Massachusetts Child Labor Laws
Massachusetts was the first state to pass a Child Labor Law in 1836 requiring all children under 15 working in factories to attend school at least three months per year. Today the Massachusetts Child Labor Law is administered by the Department of Labor Standards with an employment permit being required for all working minors.
Child Labor Laws in Massachusetts For Minors Under 14
Currently, the Massachusetts Child Labor Law states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working to protect their development physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, beginning at the age of nine, children may deliver newspapers. Those who are at least 12 may work vending or selling miscellaneous items. There is no minimum working age for those on a farm owned by a parent or guardian. To work on a farm not owned by a parent or guardian, children must be at least 12 and need parental consent.
Child Labor Laws in Massachusetts For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Minors in this age group may work in certain jobs, but not ones considered hazardous. Please see the list of Hazardous Occupations under the Child Labor Laws for 16 and 17 year olds, as this list applies to any minor under 16, as well. Fourteen and 15 year olds may work as newspaper carriers, assistants on farms, as seasonal helpers, or as vendors.
Fourteen and 15 year olds may not work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
The Massachusetts Child Labor Law specifies the restrictions for this age group, as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours per day on school days
- No more than eight hours per day on weekends or holidays
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- A maximum of six days per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No more than six days per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between July 1st and Labor Day
Child Labor Laws in Massachusetts For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors in this age group are allowed to work any variety of jobs. Typical employment opportunities may be found in fast food, retail, agriculture, landscaping, community service, vending, manual car washing, and caddying. They may not work in those jobs considered Hazardous Occupations as outlined below:
- Cook (except in cases where no open flame is used)
- Use of Pressure Cookers
- Slicing Meats and Cheeses
- Working in/with Conditions/Materials of Extreme Heat/Cold
- Roofing/Window Washing
- Working with Crude Materials (Oil/Brake Fluid/Gasoline)
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Working in Bowling Alleys/Billiard Rooms
- Door to Door Sales
- Warehouse Work (except administrative)
- Construction
- Work involving the Commercial Transportation of Goods and/or Persons
- Public Messaging Services/Mass Mailing
- Processing of Meats
- Electrical Work
- Commercial Laundering
Minors in this age group are prohibited from working in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
The Massachusetts Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group, including:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than nine hours per day
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- No more than six days per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 10pm on school nights
- No earlier than 6am or later than 11:30pm on weekends and holidays
When public school is not in session:
- No more than nine hours per day
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- No more than six days per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 12am