About youth employment and safety

Frequently asked questions answered by the Massachusetts Youth Employment and Safety Team (YES Team)

Who is the Massachusetts YES Team?

The YES Team is made up of eight state and federal agencies that coordinate efforts to protect and promote the health and safety of young workers across the Commonwealth.

What are my rights on the job?

See the Occupational Safety and Health Administration resources for workers.

What's the minimum wage in Massachusetts?

The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $13.50 per hour ($14.25 effective 1/1/2022; $15.00 effective 1/1/2023).

The service rate is $5.55 per hour ($6.15 effective 1/1/2022; $6.75 effective 1/1/2023).

See the Attorney General's Fair Labor Division Guide to Pay and Recordkeeping and Minimum Wage Program.

What hours can I work?

Restrictions on the number of hours and time of day minors can work in Massachusetts depend on the age of the teen, the time of year, and the type of occupation in which the teen is employed. See work hours restrictions for minors

Are there any jobs I can't do?

There are certain dangerous tasks that minors may not perform at work. These prohibited tasks are called hazardous jobs, and they vary depending on the age of the working teen. See prohibited jobs for minors.