HiringAgeWork permit in Maryland
All minors under 18 need a work permit. After a job offer, the minor applies online through the Maryland Department of Labor (Division of Labor and Industry) and prints the permit. The minor, a parent or guardian, and the employer each sign it. A new permit is needed for each new job. Official permit page →
Hour limits for teens in Maryland
| Ages 14–15 | Ages 16–17 | |
|---|---|---|
| School day | 3 h | — |
| School week | 18 h | — |
| Non-school day | 8 h | — |
| Non-school week | 40 h | — |
| Time of day | 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. June 1–Labor Day | Must have at least 8 consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each 24-hour period. |
Breaks: All minors under 18: a non-working period of at least 30 minutes after no more than 5 consecutive hours of work.
Recent law changes
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. Source
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. Source
Places that hire at 14 in Maryland
- 14+AMC TheatresMovies, parks & fun · ✓ seen here
- 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
Places that hire at 15 in Maryland
- 15+Chuck E. CheeseMovies, parks & fun · ✓ seen here
- 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+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 Maryland?
14 for most jobs. Work permits are not issued under 14. Exception: models, performers and entertainers with a special permit from the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.
Do you need a work permit in Maryland?
All minors under 18 need a work permit. After a job offer, the minor applies online through the Maryland Department of Labor (Division of Labor and Industry) and prints the permit. The minor, a parent or guardian, and the employer each sign it. A new permit is needed for each new job.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Maryland?
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. June 1–Labor Day.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Maryland?
Maryland limits 16- and 17-year-olds: Must have at least 8 consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each 24-hour period..
Which jobs hire at 14 in Maryland?
AMC Theatres, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee and others hire at 14 at some locations.
Sources
State agency: Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry (Employment Standards Service)