# Teen work rules in Maryland

In Maryland, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from state labor department (online)). At 14 and 15 you can work up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week. 16- and 17-year-olds also have hour limits.

- Minimum age: 14
- Work permit: required under 18
- Hours at 14–15: 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week
- Hours at 16–17: limited

## Recent changes

- 2026-06-01: SB 831 / HB 1480 (2026, Chapter 167) adds civil penalties for child labor violations: up to $16,035 per violation, or $72,876 for willful or repeated violations, adjusted yearly on July 15.
- 2023-10-01: Job Opportunities for High School Students Act, SB 172 / HB 229 (Chapters 334/335). The state may share the contact details of permit holders aged 16 and over with registered employers, apprenticeship sponsors and schools, but only if the minor or a parent opts in.

## Employers hiring at 14 here

- AMC Theatres
- McDonald's
- Chick-fil-A
- Publix
- Culver's
- Dairy Queen
- Burger King
- Hy-Vee
- Fareway
- Rita's Italian Ice
- Arby's
- Jimmy John's
- Runza
- Braum's

## Sources

- Maryland DOL – Employment of Minors (Work Permit): https://www.labor.maryland.gov/labor/wages/empm.shtml
- Md. Code, Labor & Employment §3-211 – Hours for minors under 16: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-211&enactments=true
- 2026 Chapter 167 (SB 831): https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Chapters_noln/CH_167_sb0831t.pdf
- US DOL WHD – State child labor laws: hours and nightwork: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/child-labor
- US DOL WHD – Employment/age certification under state child labor laws: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/age-certificates

Page: https://hiringage.com/maryland/ — please cite with a link.