How many hours can a 16 year old work in Maryland during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in Maryland can work up to 12 hr per day and No state limit per week, time window No state limit.

Does a 16 year old need a work permit in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland requires a work permit for 16-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 16 year old do in Maryland?

Q: What jobs can a 16 year old do in Maryland?

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Maryland with the following limits during the school year: 12 hr per school day, No state limit per week, time window No state limit. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 16-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 16-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 day: 12 hr
Hours per week: No state limit
Time window: No state limit

Combined hours of work and school may not exceed 12 in any 24-hour period. Minors must have at least 8 consecutive non-work hours each day.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 12 hr
Hours per week: No state limit
Time window: No state limit

Same 12-hours-in-24 and 8-hours-rest rules apply year-round.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

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

Cooking and baking with grills and deep fryers
Maryland's distinctive sleep guarantee: 16-17-year-olds may not work more than 12 combined school+work hours in any 24-hour period and must get 8 consecutive hours of rest. Online work permit still required for every minor under 18.
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, or beach (with certification)
Cashier, sales associate, or stocker at any retail establishment
Office assistant, receptionist, or data-entry clerk
Park, recreation, and camp staff
Warehouse jobs without power-driven hoists (HO-7) or forklifts
Hotel and hospitality front-of-house roles

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 16-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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