Employment of Minors

Date: March 2014

Policy: Bowdoin College is in compliance with Maine state law regarding the employment of minors. Please consult with Human Resources prior to the employment of minors to ensure compliance with the state regulations.

Minors under the age of 16 years old must obtain a work permit before beginning a job. They must get a new permit every time they begin a new job until they reach 16 years of age. The minor cannot work until the Department of Labor approves the permit, which can take up to one week.

Minors who are 16 and 17 may work in nonhazardous jobs; Human Resources will determine the nature and suitability of each employment situation pertaining to minors.

Hour Restrictions

Please consult with Human Resources to discuss specific hours when minors may work (see list below). Departments employing minors are required to keep detailed records of their time worked. 

Minors under 17:

• Cannot work during the hours that school is in session.
• Can only work 3 hours a day on a school day, including Fridays.
• Can only work 18 hours in any school week.
• Can only work during the hours of 7 A.M. and 9 P.M. during the summer.
• Can work no more than 40 hours in a week when school is not in session.
• Can work no more than 8 hours in a day. 
• Can work no more than 6 days in a row.

A complete copy of the Maine regulations is available online.