Walmart is one of the largest private employers, frequently offering accessible entry-level positions that serve as first jobs for many individuals. Navigating the hiring process requires understanding the specific age requirements, which can vary significantly depending on the job title and the duties involved. These age constraints are largely determined by federal and state labor laws designed to protect younger workers.
General Minimum Age Requirements
The standard minimum age for employment at a Walmart store is 16 years old for most hourly, entry-level associate roles. This allows the company to staff general customer service and stocking positions while adhering to child labor guidelines. However, the age requirement is not uniform across all positions due to legal restrictions on the types of work minors can perform.
Many roles are restricted to applicants who are 18 years or older, primarily because the job duties involve activities deemed hazardous or require the handling of restricted merchandise. For instance, positions requiring the operation of heavy machinery, such as a baler or power jack, are legally restricted to adults. Roles involving the sale of controlled products like alcohol, tobacco, or firearms also often require the associate to be at least 18, depending on specific state laws.
Job Roles Available to Younger Workers
Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old are commonly hired for positions centered on customer interaction and general merchandise support. These roles focus on tasks that adhere to child labor laws.
Roles frequently available to this age group include:
- Cashier, handling transactions at the front end.
- Cart Attendant, collecting shopping carts from the parking lot.
- Stocking or Unloading associates, moving merchandise onto shelves.
- Sales Floor associates, assisting customers and maintaining department presentation.
- Online Grocery Pickup (OGP) Personal Shopper, selecting items for digital orders.
Conversely, numerous positions are reserved for workers 18 and older due to safety and compliance issues. This includes all roles requiring the use of power equipment, such as forklifts, compactors, and slicers in the Deli or Bakery departments.
Jobs like Overnight Stocking are often restricted due to labor laws limiting the hours a minor can work, especially during school nights. Specialized roles, such as Pharmacy Technician or Asset Protection Associate, also maintain an 18-year-old minimum age due to the nature of the duties and required access to sensitive areas or information.
Application and Documentation Requirements for Minors
The hiring process for a minor involves additional steps to ensure compliance with federal and state child labor laws. A minor applicant must first secure parental or guardian consent for employment, often through a signed document. This document acknowledges the minor’s work conditions, hours, and permissible tasks, ensuring the parent agrees to the terms designed to protect the young associate.
In many states, minors are also required to obtain a state-issued work permit or employment certificate before starting work. This document, typically secured through the minor’s school or state Department of Labor, verifies age and school enrollment status. Walmart must adhere to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which places strict limitations on the number of hours and the times of day minors can work, particularly during the school year.
To formally verify identity and employment eligibility, all new hires, including minors, must complete the federal I-9 form. Minors who lack a driver’s license can use a combination of List B and List C documents.
A List B document establishes identity, such as a school ID card with a photograph. A List C document confirms employment authorization, often fulfilled by a Social Security card or a certified birth certificate.
Once hired, minor associates are sometimes identified with a specific marker, such as a “Yellow Dot/Yellow Badge,” to alert supervisors and co-workers to their age-related restrictions on duties and hours.