HiringAgeWork permit in Maine
After a job offer, the minor takes proof of age and parental permission to the school superintendent's office. The superintendent signs the permit and sends it to the Maine DOL, which checks and validates it. The minor may not start work until it is approved. One permit is needed per employer and job, with at most one active permit during the school year and two in summer. The minor must be enrolled, not habitually truant and passing most courses. Home-schoolers need one too. Official permit page →
Hour limits for teens in Maine
| Ages 14–15 | Ages 16–17 | |
|---|---|---|
| School day | 3 h | 6 h |
| School week | 18 h | 24 h |
| Non-school day | 8 h | — |
| Non-school week | 40 h | — |
| Time of day | 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. during summer vacation | Before a school day: until 10:15 p.m.; before a non-school day: until midnight. Start no earlier than 7 a.m. on school days or 5 a.m. on other days. |
Breaks: No minor-specific rule. Maine's general law (26 MRSA §601) requires a 30-minute break after 6 consecutive hours, except in emergencies or at small workplaces that allow frequent paid breaks.
Places that hire at 14 in Maine
- 14+McDonald'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Chick-fil-AMost locations 16+
- 14+PublixGrocery & convenience
- 14+Culver'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Dairy QueenMost locations 16+
- 14+Burger KingMost locations 16+
- 14+Hy-VeeMost locations 16+
- 14+FarewayGrocery & convenience
- 14+Rita's Italian IceMost locations 16+
- 14+Arby'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Jimmy John'sMost locations 16+
- 14+RunzaFast food & restaurants
- 14+Braum'sFast food & restaurants
- 14+AMC TheatresMovies, parks & fun
Places that hire at 15 in Maine
- 15+Wendy'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Baskin-RobbinsMost locations 16+
- 15+Dunkin'Most locations 16+
- 15+KFCMost locations 16+
- 15+Domino'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Pizza HutMost locations 16+
- 15+Smoothie KingMost locations 16+
- 15+Little CaesarsMost locations 16+
- 15+Zaxby'sMost locations 16+
- 15+Freddy's Frozen Custard & SteakburgersMost locations 16+
- 15+Chuck E. CheeseMovies, parks & fun
- 15+Six FlagsMost locations 16+
- 15+YMCAGyms & community
- 15+WegmansGrocery & convenience
- 15+Stop & ShopMost locations 16+
Questions
What is the youngest age you can work in Maine?
14 for most jobs. Under 14 may not work (26 MRSA §771). Exceptions: farm work not near hazardous machinery or substances, school lunch programs, and a business solely owned by the minor's parents. Ages 14–15 are limited to listed industries (26 MRSA §773-A).
Do you need a work permit in Maine?
After a job offer, the minor takes proof of age and parental permission to the school superintendent's office. The superintendent signs the permit and sends it to the Maine DOL, which checks and validates it. The minor may not start work until it is approved. One permit is needed per employer and job, with at most one active permit during the school year and two in summer. The minor must be enrolled, not habitually truant and passing most courses. Home-schoolers need one too.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Maine?
Up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week, between 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. during summer vacation.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Maine?
Maine limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 6 h on a school day, 24 h in a school week, Before a school day: until 10:15 p.m.; before a non-school day: until midnight. Start no earlier than 7 a.m. on school days or 5 a.m. on other days..
Which jobs hire at 14 in Maine?
McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee, Fareway and others hire at 14 at some locations.
Sources
State agency: Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards