Walgreens Age Requirements: How Old to Work at Walgreens
Who’s Eligible at Walgreens? Your Guide to Age Requirements for Entry-Level and Pharmacy Roles
At Walgreens, you must be 16 years or older to apply for most other positions in the store like stock clerk or cashier and 18 years or older to become a pharmacy technician or apprentice. There are also federal and state child labor laws that regulate when and what type of work you can do as a youth worker.
Table of Contents
- Age Requirements by Role
- State and Federal Youth Employment Rules
- Why Walgreens Sets These Age Limits
- Tips for Teen Applicants
- Expert Insights and Interesting Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Age Requirements by Role
For Walgreens specifically, your minimum age depends on the type of job you’re seeking:
| Role | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Customer Service Associate, Cashier, Stock Clerk | 16 years old |
| Certified Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Apprentice | 18 years old |
State and Federal Youth Employment Rules
While you might be eligible under Walgreens’ age policy, state and federal law too come into play:
- 14–15-Year-Olds: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you may work only non-school hours—3 hours on school days, 8 hours on school holidays, weekly restrictions.
- 16–17-Year-Olds: Federal hour restrictions are abolished, but the majority of states restrict evening hours or all weekly hours. For example, Minnesota prohibits 11 p.m. work on school nights; Georgia places no other restrictions.
Why Walgreens Sets These Age Limits
Two large reasons explain 16-and-18 cut-offs:
- Legal Compliance: Handling controlled drugs and selling tobacco activates stronger federal mandates—only adults (18+) can handle pharmacy duties or age-restricted sales.
- Safety & Training: Counter work entails maturity and attention to detail. By establishing 18 as the upper limit, Walgreens can ensure pharmacy techs capable of sticking to strict rules and completing accredited training.
Tips for Teen Applicants
- Be Flexible with Your Schedule: Pitch night shifts, weekends, and school-break hours—managers will favor responsible teens.
- Play Up Customer Skills: Even volunteer or club activity is applicable; emphasize your problem-solving, friendly attitude.
- Keep Your Work Permit Handy: A few states require minors under the age of 18 to have a permit—check with your school counselor before your interview.
- Make Your Application in Advance: Schedule your application for September or October for flu-season hiring, or late November for holiday rush staff.
Expert Insights and Interesting Facts
“Punctual 16-year-olds who learn quickly caught up with, even exceeded, some adults,” says Maria Lopez, a Texas Walgreens’ district store manager. Teen investment in training seems to reap its rewards in increased customer satisfaction.
Walgreens has paid pharmacy-tech internships in some of their stores. If you’re 17 and counting the days until your 18th birthday, search for earliest shadow programs—perhaps you’ll catch on before qualification age.
Keep in mind: beginning at age 17, you will be barred from selling alcoholic drinks and tobacco items in the majority of states. Company policy and state law collaborate to place those activities beyond your reach until the age of 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walgreens hire at 15?
No. You must be at least 16 to work for any entry-level store position at Walgreens. Minors under the age of 16 are not permitted to work.
Can Walgreens hire a 17-year-old?
Yes. You can do customer service, cashiering, and stocking at 17—any job that requires at least 16—but pharmacy tech work is still off-limits until you’re 18.
What kind of work permit do I have to get in order to work at Walgreens?
State regulations vary. The majority of them require minors under the age of 18 to get a school-issued work permit or a parent’s permission. Call your guidance office prior to applying.
When am I allowed to sell alcohol or tobacco at Walgreens?
Even at 16+ for career job, state statute and corporate policy will most likely have you waiting until age 18 before working with liquor or tobacco sales.
Early entry to pharmacy apprentice?
Some regions have pilot programs that allow 17-year-olds to practice under the supervision of a licensed pharmacy technician. Discuss early-enrollment options with your store manager before your 18th birthday.
Conclusion
To recap, Walgreens opens its doors at 16 for front-of-store roles and at 18 for pharmacy technician positions. From there, state and federal rules shape your available hours and duties. Get your work permit sorted, highlight flexibility and customer skills, and apply during seasonal hiring peaks. With preparation and enthusiasm, you’ll be first in line when Walgreens hires youth team members.
Post created by Robert AI Team
