What age can I start work?
Find out when you can start working.
On this page:
Minimum starting age
The age you can start work depends on the state or territory that you work in.
The minimum age you can start work applies to all workers, including those starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Check what age you can start work with the relevant state or territory authority:
- ACT Government Community Services
on 13 22 81 - NSW Office of Industrial Relations on 13 16 28
- NT Government on (08) 8944 9274
- QLD Government on 13 74 68
- SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255
- Work Safe TAS on 1300 366 322 (within Tasmania) or (03) 6166 4600 (outside Tasmania)
- Business Victoria on 13 22 15
- WA Wageline on 1300 655 266 (within Western Australia) or (08) 6251 2100 (from interstate).
Working during school times
If you wish to work during school times, generally you must be of the minimum school leaving age or have completed the minimum year of schooling.
Each state and territory has their own rules about when you can leave school.
Check with the relevant state or territory education authority for more information:
- ACT Education Directorate on (02) 6205 5429
- NSW Department of Education on 1300 679 332
- NT Department of Education on (08) 8944 9274
- QLD Government on 13 74 68
- SA Department of Education and Child Development on (08) 8226 1000
- TAS Department of Education on 1800 816 057
- VIC Department of Education and Training on (03) 9637 2000
- WA Department of Education on (08) 9264 4111.
