How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Dollar General? Here’s the Answer

Dollar General is a store chain that can be found all across the United States. It’s a great place to work and often hires people of all ages. But how old do you have to be to work at Dollar General? In this blog post, we will answer that question and also provide information on their hiring policy. So, read on for more information!

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Dollar General?

Dollar General offers an ideal workplace for young people searching for their first job, with its flexible hours, friendly environment, and simple duties. 

However, because Dollar General stores sell alcohol and tobacco products, the company strictly requires all employees to be 18 years or older. Therefore, any applicant who is under the age of 18 will not be considered for any position at Dollar General.

The minimum age for employment, as well as the number of hours minors can work during school days and vacations, determine federal and state laws. A fundamental purpose of having a minimum working age is to guarantee that employment does not interfere with education.

Additionally, organizations establish their own hiring requirements to ensure that they comply with all applicable legal guidelines. So, even if minors meet the minimum age requirements set by their state, Dollar General may still not hire them.

What Positions Are Available for Teenagers at Dollar General?

Dollar General does not usually hire teenagers for full-time positions, but some entry-level jobs are available to those at least 18 years old. These positions may include cashier, sales associate, and stocker. These roles require minimal skills and training, so they’re a great way for teens to gain valuable work experience.

What Are the Qualifications Required to Work at Dollar General?

To work at Dollar General, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed a high school diploma or GED. Though the certificate of education is not a must-have, it’s preferred. Though, in some cases, the store may still consider applicants without it.

For positions that involve handling money, such as cashiers, or roles that involve managing products, such as stockers or sales associates, Dollar General may require a previous work experience in a similar role. Since these positions involve customer service and greater responsibility overall, employers may prefer to hire people with prior experience in this field.

Overall, you need to have reliable transportation, a friendly attitude, and the ability to stand for long periods of time. That’s pretty much it.

How Much Do Teenagers Get Paid at Dollar General?

Dollar General offers various positions for 18 and 19-year-olds, such as sales associate, lead sales associate, and assistant store manager. With that in mind, the hourly rate for teens at Dollar General may vary depending on their position and how much experience they bring to the table. 

Overall, sales associates typically start out making around $8 an hour. The amount can be higher in some locations, depending on how much competition there is for the job.

Lead sales associates may earn up to $9 an hour, while stockers usually make a bit more than them and are typically paid $10 an hour. 

On the other hand, the assistant store manager can earn a salary of around $29,000 annually, with the potential for increased pay based on experience. 

Can You Work at Dollar General at 14?

No, you cannot work at Dollar General at 14 since the company requires workers to be 18 years old. If you are under the age of 18, you can search for other job opportunities that are more suitable for your age, such as volunteering, tutoring, or babysitting. 

Many companies do not hire teenagers because they want to ensure that employment does not interfere with their education, as well as follow the rules set by federal and state laws. 

According to federal law, people aged 14 may only work in positions that are not hazardous and do not endanger their well-being or life in any way. Since Dollar General sells alcohol, tobacco, and other age-restricted products, they cannot employ people under the age of 18.

Additionally, some tasks at Dollar General may require lifting heavy items or operating machinery, which is unsuitable for minors. Therefore, you must be 18 or older to work at Dollar General.

If you are between the ages of 14 and 15, it is crucial to research your state’s child labor laws online to determine if you can legally work. Whereas some states do not permit young teens like yourself to hold a job, other states may be more flexible with their regulations. 

That being said, some companies do hire at age 14 for certain roles. Typically, these are positions in fast-food restaurants like Burger King and Wendy’s. Nonetheless, it is vital to remember that all laws concerning the minimum working age must be followed accordingly.

Can You Work at Dollar General at 15?

Unfortunately, you cannot work at Dollar General at 15 since the company requires workers to be 18 years old. Once you turn 18 and meet the necessary requirements, you can apply for a job at the store. 

However, you can still find other companies that offer employment opportunities for teenagers aged 15 and older. Generally, these are positions in fast-food restaurants, such as KFC, and do not require much experience or prior knowledge. Still, you will need to get a work permit if you are younger than 18 to work there. 

Can You Work at Dollar General at 16?

Since the minimum age requirement to work at Dollar General is 18, you cannot work there at 16. The same rule applies to 17-year-olds as well. 

You may try your luck in other places where you can find a job at your age, such as McDonald’s and Subway. They are more likely to hire 16-year-olds for positions such as cashier, server, or food preparation. However, it is essential to remember that you must obtain a work permit to work legally if you are under 18.

Final Thoughts

So, how old do you have to be to work at Dollar General? The answer is 18. Although this may be disappointing for teenagers aged 14-17, there are legal reasons why the company cannot hire them for positions. 

If you are of legal working age, you can apply for a job at Dollar General and expect to get paid according to the position. However, if you are underage, you can research local businesses in your area to find other employment opportunities that match your age. 

Hopefully, this blog post has answered your questions about how old you must be to work at Dollar General. Thank you for reading, and good luck in searching for a job!