Thinking about working at ALDI? Let me break down their age requirements so you know exactly what to expect before you apply.

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

Want to bag groceries and ring up customers at ALDI? You’ll need to be at least 18 years old for most positions. This isn’t just some random rule – there’s actually good reason behind it.

Unlike other grocery chains that might hire high schoolers, ALDI has a firm policy across all their locations. Let’s dive into the details so you know if you qualify.

Why ALDI Sets the Bar at 18

ALDI requires employees to be 18+ for a few key reasons:

1. Alcohol sales – Most ALDI stores sell alcohol, and employees need to be legally able to handle these transactions. This typically requires a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate that you can’t use until you’re 18.

2. Consistency across stores – Having one age policy makes it easier for ALDI to maintain the same standards everywhere.

3. Responsibility level – ALDI runs with smaller teams than typical grocery stores, meaning each employee handles more responsibilities.

As one employee put it on Reddit, “ALDI runs a tight ship with fewer employees than most grocery stores – everyone needs to be able to handle everything.”

Different Positions, Different Age Requirements

The age requirements at ALDI break down like this:

Store Associates and Cashiers

• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Why: Legal requirements for alcohol sales and ALDI’s operational standards

Management Positions

• Minimum age: 21 years old
• Why: Additional legal requirements and higher responsibility levels

Teenagers Under 18

• Can you work at ALDI?: Nope, sorry
• Exceptions: The only rare exception might be at ALDI’s partner farms that supply produce, but not in actual stores

Older Applicants (50+)

• Any upper age limit?: None at all!
• Requirements: Just need to be physically capable of performing job duties

What This Means For Job Seekers

If you’re under 18, unfortunately, you’ll need to look elsewhere for employment opportunities. Places like Kroger, Walmart, or local businesses often hire teenagers starting at 16 or sometimes even 14 years old with work permits.

If you’re 18 or older, you can apply for entry-level positions at ALDI, where you’ll receive about two weeks of training.

If you’re 21+, you become eligible for management training programs, which typically last 4-6 months before promotion eligibility.

According to Glassdoor reviews of ALDI, employees often appreciate the higher-than-average pay rates that come with the increased responsibilities.

How to Apply at ALDI

Ready to throw your hat in the ring? Here’s how the process works:

1. Online only – ALDI no longer accepts paper applications in stores
2. Visit ALDI’s career site
3. Search for positions in your area
4. Submit your application electronically

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that retail jobs like those at ALDI can provide valuable customer service experience that transfers to many other careers.

So there you have it – you need to be at least 18 to work at ALDI, with no exceptions for in-store positions. While that might be disappointing for younger job seekers, it does mean that when you do qualify, you’ll be joining a workplace with competitive pay and clear advancement opportunities.