Ever wonder how old you need to be to start working at your local gas station? Maybe you’re a teenager looking for your first job, or a parent trying to figure out if your kid can start earning some cash at the Shell down the street.
I’m going to break down everything you need to know about the minimum age requirements for gas station jobs—from federal laws to specific company policies to what tasks you can actually do depending on your age.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at a Gas Station?
The short answer is: between 14 and 18 years old, depending on where you live and which gas station you’re applying to.
But like most things in life, the real answer is a bit more complicated.
Most gas stations prefer to hire employees who are at least 16 or 18 years old. Why? Because selling beer and cigarettes, handling cash alone at night, and operating a gas station involves responsibilities that companies don’t want to give to younger teens.
Federal and State Rules for Young Workers
Under federal law (specifically the Fair Labor Standards Act), the minimum age to start working most non-farm jobs is 14 years old. But—and this is a big but—there are tons of restrictions on what 14 and 15-year-olds can actually do.
If you’re under 16, you:
- Can’t work during school hours (sorry, no skipping algebra to make minimum wage)
- Can’t work more than 3 hours on school days
- Can’t work past 7 PM during the school year (9 PM in summer)
- Can’t do any job considered “hazardous” (more on that below)
Each state can also add their own rules on top of federal law. Some states are more restrictive than others when it comes to teens working around alcohol, tobacco, or late at night.
Age Requirements at Major Gas Station Chains
Most of the big gas station brands have pretty similar policies:
- ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, Speedway, and Valero typically want you to be at least 18 years old to work there.
- BP sometimes hires at 16 years old, but this can change depending on the specific location.
- Independent gas stations might be more flexible, sometimes hiring workers as young as 14-16 for certain positions that don’t involve alcohol sales or working alone.
Why so strict? Because most gas stations sell beer and wine.
The Alcohol Factor
This is the biggest reason most gas stations set their minimum age at 18. In most states, you need to be at least 18 years old to legally sell alcohol (though some states require you to be 21).
Even in states where younger workers can technically sell alcohol under supervision, gas stations often just set a blanket 18+ policy to keep things simple and avoid potential legal issues.
Think about it: If a 16-year-old cashier accidentally sells beer to someone underage, the gas station could lose its alcohol license, face huge fines, or worse.
What Can You Actually Do at Different Ages?
If you’re 14-15:
You might be able to work at some gas stations, but:
- You’ll have limited hours (no more than 3 hours on school days)
- You can’t work during school hours
- You probably can’t operate a cash register or sell age-restricted products
- You might be limited to tasks like cleaning, stocking shelves, and basic customer service
If you’re 16-17:
- You can work more hours (though some states still have restrictions)
- You might be able to operate the cash register
- You probably still can’t sell alcohol (depends on state law)
- You probably can’t work overnight shifts
If you’re 18+:
- Full access to all entry-level gas station jobs
- Can sell alcohol in most states
- Can work any shift, including overnight
- Can often work alone
How to Get a Gas Station Job as a Teen
If you’re a teen looking to work at a gas station, here’s what to do:
Check your state’s laws first. The U.S. Department of Labor has info on each state’s youth employment rules.
Call gas stations directly to ask about their age requirements. Don’t waste time applying if they only hire 18+.
Consider the job duties. If you’re under 18, focus on positions that don’t involve alcohol sales or late-night shifts.
Prepare properly. Even for entry-level jobs, gas stations want reliable employees who can handle basic math, customer service, and following safety procedures.
Why Gas Stations Prefer Older Workers
Beyond just the legal requirements, there are practical reasons gas stations often prefer to hire adults:
- Safety concerns: Gas stations can be targets for robbery, especially at night
- Insurance requirements: Their insurance policies might require adult workers
- Independent work: Many shifts require working alone
- Handling money: Cashiers often handle large amounts of cash
- Selling age-restricted products: Alcohol and tobacco sales require good judgment
Some gas station companies have found that older workers make fewer mistakes with age verification and are less likely to be involved in cash discrepancies.
The Bottom Line
If you’re 14-15: Your options are very limited, but some independent gas stations might hire you for basic tasks.
If you’re 16-17: You have more options, especially at BP and some independent stations, but expect restrictions on what you can do.
If you’re 18+: You can apply to pretty much any gas station for any entry-level position.
Remember that each gas station chain (and sometimes even individual locations) can set their own policies as long as they comply with federal and state labor laws. When in doubt, just call and ask!
Gas station jobs can be a great first job experience. They teach customer service, cash handling, inventory management, and responsibility—all skills that look good on future job applications.
And hey, if the gas station route doesn’t work out because of age restrictions, there are plenty of other teen-friendly job options out there!
