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Can kids work? Yes! The type of job and the hours kids may work depends on their age. 

Work Permits 

Youth age 14-17 need a work permit.  Here is how you get one:

  • You need a job offer first!

  • Find the work permit form at your school and have your new employer fill it out.

  • Your parent/guardian needs to sign it.

  • Bring the permit and your proof of age (identification) to school and have it signed.

Remember:  If you change jobs you need a new permit!

 

Kids under 14 years:

Generally kids under 14 years old may not work for wages, although they can volunteer for charity.  There are some exceptions, you may only work on a farm, in a home (domestic work), for a parent’s business, as a volunteer for a charity, as a golf caddy, to deliver newspapers, or as a counselor at a youth camp.

(No work permit is required)

Employees age 14 and 15 years:

  • Must have a work permit.
  • School day: May not work more than 4 hours.
  • Holidays and weekends during the school year:  8 hours or less on any day. Cannot work more than 23 hours per week. Hours are 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
  •  Memorial to Labor Day: 40 hours or less per week. Hours are 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.
  •  Breaks:  If you work more than 5 hours, you need a 30 minute break.

Employees age 16 and 17 years:

  • Must have a work permit.
  • Number of hours of work + Number of school hours must be less than 12 hours.
  • Every 24 hours, must have 8 hours that are not at school or work.
  •  Breaks:  If you work more than 5 hours, you need a 30 minute break.
  • If you are 16 or 17, you do not need a work permit to work at the following jobs.  You are not allowed to work during school hours.
    • Farm work performed on a farm.
    • Domestic work performed in or about a home.
    • Working in a business owned or operated by your parent or guardian.
    • Working as a non-paid volunteer, in a charitable or non-profit organization, employed with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
    • Caddying on a golf course.
    • Teaching on an instructional sailboat.
    • Manufacturing evergreen wreaths in or near a home.
    • Delivering newspapers to the consumer.
    • Working as a counselor, assistant counselor, or instructor in a youth camp certified under the Maryland Youth Camp Act.

Are my parents entitled to my income?

Do you want more detail? Check the Labor and Employment Article, Title 3, Subtitle 2, of the Code of Maryland

Source: Rob Bader, updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).

Last date of legal review 10/16/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)