Minor Preoccupation: "SUMMER, SUMMER, SUMMERTIME..."

Minor Preoccupation: "SUMMER, SUMMER, SUMMERTIME..."
Posted June 16, 2025

As the sun burns away the June gloom and the days grow longer, you might find yourself humming along to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s “Summertime.” While you reminisce, you might also find yourself thinking about your own past summer jobs, and you might even consider bringing some minors into your workplace. Before you start hiring minors for seasonal summertime roles, you need to first ensure you’re in tune with California’s child labor laws.

Work Permits Are an Essential First Step

In California, any minor under 18 who hasn’t graduated from high school or obtained a certificate of proficiency must have a valid work permit before starting a job. This process involves the minor and employer completing the “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit” form which can be found here. The minor’s school typically issues the actual “Permit to Employ and Work,” but you can also find it online here.

It’s a No-Go for These Prohibited Occupations

Certain jobs are deemed too hazardous and are off-limits for minors under 18. These include, among others, jobs involving:

Liquor sales
Operating heavy machinery
Working with hazardous substances
Exposure to extreme temperatures or loud noises
Operating power-driven bakery machines, meat slicers, or forklifts
Working in roofing, excavation, or demolition

Even with the Right Permits and Forms, and a Safe Occupation, There Are Still Some Age and Work-Hour Restrictions

California’s child labor laws also specify the types of work minors can perform, and when. For most minors ages 14 to 15:

School Days: Up to 3 hours per workday
Non-School Days: Up to 8 hours per workday
School Weeks: Up to 18 hours per workweek
Non-School Weeks: Up to 40 hours per workweek
Work Hours: Between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)

For most minors ages 16 to 17:

School Days: Up to 4 hours per workday
Non-School Days: Up to 8 hours per workday
School Weeks: Up to 48 hours per workweek
Work Hours: Between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (extended to 12:30 a.m. on days preceding non-school days)

You can find a very useful summary chart here.

For the full child labor law details click here.

Conclusion: Avoiding the Summer Madness

By adhering to the applicable requirements for the hiring of minors, you can ensure a compliant work environment and then “sit back” and enjoy with them the “summertime” vibes.

For questions about employment law compliance, contact the employment law attorneys at LightGabler LLP.