How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at CVS?
Ever wondered if you (or your teenager) can land a job at your local CVS? Maybe you need some spending money or want to get that first job on your resume.
Well, I’ve got you covered.
The minimum age to work at CVS is 16 years old for most entry-level positions. But wait – there’s more to it than that.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how old you need to be for different roles at CVS, what the rules are, and why they exist in the first place.
Let’s dive in!
Age Requirements by Position at CVS
Not all CVS jobs are created equal when it comes to age requirements. Here’s the breakdown:
Entry-Level Positions (Age 16+)
If you’re 16, you can definitely get your foot in the door at CVS. These positions include:
- Cashier
- Sales associate
- Beauty care associate
- Stock person
These roles typically involve helping customers, operating the register (minus alcohol/tobacco), stocking shelves, and keeping the store tidy.
Positions Requiring You to Be 18+
Once you hit 18, more doors open up:
- Cashier handling alcohol/tobacco sales
- Shift supervisor
- Photo lab technician
Why the age bump? Federal and state laws prohibit minors from selling alcohol and tobacco products. So if you’re handling those items, you need to be at least 18.
Pharmacy-Related Positions (18+ or 21+)
Want to work in the pharmacy section? You’ll need to be:
- 18+ for pharmacy technician trainee positions
- Usually 18+ with certification for full pharmacy technician roles
- Some locations prefer 21+ for certain pharmacy positions
Pharmacy work comes with more responsibility and often requires additional training or certification beyond just age requirements.
Why CVS Has These Age Requirements
There are several reasons why CVS sets these age thresholds:
Legal requirements: Federal and state laws restrict who can sell alcohol and tobacco products.
Labor laws: Teens under 16 face strict limitations on working hours and conditions. At 16+, these restrictions loosen up enough to make hiring practical for retailers.
Responsibility level: Some positions require more maturity and responsibility than others.
Insurance and liability: Having minors handle certain products or equipment creates liability issues.
Think about it – would you want a 14-year-old dispensing medications? Probably not. These age requirements are there for good reasons.
How CVS Compares to Other Retail Pharmacies
Wondering how CVS stacks up against the competition? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Walgreens: Also starts hiring at 16 for most entry-level positions; 18+ for pharmacy
- Rite Aid: Generally 16+ for retail, 18+ for pharmacy roles
- Walmart Pharmacy: 16+ for most positions, 18+ for pharmacy technicians
- Target (with CVS inside): Typically hires at 16+ for retail positions
CVS isn’t unusually strict or lenient – they’re pretty much in line with industry standards.
Getting Hired at CVS as a Teen
If you’re a 16 or 17-year-old looking to work at CVS, here’s what you need to know:
What You’ll Need:
- Work permit: Some states require these for minors (check your local requirements)
- ID: To verify your age
- Availability: Be ready to work evenings and weekends
- Transportation: How will you get to work reliably?
The Application Process:
- Apply online through the CVS careers website
- Complete the assessment
- Wait for a callback (usually within 1-2 weeks)
- Interview
- Background check
- Orientation and training
Pro tip: Even though prior experience isn’t required for entry-level positions, highlighting any customer service experience (even from school or volunteer work) can help your application stand out.
The Reality of Working at CVS as a Teen
Before you apply, here’s what to expect:
The Good:
- Flexible scheduling around school hours
- Decent starting pay (usually above minimum wage)
- Valuable experience in customer service and retail
- Employee discount on store products
- Growth opportunities if you stay with the company
The Challenges:
- Standing for long periods (sometimes 8+ hour shifts)
- Dealing with difficult customers (it happens everywhere in retail)
- Lifting requirements (up to 35 pounds)
- Working weekends and holidays (when friends might be free)
In Summary
- You must be at least 16 to work at CVS in most entry-level positions
- For roles involving alcohol, tobacco, or pharmacy work, you need to be 18 or older
- CVS follows standard age requirements similar to other retail pharmacies
- Entry-level positions offer decent pay and flexible schedules for students
- The application process is straightforward and can be completed online
Whether you’re looking for your first job or a part-time gig while in school, CVS offers solid opportunities for teens 16 and up. Just be ready to work hard, deal with the public, and maybe miss a few weekend hangouts with friends.
Have you worked at CVS as a teenager? What was your experience like? If you’re considering applying, good luck on your retail journey!
