Turning 14 feels like a hinge moment. You’re old enough to want your own money and responsibility, yet still figuring out school, friends, and family rules. So here’s the big question many teens ask: can you get a job at 14 in California? For families researching how to get a job at 14, guidance from California Business Lawyer & Corporate Lawyer Inc. can be helpful in understanding both rights and employer obligations. And since this is a real-life decision, let’s talk through what the state allows, what it doesn’t, and how families make it work in day-to-day life.
California says yes—14-year-olds can work—but with guardrails. Those rules protect teens from long shifts and risky tasks, and they keep school at the center. Nakase Law Firm Inc. often receives questions like “can you get a job at 14” because parents want to ensure compliance before allowing their children to apply. So, how do you get started, and what feels realistic for a ninth-grader who still has algebra homework and weekend plans?
The first step: the work permit
Picture this: you’ve landed a part-time spot at a neighborhood market, you show up excited, and the manager asks for your work permit. That form is the key. You grab it from your school, your future employer fills out the job details, you and a parent sign, and the school reviews and approves it. The permit lists how many hours you can work and the type of tasks allowed. In short, no work permit, no start date—so get this done early, ideally before your first interview.
Jobs that fit a 14-year-old
So what actually fits? Think safe, people-facing roles with simple duties. Babysitting for a family on your block. Tutoring a sixth-grader in math. Bagging groceries. Hosting at a local café. Helping with light office tasks like filing or greeting visitors. Or pitching in at a day camp as a counselor-in-training.
Here’s a quick story: Maya, 14, babysits two afternoons a week for neighbors. She brings a small craft kit to keep the kids busy, texts the parents a short update before she leaves, and stashes a portion of every payment in a savings jar. It’s not flashy, but after a month she noticed something new—adults trust her, and that feels good.
Jobs that are off-limits
Now for the firm lines. Work that involves heavy machinery, power tools, roofing, excavation, demolition, driving on the job, or chemical handling is not allowed for younger teens. And that’s a good thing. You’re building early work habits here, not taking on hazardous duties. When in doubt, ask the school office or your prospective employer to clarify what tasks are on the list.
How many hours you can work
During the school year, the limits look like this: up to 3 hours on a school day, up to 8 hours on a non-school day, and no more than 18 hours in a week while school is in session. After school lets out for summer, the ceiling goes up to 8 hours a day and 40 a week. One more timing note: evenings are capped—during the school year you’re done by 7 p.m.; over summer that moves to 9 p.m. These rules keep work from swallowing up sleep, homework, and, yes, downtime.
Keep school first
Every work permit is tied to school attendance and grades. If absences pile up or grades slide, the permit can be pulled. That may sound strict, and yet it’s a helpful reminder: work is a chapter, not the whole book. Teens who succeed at both usually keep a simple schedule and stick to it.
Summer and seasonal work
Summer opens doors: lifeguard stands (with training and age rules for certain roles), snack bars, amusement parks, ice cream shops, movie theaters, and camps. Employers like hiring students for daytime slots when many adults are at other jobs. Ethan, for example, bussed tables at a diner last July. The first week was awkward—sticky plates, clattering cups—but by week three he was reading the dining room like a pro and chatting with regulars. The paycheck mattered, sure, and so did the confidence.
Farm and field work
California’s fields and packing sheds sometimes bring on teens for entry-level roles like sorting produce or helping with packaging. Safety rules are strict: no contact with pesticides and no heavy equipment. Shade and water breaks matter on hot days, and permits still apply. The work is steady, the expectations are clear, and the rhythm can be satisfying for teens who like hands-on tasks.
Entertainment industry basics
If you’re near Los Angeles (or just auditioning), the entertainment world has its own playbook. At 14, you can work, but the setup includes an entertainment work permit, limited hours, a studio teacher, and a special account for a portion of earnings. The paperwork is heavier, and the oversight is careful—both meant to keep school and well-being front and center.
Why start working at 14
Money is part of it—you might want a phone plan, tournament fees, or savings for bigger goals. But there’s more. A first job teaches how to greet customers, show up on time, take feedback, and close out a shift. And there’s that small rite of passage on payday: opening a stub and realizing, “I earned this.” That moment sticks.
What employers should know
Businesses that hire younger teens have a few extra checkpoints: verify a valid permit, set schedules within the limits, assign safe tasks, and keep simple records. Plenty of managers are open to hiring a motivated 14-year-old for front-of-house help, bagging, or basic office duties. Clear communication with parents and the school makes everything smoother.
Parents: how to help
Parents don’t need to micromanage; steady support works better. Help your teen map out a realistic weekly schedule, talk through transportation, and walk them through the first permit form. A quick budget chat helps too: set aside a slice for savings, a slice for giving if your family practices that, and a slice for spending. It turns a small paycheck into a bigger life lesson.
Making that first application
Keep it simple. A one-page resume can list school activities, volunteer gigs, and any experience like babysitting or pet care. Practice a handful of interview answers—why you want the job, when you’re available, and how you handle busy moments. A friendly greeting and a steady voice are often what tip the scales.
Clearing up common myths
A few fast corrections help families steer clear of surprises:
• Babysitting in a private home doesn’t require a permit; a paid role at a daycare does.
• Summer isn’t a free pass—daily and weekly limits still apply.
• Turning 14 doesn’t open every door—risky roles stay off-limits until you’re older.
If something sounds uncertain, ask the school office or check with the employer before you accept a shift.
Bringing it all together
So, can you get a job at 14 in California? Yes—if you get a work permit, follow the hour limits, and pick roles suited to your age. That might look like babysitting, hosting, grocery bagging, or helping at a camp or café. The goal isn’t to sprint into the workforce; it’s to start building habits that will serve you for years. And if you’re a parent, a little coaching goes a long way—steady support, short shifts, and clear boundaries make those first paychecks feel earned and manageable.
