How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Walgreens?
Ever wondered how old you need to be to rock that blue vest and help customers find their cough drops?
Let’s break down the age requirements for working at Walgreens – because whether you’re a high school student looking for your first job or someone considering a career change, this pharmacy giant might have a spot for you.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Walgreens?
The short answer: most entry-level positions at Walgreens require you to be at least 16 years old, but for pharmacy-related roles, you’ll need to be at least 18.
But wait, there’s more to it than just those numbers!
Age Requirements Breakdown
Here’s how Walgreens structures their age requirements:
16 years old: You can apply for basic retail positions like cashier, sales associate, or customer service representative. These roles involve helping customers find products, operating the register, and stocking shelves.
18 years old: Required for pharmacy technician positions or any role handling controlled substances. This is because of legal regulations – can’t have the kids doling out the meds! Some states have specific laws regarding who can handle medications.
21 years old: While not a hiring minimum, you’ll need to be 21+ to independently handle alcohol sales. If you’re younger, you’ll need to call over your older work buddy to complete these transactions.
Think about it like this: the more responsibility the position has, the higher the age requirement. Makes sense, right?
Why Age Matters at Walgreens
Walgreens isn’t being ageist here – they’re just following the law.
The company operates in a heavily regulated sector that involves:
- Prescription medications
- Controlled substances
- Age-restricted products like alcohol and tobacco
Federal and state laws place strict requirements on who can handle these items, and Walgreens must comply with these regulations.
As one pharmacy technician explained, “There’s a big difference between stocking shelves with shampoo versus handling prescription medications that could seriously harm someone if mishandled.”
What Else Do You Need Besides Meeting the Age Requirement?
Age isn’t the only factor Walgreens looks at when hiring. They want well-rounded employees who can:
- Provide excellent customer service (because dealing with people who aren’t feeling their best requires patience!)
- Handle basic math for transactions
- Work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and some holidays
- Demonstrate reliability and teamwork
For most positions, a high school diploma or GED is preferred but not always required for entry-level roles if you’re still in school.
For pharmacy technician positions, you may need specific certifications or be willing to obtain them while working (Walgreens often provides training support).
The Application Process: What to Expect
So you’ve confirmed you’re old enough – what’s next?
Online Application: Everything starts on the Walgreens careers website. You’ll create a profile, select the position you’re interested in, and provide basic information about yourself.
Assessment Test: Many positions require you to complete an online assessment that tests your customer service skills, basic math abilities, and how you’d handle certain workplace scenarios.
Interview: If your application impresses them, you’ll be invited for an interview. This might be a phone screening first, followed by an in-person interview at the store.
Background Check: Walgreens typically conducts background checks, especially for pharmacy positions where you’ll be handling medications.
One former hiring manager noted in an interview that they particularly look for “candidates who demonstrate flexibility and a genuine interest in helping customers.”
Growth Opportunities at Walgreens
Starting at Walgreens doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck as a cashier forever (unless that’s what you want!). The company is known for promoting from within, and many store managers started in entry-level positions.
Career paths can include:
- Retail management
- Pharmacy technician advancing to senior tech or specialized roles
- Corporate positions in various departments
- Distribution and logistics roles
My Take: Is Walgreens a Good Place to Start Your Career?
If you’re 16 and looking for your first job, Walgreens offers a structured environment with clear expectations and the potential to learn valuable skills. You’ll get experience with customer service, retail operations, and working as part of a team – all transferable skills regardless of where your career takes you.
If you’re 18+ and interested in healthcare without the extensive education required for clinical roles, starting as a pharmacy technician could be a solid entry point into the healthcare field.
Either way, Walgreens provides more opportunity for advancement than many other retail jobs.
Summary: The Age Requirements at a Glance
| Position | Minimum Age | What You’ll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Cashier/Sales Associate | 16 | Run registers, stock shelves, help customers find products |
| Photo Specialist | 16 | Process photo orders, help customers with photo services |
| Pharmacy Technician | 18 | Assist pharmacists, handle prescriptions, customer service |
| Shift Lead | 18 | Supervise staff, manage store operations during shifts |
| Alcohol Sales | 21 | Independently verify ID and complete alcohol transactions |
Remember that specific requirements might vary slightly by state due to different labor laws, so it’s always a good idea to check the job listing for your local store.
Whether you’re a teenager looking for after-school work or an adult seeking a new career path, Walgreens has positions for various ages and skill levels – just make sure you meet that minimum age requirement before you apply!
