What’s the Minimum Age to Work at Walgreens? A Complete Guide

Having that first job with Walgreens might be an exhilarating step into adulthood and real work experience. Before you pad out your résumé, though, you might want to know exactly how old you have to be—and what you’re in for if you’re under 18 or seeking a job as a pharmacy technician.

Table of Contents

• 1. Understanding Walgreens Age Requirements
• 2. State Laws vs. Company Policy
• 3. Roles and Responsibilities by Age
• 4. Tales from the Floor: Real Employee Experiences
• 5. Uncommon Cases and Legal Insights
• 6. Tips for Teen Applicants
• 7. Frequently Asked Questions
• 8. Conclusion

1. Understanding Walgreens Age Requirements

At Walgreens, most store-level positions require you to be at least 16 years old, but positions involving filling prescriptions—such as pharmacy technician—require you to be at least 18 years old. Some stores also require an 18-year minimum for cashier roles where alcohol or tobacco are dispensed.

2. State Laws vs. Company Policy

In federal law (the Fair Labor Standards Act), the age for most non-farm jobs is 14, and 16- and 17-year-olds can work unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs. At age 18, federal youth-employment bans no longer exist.

All right, though, states can impose more stringent rules—some require work permits or restrict minors’ work hours—so it’s a good idea to check your state labor department policies.

3. Roles and Responsibilities by Age

• 16-Year-Olds: Work registration, shelf stocking, basic customer service. No selling alcohol/tobacco or photo-lab counter.
• 17-Year-Olds: May perform supervisory work (shift lead) with approval of store management.
• 18+: Eligible for beauty advisor, cosmetic clerk, and pharmacy technician jobs (with proper certifications).

4. Tales from the Floor: Real Employee Experiences

One Texas youth reported that at age 16 they worked at the register twice a week and loaded shelves on weekends—pharmacy work was forbidden. In a second store, certain 17-year-olds performed photo-lab work at manager’s discretion. And anyone under age 21 has to double up alcohol sales shifts with an older co-worker.

5. Uncommon Cases and Legal Insights

A Department of Labor investigation once fined a Walgreens store for employing a 12-year-old, illustrating that federal minimums cannot be ignored—whether state law is less stringent. And operating trash compactors or other heavy machinery is banned for anyone under the age of 18.

6. Tips for Teen Applicants

• Be flexible: Weekend and evening hours make you stand out.
• Show off skills: Highlight volunteer or school-club customer service experience.
• Ask well: Decide what you’ll actually be doing—store manager discretion store to store.
• Know your rights: Understanding your state’s labor laws keeps you and your employer on the same page.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Conclusion

At 16, you’re qualified for all but most jobs at Walgreens’ stores—except that pharmacy, liquor, tobacco, and heavy equipment are off until age 18 (or sometimes 21). Federal law makes work legal at 14, but Walgreens and state regulations typically bump it up to 16 for retail and 18 for pharmacy tech. Keeping these cut-offs in mind, looking up your state’s labor laws, and being honest with managers will prepare you to take—and enjoy—your first Walgreens job.