Almost all minors under the age of 18 are subject to California's child labor protections. Minors 16 to 17 years of age can work eight (8) hours on any non-school day or any day preceding a non-school day with a maximum of 48 hours per week.The general rule is that the legal working age in California is 14-years-old, but anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit. In general, the legal working age in California is 14 years old. 16-17 age bracket- They can work for 4 hours in a day and 48 hours in a week during school days. Minors 16 or 17 can work up to 4 hours a day on school days. • 16 or 17 year-olds can work 8 hours. All minors who have not graduated high school or been awarded a certificate of proficiency, must have a valid work permit. The Department of Safety may issue age certificates to 16 and 17yearolds. Older teens are allowed to work for up to 48 hours over the course of the week.