--- title: "California Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses | Kids Payroll" description: "Child labor laws in California: minimum working age, hour restrictions, work permit requirements, and family business exemptions for 2026." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the minimum working age in California?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "14 years old for most non-agricultural work." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does California have family business exemptions for child labor?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "IMPORTANT: California is stricter than federal law. Work permits are required even for family businesses when the child receives financial pay. Exemptions exist only for unpaid training/discipline and agricultural/domestic labor on parent-owned property. Workers' compensation insurance is required for all employees including the employer's own children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does California require work permits for minors?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "ALL minors under 18 must have a Permit to Employ and Work, even when employed by parents in a family business (with limited exceptions). Permits issued by minor's school or school district superintendent. Exceptions exist only for: (1) unpaid training/discipline in family business, (2) agricultural, horticultural, viticulture, or domestic labor on property the parent owns/operates/controls." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://kidspayroll.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "State Labor Laws", "item": "https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "California Child Labor Laws", "item": "https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/california/" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://kidspayroll.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "State Labor Laws", "item": "https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "California" } ] } ] --- [Kids Payroll ](/) FeaturesHow It WorksBenefits[State Laws](/state-labor-laws/)[Free Guide](/guide/)[Tax Calculator](/tax-calculator/)[About](/about/)[Blog](/blog/)[FAQ](/faq/)[Download App](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kids-payroll-pay-your-kids/id6755955657) Change State # California Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses Last updated: January 1, 2026 Min. Wage: $16.90/hr (2026) [California Department of Labor](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlse-cl.htm) 1. [Home ](/) 2. [State Labor Laws](/state-labor-laws/) 3. California ### Family Business Exemptions Strict Rules No Broad Exemption - IMPORTANT: California is stricter than federal law. - Work permits are required even for family businesses when the child receives financial pay. - Exemptions exist only for unpaid training/discipline and agricultural/domestic labor on parent-owned property. - Workers' compensation insurance is required for all employees including the employer's own children. ### Minimum Working Age 14 years old for most non-agricultural work. Exceptions: - No state minimum for domestic/agricultural work on family-owned property. - Work permits still required for paid employment even in family businesses. ### Hours Restrictions Under 14 - Generally may not work. Ages 14-15 - Max 3 hrs on school days, 8 hrs on non-school days. - Max 18 hrs during school weeks, 40 hrs during non-school weeks. - Max 6 days per week. Ages 16-17 - School day: 4 hrs/day (8 hrs if next day is non-school). - School week: 28 hrs/week combined work + school. - Non-school: 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week. ### Nightwork Restrictions ### Permitted Job Types ### Work Permit Requirements Permits Required - ALL minors under 18 must have a Permit to Employ and Work, even when employed by parents in a family business (with limited exceptions). - Permits issued by minor's school or school district superintendent. - Exceptions exist only for: (1) unpaid training/discipline in family business, (2) agricultural, horticultural, viticulture, or domestic labor on property the parent owns/operates/controls. ### Recordkeeping Requirements ### Key Considerations This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your [state's Department of Labor](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlse-cl.htm) and the [U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor). ## Nearby States [OR Oregon ](/state-labor-laws/oregon/)[NV Nevada ](/state-labor-laws/nevada/)[AZ Arizona ](/state-labor-laws/arizona/)[WA Washington ](/state-labor-laws/washington/) ## Ready to set it up the right way? Kids Payroll handles the documentation, task tracking, and recordkeeping so you stay compliant. It's free to download. 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