Does Trader Joe’s Hire at 14, 15, or 16 Years Old? (Full Guide)
If you are 14, 15, or 16 years old, are you eligible to apply for a job with Trader Joe’s? If so, how do you go about applying and what positions will they consider hiring someone that young?

Every year millions of teenagers enter the workforce. Whether they do this by getting a part-time job after school or in between classes, most students look forward to earning some extra spending money. But it can be difficult to find an employer who will hire those under 18.
Trader Joe’s is known for its unique culture and friendly customer service. And while there has been some speculation about whether or not the popular grocery store hires people below 18 years old, the answer is yes – but with a few qualifications. To give more clarity on the matter and provide guidance for those interested in working at Trader Joe’s during their high school years, this article explains all you need to know about minimum age requirements and how to apply for a position.
Does Trader Joe’s Hire at 14, 15, or 16 Years Old In 2023?
Trader Joe’s is a popular grocery store chain that has been around since 1967. In 2023, they will begin hiring employees at 16 years old for some entry-level positions. This is great news for those looking to gain valuable work experience and earn money while still in high school. However, applicants must be at least 16 years old to be considered for employment. Applying before age 16 is not recommended as it will not result in a hire.
Employees at Trader Joe’s have a big responsibility to make sure customers have a fun, warm, and friendly shopping experience. They are expected to provide excellent customer service and help customers find what they need quickly and efficiently. Working at Trader Joe’s can be an incredibly rewarding experience, so if you’re 16 or older in 2023, consider applying for an entry-level position!
At What Age Does Trader Joe’s Hire?
Trader Joe’s is a popular grocery store chain that hires employees of all ages. The minimum age requirement for employment at Trader Joe’s is 16 years old. This means that applicants who are younger than 16 cannot be hired, but they can still apply and may be considered in the future. Entry-level positions are available at Trader Joe’s, and the company looks for personality and interpersonal skills when hiring, regardless of past experience. Minors aged 16 and under are limited to bagging and cleaning duties and can only work 4 hours per shift. They must also have working papers in order to be employed by Trader Joe’s.
When applying for a job at Trader Joe’s, it is important to remember that the minimum hiring age is 16 years old. Those under 18 cannot operate the register or any heavy machinery, so it is important to check with your local store before applying if you are unsure about their requirements. Additionally, make sure to ask direct questions when seeking answers about employment.
What Position Can Teens Apply for at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of positions for teens to apply for. Crew Members are responsible for providing excellent customer service and creating a warm and friendly shopping experience. To be hired as a Crew Member, applicants must be at least 16 years old. Merchants are exclusively promoted from Crew Members and must also be at least 16 years old.
Mates are Trader Joe’s assistant store leaders who can be promoted from Crew Members or hired externally and must also be at least 16 years old. To work as a Mate, applicants must have a high school diploma, two years of supervisory experience, and three years of retail, restaurant, or hospitality experience. Captains are always promoted from within and must be current Mates who have exemplified unwavering integrity and commitment during their tenure. To be hired as a Captain at Trader Joe’s, applicants must be a current Mate and at least 16 years old.

How Much Do Trader Joe’s Employees Make?
Trader Joe’s is a popular grocery store chain that offers employees competitive wages. Employees at Trader Joe’s make between $13.68 to $25.03, depending on their position and experience. Management positions pay more than entry-level positions, so employees should learn every position and work up from there in order to get into a higher position. The average hourly wage for all Trader Joe’s employees is $18.43, with the highest-paid position being Assistant Store Manager at an average hourly rate of $20.08 and the lowest-paid position being Cashier at an average hourly rate of $12.86.
Trader Joe’s also offers its employees other benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) plans, employee discounts, flexible scheduling options, and tuition reimbursement programs. These benefits help make working at Trader Joe’s an attractive option for many people looking for employment opportunities in the retail industry.
How Do You Apply for a Job at Trader Joe’s?
Applying for a job at Trader Joe’s is relatively straightforward. The first step is to look online and see if the desired location has any positions available. If so, you can submit your resume and wait for a manager to call you back for an interview. Trader Joe’s requires two in-person interviews before hiring, so it is important to be prepared and dress appropriately.
It should also be noted that the legal working age in the US is lower than the average age. In some states, the legal working age can be as low as 14 years old, but to work at Trader Joe’s, you must be at least 16 years old. This means that even if you meet your state’s legal requirements, you may not qualify for employment at Trader Joe’s until you are older.
What Questions Might You Be Asked at an Interview at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and diverse selection of products, so it’s important to be prepared for questions about food and sense of humor when interviewing. Be sure to have an understanding of what makes Trader Joe’s unique and why you would be a good fit for the company.
Questions about strengths, limitations, conflict resolution, favorite items, and previous employers and coworkers must be answered. Candidates have the opportunity to elaborate on answers and display their personalities when answering questions such as favorite food, responding to conflict, resolving disputes in the workplace, having a sense of humor and why they want the job.
Availability hours are also commonly discussed in Trader Joe’s interviews. It is important, to be honest with your answers while also showing enthusiasm for the position. Being able to demonstrate that you understand what makes Trader Joe’s special will help you stand out from other candidates.
What Should You Wear to an Interview at Trader Joe’s?
When attending an interview at Trader Joe’s, it is important to dress appropriately and make a good impression. Business casual attire is recommended for the job interview. This means wearing a buttoned-down shirt with nice slacks and dress shoes. It is important to avoid being too casual or too formal in your outfit choice. Showing creativity in your outfit choice can be beneficial, but dress as though you are headed in for a job interview.

It is also important to ensure that you look neat and presentable when attending an interview at Trader Joe’s. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, and your hair is neatly styled. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, as this could distract the interview process. Additionally, make sure that you wear comfortable clothing so that you can focus on the questions being asked during the interview without feeling uncomfortable or distracted by what you are wearing.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Trader Joe’s is a great place to work due to its variety of products and commitment to employee development. Employees have the opportunity to switch tasks and learn new skills while also being expected to contribute to the team effort. The Department of Commerce has established criteria for Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) that must be met in order for a request for the appointment of a TAC to be approved.
This includes determining if a substantial segment of any industry has requested the appointment of a TAC by considering the number and volume of producers in relation to total U.S. production. Generally, this requires at least 30% of total U.S. producers, three or more U.S. producers producing 30% or more by dollar value, or 20% of total U.S. producers with 20% or more by dollar value production.