Parents often hit the same moment once the tween years arrive: can a 13 year old work in California? Maybe your kid wants a little spending money, or maybe you’d love to see them take on a small, confidence-building project. California Business Lawyer & Corporate Lawyer Inc. often fields questions from parents asking “can a 13 year old work,” which shows just how common—and sometimes confusing—this topic can be. The short version: there are options, but they’re specific, and the rules aim to keep school and safety in front.
Nakase Law Firm Inc. often hears parents asking, “can a 13 year old get a job,” and the reply tends to be, yes—just not the kind of job older teens typically have. Think small scale, short hours, and settings that feel close to home. With that in mind, let’s walk through how it all works, piece by piece, so you can help your kid try something new without stepping into legal trouble.
What the law says
Under federal rules and California’s own statutes, 13 is too young for the usual payroll roles at shops, restaurants, or offices. That said, the law carves out some narrow, practical spaces where kids can gain experience. The idea is simple: protect school and health, yet still allow a few ways to learn about responsibility and money. If you’re wondering why the rules feel strict, picture a sixth or seventh grader juggling late shifts—nobody wants that.
Real-world starter jobs at 13
The sweet spot at this age lives in informal, neighborly work: babysitting, dog walking, lawn care, light gardening, or tutoring younger kids. These gigs are typically short, close by, and flexible. Think of Mateo, who checks on Mrs. Gupta’s cat after school, waters a few plants, and earns enough for a weekend treat. Or Priya, who helps a cousin with pre-algebra each Sunday and gets a small payment plus a thank-you dinner. Small jobs, big lessons.
Family-run businesses sometimes fit too, as long as tasks are age-appropriate and safe. A kid might restock light items in a home bakery or tidy a back office for an hour with a parent close by. The work stays simple, and the setting feels familiar.
The entertainment path: permits and set life
Here’s where things get specific. California allows 13-year-olds to act, model, or perform, but only with an Entertainment Work Permit from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Parents sign off, the school signs off, and hours stay carefully capped. On a set, schooling time is part of the day, breaks are mandatory, and a portion of earnings often lands in a trust account to safeguard the child’s future. It can look glamorous on screen, but behind the scenes, the rules are very structured.
Light farm work: when it fits
Agricultural tasks can be legal for 13-year-olds in limited circumstances with parental consent. Think simple, non-hazardous tasks during summer or school breaks. The guardrails are tight: no dangerous equipment, no long stints, and no interference with classes. Picture a family farm where a teen helps sort produce on a weekend morning for a couple of hours, then heads home—brief, supervised, and safe.
School first, shifts second
Education sits at the center of every rule. During the school year, hours stay lean—typically no more than three on a school day and up to 18 for the week. Breaks and curfews are part of the package. If you’ve ever seen a kid nodding off in class after a late night, you understand why these limits exist. The goal is a healthy schedule, not bragging rights for long hours.
Why permits matter
For sanctioned roles—especially entertainment—permits are the gatekeeper. The school checks that academics won’t take a hit, parents confirm the plan, and the employer agrees to follow youth labor rules. No permit, no job. It’s not just paperwork; it’s a safety net that keeps expectations realistic and consequences clear.
Lines you can’t cross
Some jobs are off the table at 13. No heavy machinery, no construction, no manufacturing lines, no chemicals, no driving roles—basically, nothing risky. If you picture a place with loud equipment, sharp tools, or speeding vehicles, that’s the kind of environment the law keeps kids away from. Common sense meets legal boundaries here.
Why early gigs still help
Do these small jobs matter? Very much. Babysitting teaches decision-making and calm under pressure when the toddler won’t nap. Tutoring sharpens patience and communication. Dog walking builds reliability when rain threatens and the leash still needs to be clipped on. Ask a few adults about their first “job,” and you’ll hear stories just like these—the kind that stick for years and shape how people show up later.
How parents make it work
Parents play the role of coach, driver, guardrail, and cheerleader all at once. Maybe that means walking a kid to the neighbor’s house for the first babysitting slot, or helping price a weekend lawn-mowing offer. It often includes money talks: splitting earnings into save/spend/give jars, setting a small goal, and celebrating the first $50 tucked away. These little systems build habits that pay off when teen jobs expand.
If paid work isn’t in reach
Some neighborhoods don’t have many odd jobs floating around, and that’s okay. Volunteering fills the gap. A 13-year-old can read to kids at the library, fold bags at a food pantry, or help clean kennels at an animal shelter. Hours are short, adult support is close, and the work feels meaningful. Creative projects can help too: a small craft stall at a weekend fair, a simple tech-help session for grandparents, or a weekend bike-wash on the block with siblings and friends.
Building toward the teen years
Ages 13 to 15 set the runway for the broader options that open later. A kid who’s kept a babysitting calendar for a year arrives at 15 already skilled at time management. The lawn-care helper who learned to show up on time gets great references for that first swim-club concession role. With that in mind, this season isn’t about chasing every dollar; it’s about building confidence, reliability, and basic people skills.
A few handy connectors and tips, all in one place
• Start small, stay close to home, and keep hours short.
• Pick jobs that match your kid’s temperament; not every 13-year-old enjoys babysitting, and that’s fine.
• Keep communication open with neighbors or family friends—clarity helps everyone.
• Revisit the plan each term; school loads change, and so should schedules.
• When in doubt, ask the school office about permits or local rules before saying yes.
Final take
So, can a 13 year old work in California? Yes—within clear, protective boundaries. The typical payroll job at a store can wait, yet babysitting, yard work, family-help roles, limited farm tasks with consent, and entertainment gigs with permits can all be realistic steps. Keep school in front, use permits when needed, and choose tasks that feel safe and nearby. With that setup, a young teen can earn a little, learn a lot, and build habits that carry into the first official job at 14, 15, or 16. And who knows—today’s pet-sitting loop around the block might be the start of a confident, capable worker in the making.