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Youth Employment Overview
Massachusetts child labor laws were written to protect young workers because they tend to suffer injuries at much higher rates than adults, and they need to balance work and education. Generally, the work of minors is restricted with respect to three main areas: minimum age, hours, and occupations. Working minors are protected by both state and federal laws. For each aspect of the child labor laws, the most restrictive of the two laws applies. File a Child Labor Complaint
Attorney General's Guide for Working Teens
Age Requirements
Hour Restrictions
Hazardous Jobs
How to Apply for a Youth Permit to Work
Entertainment Industry Waiver Process
The Official Website of the Attorney General of Massachusetts
Attorney General Martha Coakley
Main Menu
Youth Employment
The Attorney General enforces the provisions of the Massachusetts Child Labor Laws. These laws were written to protect young workers who suffer injuries at much higher rates than adults and who need to balance work and education. The Fair Labor Division investigates reports of violations of the child labor laws and of injuries or dangerous working conditions for young workers. Generally, the work of minors is restricted with respect to three main areas: minimum age, hours, and occupations. Working minors are protected by both state and federal laws. The state laws are enforced by the Office of the Attorney General, Fair Labor Division. The federal laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. For each aspect of the Child Labor Laws, the most restrictive of the two laws applies.