Ever wondered how old you need to be to start earning those Walmart paychecks?

Whether you’re a teenager looking for your first job or someone considering a career change, Walmart offers tons of opportunities. But before you start filling out that application, let’s talk about the age requirements that might affect which positions you can apply for.

What’s the Minimum Age to Work at Walmart?

The minimum age to work at Walmart is 16 years old for most entry-level positions. This includes jobs like:

• Cashiers
• Cart attendants
• Sales floor associates
• Stockers

But wait! Not all positions have the same age requirements. Some jobs require you to be at least 18 years old because of safety concerns, legal regulations, or the complexity of the work.

I mean, they’re not gonna let a 16-year-old operate a forklift, right?

Age Requirements for Different Walmart Positions

Jobs for 16 and 17-Year-Olds

If you’re 16 or 17, you’ve got plenty of options at Walmart:

• Cashier: Scan items, handle transactions, and help customers check out
• Cart Attendant: Collect shopping carts from the parking lot
• Sales Associate: Help customers find products and keep shelves stocked
• Food Service Worker: Basic food service roles (with some restrictions)

According to a detailed guide on teen employment, there are federal restrictions on what tasks minors can perform, especially around dangerous equipment.

Jobs That Require You to Be 18+

Once you hit 18, more doors open at Walmart:

• Department Manager: Supervising specific store sections
• Pharmacy Technician: Assisting pharmacists with prescriptions
• Deli Worker: Operating slicers and handling certain food prep
• Overnight Stocker: Working during late-night shifts
• Asset Protection: Store security and loss prevention
• Jobs involving power equipment: Forklifts, balers, compactors

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has strict rules about hazardous equipment and minors, which is why these jobs have higher age requirements.

Sam’s Club Age Requirements

Thinking about working at Sam’s Club instead? The minimum age at Sam’s Club is 18 for most positions. This is higher than regular Walmart stores because:

1. Sam’s Club employees typically need to handle more responsibilities
2. Many positions involve operating heavy machinery for bulk items
3. The warehouse environment has different safety considerations

The Application Process for Teen Workers

Applying to Walmart as a teen isn’t much different than for adults, but there are a few things to know:

1. Create an account on the Walmart Careers website
2. Search for “entry-level” or “associate” positions
3. Check the age requirements listed in the job description
4. Complete the online assessment (be honest!)
5. Wait for a callback for an interview

According to employment experts at Indeed’s job seeker guide, teens should emphasize their flexibility, eagerness to learn, and customer service skills when applying for retail jobs.

Work Permits and Hour Restrictions

If you’re under 18, you need to know about:

• Work permits: Some states require these for minors (check your local laws)
• Hour restrictions: During school weeks, you might be limited to:
  • No more than 3-4 hours on school days
  • No more than 18-20 hours per school week
  • No late night shifts during school weeks

Summer and holiday breaks often have more relaxed rules.

Tips for Getting Hired at Walmart as a Teen

Want to boost your chances?

• Be flexible with your availability (weekends and evenings help!)
• Dress professionally for your interview (no need for a suit, but look neat)
• Emphasize any customer service experience (even school volunteer work counts)
• Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Follow up after applying or interviewing

Walmart hires thousands of associates every year, making it one of the most accessible employers for first-time job seekers.

Working at Walmart as a Teen: What to Expect

If you do get hired, here’s what to expect:

• Training period: Usually 1-2 weeks of learning the ropes
• Flexible scheduling: Often works well around school schedules
• Employee discount: Hello, 10% off most items!
• Growth opportunities: Many managers started as teen associates
• Valuable experience: Customer service, teamwork, and responsibility

Working at Walmart as a teen can be a great first job that teaches you skills you’ll use throughout your career. And who knows? You might find yourself climbing the ladder into management or specialized roles as you get older!

So there you have it – now you know exactly how old you need to be to start your Walmart career journey. Whether you’re 16 and looking for your first job or 18+ and ready to take on more responsibility, Walmart likely has a position that fits your age and experience level.