How many hours can a 15 year old work in California during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in California can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00.

Does a 15 year old need a work permit in California?

Yes. California requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. Employer signs the Statement of Intent; the minor's school issues the Permit to Work. Required every school year and for each new job.

CA · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in California?

Q: What jobs can a 15 year old do in California?

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in California with the following limits during the school year: 3 hr per school day, 18 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 19:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 15-year-olds in California — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from California state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 15-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 12+

Legal work hours

California sets different hour caps depending on whether school is in session.

During the school year

Hours per school day: 3 hr
Hours per non-school day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 18 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 19:00

No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 40 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

Between June 1 and Labor Day, evening cutoff extends to 9:00 PM.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. California adds its own restricted-occupations list below — check that before accepting any job.

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
California mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with B1-1 Permit to Work)
Same 14-year-old caps still apply: 3 hrs per school day, 18 hrs per school week, 7 AM–7 PM (9 PM June 1–Labor Day).
Counter food-service, drive-thru, or dishwashing (no flame cooking)
Office or clerical work — filing, data entry, reception
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Power mowers, weed-whackers, and chainsaws remain 16+ under federal HO-6 / HO-12, even with a CA work permit.
Acting, TV, or theatrical work with a CA Entertainment Work Permit

Restricted in California

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Door-to-door sales for minors under 16(CA Labor Code §1308.1)
Operating power-driven meat-processing machines(HO-10)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)
Excavation operations(HO-17)

Other ages in California

Same age, other states

Read the full California rules

This page summarizes the rules for 15-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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