How many hours can a 17 year old work in Massachusetts during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 17-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 17 year old need a work permit in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires a work permit for 17-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 17 year old do in Massachusetts?

Q: What jobs can a 17 year old do in Massachusetts?

Yes — a 17-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 17-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 17-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 17-year-old

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

Full retail, food-service, and clerical work (with MA Youth Employment Permit)
Massachusetts still requires the Youth Employment Permit for every minor under 18, and the permit remains job-specific — reissued for each new employer at age 17.
Cooking, baking, and short-order line work with grills, fryers, and HO-11 bakery equipment
Lifeguard at any pool, water park, beach, or natural-water venue (with valid certification)
Warehouse and stockroom work without HO-7 power-driven hoists or HO-2 driving
Massachusetts's state-HO ban on logging, sawmilling, and mining-related work stays in place for every minor under 18 — these tasks remain off-limits at 17 (state rule beyond the federal floor).
Hotel and hospitality front-of-house — host, busser, food runner (no alcohol service)
Massachusetts General Laws ch. 138 § 34 sets the minimum age to serve alcohol in licensed establishments at 18. 17-year-olds may host and bus but not pour or serve alcoholic beverages.
Construction-trade pre-apprenticeship under registered apprenticeship programs
Massachusetts allows 17-year-olds in registered apprenticeship programs through the MA Division of Apprentice Standards. HO-16 roofing and HO-2 on-road driving remain barred for minors under 18.
Office, data-entry, internship, and customer-support 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 17-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

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