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

During summer or school breaks, a 16-year-old in Massachusetts can work up to 9 hr per day and 48 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 23:30.

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

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

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

Yes — a 16-year-old can work in Massachusetts with the following limits during the school year: 9 hr per school day, 48 hr per week, time window 06:00 – 22:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 16-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 16-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 day: 9 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 22:00

Up to 11:30 PM on nights not preceding a school day. Maximum 6 days per week.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 9 hr
Hours per week: 48 hr
Time window: 06:00 – 23:30

From July 1 through Labor Day, restaurants and racetracks may employ 16-17-year-olds until 12:00 AM with on-site adult supervision.

Common allowed jobs for a 16-year-old

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

Cooking and baking with grills and deep fryers
Permitted at 16+ in food-service. MA Youth Employment Permit still required for every minor under 18; reissued per new employer.
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
MA bans logging, sawmilling, and mining-related work for any minor under 18 — state HO beyond the federal floor.
Hotel and hospitality front-of-house roles

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

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