How many hours can a 15 year old work in Maryland during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Maryland can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00.

Does a 15 year old need a work permit in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. The minor applies online at the Maryland Department of Labor portal with proof of age, an employer offer, and a parent or guardian's electronic signature. The permit is job-specific and emailed to the minor and employer. A new permit is required for each job.

MD · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Maryland?

Q: What jobs can a 15 year old do in Maryland?

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Maryland with the following limits during the school year: 4 hr per school day, 23 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 20:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 15-year-olds in Maryland — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Maryland state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 15-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

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

During the school year

Hours per school day: 4 hr
Hours per non-school day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 23 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 20:00

Maryland allows up to 4 hours on a school day (1 hour more than the federal cap). No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

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

Summer hours apply Memorial Day through Labor Day; evening cutoff extends to 9:00 PM.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

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

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Maryland mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water stay 16+.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with MD Online Work Permit)
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Office or clerical work
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Newspaper delivery on a regular route

Restricted in Maryland

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Operating power-driven meat-processing machines(HO-10)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)
Door-to-door sales for minors under 18 without bonded supervisor(MD Code, Labor and Employment §3-211)
Selling alcoholic beverages or working in a bar (under 18)(MD Code, Alcoholic Beverages §6-307)

Other ages in Maryland

Same age, other states

Read the full Maryland rules

This page summarizes the rules for 15-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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