Hiring ages › Grocery & convenience

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 — pick your state below.

From job postings · checked October 2026

Publix's hiring age policy

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.

Job postings accepting 14-year-olds have been seen in Florida.

Minimum age by job

14
15
16
17
18+
14Front Service Clerk
JobAgeNote
Front Service Clerk (bagger, carts)14+Per Publix posting; hours limited for ages 14-15 by federal and state law

How to apply at Publix

Apply online at Publix's careers site. If you're under 18, your state may require a work permit or proof of age.

See Publix jobs →

Publix hiring age by state

The youngest age Publix could hire you at in each state: the company's minimum or the state's, whichever is higher. “✓ seen” means we found a real Publix posting there accepting that age.

From 14From 16✓ Seen in a posting
Show the table for all states
StateYoungest ageWork permitHours at 14–15 (school week)
Alabama14+Needed18 h
Alaska14+Needed18 h
Arizona14+No18 h
Arkansas14+No18 h
California14+Needed18 h
Colorado14+No18 h
Connecticut16+ state lawNeeded—
Delaware14+Needed18 h
District of Columbia14+Needed18 h
Florida14+ ✓ seenNo15 h
Georgia14+Needed18 h
Hawaii14+Needed18 h
Idaho14+No18 h
Illinois14+Needed18 h
Indiana14+No18 h
Iowa14+No18 h
Kansas14+No18 h
Kentucky14+No18 h
Louisiana14+Needed18 h
Maine14+Needed18 h
Maryland14+Needed18 h
Massachusetts14+Needed18 h
Michigan14+Needed18 h
Minnesota14+No18 h
Mississippi14+No18 h
Missouri14+Needed18 h
Montana14+No18 h
Nebraska14+Needed18 h
Nevada14+No18 h
New Hampshire14+Needed18 h
New Jersey14+Needed18 h
New Mexico14+Needed18 h
New York14+Needed18 h
North Carolina14+Needed18 h
North Dakota14+Needed18 h
Ohio14+Needed18 h
Oklahoma14+Needed18 h
Oregon14+No18 h
Pennsylvania14+Needed18 h
Rhode Island14+Needed18 h
South Carolina14+No18 h
South Dakota14+No18 h
Tennessee14+No18 h
Texas14+No18 h
Utah14+No18 h
Vermont14+No18 h
Virginia14+Needed18 h
Washington14+Needed16 h
West Virginia14+Needed18 h
Wisconsin14+Needed18 h
Wyoming14+No18 h

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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.

Other places that hire at 14

Sources

  1. Front Service Clerk - Publix Super Markets, Islamorada, FL (store #1495) (2023-06) — minAge 14: 'At least 14 years of age' for Front Service Clerk, Florida posting
  2. Front Service Clerk Job - Publix Super Markets (2023-06) — Official Front Service Clerk listing indexed with 'at least 14 years of age' requirement (page now redirects to the careers landing page)
  3. These companies hire 14- and 15-year-olds (Scripps News / Simplemost) (2023) — Reporting: you can start at Publix at 14 as a bagger, cart attendant or cashier

Last checked October 10, 2026. See a different age at your Publix? Tell us.