Subscribe to our newsletters
How old do you have to be to work in Ontario?
The minimum age to work in Ontario depends on the type of job and the industry. Most workplaces allow employees as young as 14, but higher-risk environments require workers to be 15, 16, 18, or even 19 years old. The rules are set out under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, not the Employment Standards Act, 2000. Young workers are still entitled to all ESA protections including minimum wage, overtime, and safe working conditions regardless of their age.
However, the legal working age is higher in certain industries. Construction requires workers to be at least 16. Underground mines require workers to be 18. The specific minimum age depends on where you will be working and what duties you will be performing.
Were you underpaid, denied breaks, or treated unfairly at work as a young worker?
Young workers are entitled to the same ESA protections as adult employees including minimum wage, overtime, and job-protected leaves. Employers cannot pay young workers less than the minimum wage or ignore their ESA rights. Get advice if something does not feel right.
Call: 1-800-771-7882 Speak With an Employment LawyerMinimum working age in Ontario by industry
- Offices and retail stores
- Arenas and recreational facilities
- Restaurant serving areas
- Grocery store cashier and customer service areas
- Restaurant kitchens
- Grocery store food preparation areas
- Warehouses
- Automotive service garages
- Manufacturing and assembly plants
- Construction sites
- Logging operations
- Surface mining plants
- Underground mines
- Window cleaning operations
- Offshore oil or gas rigs
- Shaft attendants on construction projects
Minimum working age by common workplace type
| Workplace | Minimum age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office or retail store | 14 | General minimum applies |
| Restaurant serving area | 14 | Kitchen work requires age 15 |
| Grocery store — cashier or customer service | 14 | Food prep and back-of-store areas require age 15 |
| Grocery store — food prep or meat department | 15 | Higher threshold due to equipment use |
| Warehouse or manufacturing plant | 15 | Applies to assembly, repair, and similar roles |
| Construction site | 16 | Set under the Occupational Health and Safety Act |
| Underground mine | 18 | One of the highest age thresholds in Ontario |
Can a 13-year-old work in Ontario?
Generally no. Ontario law does not permit most 13-year-olds to work in regulated workplaces. Informal arrangements such as babysitting or casual neighbourhood work are not governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, but formal employment in any regulated workplace typically requires a minimum age of 14. Employers who hire workers below the legal minimum age may face Ministry of Labour investigations, fines, and orders to comply.
Student minimum wage and hours for young workers
Students under 18 who work 28 hours or fewer per week during the school year are eligible for the student minimum wage rather than the general minimum wage. Once a student works more than 28 hours per week during the school term, the employer must pay the general minimum wage.
Under the Education Act, students must attend school until age 18. Employers cannot schedule students during school hours except in limited circumstances. There is no separate ESA hour cap based on age, but school attendance requirements effectively limit how many hours most young workers can work during the school year.
Were you paid less than minimum wage or denied ESA rights as a young worker?
Age does not reduce your ESA entitlements. If your employer has underpaid you or ignored your workplace rights, you may be able to recover back wages through a Ministry of Labour complaint.
Find Out What You Are Owed Or call us: 1-800-771-7882Frequently asked questions about the minimum working age in Ontario
How old do you have to be to work in Ontario?
In most workplaces, the minimum age to work in Ontario is 14. However, the legal working age is higher in certain industries. Construction sites require workers to be at least 16. Underground mines require workers to be 18. The specific minimum age depends on the workplace type and the duties involved.
What is the legal age to work in Ontario?
The general legal working age in Ontario is 14 for most workplaces including offices, retail stores, and restaurant serving areas. Higher minimum ages apply to more hazardous environments. The rules are set under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Can a 13-year-old work in Ontario?
Generally no. Ontario law does not allow 13-year-olds to work in regulated workplaces. Informal arrangements like babysitting are not covered by these rules, but formal employment in any regulated workplace typically requires a minimum age of 14.
Can a 14-year-old work in Ontario?
Yes, in many workplaces. 14-year-olds can work in offices, retail stores, arenas, and restaurant serving areas. They cannot work in kitchens, food preparation areas, warehouses, or construction sites, which require workers to be 15 or 16.
How many hours can a young worker work in Ontario?
There is no specific ESA hour cap based on age. However, students must attend school until age 18 under the Education Act, and employers cannot schedule students during school hours. Students who work more than 28 hours per week during the school term must be paid the general minimum wage rather than the student minimum wage.
Do young workers get paid less than the minimum wage in Ontario?
Students under 18 who work 28 hours or fewer per week during the school year are eligible for the student minimum wage, which is lower than the general minimum wage. Once they work more than 28 hours per week during the school term, the employer must pay the general minimum wage. Outside school terms, the student minimum wage applies if they are under 18.
Questions about young worker rights in Ontario?
Whether you are a young worker dealing with unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions, or an employer unsure about age requirements, our team can help. We advise employees across Ontario on Ministry of Labour complaints and employment standards disputes. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
Call us at 1-800-771-7882 or fill out the form below and we will be in touch.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Achkar Law Professional Corporation and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Achkar Law Professional Corporation. ©