What Age Does Five Below Hire? (Perfect for Teens!)
If you’re wondering how old you need to be to work at Five Below, I’ve got you covered. The minimum hiring age at Five Below is 16 years old – no exceptions! This is a firm rule across all their locations nationwide, so if you’re 15 or younger, you’ll need to look elsewhere for now.
Working at Five Below: Age Requirements & What to Expect
Ever walked into a Five Below and thought, “I could totally work here!”? Well, if you’re at least 16, you actually can! Let’s break down everything you need to know about landing that fun retail gig with the ultimate teen shopping destination.
Age Requirements & Position Availability
The 16+ Rule
Five Below strictly hires people 16 years or older for ALL positions. This isn’t just some stores – it’s company policy everywhere. If you’re under 16, unfortunately you’ll need to wait until your birthday to apply.
Position Breakdown by Age
16-17 year olds can work as:
- Sales Associates
- Cashiers
- Stockers
18+ positions typically include:
- Assistant Manager roles
- Store Manager positions
- District Manager jobs
The reality is some store managers actually prefer hiring folks who are 17+, so keep that in mind if you’re right on the age bubble.
Minor Employee Paperwork
If you’re between 16-18, you’re considered a minor employee and will need:
- Work permits (depending on your state)
- Parent/guardian signatures on certain forms
- Proof of age documentation
Teen labor laws vary significantly by state, so check your local requirements before applying.
Why Can’t 14-15 Year Olds Work at Five Below?
You might be wondering why the cutoff is 16 when some other retailers hire at 14 or 15. There are several reasons:
- Child labor laws restrict what young teens can do in retail
- Cash handling responsibilities are typically reserved for older teens
- Scheduling restrictions for younger workers make it difficult for retailers
- Insurance and liability concerns push many companies to set higher age minimums
Five Below has determined that 16 is the sweet spot where teens have enough maturity and availability to handle the job requirements while still bringing that youthful energy to the store experience.
Application Process for Teen Workers
Ready to apply? Here’s how to maximize your chances:
How to Apply
You can submit your application through Five Below’s careers page or apply in-person at your local store. The process is completely digital – no paper applications needed!
Making Your Application Stand Out
As a teen applicant, you might not have much work experience, but you can still shine by:
- Highlighting school activities like clubs or sports that show teamwork
- Mentioning customer service experience (even if it’s just helping at family events)
- Demonstrating flexibility with your availability (weekends and holidays are a huge plus!)
- Showing enthusiasm for the Five Below brand and products
What to Expect in the Interview
If your application catches their eye, you’ll be called in for an interview. Be prepared to talk about:
- Why you want to work at Five Below specifically
- How you handle busy situations
- Your availability for shifts
- Your experience working with others
Pro tip: Dress neatly but not too formal for your interview – business casual is perfect!
Working Conditions & Benefits
Schedule & Pay
- Most teen workers start with part-time hours (15-25 hours weekly)
- Pay is typically bi-weekly and starts at or slightly above minimum wage
- Expect more hours during holiday seasons like Black Friday and Christmas
Employee Perks
Five Below isn’t known for extensive benefits for entry-level workers, but you might get:
- Flexible scheduling around school
- Possible advancement opportunities
- Retail experience that looks great on future applications
- A fun, energetic work environment
Career Growth
Many Five Below managers started as sales associates! If you prove yourself reliable and hardworking, there’s definitely room to grow within the company.
The Bottom Line
If you’re at least 16 years old and looking for a fun retail job with reasonable hours and a youth-focused environment, Five Below could be a great fit for you! The application process is straightforward, and the experience you’ll gain is valuable for future careers.
Just remember: even though the store sells items for five bucks or less, they take their hiring process seriously. Come prepared, be professional, and show them why you’d make an awesome addition to the Five Below team!
Have you turned 16 recently? This might be your perfect first job opportunity – just be ready to help customers find everything from phone chargers to fidget spinners while keeping that iconic Five Below energy going strong!
