Thinking about getting your first job? Or maybe you’re looking for a side hustle that works around your schedule? Subway might be on your radar.
Let’s break down exactly how old you need to be to work at Subway, what you can expect to earn, and how the whole application process works. No BS, just the facts with my opinion sprinkled on top.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Subway?
The minimum age to work at Subway is typically 16 years old in most states. But here’s where it gets complicated – since Subway operates on a franchise model (with over 37,000 locations!), each store owner gets to make their own hiring decisions.
This means that while corporate Subway suggests hiring 16-year-olds, many franchise owners prefer to only hire adults who are 18+ for various reasons like:
- Less scheduling restrictions
- Liability concerns
- Insurance requirements
- Management potential
Are There Exceptions to the Age Requirement?
Absolutely!
Montana is the unicorn state where some Subway locations might hire 14-year-olds. But this is rare, and most 14-15 year olds will have a tough time getting hired at Subway nationwide.
If you’re hunting for your first job at 14 or 15, you might want to look at grocery stores or local businesses instead. They tend to be more flexible with younger teens.
What About Corporate Subway Jobs?
For those fancy corporate or regional management positions, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and typically have:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Specialized experience
- Professional skills
And yes, Subway hires people of all ages, including those over 50 (refusing to hire based on age would be illegal – and stupid from a business perspective).
What’s It Like Working at Subway?
Job Positions and Requirements
The bread and butter position (pun intended) at Subway is the Sandwich Artist. Yes, that’s the actual job title!
For these entry-level positions, you’ll need basic skills like:
- Communication abilities
- Following instructions
- Keeping things clean
- Basic math
- Customer service attitude
As you move up to Shift Leader or Assistant Manager roles, you’ll need more experience and leadership skills.
How Much Does Subway Pay?
Let’s talk money!
The average Subway employee makes around $12.25 per hour, which comes out to about $25,000 annually for full-time work. But this varies widely by location – I’ve seen salaries ranging from $16,000 to $38,000 depending on:
- Your geographic location
- Your position
- Your experience level
- Local minimum wage laws
Not getting rich making sandwiches, but it’s a start. And for a first job, the experience is valuable beyond just the paycheck.
Scheduling and Flexibility
One of the biggest perks of working at Subway is the flexible scheduling. This makes it perfect for:
- High school students
- College students
- Parents with childcare needs
- People juggling multiple jobs
You can typically choose between part-time and full-time hours, with shifts available seven days a week from early morning until late evening.
How to Apply for a Job at Subway
Ready to jump in? The application process is pretty straightforward:
- Visit Subway’s careers page or drop by your local store
- Complete an application (online or paper)
- Wait for a callback (usually within a week)
- Attend an interview
- If hired, complete training
The whole process typically takes 1-2 weeks from application to first day on the job.
Pro tip: When you apply, highlight any customer service experience you have, even if it’s just helping at school events or community service. Also, emphasize your availability – being able to work weekends is a major plus!
What to Expect in the Interview
Subway interviews are usually pretty casual. You might get questions like:
- Why do you want to work at Subway?
- How would you handle an upset customer?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?
- Can you work weekends and evenings?
Be honest, show enthusiasm, and dress neat but casual (business casual is perfect).
Subway isn’t the highest paying job out there, but it offers valuable work experience, flexible hours, and (depending on your manager) can be a fun place to work. Plus, there’s usually a free sandwich during your shift – not a bad perk!
If you’re interested in working at Subway, your best bet is to check with local stores directly since policies vary by franchise. And remember – even if one location turns you down because of age, another might be happy to hire you, so don’t give up after one rejection.
For more insight into working at quick-service restaurants as a teenager, check out this comprehensive guide to teen employment. If you’re curious how Subway compares to other fast food jobs, this industry comparison from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is super helpful.
For specific state-by-state teen labor laws, the Department of Labor’s youth rules website has everything you need to know. And if you’re wondering about advancement opportunities at Subway, this career development overview gives good perspective on growth in food service.
