Minimum working age · Nova Scotia
Minimum working age in Nova Scotia.
The youngest age a person can work in Nova Scotia and what changes at each age. Enter an age to see the rule that applies.
Nova Scotia: no one may employ a child under 16 in mining, manufacturing, construction, forestry, garages, hotels and some entertainment venues; children aged 14 and 15 may work in restaurants under conditions.
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Rule for this age
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Nova Scotia: minimum working age rules in detail
| Point | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Under 14 | Hour limits, no work 10 pm to 6 am, no harmful work |
| Under 16 | Barred from listed sectors such as mining, manufacturing, construction, forestry, hotels |
| 14 and 15 in restaurants | Allowed if not operating cooking equipment, trained and supervised |
| Family member | Under-16 sector bans do not apply to a 14- or 15-year-old employed by a family member |
Notes on this rule
An employer who employs a family member under 14 must still follow the under-14 rules.
How to use this page
Enter an age to see the rule for that age. The bands run from the youngest age to adult, so you can step through each one to see what changes: permits, consent, hours of work and prohibited jobs.
Sources, read directly 19 October 2026: Nova Scotia Labour Standards - Employment of children; Guide to the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code (October 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to work in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia: no one may employ a child under 16 in mining, manufacturing, construction, forestry, garages, hotels and some entertainment venues; children aged 14 and 15 may work in restaurants under conditions.
What is the general minimum in Nova Scotia?
The general position is: 16 for listed sectors; 14 for restaurants. Younger workers are covered by the permit, consent, hour and job limits listed above.
Does a family business have different rules?
The under-16 sector bans do not apply to a 14- or 15-year-old employed by a member of the employer’s own family, but a family member under 14 is still covered by the under-14 rules.
Is this legal advice?
No. Youth-employment rules also depend on school-attendance law, occupational health and safety rules and the specific job. This page summarises the employment standards rules the sources state; check the source or the employment standards office before hiring or starting work under the minimum age.
Where does this Nova Scotia information come from?
Every figure on this page was read on 19 October 2026 from: Nova Scotia Labour Standards - Employment of children; Guide to the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code (October 2026). The links are listed under the rules table above. If a source changes, this page is regenerated from one data file and the verified date is updated.
Reference only — not legal advice
This page states the statutory minimum working age rules from the published employment-standards legislation or the government’s own guide, read on 19 October 2026. It is not legal advice, does not model a collective agreement or an individual contract, and rules change. For a binding answer, contact the employment standards office named in the source or a lawyer.