Child Labor Laws in Maine

Maine’s child labor laws aim to ensure that minors can work responsibly and safely, without compromising their education, health, or welfare. These laws are enforced by the Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Standards under the statutes in Title 26.

When state provisions are less protective than federal rules, employers must default to the stricter standard under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Maine distinguishes rules by age groups, enforces work permits for certain minors, and bans hazardous occupations for those under 18.

Minimum Working Age in Maine

Maine sets 14 years as the general minimum age for most non-agricultural employment.

• Under 14 years: Generally prohibited from non-agricultural work, but minors as young as 12 may perform certain farm work (if not involving hazardous machinery or substances).
• Ages 14–15: May work in most non-hazardous businesses with limitations on hours and type of work, including a required work permit.
• Ages 16–17: May work in many more occupations, but remain barred from hazardous roles per state rules adopted to align with FLSA.
• 18 and older: Not subject to Maine’s minor work rules; treated as adult workers.

Work Permits for Minors

In Maine, minors under 16 must obtain a work permit before beginning employment.

Steps to obtain a work permit:

• The minor requests the permit from the superintendent of schools in their district (or designated school official).
• The superintendent or delegated official verifies that the minor is enrolled in school, not truant or suspended, and passing a majority of courses.
• Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or other documentary evidence) must be submitted.
• The permit is signed and issued for a specific job and employer. The employer must retain the permit.
• If a minor changes jobs, a new permit is required.

The permit may be revoked if the minor fails to maintain academic standards or if employment violates child labor statutes. 

Hour Restrictions for Minors

Maine law limits the number of hours and the times when minors under 17 may work, especially during school sessions. 

Other constraints:

• A minor under 17 may not be employed during school hours (unless in approved programs).
• Employment must not begin before 7:00 AM on school days, nor before 5:00 AM on non-school days.
• On evenings preceding a school day, minors may not work past 10:15 PM, but on nights preceding non-school days they may work until midnight.
• Minors under 16 may not work more than 8 hours per day or more than 40 hours per week when school is not in session.
• They also cannot work more than 6 consecutive days.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers who violate Maine’s child labor laws may face administrative, civil, or legal consequences. The state can issue fines or orders to cease unlawful work. 

Because Maine’s rules overlap with federal standards, violating hours or hazardous work rules may also attract FLSA penalties, which are enforceable by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

The work permit may be revoked, and employers must notify the director and the minor’s employer in writing.

HR Notifications and Documentation

Employers should keep accurate records and be ready for inspection under Maine law.

Employers must ensure that the permit issued matches the minor’s job and that the record is accessible for inspection.