Most teens have no idea how many rules protect them at work. Seriously. Massachusetts has some of the strictest labor laws for minors in the entire country. Whether you’re a teen looking for your first job, a parent helping your kid get hired, or an employer bringing on young staff, this guide is for you.
Let’s break it all down in plain English.
What Are Minor Labor Laws?
Minor labor laws are rules that protect workers under 18 years old. They set limits on how many hours teens can work. They also control what time of day they can work and what kinds of jobs they can do.
Massachusetts law covers anyone under 18. It works alongside federal rules called the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When state and federal rules differ, the stricter rule wins. In Massachusetts, that’s almost always the state law.
The Minimum Age to Work in Massachusetts
Okay, here’s the first big rule. You have to be at least 14 years old to work in Massachusetts. Most jobs simply aren’t available to anyone younger.
There are a few exceptions. Kids under 14 can work as newspaper carriers. They can also work on farms or in the entertainment industry with a special permit. Babysitting is also generally allowed. But for regular jobs? The minimum age is 14, no exceptions.
Work Permits: You Need One Before Day One
Here’s something a lot of people miss. Every worker under 18 needs a work permit before they start any job. This has been required in Massachusetts since at least January 2025. This isn’t optional. It’s the law.
The process isn’t hard. First, get a job offer from an employer. Then fill out the Youth Employment Permit application. Your parent or guardian signs it. Your employer signs it too. Then you submit it to the school district where you live or go to school.
If you’re 14 or 15, there’s one extra step. You also need a doctor’s signature on the permit. That’s it.
Work permits are job-specific. You can’t use the same permit for a new job. Even if it’s the same employer at a different location, you need a brand new permit. Employers must keep your original permit at the workplace for as long as you work there.
Confused about the difference between a work permit and age verification? Let me break it down. The work permit covers both. It verifies your age and authorizes your employment at the same time.
Hour Limits for 14 and 15-Year-Olds
This part is super important if you’re in middle school or early high school. The rules for 14 and 15-year-olds are stricter than for older teens.
During school weeks, you can only work 18 hours total. That breaks down to no more than 3 hours on any school day. On weekends, holidays, or other non-school days, you can work up to 8 hours in a single day.
During non-school weeks like summer, the limit jumps up. You can work up to 40 hours per week, still capped at 8 hours per day. You can also only work 6 days in any one week, no matter the time of year.
Think of it like this. During the school year, your job plays a supporting role. School comes first.
Hour Limits for 16 and 17-Year-Olds
Stay with me here. The rules shift a bit once you turn 16.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds can work up to 48 hours per week. The daily limit is 9 hours per day. You still can’t work more than 6 days in a week. That applies whether or not school is in session.
Most people don’t realize that Massachusetts sets hour limits for 16 and 17-year-olds. Federal law doesn’t require this for that age group. But Massachusetts does. So if your employer tells you these limits don’t apply once you hit 16, they’re wrong.
Curfew Rules: What Time Can Teens Work?
Wondering if you can pick up a late shift? Here’s where it gets specific. Massachusetts law controls not just how many hours you work but also when.
If you’re 14 or 15, you can only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year. In summer months from July 1 through Labor Day, that extends to 9 p.m. That’s it. No late nights.
For 16 and 17-year-olds, the rules are a bit more flexible. On nights before a school day, you can work until 10 p.m. If the business stops serving customers at exactly 10 p.m., you can stay until 10:15 p.m. On nights before a non-school day, you can work until 11:30 p.m.
Here’s a rule that applies to every minor under 18 after 8 p.m. You must have direct and immediate supervision from an adult supervisor. That supervisor has to be physically present in the workplace and reachable at all times. There’s one narrow exception. Teens working at a kiosk or cart inside an enclosed shopping mall with on-site security are exempt from this rule.
Jobs That Are Off Limits
Hold on, this part is important. Not every job is available to teens. Massachusetts bans minors from a wide range of dangerous work.
All workers under 18 are banned from mining, working with explosives, excavation work, and most jobs involving heavy or dangerous machinery. These bans apply no matter how old you are, as long as you’re under 18.
For 14 and 15-year-olds, the list of banned jobs is even longer. They cannot operate or clean power-driven food slicers, grinders, or choppers. They can’t work in construction or transportation. Processing operations like meat, fish, or poultry are also off limits. Working on ladders is prohibited entirely for this age group.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds have more options. But they still can’t work on roofs. They can only use a ladder if they’re less than 30 feet off the ground. They can’t tend bar or handle alcohol in any way. That includes carrying drinks on a tray as a server. You have to be 18 to handle alcohol in Massachusetts, period.
Wait, it gets more specific. Teens under 18 generally can’t make deliveries or run errands for an employer using a vehicle, even if they have a driver’s license.
