So you want to work at Home Depot, but you’re wondering if you’re old enough?
Let me break it down for you with zero fluff and all the facts about Home Depot’s age requirements.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Home Depot?
The short answer: You need to be at least 16 years old to work at Home Depot for most entry-level positions like store associate or cashier.
But wait – there’s more to it than that.
For many positions (especially the better ones), you’ll need to be at least 18 years old. This includes customer service roles, specialized departments, and anything involving heavy lifting or more responsibility.
What Jobs Can You Get at 16 vs. 18?
If you’re 16-17:
- Basic cashier positions
- Some floor associate roles
- Cart attendant
- Limited store support roles
These roles typically have restricted hours and responsibilities to comply with labor laws for minors.
If you’re 18+:
- All store positions are open to you
- Customer service desk
- Department specialist roles
- Distribution center jobs
- Supervisory positions
- Remote or hybrid opportunities
Fun fact: Distribution center jobs often require the ability to lift 50-75 pounds repeatedly, which is why they’re typically reserved for adults who can handle the physical demands without violating labor laws for minors.
The Home Depot Hiring Process
Getting hired at Home Depot follows a pretty standard process regardless of your age:
- Submit an online application (seriously, they don’t take paper applications anymore)
- Complete any required assessments
- Interview (either in-person, virtual, or by phone)
- Background check
- Drug screening (for some positions)
Everyone needs to be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and pass a background check – no exceptions!
In rare cases, I’ve heard that 16-17 year olds might need a note from a guardian, but that’s not standard policy and varies by location. Don’t count on this exception.
What’s Actually Available to Teens?
Home Depot tends to be more teen-friendly than many retailers. They regularly hire high school students for part-time positions, especially during their busy spring and summer seasons.
But be realistic – you won’t be running the pro desk or managing a department at 16. These roles start at entry-level for a reason.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail jobs like those at Home Depot continue to be one of the most accessible employment options for teenagers.
Tips for Young Applicants
If you’re on the younger side and want to boost your chances:
- Be flexible with your availability (weekends are golden)
- Highlight any customer service experience (even if it’s just helping at school events)
- Show enthusiasm for learning about home improvement
- Dress professionally for your interview (no, not a suit, but clean and neat)
One Home Depot manager told Indeed that they value reliability in younger workers above almost anything else.
The Bottom Line
Home Depot follows a clear age structure:
- 16 years old: Minimum age for basic positions
- 18 years old: Required for most desirable roles
This structure follows both federal labor regulations and Home Depot’s internal policies designed to maintain safety and service quality.
Is working at Home Depot worth it as a teenager? Absolutely! The starting pay is competitive, the experience looks great on a resume, and there’s genuine opportunity for advancement if you stick around.
Just remember – whether you’re 16 or 60, the orange apron doesn’t discriminate, but your age will determine which department you can start in.
