What Is the Legal Age to Work in Ontario? (2025 Guide)

In Ontario, the minimum legal age to work is 14 for most jobs. But the rules change depending on the type of work. For example, you must be at least 15 to work in a restaurant kitchen, 16 to work in construction, and 18 or 19 for higher-risk jobs like mining or hoist operations.

This guide explains:

• What age you can start working in Ontario
• Where 14, 15, and 16 year olds can work
• Student wage rules and hours of work
• Exceptions for 12 and 13 year olds

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in Ontario?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets Ontario’s minimum working ages.

• 14 years old → entry-level jobs like stores, offices, restaurants (serving areas), arenas
• 15 years old → kitchens, grocery stores, laundries, repair shops, warehouses
• 16 years old → construction, logging, surface mining plants
• 18 years old → underground mines, oil rigs, window cleaning
• 19 years old → shaft attendant with hoist on a construction project

Ontario Minimum Working Age by Industry

Can a 12 or 13-Year-Old Work in Ontario?

• 12-year-olds: Generally can’t work in Ontario. The only exception is the entertainment industry (TV, film, theatre) with special permits.
• 13-year-olds: Can’t work regular jobs, but may babysit, deliver newspapers, or work in a family business (if safe and supervised).

Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Ontario?

Yes. 14-year-olds are allowed to work in Ontario, but only in specific roles.

✅ Allowed:

• Retail jobs (cashier, stock)
• Restaurants (serving only — not kitchens)
• Offices
• Ice rinks and arenas

❌ Not allowed:

• Kitchens
• Grocery stores (meat or produce prep)
• Warehouses
• Manufacturing plants

Where Can 14-Year-Olds Work in Ontario?

Some common jobs for 14-year-olds include:

• Store cashier or stock clerk
• Food service worker in a restaurant dining area
• Arena staff (e.g., skate rental)
• Office helper

Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Ontario?

Yes. At 15 years old, teens can work in more workplaces, such as:

• Kitchens (restaurant or cafeteria)
• Grocery stores (produce, meat preparation)
• Auto garages
• Laundries (like hospitals and hotels)
• Warehouses or shipping/receiving

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Ontario?

The law doesn’t set a hard cap on hours, but two rules apply:

1. Education Act: Teens under 18 must stay in school, so employers cannot schedule them during school hours (with limited exceptions).
2. Student Minimum Wage: Applies if the worker is under 18 and working 28 hours or less per week during the school year.

Student Minimum Wage in Ontario (2025)

Students under 18 earn a slightly lower minimum wage when they:

• Work 28 hours or less per week during the school term, or
• Work during summer or holiday breaks.

Working more than 28 hours/week? The general minimum wage applies.

Other Workplace Rights For Young Workers in Ontario

In addition to rules about minimum working age and student wages, young workers and their parents should also know about other key workplace rights:

• Statutory Holidays in Ontario — rules about holiday pay and days off apply to young workers, too.
• Vacation Time and Pay — even part-time employees earn vacation pay.
• Ontario Severance Pay — If you lose your job, you may be owed significant compensation.
• CPP Payment Dates — important for older workers, but also useful for teens and parents to understand how government benefits work later in life.

Do Students Have to Stay in School Until 18?

Yes. Ontario’s Education Act requires students to attend school until age 18. Employers can’t employ children under 16 during school hours, unless the student is excused under a special program.

FAQs Abour Working Age in Ontario