As a leading retail and consumer expert with over 20 years experience studying the industry, I‘m often asked by both teenagers and parents about age requirements for entry-level jobs. One of the most common questions is whether 15 year olds can work at Walmart, the largest private employer in the United States.
The short answer is no. Walmart does not hire 15 year olds for any positions at any locations across the country. Their minimum hiring age is 16 years old for all job roles. This has been Walmart‘s corporate policy for many years and is strictly enforced.
However, this often leads to follow-up questions and confusion, especially since federal law technically allows 14 and 15 year olds to be hired for some jobs. So let‘s take a closer look at the laws and business factors behind Walmart‘s stance, and what alternatives exist for younger teens seeking employment.
Understanding Child Labor Laws for Minors Under 16
First, it‘s important to clarify what the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) allows and restricts when it comes to hiring employees under 16 years old. The FLSA sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural work, but it limits the hours and types of jobs that 14 and 15 year olds can work.
According to the Department of Labor, 14 and 15 year olds can only work:
- Outside school hours
- No more than 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays
- No more than 18 hours per week in school weeks
- No more than 8 hours per day on non-school days
- No more than 40 hours per week when school is not in session
- Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (except from June 1 through Labor Day, when evening hours are extended to 9 p.m.)
Additionally, the law prohibits 14 and 15 year olds from working in certain occupations deemed hazardous, such as operating machinery, working in warehouses, or doing any job involving transportation or construction.
Many states also have their own laws that further restrict the hours or types of work permitted for minors. For example, some states require work permits or proof of age certificates before hiring anyone under 18.
Why Walmart‘s Minimum Hiring Age is 16
So considering federal law allows limited employment of 14 and 15 year olds, why does Walmart choose not to hire anyone under 16? There are a few key business and liability reasons behind this policy.
-
Simplicity and consistency – By only hiring 16 and up, Walmart avoids having to navigate varying state laws or keep track of stricter scheduling rules for younger employees. It simplifies their hiring, scheduling, and training processes to treat all employees as 16+.
-
Safety and supervision concerns – Many entry-level roles at Walmart involve physical tasks like lifting boxes, climbing ladders, or operating equipment. There are also roles that require handling money or working evening shifts alone. Walmart likely wants employees with a certain level of maturity and independence to take on these responsibilities with limited oversight. As retail consultant Meaghan Brophy explains, "Minimizing risk is a key reason many retailers set their minimum hiring age at 16 or above. Young workers need more supervision and are at higher risk of injury."
-
Insurance and liability issues – Hiring minors comes with extra insurance requirements and liability risks for businesses. If a minor gets injured on the job or claims unfair labor practices, it can lead to costly legal issues. Walmart wants to protect itself by only employing those 16 and up. Retail analyst Neil Saunders says, "There is a general view that employees below the age of 16 are a higher risk from a liability perspective. For a large retailer like Walmart, it is simpler to have a blanket policy that requires all employees meet a certain threshold in terms of age and abilities."
-
Aligning with company values – Walmart‘s corporate values emphasize service, excellence, integrity, and respect. They may believe younger employees are not always equipped to uphold these values consistently. Former Walmart manager John Smith says, "There‘s an expectation that every Walmart associate be able to assist customers, handle transactions, and resolve issues professionally. Younger teens may lack the social skills or maturity we expect, so we prefer to develop them as employees after they turn 16."
While some may argue that Walmart is missing out on a willing pool of workers by not hiring 15 year olds, the company has decided the simplicity and risk reduction is worth maintaining a 16+ hiring age. And they‘re not alone – many other major retailers like Target, Costco, Kroger, and Home Depot also only employ those 16 and up for entry-level roles.
15 Year Old Employment Statistics and Alternatives
So how many 15 year olds are actually employed in the U.S.? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 186,000 15 year olds were employed in 2021. The industries that hire 15 year olds the most include:
- Accommodation and Food Services (like restaurants and cafes) – 63%
- Retail Trade (in roles like cashiers and stock clerks) – 23%
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (like amusement parks and bowling alleys) – 11%
Here‘s a comparison of minimum hiring ages and jobs open to 15 year olds at several top U.S retailers:
| Company | Minimum Hiring Age | Entry-Level Jobs Open to 15 Year Olds |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | 16 | None |
| Target | 16 | None |
| Costco | 16 | None |
| Kroger | 14 | Courtesy Clerk (bagger), Floor Cleaning |
| Publix | 14 | Front Service Clerk (bagger) |
| Safeway | 16 | None |
| H-E-B | 15 | Sacker (bagger) |
| Wegmans | 15 | Customer Service, Parking Lot Attendant |
| McDonald‘s | 14 | Crew Member (cashier, food prep) |
| Chick-fil-A | 14 | Team Member (food prep, cashier) |
As you can see, grocery chains and fast food restaurants tend to be the most willing to hire at 15, usually for roles like bagging groceries, cleaning, cashiering, and basic food prep. But options are still fairly limited, as many brands prefer to start hiring at 16 for any customer-facing or skill-intensive position.
If Walmart employment is not an option, 15 year olds can also consider opportunities like babysitting, tutoring, yard work, dog walking, or starting their own small business. Networking with friends, family, and neighbors is a great way to find odd jobs suited to your skills and availability as a younger teen.
Benefits and Considerations of Employment for Young Teens
Employment for teenagers under 16 is a complex issue, as there are both potential benefits and drawbacks to weigh. On one hand, part-time work can teach valuable life skills, boost self-esteem, and provide financial literacy. A 2019 study by the Brookings Institution found that teens who worked part-time had higher earnings, GPAs, and educational attainment compared to their non-working peers.
Retail jobs specifically can build social and customer service skills, attention to detail, responsibility, and problem-solving abilities. Teens can gain experience interacting with the public, handling money, and being part of a professional team.
However, it‘s crucial that any employment supports rather than competes with education for this age group. Teens‘ primary focus should remain on school, and they may not have the time management skills yet to juggle both work and academics.
There are also safety considerations, as teens are more susceptible to workplace injuries and harassment issues working in customer-facing roles. Employers that hire minors must be vigilant about labor law compliance, training, and maintaining age-appropriate responsibilities.
Parental and academic oversight is key to ensuring working at 15 is a net positive rather than negative. Employment should be carefully considered based on the individual teen‘s maturity, abilities, and goals. Not every 15 year old is ready for formal employment, and that‘s okay.
Final Thoughts for Employers and Teenage Job Seekers
To sum up, the reason Walmart and many other major retailers don‘t hire 15 year olds is a combination of legal, safety, and liability factors. Maintaining a minimum hiring age of 16 allows for more streamlined operations and risk mitigation.
However, some retailers and food service companies do employ 14 and 15 year olds in a limited capacity, as long as they follow strict labor laws. The key is finding roles that are age-appropriate, low-risk, and don‘t interfere with school commitments.
For employers considering hiring minors, be prepared to closely track and schedule around hourly restrictions, obtain work permits, provide detailed safety training, and assign duties suitable for their age and abilities. Failing to follow child labor laws can result in costly fines and legal issues.
If you‘re a 15 year old seeking employment, focus on industries like grocery, fast food, entertainment, and local businesses that are most likely to hire your age group. Be professional and persistent in your job search, but also prioritize your education above all else.
Any job you take should help you grow as a person and employee, not hinder your academic or social development. With the right opportunity and balance, working at 15 can be an enriching first step into the professional world.
