Maryland Child Labor Laws
Prior to 1902, when a law preventing children under the age of 12 from working was passed, virtually all children in Maryland were subject to employment. The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation enforces the state child labor laws.
Child Labor Laws in Maryland For Minors Under 14
Currently, the Maryland Child labor law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working in order to ensure their health and personal development or not interfere with their schooling. While they are restricted from most jobs, they may work in the entertainment industry with a special permit and may work as models, entertainers, and actors. Child Labor laws typically do not apply to minors under 14 working on farms, in homes as domestic assistants, in a business operated by a parent or guardian, as a golf caddy, as newspaper carriers, counselors at youth camps, and volunteers for nonprofit organizations.
Child Labor Laws in Maryland For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Those in this age group are allowed to work at certain jobs with restrictions. They may work in retail, and at fast food or full-service restaurants. A work permit is required for employment. They are not allowed to work in excavating, hazardous waste disposal, logging, manufacturing, meatpacking, mining, roofing, and woodworking jobs. They are also prohibited from working at airports, brickyards, construction sites, lumberyards, or railroads. They are not allowed to work in an establishment which sells or serves alcohol for consumption.
The Maryland Child labor Law outlines the restrictions, including,
When public school is in session
- No working during school hours
- No more than four hours per day
- A maximum of 23 hours per week
- No more than eight hours per day on weekends
- No earlier than 7am or later than 8pm
- Must have a 30 minute break after five consecutive hours of work
When public school is not in session
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 8pm
- Must have a 30 minute break after five consecutive hours of work
Child Labor Laws in Maryland For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors in this age group are allowed to work at a variety of jobs except those considered hazardous, such as excavating, hazardous waste disposal, logging, manufacturing, meatpacking, mining, roofing, and woodworking occupations. A work permit is required prior to employment.
The Maryland Child Labor Law details the restrictions on minors in this age group, including:
When public school is in session:
- No more than 12 hours combined at school and work
- Must have at least an eight hour break from school and work in a 24-hour period
- A maximum of 23 hours per week
- No restrictions on times worked
- Must have a 30 minute break after five consecutive hours of work
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- Must have at least an eight hour break from school and work in a 24-hour period
- No restrictions on times worked
- Must have a 30 minute break after five consecutive hours of work