Meal Breaks: You’re Entitled to One
This one’s pretty straightforward. If your shift is longer than 6 hours, your employer must give you at least a 30-minute meal break. That break is unpaid. But it’s required by law.
Your employer cannot skip this. It doesn’t matter your age. All workers in Massachusetts get this protection.
Family Businesses Are Not Exempt
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people. Many families assume the rules don’t apply when a teen works for their own parents. That’s not true in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts law makes no exception for family-owned businesses. The same hour limits, curfew rules, and job restrictions apply to teens working for their parents or relatives. This is stricter than federal law, which does allow some family exemptions in non-agricultural settings.
Sadly, statistics show why this matters. Two of the three teen workplace deaths in Massachusetts between 2005 and 2009 involved teens working for their fathers, one in auto repair and one in construction. Working for family doesn’t mean a job is automatically safe.
Penalties for Breaking These Laws
So what happens if an employer breaks these rules? Let’s talk about the consequences. They’re serious.
Employers who violate child labor laws can face civil fines starting at $7,500 per violation. Repeat offenses can push that up to $25,000 per violation. Failing to keep proper records can add another $10,000 per violation. That’s a lot of money.
Willful violations can go beyond fines. Serious cases can result in criminal charges against the employer. The Attorney General’s Office can also issue a stop-work order immediately. That means the minor has to stop working right away until the issue is resolved.
Honestly, these penalties exist for a good reason. Teens deserve protection while they’re gaining work experience.
What About Minimum Wage?
Good news. The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $15.00 per hour. That applies to minors too. You can’t be paid less just because you’re a teenager.
Some exceptions exist for student workers in specific programs, but for most jobs, $15 per hour is the floor. If your employer pays you less and can’t point to a specific legal exception, that’s a violation you should report.
How to Get a Work Permit
You’re gonna love how simple this actually is. Here’s the basic process step by step.
Get a job offer first. Your employer needs to sign your application, so you need the offer before you can apply. Then download the Youth Employment Permit application from mass.gov. Fill out your section and have your parent or guardian complete theirs. If you’re 14 or 15, schedule a quick doctor’s appointment for the required signature.
Once everything is signed, submit the application to the superintendent’s office in the school district where you live or attend school. If you live out of state but work in Massachusetts, submit it to the district where your job is located. The school processes it and issues your permit. Bring it to your employer before you start.
How to Report a Violation
Not sure who to call if something seems wrong? You’re not alone, this confuses a lot of people.
For state child labor law violations, contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division at 617-727-3465. You can also file a complaint online at mass.gov/ago/fld.
For federal violations, contact the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division at 617-624-6700.
These protections apply to all workers regardless of immigration status. Every minor working in Massachusetts has rights. Don’t be afraid to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 13-year-old work in Massachusetts? Generally no. The minimum working age is 14. Kids under 14 can only work as newspaper carriers, on farms, in entertainment with a special permit, or as babysitters in limited cases.
Do I need a new work permit every time I change jobs? Yes, every single time. Work permits are job-specific. Even if you keep the same employer but change locations, you need a new permit.
Can my employer make me work without a break if the shift is only 6 hours? Yes, technically. The break rule only kicks in for shifts longer than 6 hours. A 6-hour shift does not require a break.
Can a teen work seven days in a row? No. Massachusetts law limits all minors to 6 days per week, no matter their age or the time of year.
Can my parents give permission for me to work later hours than the law allows? No. Parental permission does not override the law. The curfew rules are set by the state, not by your family.
Does my employer have to pay me minimum wage even if I’m 15? Yes. The $15 minimum wage applies to minors. You cannot be legally paid less simply because of your age in most circumstances.
What if my employer doesn’t have my work permit on file? That’s a violation. Employers must keep the original permit at the workplace for the entire time you work there. If they don’t have it, both they and you could be affected.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the basics. Massachusetts takes teen worker protections seriously. The rules around permits, hours, curfews, and job types exist to keep young workers safe while they’re building real skills.
If you’re a teen: get your permit before day one, know your hour limits, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels wrong.
If you’re a parent: stay involved in the process. Review the permit application with your kid and make sure the job is appropriate for their age.
If you’re an employer: ignorance of the law is not a defense. Keep permits on file, schedule minors within legal hours, and make sure every job duty is age-appropriate.
When in doubt, check mass.gov or call the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division. Stay informed, stay protected.
References
- Massachusetts Laws Regulating Minors’ Work Hours – Mass.gov
- Working Under 18 – Mass.gov
- Youth Employment Permit Information – Mass.gov
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 56 – Legislature.gov
- Massachusetts Child Labor Laws – Employment Law Handbook
- Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division – mass.gov/ago/fld
