How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Publix?

Publix is an American supermarket chain headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. The company has more than 1,100 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. It has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune magazine for 25 consecutive years.

But How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Publix?

Well, I’ll get to that very soon, but before that, I just want to cover something that is very relevant, which is, how is…

…the company able to make this list on such a consecutive basis?

Founded in 1930 by George W. Jenkins, Publix is a private corporation; however, it is almost wholly owned by current and former employees. Publix employees have an 80% stake in the company. According to the founder, this ownership makes the staff more productive; they work like it is their business.

It is no surprise that Publix is known for its customer service and cleanliness. The stores are typically large and well-lit, with wide aisles and an emphasis on fresh foods. Publix also offers a wide variety of services, including a pharmacy, deli counter, floral department, and in-store bakery.

The Minimum Working Age in the US

In the United States, the minimum working age for most non-hazardous jobs is set at sixteen years old. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, fourteen and fifteen-year-olds may work non-agricultural jobs for limited hours. 

For clarity, the rules are as follows:

1 Individuals under the age of 18 are limited to working no more than six days a week;

2 Individuals under the age of 18 are limited to working no more than eight hours a day;

3 Those who are between the ages of 14 and 15 are restricted to working no more than 40 hours a week.

But why are there caps on hours and limitations on the job type?

The main reason for having a minimum working age is to protect young workers from being exploited. Limitations on the types of jobs that they can do are also to ensure that the young members of our society are not treated unfairly.

There is some debate about whether or not the minimum working age should be raised.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Work at Publix?

Publix is neither classified as a dangerous work environment nor an agricultural entity. As such, Publix can employ individuals that are as young as 14 years old.

It’s important to note that organizations do not have to hire young people under the age of 18. However, Publix does stick to the minimum acceptable age when employing new staff. So, if you are at least 14 years old, you may submit an application to work at Publix.

Publix is a great place to work for people of all ages…

The company offers competitive wages and benefits, and many employees say they enjoy the company culture and their co-workers. If you’re looking for a job that’s both fun and rewarding, Publix may be the perfect place for you.

If you are under 18 years old, you should know that there are some roles you cannot hold. For example, you cannot work overnight shifts or be in a position that involves handling alcohol. No worries; there are a number of entry-level positions that will give you the opportunity to learn about the company and gain valuable experience in the retail industry.

Career Opportunities at Publix for Young People

Publix is a great place for young people to get their start in the working world. With a wide variety of positions available, there is sure to be something for everyone. If you are under the age of majority, you can start off in any of these positions:

Cashier

With over 1,200 stores in the southeastern U.S., Publix is always looking for talented young people to join its team. Cashiers play a vital role in providing excellent customer service and are an important part of the Publix family.

As a Publix cashier, you will be tasked with operating the register, bagging groceries, and providing excellent customer service. You must be able to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining a friendly demeanor. Publix cashiers are often the first point of contact with customers, so they play an important role in creating a positive shopping experience.

Publix offers many opportunities for cashiers to grow and advance in their careers. With on-the-job training and development programs, cashiers can develop their skills and knowledge to become future leaders in the company.

Shelf Stocker

A shelf stocking is another Publix career that may be a good option for young people who are looking for an entry-level job. Shelf stockers are responsible for stocking shelves and keeping the store clean and organized.

As a shelf stocker at Publix, you may also be responsible for taking inventory of the merchandise on the shelves and ordering new merchandise as needed. A shelf stocker typically works during regular business hours but may be required to work evenings or weekends as needed. However, since you are under 18, you will most likely have a supervisor who’ll help out on evenings and weekends.

The job is physically demanding, but it is a good way to learn the grocery business and earn a paycheck. Shelf stocking workers must be able to think on their feet and be detail-oriented.

Bagger

A Publix bagger generally works at the front of the store near the registers. They bag groceries for customers who are checking out. Some of their responsibilities may include helping customers load their groceries into their car, taking grocery carts back to the front of the store, and helping keep the area around the registers clean. 

Publix baggers often work in tandem with the cashier. They are mostly needed during busy times. Baggers have to work quickly to keep the line moving. However, they always need to take care and double check that each bag has all of the items that it is supposed to before sending it off with the customer.

Working as a Publix bagger is a great way for high school and college students to earn some extra money. You will learn how to handle different types of products and interact with customers on a daily basis. This experience can be beneficial if you decide to pursue a career in management or another area of the grocery business.

What if You Are Older and Wish To Work at Publix?

Of course, the Publix workforce is not made up entirely of minors. So, if you are above 18 and wish to work at Publix, you are free to apply. The company does not discriminate based on age, and in fact, many employees stay with the company for their entire careers. The benefits package is excellent, and the pay is competitive.

In any case, if you have no prior work experience, you may have to start out in a lower-level position even if you are older. But you will be able to advance as quickly as your skills and abilities allow. The company culture is very family-oriented, so you will fit right in if you are looking for a long-term career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Maximum Employable Age at Publix?

While Publix does not have an official policy regarding the maximum employable age of its employees, the company does have a long-standing tradition of promoting from within. This means that most of the high-level positions are held by existing employees who have been with the company for a long time and are in their 40s or 50s.

So, if you are in your 40s or 50s and don’t mind an entry-level Publix job, why not go for it? Just be sure that you have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job and the ability to comply with Publix safety standards. If you can, you can rest assured that this firm sticks to its goal of providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals.

Are There Downsides to Working at Publix?

Just as it is with just about every job in the world, there are a few downsides to working at Publix. The first is that the hours can be long and unpredictable. You may be asked to stay late or come in early with little notice. This can make it difficult to manage your time outside of work. 

This is because the environment can be fast-paced and stressful at times. Especially during weekends and before festivities, you may be under a lot of pressure to keep up with customer demands. This can lead to burnout if you’re not careful.

Interested in Finding out More About Publix?

If so, you may well have been wondering Does Publix Have Coinstar or Coin Machines, or Does Publix Sell Dry Ice, along with what financial services are offered, including Does Publix Do Money Orders, and for payments, Does Publix Take EBT and Does Publix Take Apple Pay?

Or, if you want to know more about working at the store, take a look at our in-depth guide to the Publix Application as well as the most commonly asked Publix Interview Questions. And you’re sure to be curious about the salary, so let’s find out How Much Does Publix Pay?

However, if you happen to have a criminal record, then check out the Publix Warehouse Jobs for Felons in 2023.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the minimum age to work at Publix is 14 years old. Some locations may hire individuals who are 16 or 18 years old for certain positions. Management positions are typically reserved for those 21 years of age or older. Keep these in mind when applying at the Publix location where you would like to work.

All the very best with your Publix Application!