# How old do you have to be to work at Publix?

You have to be at least 14 to work at Publix. State law can raise the age.

Publix's own Front Service Clerk (bagger) job postings list 'at least 14 years of age' as a requirement. Publix owns and runs all its stores (no franchises), but each store decides whether it has openings for 14- and 15-year-olds, and state child labor laws limit the hours and duties of younger teens.

- Minimum age: 14
- Most locations: 14
- Franchised: no
- Confidence: From job postings
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## By job

- Front Service Clerk (bagger, carts): 14+ (Per Publix posting; hours limited for ages 14-15 by federal and state law)

## By state (youngest possible age)

| State | Age | Work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14 | needed |
| Alaska | 14 | needed |
| Arizona | 14 | no |
| Arkansas | 14 | no |
| California | 14 | needed |
| Colorado | 14 | no |
| Connecticut | 16 | needed |
| Delaware | 14 | needed |
| District of Columbia | 14 | needed |
| Florida | 14 | no |
| Georgia | 14 | needed |
| Hawaii | 14 | needed |
| Idaho | 14 | no |
| Illinois | 14 | needed |
| Indiana | 14 | no |
| Iowa | 14 | no |
| Kansas | 14 | no |
| Kentucky | 14 | no |
| Louisiana | 14 | needed |
| Maine | 14 | needed |
| Maryland | 14 | needed |
| Massachusetts | 14 | needed |
| Michigan | 14 | needed |
| Minnesota | 14 | no |
| Mississippi | 14 | no |
| Missouri | 14 | needed |
| Montana | 14 | no |
| Nebraska | 14 | needed |
| Nevada | 14 | no |
| New Hampshire | 14 | needed |
| New Jersey | 14 | needed |
| New Mexico | 14 | needed |
| New York | 14 | needed |
| North Carolina | 14 | needed |
| North Dakota | 14 | needed |
| Ohio | 14 | needed |
| Oklahoma | 14 | needed |
| Oregon | 14 | no |
| Pennsylvania | 14 | needed |
| Rhode Island | 14 | needed |
| South Carolina | 14 | no |
| South Dakota | 14 | no |
| Tennessee | 14 | no |
| Texas | 14 | no |
| Utah | 14 | no |
| Vermont | 14 | no |
| Virginia | 14 | needed |
| Washington | 14 | needed |
| West Virginia | 14 | needed |
| Wisconsin | 14 | needed |
| Wyoming | 14 | no |

## Questions

**How old do you have to be to work at Publix?**
You have to be at least 14 to work at Publix. State law can raise the age.

**Does Publix hire 14-year-olds?**
Yes, Publix can. Its Front Service Clerk postings (bagging groceries, helping customers to their cars, collecting carts) say you must be at least 14. Whether a store has an opening for a 14-year-old depends on that store, so check postings near you or ask the store.

**What job can I get at Publix at 14 or 15?**
The usual starting job is Front Service Clerk, which means bagging groceries, carrying orders out, collecting carts and light cleaning. Federal law keeps 14- and 15-year-olds away from hazardous equipment like balers and meat slicers, and limits their hours during the school year.

**How many hours can a 14- or 15-year-old work at Publix?**
Federal law caps 14- and 15-year-olds at 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week (8 hours a day and 40 a week when school is out), with no work during school hours. Some states are stricter. Publix schedules minors within those rules.

**Do I need a work permit to work at Publix?**
It depends on your state. Florida doesn't issue work permits, but other Publix states may ask for one or for proof of age. Check your state's rules before you apply.

**How do I apply to Publix as a teenager?**
Apply online at jobs.publix.com and choose the store you want. A parent may need to help with paperwork if you're a minor. Having an application in doesn't guarantee a job at any particular store.

## Sources

- Front Service Clerk - Publix Super Markets, Islamorada, FL (store #1495): https://www.career.com/job/publix-super-markets-inc/front-service-clerk/j202203031315548001471
- Front Service Clerk Job - Publix Super Markets: https://jobs.publix.com/job-opening/front-service-clerk/
- These companies hire 14- and 15-year-olds (Scripps News / Simplemost): https://scrippsnews.com/stories/these-22-companies-hire-14--and-15-year-olds-1/

Page: https://hiringage.com/publix/ — please cite with a link.