Jobs for Teens at Retail

retail jobs for teens

Why Teens Working at Retail Store?

There are many different types of jobs for teenagers at a retail store. Some of the most common positions include: cashier, sales associate, stocker, and greeter. Most retail stores require employees to be at least 16 years old. However, some stores may hire 14- and 15-year-olds for certain positions.

Many teenagers start out working in entry-level positions such as cashier or sales associate. These jobs usually involve helping customers find what they need and ringing up purchases. As teens gain experience, they may be promoted to more responsible positions such as stocker or manager.

Retail Store Jobs and Hourly Wages

Job PositionsEntry LevelWages
Sales AssociatesYes$11 per hour
CashierYes$11 per hour
Retail Store Assistant ManagerNo$14 per hour
Pharmacy TechnicianNo$14 per hour

Source: PayScale: Nov 2022

Minimum Age Working at Retail Stores

According to Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the child labor regulations, minimum age to work at retail store is 14, children under 14 years of age may not legally work in a retail store. The total number of working youth has declined, and the same trend can be seen in the retail industry. In July 2019, 17 percent of employed youth worked in the retail trade industry – approximately 3,913,000 teenagers aged 16-24 worked in wholesale and retail trade.

Cons Working in Retail Industry

  • Low Pay and Benefits
  • Monotonous Tasks
  • Inconvenient Hours
  • Lack of Job Security
  • Dissatisfied Customers
  • Unpredictable Work Flow

Retail Stores that Hire Teens

Kinokuniya

You must be minimum 18 years old to apply Kinokuniya. If you are native in Japan, this is good place to start your career in the US.

Amazon Books

To work at Amazon Books as a Retail Associate, you must be at least 18 years old. Amazon Books are located in 10 states with 17 stores as of December 2020.

Staples

Jobs for teens at Staples, an office supplies retail company. Minimum age to apply is generally 18 years old.

Piggly Wiggly

Jobs for teenagers at Piggly Wiggly, a supermarket chain in 17 states in the US. Minimum age to apply is generally 16 years old.

PetSmart

Jobs for teenagers at PetSmart, a pet retail chain which specializes in offering services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. Minimum age to apply is generally 16 years old.