A 15-year-old in California may only work limited hours per week due to labor laws and school-day restrictions. Permits, wage rules, and work-hour caps help teens avoid violations while meeting legal employment and education standards.
By Brad Nakase, Attorney
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Teens in California could defend themselves against being exploited by their employers if they are aware of the state’s wage & hour regulations for minors. Among the most commonly asked questions by working minors and their parents is: “How many hours a week can a 15-year-old work?”
Teenagers in California and beyond may work while still in school for a variety of reasons, including helping their families, learning responsibility, earning money for education or other expenses, or any combination of these. According to a CNN article from July 2015, there were actually about 4.7 million youngsters working. Strict rules are in place for these young employees to make sure their employers don’t try to exploit them. Teens in California should be aware of these limitations and their rights so they can help safeguard themselves.
Due to their age and schooling obligations, “How many hours a week can a 15-year-old work?” becomes a critical legal and practical concern.
A minimum wage set by the legislature of California must be paid by employers. Workers of all ages are entitled to this minimum wage. Employers with fewer than twenty-five employees are required to pay their staff at least $10 an hour as of 1st January 2017. Employers who employ twenty-six or more employees must pay a salary of at least $10.50 per hour. It might be against the wage and hour laws to fail to pay teenagers these wages.
But there are a few exceptions. For the first ninety days of their job, full-time students and student-learners may be eligible for a reduced wage of $4.25 under federal law. Additionally, for the initial 160 days of employment, learner employees are entitled to receive 85% of the state minimum wage, according to state legislation. However, this only applies to people who have never held a similar or equivalent job before.
When it comes to “How many hours a week can a 15-year-old work?” California labor law outlines clear limits.
Teenagers are subject to limitations on the number of hours they can work each day, in contrast to adults who are free to choose the amount of time they work.
16 and 17-year-olds are permitted to work:
Workers who are 14 or 15 years old may work:
Make a note that seasonal differences are essential when asking, “How many hours a week can a 15-year-old work?”, as school schedules greatly impact the answer.
12 and 13-year-olds:
Generally speaking, workers below the age of eighteen need permits in order to work. A statement of intent to hire a minor and a work permit form must be obtained and filled out by minors upon employment from the State Department of Education or their respective schools. Their employers, parents, or guardians must all sign these documents. Teens may receive a permit to work after returning the completed paperwork to their schools.
The rights of children in the California labor force are not different than those of adults, even though they may be gathering experience. Teens can seek remedy in the form of legal action for loss of wages or other damages when they were not fairly remunerated or when they had to work more hours than allowed by the state. The victims of such experiences may want to consult an attorney. An attorney can give information to them and lead them through the legal steps to help them understand their options.
Understanding “How many hours a week can a 15-year-old work?” is key for teens, parents, and employers alike to ensure safe and lawful working conditions.
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