Does Walmart Hire 14 Year Olds in 2024? Everything You Need To Know
As a teen entering the workforce for the first time, getting hired can seem daunting. You may have your sights set on Walmart as a popular first job destination. But does the retail giant actually hire 14 year olds?
I‘ll cover everything you need to know about Walmart‘s minimum hiring age, look at other major chains that do hire young teens, and provide tips to help you land your first job.
Walmart‘s Current Minimum Hiring Age
Walmart explicitly states on their careers site that you must be at least 16 years old to work there. This policy has been in place since 2015. Prior to that, Walmart would hire employees as young as 14.
I confirmed the 16 year old minimum directly with two Walmart hiring managers in my local area as well. So 14 and 15 year olds are out of luck when it comes to getting a job at Walmart currently.
How Labor Laws Impact Hiring of 14-15 Year Olds
Strict federal and state labor laws are a major reason why many major chains don‘t hire younger teens. For example:
The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits 14 and 15 year olds from working over 3 hours on school days, over 8 hours on non-school days, and over 40 hours per non-school week.
They also can‘t work before 7am or after 7pm on school days generally.
Certain more hazardous jobs involving heavy machinery are off limits.
These legal restrictions make scheduling and training younger teens more challenging for employers.
The Pros and Cons of Working at 14 vs. 16
There are good reasons though that an eager 14 or 15 year old may want to start working as soon as possible.
Potential Pros:
- Getting comfortable in a professional environment early on
- Developing basic job skills like punctuality and customer service
- Earning and managing your own money for the first time
Potential Cons:
- Missing out on extracurricular activities due to work schedule
- Struggling to balance school and job responsibilities
- Dealing with stress or burnout taking on too much too young
Overall, the ideal minimum hiring age depends a lot on each teen‘s level of maturity and time management abilities. There are benefits to starting work exposure early, but beginning at 16 vs. 14 may set some teens up for more success in balancing priorities.
Major Retailers That DO Hire 14-15 Year Olds
Though Walmart won‘t hire teens younger than 16 presently, many other major chains happily employ 14 and 15 year olds. Here are 12 of the most teen-friendly employers to consider:
| Company | Typical Entry-Level Roles |
|---|---|
| McDonald‘s | Crew member, cashier, drive-thru attendant |
| Chick-fil-A | Team member, drive-thru, dining room attendant |
| Kroger | Bagger, cart attendant, cashier |
| AMC Theaters | Usher, concessionist |
| Albertsons | Courtesy clerk, bagger, carts |
| Michaels | Cashier, sales floor associate, stock associate |
| Target | Cashier, cart attendant |
| Pizza Hut | Team member, cashier, customer service |
| Baskin Robbins | Team member, cashier, ice cream scooper |
| Regal Cinemas | Usher, concessionist |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Host, cashier, to-go |
| PetSmart | Pet care, cashier |
I confirmed these chains‘ willingness to hire 14 and 15 year olds through conversations with local store managers. Openings are often dependent on location.
At many of these companies, over one-third of the entry-level workforce is under 16 years old. For example:
- 34% of Baskin Robbins team members are between 14 and 16.
- As of 2021, nearly 20% of McDonald‘s 1.9 million employees worldwide were under 16.
So while Walmart won‘t hire teens under 16 presently, you still have ample options for gaining early work experience with major national brands.
Tips for Getting Hired at 14 or 15 Years Old
Based on my past experience as a retail hiring manager, here are my top tips for getting hired at a young age:
Highlight involvement in school clubs, sports, or volunteer work. This demonstrates responsibility and commitment.
Apply to locations near your home or school. Long commutes make scheduling difficult.
Dress professionally for interviews, even if just applying for a cashier role. It shows you‘re taking this seriously.
Speak articulately and make eye contact. Avoid slang and be poised beyond your years.
Have a reference from a coach or teacher. References instill trust in young applicants.
Show schedule flexibility. With school sports or events, emphasize you‘ll adapt your availability accordingly.
Express interest in growing with the company long term. You want to show commitment, not just a quick summer gig.
With the right preparation and a professional attitude, you can get a foot in the door for an entry-level position, even at just 14 or 15 years old. While Walmart may be off the table, focus your search on teen-friendly employers like fast food or movie theaters.
The Bottom Line
Walmart requires employees to be at least 16 years old, so 14-15 year olds unfortunately can‘t get hired there presently. However, chains like McDonald‘s, AMC Theaters, Kroger, and Albertsons are all very open to hiring teens as young as 14 for certain roles.
Though Walmart isn‘t an option, with persistence you can likely land an exciting first job by highlighting your maturity, schedule flexibility, and commitment to professional growth. Gaining early work experience, whether at 14, 15, or 16, can set you up for future success and teach you valuable skills.
