Are you a teenager and looking for stores that hire at 16? While getting a job is a huge step towards independence, it can definitely be quite a scary process, especially if you’re not sure what stores allow you to apply.
Stores look to employ individuals that meet certain criteria. For example, they look for people with specific skills and abilities that can fulfill certain positions.
Considering this, some stores do set a minimum age requirement because they’re worried teenagers don’t possess the needed skills to be good employees.
However, while there are some stores that won’t hire minors, there are still plenty that do. From supermarkets like Safeway, to fast food restaurants such as Domino’s, you’re likely to find a store on our list that is a good fit for you.
In This Post:
- Benefits of working at a young age
- Labor laws for minors
- 70 stores that hire at 16 and younger
- Our top 10 picks for stores that hire at 16
- Tips for getting a job as a minor
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts about stores that hire at 16
Benefits of Working at a Young Age
There are several benefits of working at a young age:
- Developing a strong work ethic
- Developing a sense of responsibility
- Understanding the value of money
- Transitioning from youth to adulthood
- Learning how to save, invest, and budget
- Saving for college or your first vehicle
Minor Labor Laws
If you’re a teen and you’re looking for a job, keep in mind that many states require minors to get a work permit and/or age certificate with permission from a parent or legal guardian.
In addition, minors are only allowed to work a certain amount of hours per week.
The government defines a minor as anyone under the age of 18 and is required to be under the care of a parent or legal guardian unless emancipated.
With regards to the employment of minors, they are divided into two categories by the FLSA and state labor laws:
- 14 to 16 years of age
- 16 to 17 years of age
Considering this, keep in mind that 14 is the minimum age for employment.
Here is a list of states provided by the U.S. Department of Labor that require minors to get a work permit and/or age certificate.
70 Stores That Hire at 16
The following 70 companies hire 16 year olds. However, some of them do hire teens as young as 14.
The companies are categorized by store type: supermarkets, clothing stores, fast food restaurants, movie theaters, and much more.
The positions offered to teenagers at these companies typically include bagger, cashier, sales floor team member, stockroom and customer service associate, and are usually offered as entry-level, part-time, online, or even summer jobs.
Keep in mind that the age requirement will vary depending on position, store location, and even ownership of the franchise.
Note: Stores are listed in no particular order. However, we do mention our top picks at the end of the list.
1. Aeropostale
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Aeropostale Careers
2. Papa John’s Pizza
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Careers at Papa John’s
3. Banana Republic
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Banana Republic Careers
4. A&W
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: A&W Jobs
5. Gap
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Gap Careers
6. PetSmart
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: PetSmart Careers
7. Forever 21
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Forever 21 Careers
8. Baja Fresh
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Baja Fresh Jobs
9. Bed Bath & Beyond
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Bed Bath & Beyond Careers
10. American Eagle Outfitters
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: American Eagle Outfitters Jobs
11. Publix
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Publix Careers
12. GUESS
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: GUESS Careers
13. Charlotte Russe
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Charlotte Russe Careers
14. Kmart
Category: Discount Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Kmart Jobs
15. Levi’s
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Levi Strauss & Co Careers
16. Winn-Dixie
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Winn-Dixie Careers
17. Burger King
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Burger King Job Opportunities
18. PacSun
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: PacSun Careers
19. Dine Brands Global
Category: Casual Dining Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Dine Brands Careers
20. Wegmans
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 15
Find Jobs: Wegmans Careers
21. Walgreens
Category: Drugstores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Walgreens Jobs
