Ever wondered how old you need to be to start slinging those famous foot longs? Let’s dive into the minimum age requirements for working at Subway and what you can expect from your first job in the sandwich business.

How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Subway?

The short answer: You generally need to be 16 years old to work at Subway in most locations across the United States. But like most things in life, there are some exceptions and nuances worth knowing about.

Some states actually allow 15-year-olds to work at Subway if they have a valid work permit and their parents’ blessing. So if you’re an ambitious sophomore looking to start building that resume (and bank account), you might be in luck!

Why Subway Has Age Requirements

There’s a method to the madness here. Subway doesn’t just pick these ages out of thin air:

• They need to follow federal and state labor laws that protect young workers
• Some food prep equipment can’t legally be operated by workers under 16
• They want to make sure you can balance work and school (because that algebra homework isn’t going to do itself)
• There are insurance and liability concerns when employing minors

As one Department of Labor study points out, restrictions exist to ensure young workers have safe working conditions and adequate time for education.

What You’ll Need to Apply

If you’re under 18 and looking to join the Subway team, you’ll typically need:

• A Social Security number (kind of important)
• A work permit (if your state requires one)
• Parental consent forms (signed by actual parents, not your cool uncle)
• Possibly a food handler’s permit (depending on local health codes)

According to youth employment guidelines, these requirements help protect young workers while giving them valuable job experience.

Jobs You Can Do at Subway

When you first start at Subway, you’ll most likely begin as a Sandwich Artist (yes, that’s the actual job title, and yes, it’s awesome to put on a resume).

As a Sandwich Artist, you’ll:

• Take customer orders
• Prepare those famous subs
• Handle the cash register
• Keep the restaurant clean
• Learn to tell the difference between Swiss and provolone in under 0.5 seconds

With some experience, you might move up to become a Shift Leader or even an Assistant Manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that food service jobs like these provide valuable transferable skills for future careers.

Work Hours and Scheduling

One of the biggest perks for students working at Subway is the flexible scheduling. Most Subway locations are open from early morning until late evening, giving you options for when you can work.

But remember: If you’re under 18, there are restrictions on how many hours you can work, especially on school nights. These vary by state, but typically include:

• No more than 3-4 hours on school days
• No more than 8 hours on non-school days
• Limited or no late-night shifts during the school week

The Hiring Process

The journey from sandwich enthusiast to Sandwich Artist usually goes like this:

1. Apply online or in-person at your local Subway
2. Wait for a call (usually within 1-2 weeks)
3. Attend an interview (dress nicely, but you don’t need a tux)
4. Complete paperwork and any required training
5. Start making sandwiches!

According to Subway’s own career site, they look for team members who are friendly, have good communication skills, and can work in a fast-paced environment.

Career Growth at Subway

Starting at Subway doesn’t mean you’re destined to make sandwiches forever (unless that’s your passion, in which case, follow your dreams!).

Many Subway employees move up to:

• Shift Leader – Running things when the manager is away
• Assistant Manager – Helping with schedules, inventory, and operations
• Restaurant Manager – Overseeing the entire restaurant
• Multi-Unit Manager – Managing several Subway locations

Some even go on to become Subway franchise owners! The International Franchise Association reports that many successful franchise owners started as hourly employees.

In Summary

Working at Subway can be a great first job that teaches you valuable skills like customer service, food safety, teamwork, and responsibility. If you’re 16 or older (or 15 with a work permit in some states), Subway could be your first step into the working world.

And hey, even if you decide a career in sandwiches isn’t your ultimate goal, the skills you learn will serve you well no matter what path you choose. Plus, employee discounts mean you’ll never go hungry during your shift!