How many hours can a 14 year old work in Massachusetts during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 14-year-old in Massachusetts can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00.

Does a 14 year old need a work permit in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires a work permit for 14-year-olds. The minor obtains a Promise of Employment from the prospective employer, then applies at their school superintendent's office. A parent or guardian must sign for minors under 18. Permits are job-specific and must be reissued for each new employer.

MA · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 14 year old do in Massachusetts?

Q: What jobs can a 14 year old do in Massachusetts?

Yes — a 14-year-old can work in Massachusetts with the following limits during the school year: 3 hr per school day, 18 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 19:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 14-year-olds in Massachusetts — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Massachusetts state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 14-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

Massachusetts sets different hour caps depending on whether school is in session.

During the school year

Hours per school day: 3 hr
Hours per non-school day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 18 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 19:00

No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 40 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

From the last day of school in June through Labor Day.

Common allowed jobs for a 14-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. Massachusetts adds its own restricted-occupations list below — check that before accepting any job.

Retail cashier or sales clerk (with MA Youth Employment Permit)
Massachusetts requires the Youth Employment Permit for every minor under 18. The permit is job-specific and must be reissued for each new employer.
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Federal FLSA hour caps apply: 3 hrs per school day, 18 per school week, 7 AM–7 PM.
Office or clerical work — filing, reception, data entry
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
MA bans door-to-door sales for minors under 16. Power mowers and weed-whackers stay 16+ under federal HO-6.
Newspaper delivery on a regular route
Federal FLSA carve-out — MA Youth Employment Permit not required for delivery routes.

Restricted in Massachusetts

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Operating power-driven meat-processing machines(HO-10)
Operating elevators and other power-driven hoists(HO-7)
Working in connection with mining, logging, or sawmilling(HO-2 and HO-4)
Door-to-door sales for minors under 16(MGL c.149 §65)

Other ages in Massachusetts

Same age, other states

Read the full Massachusetts rules

This page summarizes the rules for 14-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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