22. Domino’s Pizza
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Domino’s Jobs
23. Hollister Co.
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Hollister Co. Careers
24. AMC Theatres
Category: Movie Theaters
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: AMC Theatres Jobs
25. Taco Bell
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Taco Bell Careers
26. Baskin-Robbins
Category: Ice Cream Parlors
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Baskin-Robbins Careers
27. Stop & Shop
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 15
Find Jobs: Stop & Shop Careers
28. Captain D’s
Category: Casual Dining Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Captain D’s Careers
29. Staples
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Staples Careers
30. Arby’s
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 15
Find Jobs: Arby’s Jobs
31. Old Navy
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Old Navy Careers
32. Harveys
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 15
Find Jobs: Harveys Careers
33. Ralph Lauren
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Ralph Lauren Careers
34. McDonald’s
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: McDonald’s Careers
35. Meijer
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Meijer Jobs
36. Plato’s Closet
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Plato’s Closet Careers
37. Giant Eagle
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Giant Eagle Jobs
38. Target
Category: Discount Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Target Jobs
39. Panera Bread
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Panera Bread Jobs
40. Sears
Category: Department Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Sears Jobs
41. CVS Health
Category: Drugstores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: CVS Health Jobs
42. Harris Teeter
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Harris Teeter Jobs
43. Hot Topic
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Hot Topic Careers
44. KFC
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: KFC Jobs
45. Food Lion
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Food Lion Careers
46. ALDO
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: The ALDO Group Careers
47. Dollar Tree
Category: Discount Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Dollar Tree Careers
48. Scheels
Category: Sporting Goods Retailers
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Scheels Careers
49. Marshalls
Category: Department Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: TJX Careers
50. Adidas
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Adidas Careers
51. Famous Footwear
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Famous Footwear Jobs
52. Best Buy
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Best Buy Careers
53. Barnes & Noble
Category: Bookstores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Barnes & Noble Careers
54. Finish Line
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Finish Line Careers
55. Walmart
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Walmart Store Jobs
56. JCPenney
Category: Department Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: JCPenney Careers
57. Del Taco
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Del Taco Careers
58. Boston Market
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 15
Find Jobs: Boston Market Careers
59. Chick-fil-A
Category: Fast Food Restaurants
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Chick-fil-A Careers
60. Tommy Hilfiger
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Tommy Hilfiger Careers
61. Journeys
Category: Sporting Goods Retailers
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Careers at Journeys
62. Zumiez
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Zumiez Jobs
63. Fareway
Category: Retail Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Fareway Careers
64. Wawa
Category: Convenience Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Wawa Careers
65. Bruster’s
Category: Ice Cream Parlors
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Bruster’s Jobs
66. TJ Maxx
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: TJX Careers
67. Kroger
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Kroger Jobs
68. King Soopers
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: King Soopers Careers
69. Safeway
Category: Supermarkets
Minimum Age Requirement: 14
Find Jobs: Safeway Apply
70. rue21
Category: Clothing Stores
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Find Jobs: Rue21 Careers
Our Top Picks for Stores That Hire at 16
1. Aeropostale
2. Adidas
3. American Eagle Outfitters
4. AMC Theatres
5. Bed Bath & Beyond
6. Dine Brands Global
7. Bruster’s Ice Cream
8. Best Buy
9. CVS Health
10. Burger King
Tips for Landing a Job With a Store That Hires at 16
Here are several tips that will help increase your chances of getting hired as a teenager:
Create a Resume
Even if you have no prior work experience or the store you’re applying at doesn’t require one, you should still consider putting together a resume.
You can include your contact information, education, relevant skills, achievements, and awards.
This will help you stand out from other applicants and make a wonderful first impression. You will also be able to use your resume as a starting point for when you gain more work experience.
Prepare to Fill Out a Job Application
If you have never had a job before, you may want to practice filling out a job application as you will want to make sure you provide complete and accurate information when you fill one out for a store you’re applying at.
Before you submit it, make sure information is accurate, complete, and that there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
Gather Proper Paperwork
As previously mentioned, many states require minors to get a work permit and/or age certificate with the help of a parent or legal guardian. Make sure you have this paperwork available when you apply for a job.
Provide References
If you’re applying for a job at a retail store, you will most likely be required to provide a few references.
If you have never had a job before, this can be anyone such as coaches, teachers, mentors, or anyone else that is not in your immediate family.
Dress Appropriately
The way you dress to a job interview will make just as big of a first impression as your answers to the interviewer’s questions.
Most of the stores on our list won’t require you to dress in formal attire, but you should look put together and clean. If you’re not sure what to wear, you should get advice from an adult, such as your parents or a legal guardian.
Prepare for an Interview
To prepare, find someone that is willing to help you with a mock interview. Simply practice by having them ask you interview questions related to wherever you’re going to apply for a job.
Take your time and practice until you feel prepared enough to take a real interview.
Plan to Get Rejected
You most likely won’t get hired at the first store you apply for a job at, which is a normal part of job-hunting regardless of your age.
In certain situations you won’t be the only person applying for a specific position, so there will be times when another applicant is simply a better fit for the job.
Considering this, you should plan on having to apply at multiple stores before getting hired.
Stores That Hire at 16 FAQs
Here are answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about stores that hire minors.
What Clothing Stores Hire at 16?
Clothing stores that hire at 16 include rue21, TJ Maxx, Zumiez, Hot Topic, Ralph Lauren, Hollister, PacSun, Tommy Hilfiger, and Levi’s.
What Shoe Stores Hire at 16?
Shoe stores that hire at 16 include Famous Footwear, Journeys, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and Shoe Carnival.
What Stores Hire at 15?
Stores that hire at 15 include Boston Market, Harveys, Arby’s, Stop & Shop, Wegmans, FiveStar Food Mart, and Zaxby’s.
What Stores Hire at 14?
Stores that hire at 14 include Safeway, King Soopers, Bruster’s, Fareway, Chick-fil-A, Giant Eagle, McDonald’s, Baskin-Robbins, AMC Theatres, Winn-Dixie, and Publix.
Final Thoughts on Stores That Hire at 16
While there are some stores that won’t hire anyone that’s 16 or younger, there are still plenty that do. Just make sure that you’re aware of the labor laws for minors wherever you live.
Not only is working as a minor a great way to start making money, it’s also a wonderful way develop a strong work ethic, understand the value of money, transition from youth to adulthood, and learn how to save, invest, and budget.
