Jobs for 16 & 17 Year Olds

Are you 16 or 17 years-old and looking for a job? Check out these companies you may be eligible to work for. Two things to keep in mind as you review this list: (1) employment laws vary by state, meaning some companies may have jobs for 16 year-olds in some states, but may not in other states. (2) traditionally, many first-jobs for teens are typically in retail, food service, education, non-profit, and government (Parks & recreation and public libraries), so the majority of the jobs listed are from these sectors. Let's get started!

Target

Did you know that Target recently increased their minimum wage to $15 an hour?! 😲 Awesome, right? And what’s even better is that most positions at Target hire at 16 and 17 years old. Look for the following positions to get started: guest advocate (cashier, and general merchandise), barista (for stores that have a Starbucks), specialty sales (style, beauty, and tech), and fulfillment center team member (online order pulling).

UPS

If you are looking for a fast-paced job that keeps you on your feet, consider joining the United Parcel Service (UPS) team. With increased demand in online shopping, package handlers and warehouse workers are needed more than ever and many locations hire at 17 years old.

CVS Health

If you have an interest in healthcare, working at CVS might be a good place to start. With over 10,000 locations in the United States, there is bound to be a CVS near you. And the great news is that they hire at 16. From cashier, to sales associate, to beauty advisor and stock associate, tons of job opportunities are available.

Your Local Library

That’s right! Most libraries hired teens as young as 16 years old to serve as library pages or library aides. These jobs are usually responsible for putting returned books and other items in their proper places on the shelves and helping out at the circulation desk. Because of the pandemic, many libraries are hiring for online/digital aides who answer visitors' questions online.

Safeway

If you are interested in working at Safeway or Albertson's grocery stores, look for cashiers, courtesy clerks, and cart attendant positions, and stock associate positions. If you are 17, you can look at specialty departments such as floral, meat department, bakery, and the customer service desk.

Chick-fil-A

With more than 2,000 stores across the US, Chick-fil-A may have an opportunity for you. Be sure to look for front of the house (FOH) team member positions (such as cashier or drive-thru) since minors aren't able to use hot equipment, such as grills and deep fryers.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world with over 36,000 restaurants. Look for crew member positions, such as cashiering, drive-through, front of house positions.

Kroger

Kroger owns 29 different brands of grocery stores across 42 states and have several job opportunities for teens such as: cashier, cart attendant, order pullers (for online grocery orders), bakery assistant, and floral assistant, and stock associate (making sure the shelves stay full, organized, and easy for customers to shop).

Taco Bell

If you are comfortable working a cash register and taking customer orders, then consider working at Taco Bell. With more than 7,000 locations, Taco Bell may be a great place to get your first job (they also have an awesome scholarship program employees that can help you pay for college).

U-Haul

Do you want a job that you can work from home? Consider applying to U-Haul. They have online customer service roles available. If you are comfortable talking on the phone with customers and have excellent customer service, consider applying.

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