So you want to work at Walmart? Let’s talk about how old you need to be and what to expect when applying for a job at one of America’s largest retailers.
What’s the Minimum Age to Work at Walmart?
For most entry-level positions at Walmart, you need to be at least 16 years old. This includes roles like cashier, stocker, and sales associate. But hold up – if you’re looking at certain departments or responsibilities, you’ll need to be 18 or older.
Jobs for 16-17 Year Olds
If you’re 16 or 17, you can still snag plenty of jobs at Walmart, including:
- Cashier
- Cart attendant
- Sales floor associate
- Stocker
- Customer service desk (some locations)
These positions are perfect for high school students looking for their first job. Walmart is known for offering flexible schedules that can work around school hours, sports, and other activities.
Jobs That Require You to Be 18+
Want to work in specialized departments? You’ll need to wait until you’re 18 for roles like:
- Deli associate (those slicers are no joke!)
- Order filler
- Positions involving heavy machinery
- Self-checkout associate
- Pharmacy technician
- Alcohol sales positions
- Truck driver or delivery positions
- Tech department associates (in some states like California)
The age requirement jumps to 18 for these positions because of legal regulations and safety concerns. Slicing meat, operating forklifts, and selling alcohol all come with more responsibility and risk.
What Else Do You Need Besides Age?
Age isn’t the only thing Walmart looks at when hiring. They typically want:
- High school diploma or GED (for most positions, especially full-time ones)
- Ability to pass a background check
- Clean drug test (for certain positions)
- Availability that matches store needs
- Customer service skills (they’re big on this!)
Don’t worry if you’re still in high school – many part-time positions don’t require a diploma yet, making them perfect first jobs.
The Walmart Hiring Process
So you’re old enough to apply – what’s next? Here’s how Walmart typically hires:
- Online application – Everything starts at Walmart Careers
- Assessment tests (to see if you’re a good fit)
- Interview (either in-person or virtual)
- Job offer (if you’re selected)
- Orientation and training
The whole process usually takes 1-3 weeks from application to first day. Not bad!
Career Growth at Walmart
One cool thing about Walmart is that they’re big on promoting from within. Many store managers started as hourly associates! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail experience can be valuable for various career paths.
If you start at 16 or 17, you could move up to department manager or specialty roles once you turn 18. And Walmart offers some pretty decent benefits even for part-time workers, including:
- College tuition assistance
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discounts
- Health insurance (for qualifying associates)
The Bottom Line
If you’re 16, you can definitely work at Walmart in several entry-level positions. If you’re 18+, virtually all positions are open to you, depending on your qualifications.
Walmart employs over 1.6 million people in the US alone, making it one of the largest employers in the country. Whether you’re looking for your first job or a long-term career, their doors are open – as long as you meet that minimum age requirement!
Remember: Each store might have slight variations in their hiring practices and age requirements based on state laws and store needs. When in doubt, check with your local Walmart or their careers website for the most accurate information.
