Can Teens Work at Amazon? Minimum Age Explained
So you want to work at Amazon? Let me tell you – getting a job at the e-commerce giant isn’t quite as simple as clicking “add to cart.”
The most important thing you need to know upfront: You need to be 18 to work at Amazon in almost all cases. This isn’t just some arbitrary rule they made up – there are actual reasons behind it (which we’ll get to in a minute).
I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon’s age requirements and why they exist. Plus, I’ll give you some insider tips on what else Amazon looks for in potential employees.
Amazon’s Age Requirements Explained
The Magic Number: 18
The standard minimum age to work at Amazon is 18 years old. This applies to pretty much everything:
- Warehouse and fulfillment center jobs
- Delivery positions
- Customer service roles
- Corporate gigs
- Seasonal holiday positions
Why 18? It’s not because Amazon hates teenagers – it’s actually about safety and legal requirements. Many warehouse jobs involve operating heavy machinery or working in environments that legally require adult workers.
Are There Any Exceptions?
I know what you’re thinking: “But my friend’s cousin’s roommate worked at Amazon when they were 17!”
Well, there are a few rare exceptions to the 18+ rule:
- In some states like Ohio, the minimum age can sometimes be 17 due to different state labor laws
- Occasionally Amazon might have specific internship programs for younger workers
- Some specialized roles in certain locations might have different requirements
But honestly, these exceptions are about as common as finding a PS5 in stock during holiday season. Don’t count on them.
Why Amazon Requires You to Be 18
Amazon isn’t just being strict for no reason. There are three main factors behind the 18+ rule:
- Legal requirements: Federal and state labor laws restrict what tasks minors can perform, especially around machinery
- Safety concerns: Warehouse work can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous without proper training
- Responsibility factor: Amazon operates at an incredibly fast pace and needs workers who can handle the pressure
As someone who’s researched workplace safety regulations, I can tell you these age restrictions are pretty standard across industries with similar working conditions.
Beyond Age: What Else Amazon Looks For
Being 18+ is just the starting point. Amazon also typically requires:
- A high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Legal authorization to work in the country
- Ability to pass a background check
- For remote positions, they often want prior customer service experience
- Physical ability to handle the job requirements (for warehouse roles)
Fun fact: Amazon is known to hire people from all kinds of backgrounds. You don’t need to be a tech whiz or have a college degree for many of their roles. They’re more interested in your work ethic and ability to learn quickly.
The Amazon Work Experience
If you’re thinking about applying to Amazon, you should know what you’re getting into. Amazon’s workplace culture is famous for being fast-paced and results-driven.
Some people absolutely love it – the energy, the opportunities for advancement, the benefits. Others find it overwhelming. It’s definitely not for everyone!
The good news is that Amazon offers some pretty solid benefits even for entry-level positions:
- Competitive pay (usually above minimum wage)
- Health insurance options
- 401(k) with company match
- Career advancement opportunities
- Employee discounts (who doesn’t want that Amazon discount?)
How to Apply if You’re 18+
Ready to join the Amazon workforce? Here’s how to get started:
- Visit Amazon’s job portal
- Filter for positions in your area
- Check the specific requirements for the roles you’re interested in
- Submit your application online
- Prepare for their assessment tests and interview process
Pro tip: Amazon is huge on their leadership principles. If you get an interview, familiarize yourself with these principles and be ready to give examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in past experiences.
The Bottom Line
If you’re under 18, your best bet is to look for opportunities elsewhere until you hit that birthday. There are plenty of other retail and service industry jobs that hire at 16 or 17.
If you’re already 18+ and interested in Amazon, congrats! You’ve cleared the first hurdle. Just make sure you meet the other requirements for your specific role of interest.
Remember, Amazon hires thousands of people every year. They’re constantly expanding, which means new opportunities are always popping up. Timing your application right (like before holiday seasons for warehouse jobs) can increase your chances of getting hired.
Working at Amazon can be challenging, but many employees find it rewarding. The company offers solid growth opportunities for those willing to put in the effort – just make sure you’re old enough to get your foot in the door first!
