How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in Ontario? Minimum Legal Working Age Explained

What is the minimum legal age to work in Ontario?

If you’re wondering how old you have to be to work in Ontario, the answer depends on the type of job and industry. For most workplaces—like offices, stores, and restaurants—the minimum legal working age is 14 years old. However, certain industries, such as construction and mining, require workers to be older due to safety regulations. Understanding these rules ensures that employers and young workers comply with Ontario’s labour laws.

The minimum working age in Ontario is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), not the Employment Standards Act (ESA). This means that different industries have unique age requirements based on the nature of the work.

Key Rights for Young Workers in Ontario

Young workers in Ontario are entitled to specific rights and protections under the law, including:

• Minimum wage: Students under 18 working 28 hours or less per week during school earn the student minimum wage. Working more than 28 hours entitles them to the general minimum wage.
• Holiday pay: Eligible workers receive statutory holiday pay.
• Sick leave: Up to three days of unpaid, job-protected sick leave per calendar year.

Industry-specific minimum age requirements

The minimum age to work varies by industry in Ontario:

• 14 years old: Offices, stores, arenas, and restaurant serving areas.
• 15 years old: Manufacturing plants, repair shops, restaurant kitchens, auto service garages, grocery stores (produce and meat preparation, shipping and receiving), laundry, and warehouses.
• 16 years old: Construction sites, logging operations, and mining plants (excluding the working face of mines).
• 18 years old: Underground mines, the working face of surface mines, window cleaning, and offshore oil or gas rigs.
• 19 years old: Shaft attendants in construction sites.

These age restrictions are in place to prioritize worker safety and reduce risks associated with hazardous work environments.

Can a 13-year-old work in Ontario?

In general, children under the age of 14 cannot work in most industries. However, there are exceptions for:

• Light duties such as babysitting or delivering newspapers.
• Specific family-owned businesses, where children may assist with safe tasks.

Employers hiring younger workers must follow strict guidelines to ensure safety and compliance with labour laws.

Visiting Ontario workplaces: Age restrictions

Children who are too young to work can still visit workplaces such as offices, stores, arenas, restaurants, and factories under certain conditions:

• Accompanied by an adult (18+).
• On a guided tour.
• In public-accessible areas.

These rules aim to balance safety with educational and public access opportunities.

Education and employment restrictions for young workers

Ontario’s Education Act requires children to attend school until the age of 18. Employers cannot hire workers under 16 during school hours unless specific exceptions apply under Ontario Regulation 374/10. These restrictions ensure that young people prioritize their education while balancing work opportunities.

Understanding the student minimum wage

Students in Ontario under 18 years old earn the student minimum wage when working 28 hours or less per week during the school term, including holidays. If they work more than 28 hours per week, they are entitled to the general minimum wage. Employers must adhere to these rules to ensure fair pay for student workers.

Additional resources for young workers and employers

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we provide resources to help both young workers and employers understand their rights and obligations under Ontario’s labour laws. Our guides cover:

• Statutory Holidays in Ontario
• CPP payment dates
• Vacation time and pay
• Ontario severance pay

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you are a non-unionized employee, and have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.