As both a retail industry expert and a discriminating consumer, I‘m often asked about the hiring policies and practices of major chain stores. One common question that arises is: what is the minimum age to work at Hobby Lobby?
To find the answer, I delved into Hobby Lobby‘s official employment policies, the applicable federal and state labor laws, and real employee experiences. Whether you‘re a curious teen, a concerned parent, or a senior looking for a new opportunity, read on for everything you need to know about age requirements and restrictions for Hobby Lobby careers.
What is Hobby Lobby‘s Minimum Hiring Age?
Let‘s start with the most essential fact: Hobby Lobby‘s minimum hiring age is 16 years old. This policy applies to all Hobby Lobby locations across the United States and is clearly stated on the company‘s career site.
If you‘re 16 or older, you are eligible to apply for a variety of entry-level positions at Hobby Lobby, such as:
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Stock Clerk
- Custom Framer
- Floral Designer
These roles are often part-time and offer flexible scheduling, making them a great fit for high school and college students. Hobby Lobby also hires seasonal employees during peak times like the holidays to keep up with increased customer demand.
However, meeting the minimum age requirement is not the only factor in getting hired at Hobby Lobby. According to the company, all applicants must demonstrate:
- Excellent customer service skills
- A strong work ethic
- Dependability and punctuality
- Ability to work well in a team environment
16 and 17-year-old applicants must also provide proof of age and legal authorization to work, such as a valid driver‘s license, passport, or birth certificate along with a Social Security card.
Why 16 and Not Younger?
You may be wondering: why does Hobby Lobby set the minimum hiring age at 16 instead of 14 or 15, which is allowed under federal law? The answer lies in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets strict limits on the hours and jobs that 14 and 15-year-olds can work.
According to the FLSA, 14 and 15-year-olds can only work:
- Outside of school hours
- No more than 3 hours per day on school days
- No more than 18 hours per week during the school year
- 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 7am and 7pm (9pm from June 1 through Labor Day)
They are also prohibited from working in any jobs deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor, such as operating power-driven machinery or working in warehouses.
As you can imagine, these restrictions would make it very difficult for Hobby Lobby to accommodate 14 and 15-year-old workers. Scheduling around school hours and ensuring minors are not assigned any prohibited duties would be a logistical challenge for store managers.
That‘s why, like many retailers, Hobby Lobby chooses to set the minimum hiring age at 16. It allows for more scheduling flexibility and a wider range of appropriate job duties, while still providing valuable work opportunities for young people.
Hobby Lobby‘s Commitment to Employees of All Ages
Despite the focus on age requirements, it‘s important to note that Hobby Lobby values employees of all ages and is committed to providing a positive work environment for everyone. The company‘s stated mission is "honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles."
In practice, this means treating all employees with respect, fairness, and integrity, regardless of age or any other protected characteristic. Hobby Lobby prohibits discrimination and harassment based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, and other factors.
According to a report by AARP, workers aged 55 and older will make up 25% of the US labor force by 2026. Many seniors are choosing to work longer for financial reasons, but also to stay active, engaged, and connected to their communities. Hobby Lobby recognizes the value that mature workers bring to the table, including experience, reliability, and strong work ethic.
However, only about 50% of US employers have a formal diversity and inclusion strategy that specifically includes age. By actively hiring workers of all ages and not discriminating based on age, Hobby Lobby is ahead of the curve in embracing an age-diverse workforce.
What About Older Teens and Young Adults?
As a 16 or 17-year-old, it‘s important to be aware of the rights and restrictions that may impact your employment at Hobby Lobby. The FLSA prohibits minors from working in hazardous occupations, so you likely won‘t be operating heavy machinery, using sharp cutting tools, or working in potentially dangerous areas like warehouses or loading docks.
Your work hours may also be limited if you are still in school. Federal law does not restrict the number of hours that 16 and 17-year-olds can work, but some states have more stringent regulations. For example:
- California: 16 and 17-year-olds can work up to 48 hours per week and 8 hours per day when school is not in session. When school is in session, they are limited to 4 hours per day and 28 hours per week.
- New York: 16 and 17-year-olds cannot work past 10pm when school is in session and are limited to 28 hours per week. When school is not in session, they can work until midnight and up to 48 hours per week.
It‘s important to discuss your school schedule and any state-specific restrictions with your Hobby Lobby manager to ensure you are not being assigned too many hours.
Once you turn 18, you are no longer considered a minor under federal law and can work any position for which you are qualified, without restrictions on hours. However, some more advanced positions may require additional experience, skills, or education beyond the minimum age of 18.
A Word on Wages
Regardless of age, all Hobby Lobby employees are entitled to earn at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. However, the company has set its own minimum starting wage significantly higher at $18.50 per hour as of 2022.
That means that even as a 16-year-old with no prior work experience, you can earn a competitive wage at Hobby Lobby. Of course, your actual pay rate may vary based on your position, experience, and location. Some states and cities have higher minimum wages that Hobby Lobby must comply with.
It‘s worth noting that workers under 20 may be paid a youth minimum wage of $4.25 per hour for their first 90 days of employment. After that, they must be paid the higher of the federal minimum wage, the state minimum wage, or Hobby Lobby‘s starting wage of $18.50.
The Bottom Line
To sum it up, you must be at least 16 years old to work at Hobby Lobby. This aligns with federal child labor laws and allows for appropriate scheduling and job duties for young workers. 18-year-olds can work any position without restrictions, while workers under 20 may be subject to the youth minimum wage for their first 90 days.
Hobby Lobby is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on age and values employees of all ages. Seniors and retirees are welcome to apply and can bring valuable experience and skills to the team.
No matter your age, working at Hobby Lobby can be a rewarding way to gain job experience, build transferable skills, and earn a competitive wage. Just be sure to provide valid documentation, discuss your availability and any restrictions with your manager, and know your rights as a young worker.
With a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellent customer service, a job at Hobby Lobby could be the perfect fit for you. So if you meet the age requirements and are passionate about arts and crafts, consider applying for an open position today!
