---
title: "Massachusetts Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses | Kids Payroll"
url: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/massachusetts/
description: "Child labor laws in Massachusetts: minimum working age, hour restrictions, work permit requirements, and family business exemptions for 2026."
lang: en
---

# Massachusetts

Child Labor Laws for Family Businesses

Last updated: July 15, 2025

Min. Wage: $15.00/hr (2025)

Massachusetts Department of Labor (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards)

### Family Business Exemptions Strict Rules

No Broad Exemption

- Follows federal parental exemption.
- Massachusetts requires special certifications for minors in entertainment.

### Minimum Working Age

14 years old for most non-agricultural work.

Exceptions:

- No state minimum when employed by parent (follows federal parental exemption).

### Hours Restrictions

Under 14

- Generally may not work.

Ages 14-15

- Max 3 hrs on school days, 8 hrs on non-school days.
- Max 18 hrs during school weeks, 48 hrs during non-school weeks.
- Max 6 days/week.

Ages 16-17

- 9 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week, 6 days/week regardless of school schedule.

### Nightwork Restrictions

### Permitted Job Types

### Work Permit Requirements

Permits Required

- Employment certificate AND proof of age required for ALL minors under 18.

### Recordkeeping Requirements

### Key Considerations

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Labor (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards) and the U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor).

## Nearby States

CT Connecticut: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/connecticut/
RI Rhode Island: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/rhode-island/
NH New Hampshire: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/new-hampshire/
NY New York: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/new-york/

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#### Product

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  - Florida: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/florida/
  - Louisiana: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/louisiana/
  - Maine: https://kidspayroll.com/state-labor-laws/maine/

#### Resources

- How to Pay Kids Through LLC: https://kidspayroll.com/blog/pay-kids-through-llc/
- Roth IRA for Kids: https://kidspayroll.com/blog/roth-ira-for-kids-rules/
- Tax-Free Payment Limits: https://kidspayroll.com/blog/pay-child-tax-free-2026/
- All Articles →: https://kidspayroll.com/blog/

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