Gas stations and convenience stores are common first jobs for 16-year-olds seeking entry-level work experience. These locations often offer flexible scheduling and a fast-paced environment. While many national and regional chains hire minors, the process involves navigating specific federal and state labor regulations governing hours worked and permitted tasks. Understanding these legal parameters is the necessary first step to securing employment.
Understanding Employment Laws for Minors
The employment of 16-year-olds is primarily governed by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets baseline protections for young workers. The FLSA generally allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work unlimited hours in any occupation not declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. This means there are no federal restrictions on the number of hours they can work per day or week.
State child labor laws frequently impose stricter limits than the federal government; employers must comply with the law that offers the most protection. Many states restrict the total number of hours a 16-year-old can work on a school day, often capping it at four to eight hours, and limit the total weekly hours during the school year. State laws also commonly require a minor to obtain an employment certificate or work permit before starting a job.
Major Chains That Hire 16-Year-Olds
Several prominent convenience store chains actively recruit 16-year-olds for entry-level positions, often as Customer Service Associates or Team Members. Sheetz, a major chain in the Mid-Atlantic region, explicitly states its minimum hiring age is 16 years old for general store roles. Likewise, Wawa, another large regional operator, hires 16-year-olds for Customer Service Associate positions, and in states where self-service is prohibited, some 16-year-olds are hired as Fuel Associates.
Speedway is another national brand where job postings frequently indicate a minimum hiring age of 16 for cashier and store team roles, depending on the local franchise and state laws. Conversely, some large travel center chains, such as Buc-ee’s, maintain a minimum hiring age of 18 in all states to ensure all employees can handle the sale of age-restricted items like tobacco and alcohol. The hiring policy at Circle K is often location-dependent, as the corporate policy often lists an 18-year-old minimum, though some individual stores may hire 16-year-olds for roles that strictly prohibit the handling of restricted products.
Hiring decisions are often decentralized, meaning a store owner or manager makes the final choice, even if the corporate policy allows for it. A store’s specific needs, proximity to a high school, and local state laws regarding the sale of age-restricted items heavily influence whether a 16-year-old is hired. Applicants should look for positions labeled as Team Member or Customer Service Associate, which are the typical entry points for minors.
Typical Duties and Prohibited Tasks
The daily responsibilities for a 16-year-old center on customer interaction and general store maintenance. Typical duties include operating the cash register, processing transactions, and providing customer service. Entry-level employees also stock shelves, organize displays, and rotate inventory in coolers and on snack racks.
Minors also handle light cleaning, such as sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down counters, and maintaining the cleanliness of the fountain drink and coffee stations. Child labor laws strictly prohibit 16-year-olds from performing tasks deemed hazardous. Prohibited activities include operating power-driven equipment like meat slicers, balers, and compactors.
Minors are restricted from most work involving vehicle repair, operating motor vehicles on public roads, or engaging in roofing work. In a gas station context, they are generally limited to dispensing gasoline and oil and performing courtesy services, excluding maintenance or repair in the garage area. Selling age-restricted products like tobacco and alcohol is often prohibited by law or store policy, limiting which shifts a 16-year-old can work.
Navigating the Job Application Process
The application process for a 16-year-old requires specific documentation and preparation. Obtaining a work permit or employment certificate is mandatory in many states, requiring a form completed by the employer, the minor, and a parent or guardian. This permit verifies the employer is aware of the minor’s legal working hours and ensures the job will not interfere with school attendance.
Creating a resume for a first job should focus on highlighting transferable skills gained from non-work experiences, such as reliability, punctuality, and teamwork demonstrated through school activities or volunteer work. During the interview, applicants should emphasize a flexible schedule that aligns with legal working hours and clearly articulate an understanding of work restrictions. Presenting a professional image with all necessary documentation demonstrates responsibility.
Alternative First Jobs for 16-Year-Olds
If gas station positions are unavailable or restricted by local laws, several related sectors commonly hire 16-year-olds. Grocery stores frequently hire for roles such as baggers, stock clerks, and cashiers, which involve similar customer service and stocking duties. Fast-food restaurants and quick-service establishments are also consistent employers, offering flexible schedules and entry-level kitchen or counter positions.
Local retail outlets, especially those focused on general merchandise or clothing, provide other accessible options. These environments focus heavily on customer service, organizing inventory, and operating a point-of-sale system, offering valuable initial job experience. These alternative employers often have similar labor law requirements, making the transition to a first job straightforward.