Does Walmart Hire At 16 In 2023? (All You Need To Know)

For teenagers looking to earn some extra money, get work experience, and start building their resumes, working part-time is often the ideal first job. If you’re 16 years old and wanting to get your foot in the door with the world‘s largest private employer, here’s what you need to know about Walmart’s minimum age requirements, pay, hiring process, and entry-level jobs for 16-year-olds in 2023.

Does Walmart Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Yes, Walmart does hire 16-year-olds. The minimum age to work at Walmart is 16 years old. However, some state laws require employees to be at least 17 or 18 years old for certain positions.

While Walmart sets the minimum hiring age at 16, keep in mind that you likely won’t qualify for all positions until you’re 18. Entry-level jobs such as cashier, stocker, cart attendant, and fresh food associate are typical starter roles for 16-year-old employees.

What’s the Minimum Age to Work at Walmart?

The minimum age to work at Walmart is 16 years old. However, some states have laws requiring a higher minimum age for certain jobs.

For example, in Arizona, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, you must be at least 17 to operate a baler or compactor. And in Alaska, Minnesota, and New York, you have to be at least 18 years old to work as a cart pusher.

So while the nationwide minimum age is 16, be sure to check your state labor laws to determine if there are any position-specific age requirements.

How Much Does Walmart Pay 16-Year-Old Employees?

Walmart pays 16-year-old employees between $11 and $14 per hour on average. However, wages vary depending on the position, state minimum wage laws, schedule, and employee performance.

Here’s a look at typical hourly wages for popular entry-level jobs for 16-year-olds at Walmart:

• Cashier: $11 – $14 per hour
• Stocker: $11 – $14 per hour
• Cart Attendant: $11 – $12 per hour
• Fresh Food Associate: $12 – $14 per hour

Part-time 16-year-old employees also qualify for employee benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and associate discounts on Walmart purchases.

What Positions Are Available for 16-Year-Olds?

As the largest private employer in the world, Walmart offers a wide range of entry-level positions for 16-year-old job seekers including:

Cashier

Cashiers interact with customers, scan items, bag purchases, process payments, address pricing issues, and maintain their checkout area. It’s a great starter job to build customer service skills.

Stocker

Stockers keep shelves stocked, organize backrooms, unload trucks, build displays, and assist customers in finding products. It’s an active job and good fit for those who like working independently.

Cart Attendant

Cart attendants retrieve carts from the parking lot, help load purchases, keep entrances tidy, clean bathrooms, and assist customers as needed. It‘s a role that combines customer service with physical activity.

Fresh Food Associate

Fresh food associates stock shelves in the bakery, deli, produce, and meat departments. They ensure high quality standards, rotate products, and provide excellent customer service.

Overnight Stocker

Overnight stockers unload trucks, stock shelves, organize backrooms, and clean the store after closing. It‘s a fast-paced position with hours ideal for students.

How Quickly Does Walmart Hire 16-Year-Olds?

The timeline for hiring 16-year-olds at Walmart can vary depending on the store‘s staffing needs. However, Walmart aims to accelerate hiring and provide job offers within 24 hours of receiving applications.

Here‘s a general timeline of what to expect:

• 1-3 days: Walmart reviews your application and assesses your qualifications for available roles.

• 3-5 days: If selected, you‘ll be contacted via phone or email to schedule an in-person or virtual interview.

• 1-3 days: After interviewing, Walmart decides whether to extend a conditional job offer pending background checks.

• 1-2 weeks: Walmart conducts background checks and drug screening. If cleared, they‘ll call with a formal job offer and provide orientation dates.

So after applying, it usually takes 1-2 weeks to go through the full hiring process and scheduling before starting your new job. Walmart often hires 16-year-olds quickly to fill open positions.

Does Walmart Offer Part-Time Jobs for 16-Year-Olds?

Yes, most jobs at Walmart are part-time positions ideal for high school students. Walmart employs many 16-year-olds in roles like cashier, stocker, and cart attendant on part-time schedules.

As a part-time Walmart employee, you can expect to work between 15-34 hours per week on shifts that fit your school schedule. Walmart also lets part-time workers pick up additional shifts to earn more.

Part-time 16-year-old employees can make between $200-$500 per week, depending on hours worked and base pay rate for the role. It’s a flexible way to earn income as a student.

5 Walmart Interview Tips for 16-Year-Olds

Here are some helpful interview tips for 16-year-olds applying for Walmart jobs:

1. Research the Company – Study Walmart’s history, values, store facts, and popular products so you can speak knowledgably about the company.

2. Practice Interviewing – Rehearse answers to common questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work here?” with a parent or friend.

3. Highlight Relevant Skills – Emphasize customer service experience, work ethic, teamwork, and other abilities ideal for starter roles.

4. Prepare Questions to Ask – Having thoughtful questions shows your interest in the company. Ask about training, advancement opportunities, etc.

5. Dress Professionally – Walmart interviews don’t require suits, but avoid casual wear. Aim for business casual to make a good first impression.

Can I Work at Walmart at 16? The Bottom Line

Walmart provides a wide range of part-time and entry-level opportunities ideal for 16-year-olds seeking their first job. Cashier, stocker, cart attendant, and food service roles offer the chance to gain skills, get paid, and start building your resume.

While some states restrict certain positions, Walmart typically hires 16-year-olds with hiring decisions made rapidly. If you present yourself professionally and communicate your customer service abilities, motivation, and schedule flexibility, you have an excellent chance of getting hired.

So don’t hesitate to apply online, attend a hiring event, or ask about openings at your local store. With thousands of locations across the country, Walmart is an accessible first employer for 16-year-olds.