The minimum working age in British Columbia is 16 for most jobs. However, children aged 14 and 15 can perform certain types of light work with written parental consent. Younger children can also work under special rules.
BC law limits the hours children can work and restricts dangerous jobs for young workers.
Here’s how old you must be to work in BC, which jobs teenagers can do and how many hours they can work.
💡 Quick Answer: Most jobs in BC require employees to be at least 16 years old. At 14 or 15, you can perform approved light work with written parental consent. Children under 14 need special permission or must qualify for an exemption.
On This Page
- Minimum Working Age
- Working at 14 or 15
- Working Under Age 14
- Hours for Young Workers
- Dangerous Jobs
- Employee Rights
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in BC?
You can work in most jobs in BC at age 16 without parental permission. Younger workers face additional restrictions.
| Age | BC Working Rules |
|---|---|
| 16–17 | Can work in most jobs without parental consent. Dangerous work restrictions apply. |
| 14–15 | Can perform approved light work with written parental consent. Other work requires a permit. |
| Under 14 | Usually requires an employment permit and parental consent, unless a specific exemption applies. |
These rules come from the BC Employment Standards Act.
Can You Work at 14 or 15 in BC?
Yes. Teenagers aged 14 and 15 can perform approved light work with written permission from a parent or guardian.
Examples of light work include:
- Working as a cashier
- Serving food or drinks
- Retail sales
- Tutoring or coaching
- Golf caddying
- Certain recreation and summer camp jobs
Work that doesn’t qualify as light work requires a child employment permit. Employers must also respect safety and supervision requirements.
Can a 12- or 13-Year-Old Work in BC?
Yes, but most jobs require a child employment permit and written parental consent.
There are special exceptions for some family businesses, farms, babysitting and entertainment work.
Children under 15 must also work under the direct supervision of someone aged 19 or older, except for certain jobs such as babysitting.
Employers can check permit requirements through the BC government’s hiring young people guide.
How Many Hours Can Minors Work in BC?
Children aged 12 to 14 have specific limits on working hours.
| Work Period | Maximum Hours |
|---|---|
| School day | 4 hours |
| Non-school day | 7 hours, unless special approval is granted |
| Week with 5 school days | 20 hours |
| Any week | 35 hours |
Children can’t work during hours when they’re scheduled to attend school.
Workers aged 15 and older are usually covered by the standard working-hours rules, although hazardous work restrictions still apply. Entertainment-industry jobs have separate requirements.
What Jobs Are Too Dangerous for Young Workers in BC?
BC restricts hazardous work based on age.
- Under 16: Can’t perform certain hazardous work, including construction, forestry-related work and work at heights requiring fall protection.
- Under 18: Can’t perform certain higher-risk work, including operating chainsaws, logging, working in confined spaces or jobs requiring respirators.
Employers must also provide appropriate safety training and supervision.
Young workers have the right to refuse unsafe work in BC without being punished for exercising that right.
What Employment Rights Do Young Workers Have in BC?
Young workers have the same basic employment protections as other employees. Being under 18 doesn’t mean an employer can pay less than the legal minimum or ignore workplace standards.
Eligible young workers are entitled to:
- Minimum wage and payment for all hours worked
- Overtime pay
- Statutory holiday pay
- Vacation pay and applicable sick leave
- Required rest breaks and safe working conditions
- Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment
If an employer refuses to pay wages, see our guide to unpaid wages in BC.
Minimum Working Age BC: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 15-Year-Old Work in BC?
Yes. A 15-year-old can perform approved light work with written parental consent. Other work requires a child employment permit.
Can a 14-Year-Old Work at a Restaurant in BC?
Yes. Some restaurant duties, such as serving food or working as a cashier, qualify as light work. Written parental consent is required, and certain tasks are restricted.
Do You Need Parental Consent to Work at 16 in BC?
No. Employees aged 16 and older don’t normally need parental permission to work.
Can You Work at 13 in BC?
Yes, with the required permission and supervision. Most jobs require a child employment permit, but some family-business and other exceptions apply.
Can You Work During School Hours in BC?
Children under 15 can’t work during scheduled school attendance. Special working-hour limits also apply.
Do Teenagers Get Minimum Wage in BC?
Yes. Young employees covered by BC’s Employment Standards Act must receive at least the applicable minimum wage. Employers can’t pay less simply because an employee is under 18.
Know Your Employment Rights in BC
BC’s employment laws protect workers of all ages. Employers must follow the rules for wages, working hours, workplace safety and termination.
The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees with wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal and severance pay.
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