So, you’re thinking of donning that iconic blue vest and joining the Walmart team, but you’re wondering: how old do you have to be to work at Walmart? Well, buckle up, friend, because the answer might surprise you. From cashiers to stockers, and even cart attendants, Walmart has a range of jobs available for teens and adults alike. But before you start imagining yourself scanning groceries like a pro, let’s look into the age requirements and other vital details you need to know to land your dream job at Walmart.
Key Takeaways:
- Age Requirement: Walmart requires employees to be at least 16 years old for Walmart locations and 18 for Sam’s Club locations, with some positions requiring applicants to be at least 18 to 21 years of age.
- State Variations: Some states have different age requirements for selling alcohol, and Walmart applicants may qualify for certain positions at 16 or 17 years old in those states.
- Available Positions: Walmart offers various hourly positions for minors, including cashier, stocker, greeter, cart manager, and customer service, with different requirements and skills needed for each role.
Age Requirements for Working at Walmart
Minimum Age for Walmart and Sam’s Club
For Walmart locations, you must be at least 16 years old to apply, while Sam’s Club locations require applicants to be at least 18 years old. This age restriction is in place to comply with state laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco products.
Age Restrictions for Certain Positions
On top of the general age requirement, some positions at Walmart may have additional age restrictions. For instance, certain roles like cashiers or supervisors may require applicants to be at least 18 to 21 years old, depending on the state and local laws.
For instance, in states like Alaska, Delaware, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, you must be at least 21 years old to sell alcohol, which means you won’t qualify for certain positions if you’re under 21. However, in states like California, Georgia, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, Vermont, and Virginia, the minimum age for selling alcohol is not specified, so you may be able to apply for cashier positions at 16 or 17 years old. It’s important to check the specific laws and regulations in your state before applying.
Does Walmart Hire Minors?
Clearly, the answer is yes, but with some age restrictions. Walmart has different hiring policies for minors depending on their age and the state they live in.
Hiring 14-Year-Olds
Any 14-year-old looking for a job at Walmart will be disappointed to know that the company doesn’t hire minors below the age of 16. The Fair Labor Standards Act sets the minimum age for employment at 14, but Walmart has chosen to set its minimum age at 16, likely due to state restrictions on selling alcohol and tobacco.
Hiring 15-Year-Olds
Any 15-year-old hoping to land a job at Walmart will have to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, Walmart doesn’t hire 15-year-olds, but there are other companies that do. To explore other job opportunities for 15-year-olds, you can check out our page on jobs for 15-year-olds at other companies.
Hiring 16-Year-Olds
To get a job at Walmart, you typically need to be at least 16 years old. Depending on the state, minors aged 16 and 17 can apply for various hourly positions, including cashier, stocker, greeter, cart manager, and customer service. Does this sound like you? If so, you’ll need to obtain a work permit or agreement between your school district and the employer. Additionally, if the store sells alcohol, you may not qualify for a cashier or customer service position.
Hiring 50-Year-Olds and Older
For those aged 50 and older, Walmart is a great option. The company frequently hires individuals aged 65 and older for many of the same positions available to minors, including cashier and greeter. The good news is that Walmart values experience and is willing to give older workers a chance. Whether you’re looking for a part-time or full-time position, Walmart might have an opportunity for you.
Other Walmart Hiring Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
With most starting jobs at Walmart, there are no minimum qualifications. You typically need to be 16 years or older and capable of carrying out the duties associated with the job.
Experience and Education Requirements
Hiring managers at Walmart often prioritize candidates with past retail experience, especially if the store has limited positions available. However, many hourly positions do not require any previous experience. Experience plays a significant role in getting hired at Walmart. If you have prior experience in retail or customer service, you may have an advantage over other applicants. Having a high school diploma or equivalent may be beneficial for certain salaried positions, such as managerial roles.
Teen Jobs at Walmart
The good news is that Walmart offers several positions for teenagers, including cashier, stocker, and cart manager. These jobs can be a great way to gain work experience and build skills for future careers.
To get a better understanding of the requirements and duties of each position, let’s take a closer look at the three main teen jobs available at Walmart. Whether you’re interested in working as a cashier, stock associate, or cart attendant, there are opportunities available for you to start your career at Walmart.
Job Descriptions for Teenagers
Cashier
The cashier position is an excellent opportunity for you to develop your communication and math skills while working in a fast-paced environment. As a cashier, you will be responsible for ringing up customer purchases, maintaining a clean workspace, and assisting other associates as needed. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for this position, and the typical pay ranges from $12 to $17 per hour.
Stock Associate
To succeed as a stock associate, you need to be detail-oriented, able to manage your time effectively, and possess physical endurance. Your primary responsibilities will include unloading merchandise, stocking shelves, and ensuring that the aisles are neat and organized. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for this position, and the typical pay ranges from $13 to $21 per hour. As a stock associate, you will have the opportunity to work independently, which can help you develop your problem-solving skills and build confidence in your abilities.
Cart Attendant/Greeter
On any given day, you can expect to retrieve carts from the parking lot, assist customers with transporting large items, and maintain the entrance area by picking up trash, sweeping, or shoveling snow during the winter season. To excel in this role, you need to possess good communication skills, be physically fit, and have strong organizational skills. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for this position, and the typical pay ranges from $12 to $17 per hour.
Conclusion
To wrap up, working at Walmart has its age requirements, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. From 16-year-olds looking for their first job to 50-year-olds seeking a new opportunity, Walmart has a place for you. While some positions may require you to be at least 18 or 21, many hourly jobs are available to minors with the right skills and attitude. So, whether you’re a teenager looking for a part-time gig or an experienced worker seeking a new challenge, Walmart might just be the perfect fit for you.
FAQ
Q: How old do you have to be to work at Walmart?
A: Walmart requires employees to be at least 16 years old for Walmart locations and 18 for Sam’s Club locations. Some positions may require applicants to be at least 18 to 21 years of age, depending on the state and the type of job.
Q: Does Walmart hire 14-year-olds or 15-year-olds?
A: No, Walmart does not hire 14-year-olds or 15-year-olds. The minimum age to work at Walmart is 16 years old, as many states have age restrictions for retail locations that sell alcohol and tobacco.
Q: What are the typical requirements and skills needed for teen jobs at Walmart, such as cashier, stocker, and cart attendant?
A: The typical requirements and skills needed for teen jobs at Walmart vary by position. For example, cashiers need to be at least 16 years old, have basic math skills, and maintain a positive attitude. Stockers need to be at least 16 years old, have attention to detail, and possess physical endurance. Cart attendants need to be at least 16 years old, have good communication skills, and be physically fit. Each position has its own unique requirements and skills, but most do not require prior experience or a high school diploma.
