Minors aged 15 days to 18 years employed in the entertainment industry must have a permit to work, and employers must have a permit to employ. 12 through 15yearolds may work up to 8 hours per day, up to 40 hours per week, and between a.m.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. Children ages 12 and 13 can only work on days when there is no school. The law allows them to work up to eight hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week. Child labor laws are intended to ensure that employment of persons under 18 is compatible with their age, education, and health and safety. Instead, employers must maintain on file a signed, written document from the youth's parent or legal guardian authorizing the employment. Those aged 12 and 13 are prohibited from working while school is in session. Minor pay is subject to normal minimum wage and overtime rules in California. The number of hours and time a minor can work depends on whether school is in session and the minors age.