Employing Minors Coverage

Almost all employees under the age of 18 are covered by California’s child labor protections. Under the California Labor Code, “minor” means any person under the age of 18 years who is required to attend school under the provisions of the California Education Code, and includes all minors under the age of six. With limited exceptions, all minors must have a work permit.

High school graduates under the age of 18 are not subject to the compulsory education laws, and therefore are entirely excluded under California law from permit requirements, work hour restrictions, and all occupational prohibitions. However, under federal regulations,¹