When can I start working?

You can start working at any age, however your employer will have to follow certain rules depending on your age. You can only work full time when you have completed year 10, or turned 17, or have the permission of the Department of Education.

For free and confidential legal advice about this topic, please contact us here.

What age can I start work?

There is no minimum age to start casual or part-time work in NSW. However, you have to be 14 and 9 months to do door-to-door sales work.  

What hours can I work?

If you are under 15 (or under 16 in the case of modelling work), it is against the law for an employer to require you to work:

• During school hours
• More than one shift per day
• More than four hours on a day you have to go to school
• More than five consecutive days
• After 9pm if you and have to go to school the next day
• If it is less than 12 hours since your last shift
• For any hours that make the combination of your school hours and work hours in a 7 day week more than 50 hours

If your employer does not hold an authority to employ people under 15, they cannot require you to work for more than 10 hours per week.  

There are additional rules about working hours if you are doing door-to-door sales, modelling, theatrical performances or entertainment work.  Click here for more information.

If you want some specific advice on your situation, you can contact us here.

When can I work full-time?

You can work full-time after you turn 17.

However, if you have finished year 10 and you want to work full-time instead of continuing school, you may apply for an exemption to leave school and work full time instead. Please see our page on leaving school for more information.

Where can I get further help?

For information and advice about your rights, entitlements and obligations as an employee, check out the Fair Work Ombudsman website or call the Fair Work Info line on 13 13 94.

If you are under 25 and you are unsure about your rights or responsibilities or what to do next, you can get free, confidential legal advice here.

Youth Law Australia would like to express thanks to Hall & Wilcox and the Fair Work Ombudsman for assisting us with the preparation of this material.