The minimum age to work as a cashier is determined by a combination of federal standards, state laws, and individual company policy. Federal standards set a baseline, but state laws often impose stricter conditions. Understanding this layered regulatory environment is the first step for any young person seeking a retail job.
Federal Guidelines on Minimum Age
The national minimum age for most non-agricultural employment is set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) at 14 years old. This federal law specifies that 14 and 15-year-olds can work in non-hazardous jobs, including cashiering, but only for limited periods and under specific conditions. Exceptions exist for jobs like delivering newspapers, acting, or working for parents in non-mining or non-manufacturing businesses. Once a minor reaches 16, federal restrictions on job types are significantly reduced, allowing them to be employed for unlimited hours in any non-hazardous occupation.
State-by-State Variations and Work Permits
While federal law sets the minimum age at 14, many states have enacted child labor laws that raise this minimum or impose additional requirements. When state and federal laws overlap, the stricter standard must be followed. For example, a state might require a minor to be 15 or 16 to work in specific retail positions, superseding the federal minimum for that location.
A frequent state requirement is an official employment certificate, or work permit, for minors under a certain age, often 16 or 18. This mandatory documentation ensures the minor’s employment does not interfere with their education and complies with child labor laws. To obtain this permit, the minor usually submits a “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor” form, completed by the prospective employer, along with proof of age and parental consent, to school officials or a state labor department.
Specific Job Duties and Restrictions for Teen Cashiers
The employment of minors, especially those under 16, is heavily regulated regarding both hours and duties. During the school year, federal law limits 14 and 15-year-olds to working outside of school hours. They can work a maximum of three hours on a school day and no more than 18 hours during a school week. Work must generally be confined to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., extending until 9:00 p.m. during the summer non-school period.
Beyond scheduling, minors are legally barred from performing certain hazardous tasks, even in a retail setting. For those under 16, prohibited duties include operating or cleaning power-driven machines like meat slicers, grinders, or compactors. They are also prohibited from working in freezers or meat coolers, or working from ladders or scaffolds. Furthermore, minors are often restricted from handling or selling age-restricted products, such as alcohol or tobacco, which may be prohibited until they reach 18, depending on state law.
Real-World Employer Hiring Requirements
Many large retail and grocery companies set their minimum hiring age higher than the legal floor of 14, often preferring applicants to be at least 16 or 18 years old. This decision is driven by the practical limitations and compliance responsibilities associated with hiring younger teenagers. A 16-year-old is subject to far fewer restrictions on hours, offering employers greater scheduling flexibility, especially for evening and closing shifts.
Hiring older teens simplifies operations by avoiding limitations on prohibited duties. An employee 18 or older can legally handle and sell alcohol and tobacco products, operate all necessary equipment, and work any shift without time restrictions. Companies adopt a higher minimum age to reduce the risk of violating complex child labor laws and to lower potential liability and insurance costs.
Steps to Secure Your First Cashier Job
Once you meet the combined age requirements of federal law, state law, and the specific employer, focus on preparation and presentation. Create a simple resume, even with minimal formal experience, listing relevant volunteer work, school activities, or skills like customer service and math proficiency. This document demonstrates a professional approach and organized qualifications.
Preparing for an interview involves practicing how to articulate your availability and enthusiasm, emphasizing reliability and a positive attitude toward customer interaction. Dress neatly and arrive on time to convey seriousness, as employers value basic professional conduct for an entry-level role. Be ready to provide necessary documentation, including proof of age, a Social Security number, and valid government-issued identification. If required in your state, you must also obtain the official work permit before your first day of employment.