How many hours can a 14-year-old work in California during the summer? California’s labor laws set clear limits to protect young workers while allowing them to gain valuable experience. Summer jobs offer teens a chance to earn money, build skills, and explore career paths. This guide explains the work hours, permitted jobs, and work permit process for 14-year-olds. With practical steps, you’ll learn how to navigate these rules and find a rewarding summer job.
California prioritizes safety and education for teens, ensuring they balance work with personal growth. Follow these guidelines to start a summer job that fits your schedule and sparks your ambitions. Let’s dive into the details to launch your employment journey.
How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in California?
To answer how many hours a 14-year-old can work in California, state labor laws allow up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during summer break (June 1 through Labor Day). Teens can work from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., an extension from the 7:00 p.m. limit during the school year. These rules ensure teens have time for rest and summer activities while gaining work experience.
For example, a 14-year-old at a retail store might work an 8-hour shift assisting customers but cannot exceed 40 hours weekly, even if holding multiple jobs. This structure supports a healthy balance, allowing teens to enjoy summer while earning money.
Daily and Weekly Limits
- 8 hours per day maximum
- 40 hours per week maximum
- No more than 6 days per week
Pro Tip: Track hours with an app like Toggl to stay within legal limits.
Time Restrictions
- Work between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (June 1 to Labor Day)
- No work before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
- Breaks: 30-minute meal break after 5 hours
Pro Tip: Coordinate shifts with your employer to fit summer plans.
These limits provide flexibility for 14-year-olds to work during summer while staying safe. Confirm your schedule with your employer to follow state laws.
Obtaining a Work Permit for 14-Year-Olds
Before working, 14-year-olds in California need a Permit to Employ and Work from their school district. This permit ensures the job aligns with their education and safety, complementing the rules on how many hours a 14-year-old can work in California. During summer, contact your school district superintendent to apply. You’ll complete the Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for Work Permit (Form B1-1), signed by the teen, a parent or guardian, and the employer.
The permit expires five days after the school year starts, so renew it for fall work. Employers must keep the permit on file for inspections, ensuring legal employment and protecting young workers.
Steps to Get a Work Permit
- Contact your school district superintendent
- Complete Form B1-1 with parent and employer signatures
- Submit to school for approval
Pro Tip: Download the form at DIR.ca.gov.
Who Needs a Permit
- All minors under 18, except high school graduates
- Required for summer jobs
- Not needed for babysitting or newspaper delivery
Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your permit for your records.
Securing a work permit is straightforward and unlocks legal summer jobs. Start early to avoid delays in your job search.
Jobs 14-Year-Olds Can Do in California
California restricts 14-year-olds to safe, non-hazardous jobs that complement the limits on how many hours a 14-year-old can work in California. Teens can take roles like cashier or library assistant, which build skills in secure environments. For example, a 14-year-old might stock shelves at a store or greet customers at a café. They cannot operate heavy machinery, cook in non-visible kitchen areas, or work in bars serving alcohol.
These restrictions ensure safety while fostering responsibility. Check with your employer to confirm the job meets state regulations, especially for tasks involving equipment.
Allowed Jobs
- Retail: Cashier, stock clerk
- Food service: Hosting, bussing tables
- Office work: Filing, light clerical tasks
Prohibited Jobs
- Operating power-driven machinery
- Cooking in non-visible areas
- Jobs in alcohol-serving establishments
Choose jobs that match your interests, like working at a local bookstore, to make your summer job enjoyable and compliant.
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Wages and Breaks for 14-Year-Old Workers
In California, 14-year-olds earn at least the state minimum wage of $16.50 per hour as of 2025, or $20 per hour for fast-food workers under specific laws. New workers with no experience may earn 85% of the minimum wage for their first 160 hours as “learners.” Employers must provide a 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours and 10-minute rest breaks for every 4 hours worked, aligning with the rules on how many hours a 14-year-old can work in California.
For instance, a 14-year-old working a 6-hour shift at a coffee shop gets a 30-minute meal break and one 10-minute rest break. These rules ensure fair pay and rest, keeping teens productive.
Wage Rules
- Minimum wage: $16.50/hour (or $20 for fast food)
- Learner rate: 85% of minimum for first 160 hours
- Overtime not allowed for 14-year-olds
Break Requirements
- 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours
- 10-minute rest break per 4 hours
- Breaks must be uninterrupted
Understand your rights to ensure fair pay and breaks. Track your hours and wages to confirm compliance with state laws.
Finding Summer Jobs for 14-Year-Olds
California offers many summer jobs for 14-year-olds in retail, food service, and community roles, all within the limits of how many hours a 14-year-old can work in California. Local businesses like ice cream shops, movie theaters, or summer camps often hire teens. Online platforms also list age-appropriate jobs that comply with labor laws.
Network with family, friends, or school counselors to find opportunities. For example, a community center might need a camp assistant. Choose jobs that spark your interest to make your summer work enjoyable.
Where to Look
How to Apply
- Create a simple resume with school or volunteer experience
- Practice a short introduction about yourself
- Get parent permission before applying
Start your job search early to secure a role you enjoy. A summer job builds skills and prepares you for future opportunities.
Tips for a Successful Summer Job
A summer job offers more than money—it’s a chance to grow. Stay organized, communicate clearly, and approach work with enthusiasm, keeping in mind how many hours a 14-year-old can work in California. Show up on time, ask questions if unsure, and take initiative. For example, offering to organize a display in a retail store shows responsibility.
These habits build a strong work ethic and impress employers, setting you up for future success. A positive attitude makes your summer job rewarding.
Stay Organized
- Use a calendar to track work shifts
- Monitor hours to stay within limits
- Balance work with summer activities
Build Skills
- Practice teamwork and communication
- Learn customer service basics
- Ask for feedback to improve
A strong work ethic and positive attitude enhance your summer job experience. Use this opportunity to grow and prepare for future goals.
Launch Your Summer Job Journey
A summer job at 14 in California offers a chance to earn money, gain skills, and build confidence. Knowing how many hours a 14-year-old can work in California—up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly—helps you plan a fulfilling summer. Secure a work permit, choose safe jobs, and approach your role with enthusiasm. California’s labor laws protect you while fostering growth. Start your job search today, follow the rules, and embrace this opportunity to shine. Your summer job is a step toward a bright future.
FAQs About 14-Year-Olds Working in California
Do 14-year-olds need a work permit for summer jobs?
Yes, 14-year-olds need a work permit for most jobs, except informal roles like babysitting or newspaper delivery. Contact your school district superintendent.
What jobs can a 14-year-old do in California?
They can work in retail, food service (like hosting), or office roles, but not in hazardous jobs like operating machinery or serving alcohol.
How much can a 14-year-old earn in California?
They earn at least $16.50 per hour, or $20 in fast food. New workers may earn 85% of the minimum wage for the first 160 hours.
Can a 14-year-old work after 9:00 p.m. in summer?
Yes, from June 1 to Labor Day, they can work until 9:00 p.m., but not later, to ensure adequate rest.
What happens if an employer violates labor laws?
Employers face fines of $500 to $10,000 per violation, depending on severity, to protect young workers’ rights.