Burlington hires employees starting at age 16. Most store-level positions, including cashiers, sales associates, and fitting room attendants, are open to 16- and 17-year-olds, though some roles involving equipment operation or supervisory duties require applicants to be at least 18.
What Jobs Are Available at 16
At 16, you can apply for entry-level positions at Burlington stores. These typically include cashier, sales floor associate, fitting room associate, and stockroom helper. The work involves tasks like folding and hanging merchandise, assisting customers, operating registers, and keeping the store organized. These roles are part-time and often scheduled around school hours, making them a common first job for high schoolers.
Burlington does not typically hire anyone under 16. Federal law allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work in certain retail settings, but many large retailers set their own minimum at 16 to simplify scheduling and comply more easily with the patchwork of state labor laws.
Hour Restrictions for Workers Under 18
If you’re 16 or 17, federal law doesn’t cap your hours the way it does for younger teens, but your state likely does. Many states limit minors under 18 to a certain number of hours on school nights (often no more than 4 hours on a school day) and set a cap on total weekly hours during the school year, commonly around 28 to 30 hours. During summer and school breaks, those limits usually loosen or disappear.
States also commonly restrict how late you can work. Expect cutoffs around 10 p.m. on school nights in many places, with later hours permitted on weekends or during vacation periods. Burlington’s scheduling managers will generally be familiar with the rules in your state, but it helps to know them yourself so you can plan around your availability.
Work Permits and Age Verification
Depending on where you live, you may need a work permit or employment certificate before you can start. Some states mandate these documents by law, while others simply require the employer to keep proof of your age on file. Acceptable proof typically includes a birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, or state-issued ID.
In states that require formal work permits, you usually get them through your school’s guidance office or your state’s labor department. The process is straightforward: you fill out a form, a parent or guardian signs it, and the school or issuing agency certifies it. Some states also require a brief description of the job duties or the employer’s signature. Get this paperwork started before your first day, since Burlington won’t be able to put you on the schedule until the permit is on file.
A handful of states ask for written parental consent as a separate document. Even where it’s not legally required, Burlington’s application for minors may include a parental authorization section.
How to Apply
Burlington accepts applications online through its careers page. You can search for open positions by location and filter for store-level roles. The application asks for basic personal information, availability, and work history if you have any. Having no prior experience is fine for entry-level positions.
After submitting an application, you may hear back within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the store’s hiring needs. Seasonal hiring periods, especially the months leading up to the winter holidays, tend to move faster and have more openings. If you’re 16 or 17, be prepared to discuss your school schedule and any restrictions on your hours during the interview.
Positions That Require You to Be 18
Certain roles at Burlington are reserved for adults. Management and supervisory positions require applicants to be at least 18. The same applies to jobs that involve operating powered equipment like balers or forklifts in the stockroom, since federal law prohibits minors from using these machines. Distribution center jobs, which involve warehouse work, also carry an 18-and-over requirement.
If you start at Burlington at 16, you can build experience that positions you for those roles once you turn 18. Retail experience at a large chain looks solid on a resume whether you stay with the company or move on.
Pay and What to Expect
Burlington pays store associates an hourly wage that starts at or slightly above the federal minimum wage, though your actual rate depends on local minimum wage laws and the cost of living in your area. Many locations advertise starting pay in the range of $11 to $15 per hour for entry-level roles. As a minor working part-time, expect a paycheck that reflects limited weekly hours, especially during the school year.
Shifts at Burlington tend to be flexible, which is one reason the company appeals to high school students. You’ll likely work a mix of weekday evenings and weekend daytime shifts. The pace picks up during back-to-school season and the holidays, so be ready for busier stores and potentially more available hours during those stretches.