Massachusetts has specific labor laws in place to protect young workers while allowing them to gain valuable job experience. These laws outline the minimum age requirements for employment, work permits, and restrictions on the types of jobs minors can perform. If you’re a teenager looking for a job or an employer hiring young workers, it’s important to understand these regulations to ensure compliance with state labor laws.
Minimum Working Age in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the minimum legal working age is 14 years old. However, there are exceptions that allow children under 14 to work in certain roles, such as acting, babysitting, or performing minor household chores. Despite these exceptions, most traditional employment opportunities require minors to be at least 14 years old.
Work Permit Requirements for Minors
Minors between the ages of 14 and 17 must obtain a work permit before they can legally start working. The process for obtaining a work permit includes:
- Getting a job offer: A minor must first secure employment before applying for a permit.
- Filling out a work permit application: The application must be signed by the employer and a parent or guardian.
- Obtaining approval from the school: If the minor is still in school, the school must review and approve the permit.
- Submitting the application to the local school superintendent: Once approved, the permit is issued, allowing the minor to begin working legally.
Work Hour Restrictions for Minors
Massachusetts enforces strict limits on the number of hours minors can work, particularly during the school year. These restrictions vary based on age:
For Minors Aged 14-15:
- During the school year:
- No more than 3 hours per day on school days
- No more than 18 hours per week
- No later than 7 PM
- During the summer (June 1 – Labor Day):
- No more than 8 hours per day
- No more than 40 hours per week
- No later than 9 PM
For Minors Aged 16-17:
- During the school year:
- No more than 6 hours per day on school days
- No more than 30 hours per week
- No later than 10 PM (or 11:30 PM if the next day is not a school day)
- During the summer:
- No more than 8 hours per day
- No more than 48 hours per week
- No later than 11:30 PM
Jobs That Are Restricted for Minors
While young workers are allowed to take on various jobs, Massachusetts law prohibits minors from working in certain hazardous occupations. These restrictions are designed to protect their health and safety.
Jobs Prohibited for 14-15-Year-Olds:
- Manufacturing or warehouse jobs
- Operating power-driven machinery
- Construction work
- Handling hazardous materials
- Working in freezers or meat coolers
- Working in amusement parks with dangerous rides or machinery
Jobs Prohibited for 16-17-Year-Olds:
- Roofing or demolition work
- Logging or sawmill jobs
- Operating motor vehicles on public roads
- Operating forklifts or heavy machinery
- Handling or serving alcohol (except in limited capacities, such as a busser in a restaurant)
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Certain jobs have exceptions to these restrictions. For example:
- Family-owned businesses: Minors may work in non-hazardous roles within a family business.
- Agricultural work: Children as young as 12 years old may work in agriculture with parental permission.
- Entertainment industry: Minors under 14 may work in acting, modeling, and similar jobs with proper permits.
Consequences of Violating Child Labor Laws
Employers who violate Massachusetts child labor laws can face severe penalties, including:
- Fines of up to $10,000 per violation
- Suspension or revocation of business licenses
- Civil lawsuits from affected employees and their families
Final Thoughts
Understanding Massachusetts’s labor laws helps protect young workers while allowing them to gain early work experience. If you are under 18 and looking for a job, make sure you obtain the necessary permits and comply with work-hour restrictions. Employers must also be aware of these laws to ensure compliance and avoid legal consequences. By following these guidelines, young workers and businesses alike can benefit from a safe and lawful work environment.
