How old do you have to be to work at Subway, and what other requirements do you need to meet? Learn more about the requirements to work at Subway.
Are you struggling to find a job? You’re not the only one, as finding the right job is sometimes a major challenge.
Luckily, Subway offers many job opportunities for applicants of all ages and experience levels.
Even if you have never worked before, you may qualify for a job at a Subway store.
So how old do you have to be to work at Subway? Here is what you should know.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Subway?
The minimum age to work at Subway is 16 years old in most states. However, the age requirement can vary in different states. Owners and managers also have the discretion to only hire applicants aged 18 years and older.
Subway stores are franchises. There are over 37,000 Subway stores in the United States. and the hiring requirements are not the same at each store. Subway has a store search feature to help applicants find job opportunities in their area.
Does Subway Hire 14-Year-Olds?
Subway locations in Montana may hire 14-year-olds at the discretion of the owner or manager. Subway locations in other states do not hire 14-year-olds.
Does Subway Hire 15-Year-Olds?
Other than Montana, Subway stores in the United States do not hire 15-year-olds.
Does Subway Hire 16-Year-Olds?
Almost all Subway stores hire 16-year-olds. Federal laws allow 16-year-olds to work more hours compared to 15-year-olds.
They have more flexibility, which makes it easier for managers to include them in the schedule.
Does Subway Hire 50-Year-Olds?
Subway hires people aged 50 and older. Not hiring an adult based on their age is considered age discrimination, which is illegal according to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Individuals aged 50 and older looking for work may find that a part-time job at Subway fits their schedule or needs better than a more demanding job.
Other Subway Hiring Requirements
Subway hires people who can meet the physical demands of the job. For example, you need to be able to lift 10 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift and occasionally carry items weighing up to 30 pounds. Working at Subway also involves standing for hours.
Does Subway Hire without Experience?
Subway hires sandwich artists without any previous job experience. All other positions at Subway require at least one year or more of relevant work experience.
Does Subway Hire without a High School Diploma?
A high school diploma is not necessary for the sandwich artist position, which is an entry-level job. A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary for the shift manager job and all other positions.
Teen Jobs at Subway
Subway only has a few different types of jobs. Each franchise location is independently owned and operated. The owner may act as the manager or hire another individual. Each store may have one or two assistant managers and one or more shift managers. The rest of the staff are sandwich artists.
1. Sandwich Artist
The sandwich artist is the entry-level job for new Subway employees. In most cases, this is the only job at Subway that teens can qualify for without having previous work experience. However, you may still want to review common restaurant interview questions to prepare for the job interview.
Requirements and Skills
- Age Requirement: 16 years old
- Typical Pay: $13 per hour
Sandwich artists need to be at least 16 years old in most states and may work full-time or part-time, depending on their school schedules.
Sandwich artists greet customers and use a cash register to charge customers. Working as a sandwich artist involves different tasks compared to the typical cashier. If you look at the job description of a cashier, you will find many of the same job duties. However, sandwich artists also need to prepare sandwiches and follow food handling practices.
- Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills are incredibly important for this job, as sandwich artists are responsible for greeting and interacting with customers. Poor interpersonal skills can lead to poor customer service and bad job performance.
- Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Subway employees need to know basic math and be able to read instructions. These skills are needed for preparing sandwiches accurately and using a cash register.
- Quick Learner: Individuals who learn new skills easily are more likely to thrive with a job at Subway, as this job requires memorization of menu items and specific procedures.
2. Shift Manager
Most teens are unlikely to qualify for a shift manager position, as it requires a high school diploma. However, a recent high school graduate who has worked for Subway for a year could become a shift manager, depending on the needs of the manager. After finishing high school, a 17-year-old can work up to 48 hours per week in most states.
Requirements and Skills
- Age Requirement: 18 years old (17 in rare circumstances)
- Typical Pay: $16 per hour
Shift managers have more responsibilities compared to sandwich artists but perform many of the same tasks. Along with preparing sandwiches, shift managers oversee the work of the other sandwich artists. They also delegate tasks and help maintain the cleanliness of the store.
- Organizational Skills: Organizational skills are useful for balancing the variety of tasks that shift managers need to complete during their shifts.
- Attention to Detail: Paying attention to small details can help shift managers perform their jobs more effectively and make fewer mistakes.
- Math Skills: Shift managers are often responsible for ensuring the accuracy of cash registers for the shift and may need to recount the registers of other employees when a discrepancy occurs.
3. Assistant Manager
The assistant manager assists the store manager with daily operations and staff management. As with the shift manager position, assistant managers need experience and the ability to work full-time.
While 16-year-old or 17-year-olds may not qualify for the assistant manager position, it is a potential career path for those who start as sandwich artists as teens and become shift managers.
Requirements and Skills
- Age Requirement: 18 years old
- Typical Pay: $16 to $21 per hour
Assistant store managers coordinate with shift managers and store managers to meet specific goals. They may also help lead initiatives to improve the efficiency of the restaurant and improve sales.
Assistant managers perform all the duties of the shift manager, but with some added tasks. Assistant managers work directly under the store manager and help with a variety of managerial duties, including scheduling and ordering supplies from vendors. They may also oversee promotions, transfers, and employee terminations.
- Leadership Skills: Leadership skills are a must for this job, as assistant managers are responsible for leading 4 to 12 employees at a time.
- Technical Aptitude: Assistant managers need to work with computer systems for managing inventory and ordering supplies, requiring a certain level of technical aptitude.
- Conflict Resolution Skills: When a customer or co-workers disagree on a matter, it is often up to the assistant manager to resolve the situation, requiring good conflict resolution skills.
Is Subway a Good First Job?
Subway has many positive features for first-time job seekers, including flexible scheduling. Students should find it easier to include a part-time Subway job in their schedules.
Subway also offers opportunities for advancement for hard workers. With enough experience, sandwich artists may become shift managers or even assistant store managers. Depending on the location, you may also qualify for health insurance, paid time off, and the option to contribute to a 401(k)-retirement plan.
Along with these benefits, working at Subway provides steady pay and the opportunity to develop work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQ should address any other concerns you have before applying for a job at a Subway store near you.
What Is the Dress Code for Subway?
Subway has a relatively strict dress code, requiring employees to wear a Subway-branded golf shirt and black apron. Employees can wear black slacks or jeans. No beards or goatees are allowed.
Is a Job at Subway Easy?
Subway is a relatively easy job, especially after an employee learns the ropes, including how to prepare sandwiches. The job features a lot of repetitive tasks and may become fast-paced during certain periods of the day but is overall a simple job with limited responsibilities.
Alternative Companies to Consider
Subway may not be the right option for everyone, especially if you do not have a Subway store in your immediate area. Luckily, there are several alternative companies to consider.
- McDonald’s Age Requirements: McDonald’s hires teenagers as young as 14 with a work permit, giving young teens across the country employment opportunities in restaurants with a fast-paced environment and diverse workforce.
- Chick-Fil-A Age Requirements: Chick-Fil-A hires teenagers aged 16 and older and offers a fast-paced environment at any of its 2,900 restaurants in 48 states.
- Taco Bell Age Requirements: Taco Bell hires applicants aged 15 and older, depending on the location, which includes close to 8,000 stores in the United States, ensuring that almost anyone can get hired.
Wrapping Up
Subway hires people aged 16 years and older, making it a suitable option for teenagers who want to start working before graduating from high school. However, teens are unlikely to progress beyond the entry-level sandwich artist position before graduating, as other positions typically require a high school diploma.
For those who are looking for part-time or full-time work with no previous experience, working as a sandwich artist at Subway may be a good fit.
