parent or guardian.
- The employer must complete their section of the form.
- The school checks that the job won’t affect the student’s academic standing.
- The permit is then issued and kept on file by the employer.
The permit must be renewed each school year or if the teen changes jobs.
Special Cases and Exceptions
There are a few situations where the standard rules may not apply. For example:
- Teens working in the entertainment field must get a special type of permit and follow separate hour limits.
- Students involved in official school-to-work programs may be allowed to work more hours if the work ties in with their learning plan.
- Emancipated minors might have more flexibility, depending on what the court has approved for them.
In most cases, though, the regular rules still apply.
Restricted Jobs for Minors
Even when the hours are legal, the type of work must also be safe. California law restricts minors under 18 from doing work that is considered unsafe or dangerous. This includes:
- Using power tools or industrial machines
- Working on roofs or doing demolition
- Driving on public roads as part of the job
- Handling harmful chemicals
- Working in areas where there are unsafe materials or operations
Employers must be cautious about assigning duties that might cross into these restricted areas.
What Happens When Employers Don’t Follow the Rules
Breaking these labor laws can lead to serious trouble for businesses. Employers who don’t follow the law might face:
- Fines that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars
- Being required to pay teens for any hours they worked beyond the legal limit
- Possible legal action if a minor gets hurt on the job
- Investigations or audits from the state labor agency
Because of these risks, many businesses check with legal experts before hiring minors, especially if they plan to give them a regular work schedule.
What Families Should Know
If you’re a teen looking for a job—or a parent helping them through the process—here are a few tips:
- Speak to the school counselor or office. They’ll explain how the work permit process works and whether the student qualifies.
- Try to avoid scheduling shifts late at night before a school day.
- Keep track of the number of hours worked each week.
It’s also smart to check in regularly to make sure the job isn’t affecting school performance or overall health.
Advice for Employers
If your business is thinking about hiring teens, you’ll need to take a few extra steps:
- Always get a signed and approved work permit before letting a teen start.
- Track work hours carefully and stay within the legal time limits.
- Avoid assigning tasks that are off-limits for anyone under 18.
Employers who show they take these steps seriously are less likely to face problems down the road.
Closing Notes
Getting a job as a teen in California is possible, but there are clear limits in place. The goal is to allow young people to gain work experience while still focusing on school and staying safe.
Knowing how many hours you can work at 16 and 17 in California helps families, employers, and teens stay on the right track—and out of trouble.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s allowed, it’s best to ask your school or a legal professional who knows how these rules apply in your area.