Want to earn some cash at 15? Let me walk you through the whole work permit situation. Spoiler alert: in California, you definitely need one.

I remember my first job at 15 – working at a local ice cream shop. Had to get that permit and deal with all the rules. But man, that first paycheck felt amazing!

Do You Need a Work Permit at 15? (You Probably Do)

Let’s cut to the chase – if you’re 15 and living in California, you need a work permit before you can legally start most jobs.

But don’t worry! Getting one isn’t rocket science. I’ll break down exactly what you need to know, how to apply, and what jobs you can actually do at 15 without getting yourself (or your boss) in trouble.

Work Permit Basics

In California, anyone under 18 has to have a work permit, even though the minimum age to work is technically 14. This isn’t your parents being overprotective – it’s the law.

What exactly is a work permit anyway?

A work permit (officially called a “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit”) is basically a legal document that says:

• You’re old enough to work
• Your parents are cool with it
• Your school doesn’t think it will mess up your education
• You have an actual job offer from a legit employer

Your school issues the permit, and your boss has to keep a copy of it at work at all times. It’s like your golden ticket to employment as a teenager.

Are You Eligible for a Work Permit?

Before you start dreaming about what you’ll buy with your first paycheck, make sure you qualify:

• Age requirement: You’ve gotta be at least 14 (check ✓)
• Academic standing: Most schools require at least a 2.7 GPA
• Attendance: If you’re constantly skipping school, forget about it
• Parental consent: Your parents or guardian need to sign off
• Job offer: You need an actual job offer from a California employer who’s willing to follow the rules for hiring minors

To apply, you’ll need to gather some paperwork:

• Completed application form
• Proof of the job offer
• Birth certificate or passport
• Current report card
• Written parental consent

How to Actually Get the Permit

The process is pretty straightforward:

1. Land a job first – Find an employer willing to hire you
2. Get the application – From your school or download it online
3. Fill everything out – Make sure you, your parents, AND your employer complete their sections
4. Submit to your school – Give it to your work permit coordinator (usually in the counseling office)
5. Wait for approval – Your school will review everything and issue the permit if you qualify

Important reminder: These permits expire 5 days after the next school year begins, so you’ll need to renew it annually until you turn 18.

What Jobs Can You Actually Do at 15?

Not all jobs are open to 15-year-olds. California has some strict rules about what you can and can’t do.

Jobs you CAN do at 15:

• Retail (cashier, stocker)
• Food service (host, busser)
• Office work (filing, basic computer tasks)
• Movie theaters
• Grocery stores
• Some restaurant positions

Jobs you CANNOT do at 15:

• Anything involving driving
• Construction
• Manufacturing with heavy machinery
• Mining
• Roofing
• Jobs with dangerous tools or chemicals

The “No Permit Needed” Exception

There are a few jobs where you don’t need a work permit even at 15:

• Babysitting
• Yard work for neighbors
• Delivering newspapers
• Other “self-employed” gigs around the neighborhood

If you’re just mowing lawns or watching kids occasionally, you’re in the clear without paperwork. Pretty sweet deal!

Work Hours: When Can You Actually Work?

California has strict limits on when and how much 15-year-olds can work:

During school days:

• Maximum 3 hours per day
• Maximum 18 hours per week
• Only between 7 AM and 7 PM

During weekends, holidays, summer:

• Maximum 8 hours per day
• Maximum 40 hours per week
• Between 7 AM and 7 PM (9 PM during summer)

Remember: These aren’t suggestions – they’re legal requirements. Your employer can get in serious trouble for scheduling you outside these hours.

Getting Paid: Know Your Rights

Good news: In California, teens generally get paid the same minimum wage as adults – currently $15.50 per hour as of 2025.

There is technically a “youth minimum wage” of $4.25 for your first 90 days, but this is rarely used in California.

If your employer tries to pay you less than minimum wage “because you’re young,” that’s usually illegal. Don’t stand for it!

According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, minors are entitled to:

• At least minimum wage
• Overtime pay when applicable
• Meal and rest breaks
• Safe working conditions

Common Questions About Working at 15

“Can I just work without a permit? No one will know, right?”

Wrong. Both you and your employer could face penalties. It’s not worth the risk, especially when getting a permit is free.

“What if my grades drop after I start working?”

Your school can revoke your permit if your grades slip too much or if your attendance suffers. Remember: school comes first.

“Do I need a different permit for each job?”

Yes. If you work multiple jobs, you need a separate permit for each employer.

What Your Employer Has to Do

Your boss has responsibilities too:

• Keep your work permit on file at all times
• Follow all the rules about hours and conditions
• Provide safe working conditions
• Pay you properly and on time
• Never assign you tasks that are illegal for minors

According to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office, employers who violate child labor laws can face fines of $500 to $10,000 per violation.

Special Cases Worth Knowing

Entertainment Industry

If you’re trying to be the next big actor or model, different rules apply. Even babies can work in entertainment, but they need special entertainment work permits through the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

Family Business

The rules are a bit more relaxed if you’re working for your parents’ business, especially in agriculture. But basic safety rules still apply – your parents can’t put you in dangerous situations just because you’re family.

My Tips for Successfully Landing and Keeping Your First Job

After helping lots of teens navigate their first jobs, here’s what I recommend:

• Start the permit process early – It can take a week or more
• Keep your grades up – No job is worth tanking your education
• Be super reliable – Show up on time, every time
• Save some of that money – Your future self will thank you
• Document your hours – Keep your own record of when you work
• Know when to say no – If they ask you to work illegal hours or do dangerous tasks

The Bottom Line

Yes, at 15 in California, you absolutely need a work permit for most jobs. The process isn’t complicated, but it does require some paperwork and meeting certain requirements.

The system exists to protect you – making sure your job doesn’t interfere with school, keeping you safe from dangerous work, and ensuring you’re not working crazy hours when you should be sleeping or studying.

Follow the rules, get your permit, and enjoy that sweet feeling of earning your own money. Just don’t spend it all in one place!