How Old do You Have to be to Work at Kroger (Jobs For Teens)

Kroger is a supermarket chain situated throughout the United States. It employs over 420,000 people and is one of the biggest supermarket chains in the country, which in turn operates several other grocery stores that you know as Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs.

If you are a young teen finishing school and looking for a job, often a supermarket is the best place to start. This allows you to gain some experience before moving on to other job prospects in the future. But How Old do You Have to be to Work at Kroger? Let’s find out…

Kroger employs people who are 16 years and older. However, in some states, you may be able to work at 14 and 15 years of age if you have obtained a work permit and the store allows you to do so.

Important Information

1. 18-year-olds are eligible for any employment.
2. 16-year-olds can work, but hours can vary depending on their location.
3. 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds can work if they obtain a work permit and work outside school hours.
4. Children under 14 are not legally allowed to work in most positions. However, they can do simple jobs like babysitting and delivering newspapers.

Teen Job Roles at Kroger

Stocking Associate

These are responsible for filling up shelves, and making them look appealing and organized to customers. A stocking associate can work in the following departments: groceries, home, natural foods, pharmacy, or liquor. Employees can work several hours throughout the day and week, including nightshift, weekends, and holidays. 

Stock Associates must also know where items are in store and keep on top of price changes, reductions, and discontinued products. They are also responsible for keeping the stock room tidy and organized when collecting merchandise to add to the store.

Age Requirement: You must be 18 years old to work as a stocking associate. 

Read more: Ralphs Holiday Hours

Courtesy Clerk

These usually work as a bagger, cart collector, or cashier at Kroger. This is a customer-facing role in which the employee must provide excellent customer service by giving customers an enjoyable shopping experience. You must be friendly and a good communicator. 

As a cashier for Krogers, you must have basic math skills and be comfortable handling large amounts of money. You must be trustworthy and be able to communicate new promotions or seasonal ads with customers to maximize the in-store selling potential.

Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to work as a Courtesy Clerk in most Kroger’s located throughout the states. However, some do accept 14 and 15-year-olds with work permits. To understand the rules and regulations, visit your local store and speak to Kroger’s management about employing a minor. 

Fresh Department Associate

Working in the fresh department allows you to help customers bag fresh goods, keep on top of stock and take out any items past their sell-by date. A fresh associate is another customer-facing role where communication is key. You must know where stock is located and be able to work night shifts, late nights, early mornings, and holidays.

Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to work in the fresh department of Kroger.

Coffee Shop Assistant

A coffee shop assistant must be comfortable greeting customers and making great quality products that are the same every time they are served. It is important to have high hygiene standards, keep the kitchen clean, and uphold food standards. Employees must also keep the area and merchandise presented appropriately. 

Training will be provided, but previous knowledge or experience in a coffee shop is desirable. You must learn how to use the coffee machine and make different drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos.  

Age Requirement: This job varies depending on location. In Alaska, you must be 16 years of age; in all other states, you must be 18. However, in Idaho, Kroger requires you to be 19 years old to apply for this position. 

How Old do You Have to be to Work at Kroger? – Can a 16-year-old Work at Kroger

Yes, a 16-year-old can find a job at Kroger by searching the website or third-party sites. Remember that not all roles are available to those under 18. The types of roles which can be filled by a 16-year-old are cashier, cart handler, and bagger.

Can 15-year-olds work at Kroger?

Unfortunately, depending on where you live, Kroger may not hire 15-year-olds. But don’t fret; there are other major supermarket chains that hire 15-year-olds. These include McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC. Other jobs include lifeguarding, babysitting, and online roles. Online jobs such as video game tester, blogger, transcription, tutoring, and selling crafts don’t usually have an age limit. 

How to Find a Job at Krogers

If you are looking for anything from an entry-level position right up to a managerial role, head over to Kroger’s website and search for jobs there. You can be specific or simply type in the location where you would like to look for work, and several positions will pop up for you to view. Remember, for any managerial role, Kroger will require previous managerial experience. 

You must be prepared to input your personal information on the application, such as your name, date of birth, and address. You must also provide Kroger with your up-to-date education information and any certificates you have achieved so far in your working career.

For more information, check out our in-depth guide to the Kroger Application.

Working as a Teen

Working at a young age does not appeal to everyone, especially parents who want their kids to focus purely on school. However, there are great benefits if you want to leave school and are interested in dipping your toes into the world of work. These include…

Self-Reliance

A sense of purpose is given to you when you start working. In contrast to young adults who have never worked, you will develop various skills. Working enables you to take control of your money and gain a sense of independence.

Initiative

Many people who begin working even at the age of 20 frequently struggle to work independently. Young workers with experience are more likely to take the initiative and understand the job role in the field or have a basic understanding of how businesses operate.

Character Development

You will develop as a person by working in a position that you enjoy and feel comfortable in. Your work-life balance frequently has a way of defining who you are and helping you reach your full potential. You will discover strengths and weaknesses in your character when working in a new environment.

Interview Questions at Kroger

What can you tell us about the company?

What they’re asking:

They want to know if you have done your research. Do you actually know anything about Kroger? Or was it just a quick application because you want any job. It would be smart to come to a job interview with three researched facts you know about the company. You want to sound as if you are interested in the job and actually care.

Example Answer:

What hours are you willing to work?

What they’re asking:

First of all, are you looking for part-time work or full-time? Kroger also wants to know if you will be able to work weekends and holidays. It would be best if you made this clear in your answer.

Example Answer:

I am looking for a full-time role, preferably Monday to Friday. However, I am happy to work weekends when needed and work during some holidays too.

Read more: Kroger Employee Discount

What can you offer the company?

What they’re asking:

This is a moment to sell yourself. You want to tell the hiring manager your strengths and why you are a great fit for the company. Don’t hold back!

Example Answer:

First of all, I am a reliable worker who always comes to work on time and takes pride in my job role. I believe I have great customer service skills, and in previous roles, my managers commented on my approachability and the rapport I built up with loyal and new customers. Also, I believe customer service is key, and in a front-facing role, it’s important that you make the company look good. I believe I am friendly, approachable, and an efficient worker for this role.

There are lots more commonly asked questions, so take a look at our guide to the Kroger Interview Questions for more info.

Looking for more great employment opportunities?

Then find out How Old do You Have to be to Work at bath and Body Works, How Old do You Have to be to Work at Petco, How Old Do You Have To Be To Work at H&M, How Old do you have to be to Work at Vans, or How Old do You Have to be to Work at Hollister in 2023.

Or you may be wondering How Old Do You Have To Be To Work at Bed Bath and Beyond, How Old Do You Have To Be To Work at Victorias Secret, How Old Do You Have To Be To Work at Planet Fitness, or How Old Do You Have To Be To Work at KFC?

How Old do You Have to be to Work at Kroger – Final Thoughts

Kroger does employ younger people, but make sure to check with the Kroger in your area. If you apply for a Courtesy Clerk position and are under 16 years of age, you must obtain a work permit first. 

Most of the application process is completed through the online portal. However, if you do have questions about a job role, pop into your local Krogers and ask to speak with a manager who can give you more information. However, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for higher roles within Kroger.

All the best with getting a job at Krogers.