Ever wondered how old you have to be to work for the pharmacy giant with a store on what feels like every corner in America?
Let me break down the minimum age requirements at Walgreens – and spoiler alert – it depends on what job you’re after.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Walgreens?
If you’re looking to start your career in retail or need a flexible job while in school, Walgreens might be your spot. But before you start filling out that application, let’s figure out if you’re old enough.
Store Positions vs. Pharmacy Positions
The age requirements at Walgreens break down into two main categories:
Store positions: You need to be at least 16 years old to work as a cashier, customer service associate, or sales floor team member. These are perfect first jobs where you’ll learn customer service skills, how to handle money, and basic retail operations.
Pharmacy positions: You must be at least 18 years old to work as a pharmacy technician or in other pharmacy roles. This higher age requirement exists because these jobs involve handling medications, understanding prescriptions, and dealing with sensitive health information.
Why the difference? Working with medications comes with serious legal and safety responsibilities. The FDA and state pharmacy boards have strict regulations about who can handle prescription drugs.
Breaking Down Walgreens Jobs by Age
16-17 Year Olds Can Apply For:
- Customer Service Associate – Helping customers find products, running the register, and keeping the store tidy
- Sales Floor Team Member – Stocking shelves, organizing merchandise, and assisting customers
- Photo Specialist – Operating the photo lab and helping customers with photo orders
When you’re 16-17, there are some restrictions on your work hours (especially during school days) and you might not be able to sell alcohol or tobacco products depending on your state’s laws.
A study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that retail jobs like these provide crucial first work experiences for teens, with skills that transfer to future careers.
18+ Year Olds Can Apply For:
- All store positions plus:
- Pharmacy Technician – Assisting pharmacists, processing prescriptions, and managing inventory
- Designated Hitter – A hybrid role that works both in the store and pharmacy
- Shift Lead – Entry-level management position overseeing store operations
According to the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians, pharmacy tech roles are growing faster than average, making this a solid career path if you’re interested in healthcare.
What Skills Do You Need?
No matter your age, Walgreens looks for certain qualities in all employees:
- Customer service skills – Can you smile and help someone even when they’re grumpy?
- Reliability – Will you show up on time for your shifts?
- Teamwork – Can you work well with others?
- Basic math – You’ll need to handle money and count inventory
- Communication skills – Clear speaking and listening are essential
For pharmacy positions, you’ll also need:
- Attention to detail – Mistakes with medications can be serious
- Ability to learn technical information – Understanding drug names, dosages, and interactions
- Certification – Many states require pharmacy technician certification
The National Healthcareer Association offers certification programs that can make you more competitive for these positions.
How to Apply When You’re Ready
Ready to join the Walgreens team? The application process is pretty straightforward:
- Visit the Walgreens careers website
- Search for positions by location and job type
- Create an account and submit your application
- Complete any assessment tests they send you
- Wait for an interview invitation
Pro tip: Walgreens often does in-store hiring events, so it doesn’t hurt to drop by your local store and ask if they’re hiring.
Beyond Entry-Level: Growth Opportunities
Walgreens is known for promoting from within. Many store managers started as cashiers, and even some executives began their careers on the sales floor.
If you start at 16 as a customer service associate, by 18 you could move to pharmacy, and by your early 20s, with the right work ethic, you might be in management. The Walgreens Management Training Program is designed specifically to develop future leaders.
Working at Walgreens can be more than just a job – it could be the first step in a long-term career in retail, healthcare, or corporate management. And bonus: you’ll probably never have to pay full price for shampoo again.
So whether you’re 16 and looking for your first paycheck or 18+ and interested in healthcare, Walgreens has opportunities that might be right for you.
