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

Michelle Wilson - August 20, 2023

Many know the name Publix Super Markets since this company represents one of the largest supermarket chains owned by employees in America according to online data. But you likely didn’t know that this company offers employment for many school-age candidates, making it a great place to work while in school. Even teenagers can initiate their journey into the workforce, accumulating valuable work experiences as a bagger or cashier, saving up, and laying the groundwork for their professional future beyond graduation.

Minimum Age

Like many other grocery stores, Publix hires individuals as young as 14. On their official website and other job listing platforms, you can explore a range of part-time to full-time positions, each with age requirements of 14, 16, 18, and beyond.

Opportunities exist for students seeking employment or those interested in internships at various supermarket locations throughout the United States. It’s important to note that job availability may vary by store, so it’s advisable to contact them beforehand or conduct online research before visiting a specific branch.

Age Requirements and Opportunities at Publix

While Publix offers a range of roles for those in different age groups, each age group’s positions will differ for safety reasons. Consider some of the differences below.

17 Years Old

The Publix company website welcomes seventeen-year-olds to join the team, allowing them to take on most roles within the company with only a few exceptions. While they can engage in various tasks, they are not eligible for positions involving pharmacy work or food preparation responsibilities in the bakery and deli departments.

16 Years Old

At 16, individuals can contribute as valuable members of the Publix workforce. These tasks include taking on roles such as bakery clerks, produce associates, and grocery clerks, where they play an integral part in the store’s operations.

15 Years Old

At 15, teenagers will have the opportunity to take on cashier roles at Publix. It’s important to note that for transactions involving alcohol and tobacco products, the store will still require you to seek an older associate’s assistance due to legal restrictions in the United States.

14 Years Old

Even at the age of 14, young individuals can begin their journey at Publix. Following their state’s work permit policies, they can assume positions as baggers, helping customers with their purchases and maintaining a tidy store environment. Moreover, fourteen-year-olds also have the option to work as florist clerks, contributing to the store’s floral department.

Prior Experience

Publix primarily seeks applicants at least 14 years old as its main hiring requirement. Although previous work experience is not obligatory for most job offers, it is advantageous if available. For underage applicants, a work permit is not obligatory unless dictated by state regulations. What holds greater significance is how candidates showcase their skills and determination.

While previous relevant work experience can enhance your prospects when dealing with a Publix hiring manager, it is not an obligatory criterion. Feel free to try your luck if you are confident in your alternative skills and are willing to learn. Job seekers point to Publix’s commitment to hiring individuals without experience in the company’s willingness to consider 14-year-olds for specific positions. However, the hiring process differs for those above 18, where qualifications are given more weight in decision-making. As a standard, Publix also runs a background check on all applicants, which they must pass before the company hires them.

A Look at Different Roles

Since, roles held by a new member of the workforce will be different than someone finishing high school it is worth considering what each position entails.

Floral Clerk

The role of a floral clerk at a designated Publix supermarket involves tasks such as crafting flower arrangements, processing orders, and providing advice on flower care. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in maintaining cleanliness and managing inventory, focusing on ensuring the health and proper storage of the flowers. The role of the flower clerk is available for anyone at least 14 years old and willing to make an average compensation of $18 per hour.

If you meet the minimum age standard for this role and are still curious about what it entails, consider a few of the tasks you will encounter. First, as a floral clerk, it makes sense that you must also work towards gaining flower arrangement expertise to captivate and attract customers. Customer service excellence is the second skill that comes standard in most entry-level grocery store roles. This role will require the candidate to actively work towards meeting the client’s needs, whether handling bouquet requests over the phone or providing in-person assistance for inquiries and flower orders. A third major role will hinge on inventory management, as a floral clerk will be responsible for ordering, storing, arranging, and selling the flowers in Publix inventory.

Produce Associates

Produce associates play a vital role in grocery stores, focusing on various tasks to ensure a seamless shopping experience. Their responsibilities encompass organizing eye-catching product displays, meticulously monitoring inventory levels, upholding a clean and tidy store ambiance, and readily aiding customers in locating specific types of produce. During peak hours, they may also lend a helping hand to the bagging team, ensuring efficient customer service at the checkout.

Aspiring produce associates should possess certain attributes and skills to excel in this role. The job is open to individuals aged 16 years and older, and compensation typically averages around $18 per hour. Physical prowess and endurance are essential as they routinely handle and maneuver heavy boxes laden with fruits, vegetables, and other merchandise over extended periods. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of product placement and inventory management is crucial to efficiently track and retrieve items. Additionally, adeptness in food handling is paramount, as proper food management and hygiene practices not only prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses but also uphold the store’s reputation for integrity and quality.

Cake Decore Trainee

The role of a cake decor trainee revolves around adhering to pastries’ design instructions while embracing the opportunity to innovate and craft novel creations that align with customers’ preferences. This position at Publix serves as a valuable stepping stone for individuals aspiring to cultivate their potential as professional cake decorators or future artists within the culinary realm.

Candidates are usually over 18 years old to be eligible for this role, and the typical remuneration ranges between $16 to $20 per hour. While working as a cake decor trainee at Publix, individuals can anticipate refining a range of skills, emphasizing honing expertise in food designing and artistic prowess. This training period provides the platform for trainees to develop intricate design abilities and foster a fresh perspective, nurturing their creativity for embellishing pastries.

How to Apply

If you’re a high school student eager to engage with Publix, you can kickstart your application process in several ways. One way is to create an account on Tallo, a job board for high school students. Here, you can explore open roles at Publix and express your desire to work there.

If after your initial search, you find a role that you think might be a good fit, you can visit the Publix job site, submit a resume and answer the rest of the questions on the application. Afterwards, visit the store in person and introduce yourself to a manager. Doing so allows you to establish a personal connection with the person who may be your new boss.