Ever wondered if you or your teenager can work at Walmart? Let’s break down exactly how old you need to be to start earning those Walmart paychecks, what jobs you can do at different ages, and what the whole application process looks like.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Walmart?

Walmart is a massive employer with nearly 1.6 million people working for them in the US alone. That’s a lot of name badges!

Whether you’re looking for your first job or wanting to switch careers, knowing the age requirements is step one before you even fill out that application.

Minimum Age Requirements at Walmart and Sam’s Club

Walmart Stores

The magic number at Walmart is 16 years old – that’s the minimum age to start working at most Walmart store positions.

But hold up! Some jobs require you to be at least 18 years old, including:

• Positions using heavy machinery
• Auto center jobs
• Pharmacy department roles
• Deli counter positions
• Jobs involving power equipment

Why the age restrictions? These positions involve safety risks, heavy equipment, or legal requirements that make them inappropriate for younger workers.

Sam’s Club

If you’re eyeing Sam’s Club (Walmart’s warehouse club subsidiary), you’ll need to be at least 18 years old for all positions, no exceptions. This is because Sam’s Club roles typically involve more heavy lifting and equipment operation than regular Walmart stores.

What Jobs Can You Get at Different Ages?

Jobs for 16-17 Year Olds

If you’re 16 or 17, you can apply for these entry-level positions:

• Cashier
• Cart attendant
• Stocker
• Sales floor associate
• Online order fulfillment

These jobs are perfect for high school students looking for after-school or weekend work. Think of them as your “foot in the door” at a huge company with room to grow.

Jobs for 18+ Year Olds

Once you hit 18, your job options at Walmart expand significantly:

• ALL entry-level positions
• Department manager roles
• Specialized areas like the deli, bakery, and auto center
• Overnight stocking
• Manager-in-training programs
• Loss prevention
• Pharmacy technician (with proper certification)

Beyond Age: Other Requirements to Work at Walmart

Age isn’t the only thing Walmart looks at. You’ll also need:

1. Legal right to work in the US
2. Availability that matches store needs (evenings/weekends for many positions)
3. Basic skills depending on the position (customer service, basic math, ability to stand for long periods)
4. Background check clearance (don’t worry, minor offenses aren’t usually dealbreakers)
5. Drug test for some positions

No high school diploma? No problem for most entry-level positions! Walmart is one of the larger employers that doesn’t require a diploma or GED for many roles.

What’s the Hiring Process Like?

Getting hired at Walmart typically follows these steps:

1. Apply online through Walmart’s career website
2. Take an assessment test (it evaluates things like work style and personality)
3. Interview (usually in-person at the store)
4. Background check (takes 3-5 days on average)
5. Job offer and orientation scheduling

The whole process usually takes 1-2 weeks from application to first day. Not bad!

Benefits of Working at Walmart (Even for Teens!)

Walmart offers some pretty solid benefits, even for younger workers:

• Competitive pay (Walmart’s average hourly wage is over $17.50)
• Employee discount (10% off most merchandise)
• Flexible scheduling options for students
• Paid time off accrual
• Education benefits through their Live Better U program
• Career advancement opportunities (70% of management started as hourly associates)

For older workers (18+) and full-timers, benefits expand to include health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and more comprehensive PTO.

Tips for Getting Hired at Walmart as a Young Worker

Want to increase your chances?

• Apply during seasonal hiring peaks (back-to-school, holiday season)
• Be flexible with your availability (weekends and evenings are in high demand)
• Emphasize any customer service experience
• Dress professionally for your interview
• Highlight your reliability and willingness to learn

One of the best things about Walmart is that they’re almost always hiring somewhere. With over 4,700 stores in the US, chances are good there’s an opportunity near you.

So there you have it! If you’re 16+, you can definitely find work at Walmart, with even more options opening up at 18. It’s a solid place to start building work experience and might even turn into a career if that’s what you’re looking for!