To work at ALDI, you must be at least 18 years old – no exceptions! This age requirement applies to every single position at ALDI, whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time work.
I know what you’re thinking – “But in my state, the working age is 16!” Doesn’t matter. ALDI has their own company-wide policy that overrides state minimum working ages. They keep it simple: 18+ for store associates, and typically 21+ for management positions (partly because of those pesky alcohol regulations).
Why Does ALDI Have This Age Requirement?
There are a few reasons ALDI sticks to their 18+ rule:
Legal stuff and safety concerns – Many states have all these complicated restrictions on what workers under 18 can do and how many hours they can work. ALDI probably just got tired of keeping track of all that and said, “You know what? Let’s make this simple.”
Job responsibilities – Working at ALDI isn’t just standing around looking pretty. You’ll be operating cash registers, handling merchandise (including alcohol in some places), stocking heavy items, cleaning, and dealing with customers. These tasks require a certain level of maturity and accountability.
Consistent policy nationwide – ALDI operates all over the country, so having one rule makes their hiring process way more streamlined. No need to create different policies for different states.
Store Associate Positions
These are your entry-level jobs that include:
- Cashiering (faster than you’ve ever seen anywhere else)
- Stocking shelves (with those famous ALDI efficiency standards)
- Cleaning (because ALDI stores are always spotless)
- Helping customers find the random stuff in the middle aisle
ALDI looks for people who are super organized, detail-oriented, and can work both independently and as part of a team. A high school diploma is nice to have but not always required.
Management Tracks
If you’re looking to climb the ladder, management positions typically require you to be at least 21 years old. This higher age requirement reflects:
- Legal restrictions around alcohol sales
- Added responsibilities of supervising other employees
- More complex decision-making requirements
Benefits Worth Mentioning
ALDI isn’t just a place to earn a paycheck. They offer some pretty solid benefits including:
- Health insurance that actually covers things
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid leave that you can actually use
- Caregiver leave for when life happens
These perks make ALDI a genuinely decent place to work, not just a job to pay the bills while you figure out your life.
How to Apply (Hint: Not In Person)
Ready to join the ALDI team? Here’s what you need to know:
Applications are online only through careers.aldi.us. Don’t bother walking into a store with your resume – they’ve eliminated in-person applications so their store teams can focus on customers.
You can apply for specific stores when they’re hiring, or sign up for job alerts if nothing’s available right now.
The hiring process includes submitting your application, possibly getting interviewed (sometimes multiple rounds), and then waiting. ALDI typically reaches out within two weeks if they’re interested.
And just to be crystal clear: if you’re under 18, don’t waste your time applying. Their application system will filter you out immediately.
In Summary: The ALDI Age Requirements
| Position | Minimum Age | What You Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Store Associate | 18 years | This is your entry point |
| Management | 21 years | Alcohol regulations make this necessary |
| Application Process | N/A | Online only – no exceptions |
ALDI is an equal opportunity employer, which means they evaluate candidates based on qualifications, not personal characteristics. They’re also pretty committed to helping employees grow and maintain work-life balance, according to research on their workplace culture.
So, if you’re 18 or older and looking for a job with decent pay and benefits, ALDI might be worth checking out. Just remember – trying to get around that age requirement is like trying to convince an ALDI cashier to bag your groceries it’s just not gonna happen!
If you’re curious about other grocery store jobs while you wait to turn 18, Trader Joe’s and some other chains have different age requirements that might work better for you.
