# How old do you have to be to work at Barnes & Noble?

You have to be at least 16 to work at Barnes & Noble. State law can raise the age.

Barnes & Noble's own help center says you must be at least 16 to work in its stores. Hires aged 16 and 17 follow state rules, which may mean a work permit and limited hours during the school year.

- Minimum age: 16
- Most locations: 16
- Franchised: no
- Confidence: Company-confirmed
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## By job

- Bookseller / store associate: 16+ (Company minimum for store jobs; state rules for 16–17-year-olds apply)

## By state (youngest possible age)

| State | Age | Work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16 | needed |
| Alaska | 16 | needed |
| Arizona | 16 | no |
| Arkansas | 16 | no |
| California | 16 | needed |
| Colorado | 16 | no |
| Connecticut | 16 | needed |
| Delaware | 16 | needed |
| District of Columbia | 16 | needed |
| Florida | 16 | no |
| Georgia | 16 | no |
| Hawaii | 16 | needed |
| Idaho | 16 | no |
| Illinois | 16 | no |
| Indiana | 16 | no |
| Iowa | 16 | no |
| Kansas | 16 | no |
| Kentucky | 16 | no |
| Louisiana | 16 | needed |
| Maine | 16 | no |
| Maryland | 16 | needed |
| Massachusetts | 16 | needed |
| Michigan | 16 | needed |
| Minnesota | 16 | no |
| Mississippi | 16 | no |
| Missouri | 16 | no |
| Montana | 16 | no |
| Nebraska | 16 | no |
| Nevada | 16 | no |
| New Hampshire | 16 | no |
| New Jersey | 16 | needed |
| New Mexico | 16 | no |
| New York | 16 | needed |
| North Carolina | 16 | needed |
| North Dakota | 16 | no |
| Ohio | 16 | needed |
| Oklahoma | 16 | no |
| Oregon | 16 | no |
| Pennsylvania | 16 | needed |
| Rhode Island | 16 | needed |
| South Carolina | 16 | no |
| South Dakota | 16 | no |
| Tennessee | 16 | no |
| Texas | 16 | no |
| Utah | 16 | no |
| Vermont | 16 | no |
| Virginia | 16 | no |
| Washington | 16 | needed |
| West Virginia | 16 | no |
| Wisconsin | 16 | no |
| Wyoming | 16 | no |

## Questions

**How old do you have to be to work at Barnes & Noble?**
You have to be at least 16 to work at Barnes & Noble. State law can raise the age.

**Does Barnes & Noble hire 14- or 15-year-olds?**
No. The company minimum for store jobs is 16, even in states where 14- and 15-year-olds can legally work.

**Will I need a work permit at 16 or 17?**
Maybe. Barnes & Noble says 16- and 17-year-olds are hired following state rules, which can include a work permit and fewer hours while school is in session. Check your state's rules.

**How do I apply?**
Text HIREME to 227637 to get a link to the careers page, then search for a store near you that's hiring and apply online. Openings vary by store and season.

## Sources

- Barnes & Noble Help: Careers and Job Opportunities: https://help.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5471918539675-Careers-and-Job-Opportunities

Page: https://hiringage.com/barnes-and-noble/ — please cite with a link.