As a leading voice in the retail and consumer space, I‘ve spent years studying employment trends and best practices across industries. One question that comes up often, especially for younger job seekers and their families, is: "What age does Subway hire?"
It‘s a smart query to pose. With over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries, Subway is a top employer of teenaged workers. For many young people, a job at Subway represents a first foray into the workforce and a valuable chance to build skills and experience.
But navigating the world of hiring ages, labor laws, and workplace norms can be confusing. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about Subway‘s age policies and share expert insights on how to launch a successful food service career as a teen.
Subway‘s Minimum Age Requirements
Let‘s dive right into the numbers. Subway‘s general policy is to hire applicants 16 and older. This aligns with federal labor laws, which set 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural jobs but allow companies to establish higher thresholds.
There are some limited exceptions where Subways in certain states will hire 15-year-olds in compliance with local regulations. However, the vast majority of Subway locations will only employ those 16+. Subway does not hire anyone under 15 years of age.
It‘s worth noting that while 16 is the baseline, many Subway managers prefer to hire those 18 and above. A 2021 survey by the National Restaurant Association found that only 29% of food service employees were under 20 years old. Older teens may be perceived as more mature, reliable, and able to work longer hours.
Teenagers in the Food Service Workforce
To put Subway‘s practices in context, let‘s zoom out and look at the broader landscape of teen employment in food service:
| Age Group | % of Food Prep & Serving Workers (2020) |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | 18.5% |
| 20-24 | 23.7% |
| 25-34 | 22.6% |
| 35-44 | 13.3% |
| 45-54 | 11.6% |
| 55-64 | 7.9% |
| 65+ | 2.4% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
As you can see, teenagers make up a sizable portion of the food prep and serving workforce. Many get their start at quick-service chains like Subway. In fact, the restaurant industry is the largest employer of teens in the United States.
However, the share of teens in food service has been gradually declining. In 2000, 32.3% of food prep workers were aged 16-19. By 2020, that figure had fallen to 18.5%. Experts point to factors like rising school enrollment, competing extracurricular activities, and an influx of older workers in these roles.
Still, for the over 4.7 million teens who held jobs in 2021, restaurants remain a top choice. The flexible hours, entry-level positions, and potential for advancement hold strong appeal. And chains like Subway rely on young talent to keep their doors open and customers satisfied.
How Subway Compares to Competitors
Now that we‘ve established some baseline stats, you might be wondering how Subway stacks up to other major fast food employers in terms of hiring age. Here‘s a quick rundown:
| Restaurant | Minimum Hiring Age |
|---|---|
| McDonald‘s | 14 |
| Burger King | 16 |
| Wendy‘s | 16 |
| Taco Bell | 16 |
| KFC | 16 |
| Chick-Fil-A | 16 |
As you can see, Subway‘s minimum hiring age of 16 is on par with many of its closest competitors. Some, like McDonald‘s, will hire younger teens in select locations. But by and large, 16 is the standard threshold for national quick-service brands.
It‘s important to remember that while 16 may be the legal minimum, individual franchisees often have discretion over hiring choices. Some may opt to only bring on 18+ workers to sidestep child labor restrictions. Others actively welcome 16- and 17-year-olds.
According to a former Subway manager I spoke with, "It really varies by location and owner. Corporate doesn‘t dictate a hard line, so you‘ll see a mix. In my experience, younger teens were some of our most enthusiastic team members. We invested in their training and watched them grow."
Subway‘s Culture of Youth Opportunity
This brings up an important point about Subway‘s overarching philosophy. Since its founding in 1965, the company has made a concerted effort to champion youth employment and advancement.
Consider the story of co-founder Fred DeLuca. In 1965, as a 17-year-old high school graduate, DeLuca borrowed $1,000 from family friend Peter Buck to open a sandwich shop. That humble venture grew into the Subway behemoth we know today, with DeLuca leading the brand until his death in 2015.
DeLuca‘s own experience infused Subway with a culture of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and youth empowerment. Many franchise owners and executives started out as teenage sandwich artists themselves. Subway takes pride in its promote-from-within ethos.
"Our core values are deeply rooted in opportunity," a Subway PR representative told me. "We believe in the potential of young people and want to provide a launchpad for their careers. Whether they aspire to become franchise owners or gain skills for another field, Subway offers growth."
This stance manifests in Subway‘s educational initiatives (like tuition assistance for employees), management training programs, and community involvement. The Subway Kids & Sports program, established in 1999, has raised over $4 million for youth athletics.
Setting Young Hires Up for Success
For the thousands of teens who don the Subway uniform each year, the experience is about much more than assembling sandwiches. It‘s a chance to build the skills, habits, and character traits that drive long-term success.
Alison Doyle, a career expert and former fast food hiring manager, emphasizes the "soft skills" teens can cultivate in these roles. "Active listening, teamwork, dependability, adaptability – these are hugely valuable in any industry. A first job is the perfect training ground," she suggests.
Research bears this out. A 2020 study by Indeed found that among food service professionals who began working in their teens, 84% felt it had a positive impact on their career trajectory. Specific benefits included:
- Learning to work well under pressure (56%)
- Time management skills (50%)
- Resolving conflicts constructively (44%)
- Communicating effectively with colleagues (43%)
- Improving multitasking abilities (40%)
Far from just a paycheck, that initial gig at Subway can lay the foundation for a lifetime of professional growth. Many go on to leverage their experience into careers in management, operations, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Others discover a passion for the culinary arts.
As Doyle puts it, "There‘s no better crash course in accountability, initiative, and service than food service. The pacing, the standards, the direct feedback from guests – it shapes you. And employers across fields recognize the value of that background."
Guidance for Parents and Teens
If you‘re a parent considering whether Subway is a suitable workplace for your teen, or a young person contemplating applying, here are some key factors to weigh:
For parents:
- Make sure your teen meets the minimum age and other legal requirements to work in your state
- Have an open discussion about balancing school, work, and extracurriculars
- Set parameters around acceptable hours, transit options, and off-limit tasks
- Know the signs of workplace violations or undue stress and be prepared to advocate
- Celebrate the new level of responsibility and channel earnings toward shared financial goals
For teens:
- Research Subway‘s culture, hiring process, and job descriptions
- Polish your resume and practice interviewing with a trusted adult
- Plan out transportation, class schedule, and availability before applying
- Understand your rights around breaks, overtime, safety, and fair treatment
- Embrace the chance to learn, earn, and build your professional network
- Communicate openly with parents and managers about any concerns
With the right preparation and perspective, a job at Subway can be an incredible growth opportunity. It may even plant the seeds for a lifelong career in the food service industry. But even if not, the experience of accountability, teamwork, and resilience will pay dividends.
Final Thoughts
The question of Subway‘s hiring age is a simple one with a nuanced answer. While 16 is the general minimum, some locations may hire 15-year-olds. Those under 18 face restrictions around hours and tasks. And managers have ultimate discretion in choosing the best fit for their team.
As an expert in the retail space, I‘ve seen firsthand how a first job can shape a young person‘s trajectory. Subway has a rich legacy of empowering teenage workers, from founder Fred DeLuca to the thousands of franchise owners and executives who launched their careers as sandwich artists.
For parents and teens considering Subway, the key is to do your research, communicate openly, and embrace the opportunity for growth. With the right attitude and work ethic, a position at Subway can be an invaluable springboard.
The restaurant industry will always be a vital training ground for young talent. As the workforce evolves, employers like Subway who invest in the next generation will reap the rewards. And teens who cut their teeth in food service will carry those lessons for a lifetime.
