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How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Walmart?

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If you are struggling to find your first job, you may want to take a closer look at Walmart.

Walmart is one of the top 10 employers in the United States. With over 4,500 locations in the US, Walmart stores are also within reach of most people, making it a common choice for those entering the workforce.

So, how old do you have to be to work at Walmart?

You need to be at least 16 to work at Walmart, but age requirements can vary based on state laws and the job position.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Walmart?

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. Workers who do not meet the age requirement may not qualify for certain positions, such as cashier or supervisor.

Most states require workers to be at least 18 years of age to sell beer, wine, or spirits. Alaska, Delaware, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming set a minimum age of 21 for selling alcohol.

California, Georgia, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, Vermont, and Virginia do not set a minimum age for selling alcohol or require workers to be at least 16 years old. In these states, Walmart applicants may qualify for cashier positions at the age of 16 or 17.

Does Walmart Hire 14-Year-Olds?

No, Walmart does not hire 14-year-olds. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment at 14 years old. Walmart chose a minimum age of 16 years old, as many states have age restrictions for retail locations that sell alcohol and tobacco.

Does Walmart Hire 15-Year-Olds?

No, Walmart does not hire 15-year-olds. However, we have another page with info on jobs for 15-year-olds at other companies.

Does Walmart Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Walmart is one of the most popular options when it comes to jobs for 16-year-olds. Depending on the state, minors aged 16 and 17 may apply for a variety of hourly Walmart positions, including cashier, stocker, greeter, cart manager, and customer service.

If the store sells alcohol, minors may not qualify for a cashier or customer service position. Most states also require minors to obtain a work permit or agreement between the school district and the employer.

Does Walmart Hire 50-Year-Olds?

Yes, Walmart hires people aged 50 and older. Walmart frequently hires individuals aged 65 and older for many of the same positions available to minors, including cashier and greeter.

Other Walmart Hiring Requirements

Most of the starting jobs at Walmart do not come with any minimum qualifications. You must typically be 16 years or older and capable of carrying out the duties associated with the job.

Does Walmart Hire Without Experience?

Many of the hourly positions available at Walmart do not require any previous experience. However, if a store has limited positions available, hiring managers are likely to favor candidates with past retail experience.

Does Walmart Hire Without a High School Diploma?

Walmart hires applicants without high school diplomas for most hourly positions. Salaried positions, such as managerial positions, may require a high school diploma or college degree.

Teen Jobs at Walmart

Walmart offers several positions for teenagers, including cashier, stocker, and cart manager. Here is a closer look at the requirements and duties of each position.

1. Cashier

Cashiers are hourly employees with full-time or part-time positions. Working as a cashier is one of the most common entry-level jobs at Walmart and a good choice for those who enjoy talking with others.

Requirements and Skills

  • Age Requirement: 16 years old
  • Typical Pay: $12 to $17 per hour

In most states, you only need to be 16 years old to apply for a cashier position. However, some states require cashiers to be at least 18 to sell alcohol. You may also want to consider reviewing the typical sales associate résumé for a better idea of what is expected.

Cashiers are required to stand for long periods. The work environment can also become intense, especially during busy times of the day and year, such as evenings and holiday seasons.

According to Walmart’s cashier job description, the job duties include charging customers for their purchases, maintaining a clean work area, and assisting other associates throughout the store as needed.

  • Positive Attitude: Cashiers need to maintain a positive attitude, as they directly interact with customers. A positive attitude can help a cashier maintain a smile during difficult customer encounters.
  • Basic Math Skills: Cashiers handle money and are responsible for the accuracy of their register. Basic math skills are needed when dealing with cash transactions and ensuring that customers receive appropriate change.
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills: Interpersonal communication skills help cashiers communicate with customers and co-workers. Cashiers need to understand instructions from supervisors and listen to the needs of customers.

2. Stock Associate

Stock associates are responsible for unloading merchandise and stocking shelves. It is a good choice for those who prefer not to interact with customers as frequently, as stockers spend most of their time sorting and stocking products.

Requirements and Skills

  • Age Requirement: 16 years old
  • Typical Pay: $13 to $21 per hour

Stock associates only need to be 16 years old. Stock associate positions also tend to pay a little more per hour compared to cashier and cart attendant jobs.

Stockers are responsible for unloading trucks, sorting products, and placing items on shelves. They also need to ensure that the aisles are neat and orderly.

  • Attention to Detail: Stockers need to stock shelves, which often requires paying attention to labels and available space. Paying attention to small details can help stockers avoid making mistakes.
  • Time Management Skills: Stockers often work with minimal supervision, requiring good time management skills to get work done promptly.
  • Physical Endurance: Stockers need to be able to repeatedly lift relatively heavy objects. It can be a slightly physically demanding job due to repeated, heavy lifting.

3. Cart Attendant/Greeter

Cart attendant is a top recommendation for minors who do not qualify for cashier positions due to age restrictions in their state. If your state requires you to be 18 or older to sell alcohol, you can still apply for a cart attendant position. At some locations, the cart attendants also act as greeters.

Requirements and Skills

  • Age Requirement: 16 years old
  • Typical Pay: $12 to $17 per hour

Cart attendants typically receive a payment of $12 per hour, unless the minimum wage in their state is higher. Cart attendants are responsible for retrieving carts from the parking lot and helping customers transport large items to their vehicles. Cart attendants may also assist with maintaining the entrance area by picking up trash, sweeping, or shoveling snow during the winter season.

  • Communication Skills: Cart attendants receive instructions from supervisors and managers throughout their shifts, requiring good communication skills.
  • Good Physical Health: Cart attendants need to retrieve carts from the parking lot, even during the winter, which requires a certain level of physical fitness.
  • Organizational Skills: Organizational skills are useful for cart attendants, as they need to keep carts and entrances organized.

Is Walmart a Good First Job?

Walmart is a great first-time job for teenagers due to the variety of positions available. Most teens qualify to work at Walmart as cashiers, greeters, cart gatherers, or stockers.

Most stores also employ dozens of employees, which exposes young workers to people of diverse backgrounds. Large retail locations such as Walmart also offer greater flexibility when it comes to scheduling. Teens may find working at Walmart makes it easier to schedule around school and extracurricular activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following answers to frequently asked questions should address any remaining concerns about the hiring requirements for Walmart.

Is It Easy to Get Hired at Walmart?

Anyone who can pass the background check and meet the job requirements should get hired at Walmart. Most Walmart locations hire new employees throughout the year.

What Is the Dress Code for Walmart?

Walmart has a relatively lenient dress code, allowing associates to wear jeans, T-shirts, and almost any closed-toe shoe, including sneakers. Walmart provides employees with a company vest and name tag.

Alternative Companies to Consider

Walmart is not the only retail store with jobs for younger workers. You may also want to consider one of the following alternatives.

  • Target Age Requirements: Working at Target is comparable to working at Walmart, as both companies have large stores with a variety of positions for those over the age of 15.
  • Dollar Tree Age Requirements: With over 15,000 stores around the US, job seekers 16 and older should have no problem finding a Dollar Tree in their area.
  • Walgreens Age Requirements: Walgreens is a good alternative for those aged 16 and older who want more responsibility, as cashiers often need to perform a wide range of duties.

Wrapping Up

Walmart hires applicants aged 16 years and older. Depending on where you live, you may qualify to work as a cashier, stocker, greeter, or cart manager.

Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world, providing employees of all ages with stable employment and consistent pay in a safe environment. It is a great place for a first-time job and may even provide a starting point for a career in retail.

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