Most teenagers don’t know their rights before their first job. Seriously. And most parents don’t either. But in Maryland, labor laws for minors are detailed, strict, and designed to protect young workers from being overworked or put in danger.
Whether you’re 14 and looking for your first paycheck or 17 and picking up extra shifts, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What Are Minor Labor Laws?
Minor labor laws are rules that protect workers under the age of 18. They set limits on how many hours young people can work, what jobs they can do, and when they can work. Maryland has its own state laws, and they work alongside federal rules too.
Here’s the key thing to know. When state and federal laws disagree, the stricter rule applies. That’s the one you have to follow.
Personally, I think these laws make a lot of sense. School comes first. Work should never get in the way of that.
Who Is Considered a Minor in Maryland?
Maryland defines a minor as anyone under the age of 18 who is not married. That’s pretty straightforward.
Generally, Maryland law prohibits children under the age of 14 from working. There are a few exceptions, but for most kids, 14 is the starting line.
So if you’re 13 and want to work, the answer is mostly no. We’ll cover the exceptions in a moment.
Work Permits: You Need One First
Okay, this one is important. Read this carefully.
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Maryland for minors under 18. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
You can’t just show up and start working. You need that permit first. Maryland child labor laws require teens to have a work permit to work in Maryland. This includes all teens including those who are 14, 15, 16, and 17 year olds. The MD Department of Labor and Industry issues the work permit.
Pretty straightforward, right? Get the permit, then get the job.
The work permit must be signed by the minor, the minor’s parent or guardian, and the employer. The employer must keep the work permit on file for three years. Also, if you switch jobs, you need a new permit for the new job.
Hours You Can Work: Ages 14 and 15
This is where things get specific. Your age matters a lot.
Minors who are 14 or 15 are able to work up to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week when school is in session. That’s not a lot of time, but school is the priority.
When school is not in session, 14 and 15 year olds can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Summer is when you can really rack up those hours.
Wondering about curfew rules? Minors aged 14 and 15 cannot work before 7 AM or after 7 PM during school weeks. However, hours can be extended to 9 PM during summer from June 1 through Labor Day.
So simple! Those cutoffs exist to make sure you’re home at a reasonable hour on school nights.
Hours You Can Work: Ages 16 and 17
Hold on, this part is a bit different for older teens.
Minors who are 16 or 17 can work up to 4 hours per day and 28 hours per week when school is in session. They can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week when school is not in session.
That’s more flexibility, but there are still firm rules. Under Maryland child labor laws, minors cannot work more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period when combining school hours and work hours. Also, all minors must be permitted 8 hours each day in which they are not in school or working.
Think of it like this. Your body and brain need downtime too. Eight hours away from work and school every single day is not optional. It’s the law.
Break Rules for All Minors
You’re gonna love this one. Maryland actually requires breaks.
For minors under 18, the law requires a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work. This applies across all industries and is strictly enforced.
If your boss has you working five hours straight without a break, that’s a violation. You can say something. You have the right to that break.
What Jobs Are Off-Limits?
Not every job is open to minors. Some jobs are just too dangerous for young workers.
Maryland law prohibits minors under 18 from working in certain hazardous occupations, including manufacturing and processing occupations except for waiting on customers or performing office work in a separate room, operating or assisting in operating power-driven machinery, and working in establishments that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
Wait, it gets more specific for younger teens. Minors under 16 are restricted from working in amusement places, including circuses, fairs, pool halls, and bowling alleys.
Most people don’t realize how strict these job restrictions are. A lot of teens find out when they try to apply for a job they can’t legally do.
The Money Rules: What Are You Owed?
Here’s the part about your paycheck.
As of January 1, 2025, Maryland’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour for most workers. Youth under the age of 18 may be paid 85% of the standard rate, currently $12.75 per hour.
So you get paid a little less than adults. That’s legal under Maryland law. But your employer still can’t pay you less than $12.75 an hour.
You’re not alone if this surprises you. Most teens don’t know there’s a different minimum wage for minors until after they start working.
Special Rules Around Money and Safety
Here’s an interesting one most people totally overlook.
Minors may not be employed to carry, to or from a business, money in any amount between 8pm and 8am. Minors also cannot carry more than $100 to or from a business during the day between 8am and 8pm. This doesn’t apply if you’re the child of the owner, or if the money was received as payment for goods or services.
This rule exists to protect young workers from becoming targets. Makes sense, right?
Penalties for Employers Who Break the Rules
So what happens if an employer ignores these laws? A lot, actually.
Financial penalties can range from $500 to $10,000 per violation, with higher amounts for repeated or willful violations. Criminal charges for serious or repeated violations can result in criminal charges against employers or supervisors, potentially including imprisonment. The Department of Labor can also issue stop work orders requiring immediate cessation of minor employment until violations are corrected.
Think of it like a traffic ticket but way more serious. These aren’t just slaps on the wrist. Those who willfully violate child labor restrictions under the Fair Labor Standards Act may face fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for a maximum of 6 months, or both.
A friend asked me about this recently. They were shocked an employer could actually go to jail over minor labor violations. It doesn’t happen every time, but it can happen.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Not every situation fits the standard rules. Maryland does allow some exceptions.
The law does allow children under the age of 14 to perform certain types of work if performed outside of school hours, does not involve manufacturing or mining, and is not a restricted hazardous occupation. This includes things like domestic work in private homes and working for your own parents.
A minor of any age can apply for a special permit to work as a model, performer, or entertainer. The application and permits are available only at the Baltimore Office of the Maryland Department of Labor.
Minors who are 16 or 17 years old may serve as election judges. A minor serving as an election judge may work more than 12 hours on an early voting day or on election day only, but must have their parent or guardian’s consent.
Also, minors in work-study programs or apprenticeships may obtain special permits allowing them to perform jobs otherwise restricted. These programs are closely supervised by educational institutions and employers.
How to Report a Violation
Confused about whether your employer is breaking the law? Let’s talk about what you can do.
If you think your rights are being violated, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor. Their Division of Labor and Industry handles child labor complaints. You can contact them by phone at (410) 767-2357 or by email at [email protected].
Don’t worry, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Parents, school counselors, and even a lawyer can help you understand your options. The Maryland Department of Labor actively enforces these regulations through inspections, often prompted by complaints.
Your complaint could help protect other teens too. It’s more common than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a work permit if I’m 16 or 17? Yes. In Maryland, all minors under the age of 18 are required to obtain a work permit once they have secured a job offer.
Can I work during school hours? Minors under 17 years of age may not be employed during the hours that public schools of the county or city in which the minor resides are in session. Exceptions exist for students in approved work programs.
What if my employer pays me less than $12.75 per hour? That’s a violation. Minors under the age of 18 must be paid at least 85% of the state’s minimum wage, which is $12.75 an hour. File a complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor.
Can I work at a restaurant that serves alcohol? Minors under 18 are prohibited from working in establishments that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
What if I switch jobs? Do I need a new permit? Yes. Whenever a minor changes jobs, they will need a new work permit. The process is straightforward through the Maryland Department of Labor.
Can a parent take my earnings? In Maryland, parents may be allowed to take control of the money you earn if you are under the age of 18. However, that right can be lost in certain circumstances, such as if the parent abandons or neglects the child.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the basics. Maryland takes minor labor laws seriously, and honestly, that’s a good thing. These rules exist to protect you, keep you safe, and make sure school stays your top priority.
If you’re a teen, know your hours, get your work permit, and don’t let anyone push you into a job that’s off-limits. If you’re a parent or employer, now you know what the rules actually are.
Stay informed, stay safe, and when in doubt, contact the Maryland Department of Labor or speak with an attorney.
