Maryland Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Maryland Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Maryland and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details Maryland's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Maryland
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Maryland for minors under 18. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
Acquiring a Maryland Employment Certificate:
In Maryland, Employment Certificates for minors are issued by the Maryland Department of Labor. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in Maryland
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in Maryland. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Maryland
Minors who are authorized to work in Maryland are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
8 hours per day and 40 in a week are permitted when school is not in session. When school is in session 4 hours per day and 23 per week are allowed, more hours are permitted when school is in session less than 5 days.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Minors are permitted up to 12 combined hours of work and school per day.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 8 p.m. (9 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 8 consecutive hours of non-work, non-school day time required in each 24-hour day.
Special Child Labor Laws in Maryland
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in Maryland, see the following pages.
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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