No, child labor under age 14 is not legal in Massachusetts except under highly restricted exemptions. The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) enforces strict prohibitions, permitting work only in limited agricultural or entertainment contexts with prior approval. Violations trigger penalties under MGL c. 149, §56, with enforcement by the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Massachusetts
- Parental Consent & Permits: Employers must secure a special permit from the DLS, accompanied by written parental consent, before any work is permitted. Permits are issued only for non-hazardous roles in agriculture or entertainment, not exceeding 3 hours on school days or 8 hours on non-school days.
- Hour Restrictions: Minors under 14 may work no earlier than 7:00 a.m. or later than 7:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. during school vacations), with total weekly hours capped at 18 when school is in session. These limits align with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) youth provisions but are enforced more stringently by state auditors.
- Prohibited Occupations: The DLS explicitly bans employment in manufacturing, mining, or any role involving exposure to hazardous machinery, chemicals, or heavy lifting. Recent 2026 compliance updates expand inspections of family-owned businesses to curb illegal domestic labor exploitation.