The discount retail sector, particularly dollar stores, represents a common starting point for individuals seeking their first employment experience. These entry-level positions offer valuable opportunities to develop foundational skills in customer service, retail operations, and teamwork. Understanding the age requirements for these jobs can be complex, as the minimum age for hiring depends on a combination of federal law, specific state regulations, and the policies of the individual company. Navigating this landscape is the first step toward securing a role at one of these popular neighborhood retailers.
Federal Minimum Age Requirements
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes the baseline minimum age for non-agricultural employment across the United States. For most jobs in the retail sector, the federal minimum age is 14 years old, though work is limited for minors under 16 years of age. Minors who are 14 or 15 years old are generally permitted to work only outside of school hours in non-manufacturing and non-hazardous occupations, such as cashiering or bagging customer orders. Once a worker reaches 16 years of age, the federal rules become significantly more permissive, allowing them to be employed for unlimited hours in any occupation not deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. The FLSA prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from working in occupations identified as particularly hazardous, which includes certain tasks involving power-driven machinery or heavy equipment typically found in warehouse settings.
State-Specific Requirements and Work Permits
While federal law sets a general floor, state child labor laws often impose stricter standards that employers must follow. When both federal and state laws apply, the rule that is more protective of the minor takes precedence, which can mean a higher minimum age or more restrictive hours. Many states also mandate that minors, particularly those under 16, obtain an official work permit, sometimes called employment certificates or “working papers”. This work permit requirement is a bureaucratic safeguard to ensure the minor’s employment will not interfere with their education or well-being. To secure a permit, the minor typically needs a letter of intent from the prospective employer detailing the job and hours, along with proof of age and a statement of physical fitness.
Minimum Age Policies at Major Dollar Store Chains
Company policies often set a minimum hiring age higher than the federal or state minimums, usually for practical reasons like scheduling flexibility or managing liability related to tasks like selling alcohol or tobacco. This corporate minimum age is the final and often most definitive barrier for young applicants.
Dollar General
Dollar General typically sets its minimum hiring age at 18 years old for most positions, including cashier and sales associate roles. The company’s policy is generally influenced by the requirement that employees be of legal age to sell age-restricted products like tobacco and alcohol, which is a common duty for all store associates. There are exceptions in some states where the minimum hiring age is lowered to 16, but this is less common and often depends on specific state regulations and store management discretion.
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree tends to be more flexible than some competitors, with a minimum hiring age often set at 16 years old for entry-level positions like sales associate. Some locations may hire 16-year-olds with a valid work permit, particularly for roles that do not involve operating heavy equipment or management responsibilities. However, many locations still prefer or require applicants to be 18, especially for positions that involve more responsibility or late-night shifts.
Family Dollar
The minimum age requirement at Family Dollar is most frequently 16 years old for sales associate and clerk positions. The company can make exceptions for minors aged 16 and 17, provided they have the necessary work permits, which aligns with federal law for non-hazardous work. However, similar to other chains, positions with greater responsibility, such as assistant manager or roles involving the handling of restricted merchandise, typically require the employee to be at least 18 years of age.
Restrictions on Hours and Duties for Minor Employees
Once a minor is hired, strict regulations govern the hours they can work and the duties they can perform to prioritize their health and education. For 14- and 15-year-olds, the restrictions are particularly tight, limiting them to working no more than three hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week. Their work hours are also restricted to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on non-school days, though this is extended to 9 p.m. during the summer months. Minors aged 16 and 17 face fewer restrictions under federal law and can work unlimited hours, but they are still barred from performing certain hazardous tasks. These prohibited duties include operating power-driven hoisting apparatus, such as forklifts or freight elevators, and working with certain types of power-driven machines.
Practical Steps for Applying to Dollar Stores
The application process begins by checking the official career websites for Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar to find local openings and confirm the specific age requirement for the desired position. Most of these retailers utilize online application portals, which require applicants to input their personal information and work history. Applicants should be prepared to accurately present any prior experience, even non-traditional work like volunteering or yard work, to demonstrate responsibility and a work ethic. Before an interview, it is beneficial to research the company’s customer service philosophy and be ready to discuss availability, especially if still in school. If the applicant is a minor under 18, they must ensure they have all required documentation, including a government-issued photo identification and, if mandated by their state, an approved work permit.
especially for positions that involve more responsibility or late-night shifts.
Family Dollar
The minimum age requirement at Family Dollar is most frequently 16 years old for sales associate and clerk positions. The company can make exceptions for minors aged 16 and 17, provided they have the necessary work permits, which aligns with federal law for non-hazardous work. However, similar to other chains, positions with greater responsibility, such as assistant manager or roles involving the handling of restricted merchandise, typically require the employee to be at least 18 years of age.
Restrictions on Hours and Duties for Minor Employees
Once a minor is hired, strict regulations govern the hours they can work and the duties they can perform to prioritize their health and education. For 14- and 15-year-olds, the restrictions are particularly tight, limiting them to working no more than three hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week. Their work hours are also restricted to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on non-school days, though this is extended to 9 p.m. during the summer months.
Minors aged 16 and 17 face fewer restrictions under federal law and can work unlimited hours, but they are still barred from performing certain hazardous tasks. These prohibited duties include operating power-driven hoisting apparatus, such as forklifts or freight elevators, and working with certain types of power-driven machines. Many state laws also impose additional limits on the maximum daily and weekly hours for 16- and 17-year-olds, especially when school is in session, or restrict their ability to work late at night.
Practical Steps for Applying to Dollar Stores
The application process begins by checking the official career websites for Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar to find local openings and confirm the specific age requirement for the desired position. Most of these retailers utilize online application portals, which require applicants to input their personal information and work history. Applicants should be prepared to accurately present any prior experience, even non-traditional work like volunteering or yard work, to demonstrate responsibility and a work ethic.
Before an interview, it is beneficial to research the company’s customer service philosophy and be ready to discuss availability, especially if still in school. If the applicant is a minor under 18, they must ensure they have all required documentation, including a government-issued photo identification and, if mandated by their state, an approved work permit. Having all necessary paperwork in order streamlines the hiring process and demonstrates preparedness to the store manager.