When can I start working?

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

How old do I need to be to start work in South Australia?

You can start part-time or casual work at any age in South Australia. However it is against the law for an employer to employ you in a kind of work that would interfere with your school work.

What hours can I work?

If you are under the age of 16 it is against the law for an employer to employ you during hours that you are required to be at school. 

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 when:

• you are 17; or
• you are 16 and you have a year 12 qualification from a high school or a certificate 2 qualification from TAFE, apprenticeship, traineeship or university; or
• you are 16 and your full time work is an apprenticeship or traineeship that is part of an approved learning program.

Where can I get further help?

Employees can test their knowledge about pay in the FWO’s Workplace Basics Quiz, available here.

For information and advice about the Fair Work System including your rights, entitlements and obligations, visit 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.

Find information about starting work in other states

• The ACT
• The NT
• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia