If you're a teen looking for work in Ontario, here's what the law says about your rights on the job. All of this comes from the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 and Regulation 491/06.
You need to be at least 14 years old to work in most jobs in Ontario. If you're under 14, employers are not allowed to hire you.
The hours you're allowed to work depend on how old you are.
| Age | Earliest Start | Latest End | Max Hours/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 and 15 | 7:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 8 hours |
| 16 and 17 | 6:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 8 hours |
Note for 14 and 15 year olds: You cannot be scheduled to work during school hours on any day that school is in session. This includes regular school days as well as exam periods. Shifts must fall outside of your school schedule.
Ontario law restricts certain types of work depending on your age.
| If You're Under | You Cannot Work In |
|---|---|
| 15 | Factories |
| 16 | Logging or surface mining operations |
| 18 | Underground mines or any work considered hazardous to your health and safety |
Ontario's student minimum wage is $16.60 per hour. This rate applies to students under 18 who work 28 hours or less per week during the school year, or work during a school break or summer holiday. The general minimum wage is $17.60 per hour.
This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. For the full legislation, refer to the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (S.O. 2000, c. 41) and O. Reg. 491/06. Visit ontario.ca/labour for more details.