Work hours restrictions for minors

Find out how many hours and how early or late minors may work.

Both 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.

Contact   for Work hours restrictions for minors

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback