Both Massachusetts state and federal laws restrict the hours that minors may work. The stricter standard applies. The information below combines both state and federal law.
Note: Under state law, no one under 18 may work past 8 p.m. without direct, on-site adult supervision (except when working at kiosks in the common areas of some malls).
16 and 17 year olds may not work:
- At night, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (or past 10:15 if the employer stops serving customers at 10 p.m.)*
- More than 9 hours per day
- More than 48 hours per week
- More than 6 days per week
* Exception: On non-school nights, may work until 11:30 p.m. or until midnight, if working at a restaurant or racetrack.
14 and 15 year olds may not work:
- At night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Exception: In summer (July 1 – Labor Day), may work until 9 p.m.
- During the School Year:
- During school hours*
- More than 3 hours on any school day
- More than 18 hours during any week
- More than 8 hours on any weekend or holiday
- When school is not in session:
- More than 40 hours per week
- More than 8 hours on any day
- More than 6 days per week
* Exception: For school-approved career or experience-building jobs, students may be allowed to work during the school day, up to 23 hours a week.
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mass.gov