If you are wondering, “How old do you have to be to work at Publix?” don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. We are going to show you the age requirement for work at Publix, common entry-level jobs, and benefits of working at Publix. And other important things you need to know about the company.
Publix can hire you at 14, but the jobs you can do and the hours you can work are quite limited. Some States prohibit the employment of minors, so they might not employ you in some locations if you are below 16. 17-year-olds have more flexibility, so if you can’t get what you are looking for, you might wait until your 17th birthday.
Teens or new grads actively looking for employment would be mindful of the age requirement. Federal and state labor laws guide Publix, just like any other US business enterprise.
What is Publix?
Publix Supermarket Inc., commonly known as Publix, is an employee-owned American Supermarket chain headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. George W. Jenkins found the corporation in 1930. Publix is wholly owned by past and present employees and members of the Jenkins family.
It boasts 832 retail food and drug stores throughout Florida and another 462 spread across 6 States, namely Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. It is one of the few organizations with over 1000 locations in the US.
Publix employs close to 225,000 people in its 1294 retail stores, manufacturing facilities, cooking schools, and distribution centers, among others.
The Benefits of Working at Publix
Publix is employee-owned, which means you will get an opportunity to become a shareholder of the company through the stock purchase plan.
Publix has consistently been recognized as the best place to work and ranked among the best in customer service and satisfaction. These indicators show that both the Publix customer and employees are happy, and that’s a work environment to beat!
The company offers tuition reimbursement for associates that have worked with the company for over 10 hours. Teenagers pursuing a college education while working at Publix will find this really helpful.
Publix offers an affordable 401(k) plan, retirement plan contribution, life insurance, health insurance, and occupational accident insurance. Other employee benefits include an employee assistance program, vacation and paid holidays, vision and dental plans, and maternity and paternity leave, among others.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Publix?
Publix is a great place to start your career. It should encourage you to know that nearly 30,000 current associates started their careers with Publix as teenagers.
The grocery store giant accepts applications from14-year-olds and above. However, certain states have labor laws that prohibit teens below 16 from performing tasks that can expose them to any danger. Since restrictions vary from state to state, it is important to check with your local Publix store.
In most cases, you will need to get a work permit to gain employment with Publix. If you are seeking to apply for any food-handling position or late-night shifts, it is mandatory to show proof of age.
Common Jobs for Teens at Publix
There are many jobs that teens can do at Publix. We discuss the two most common ones below.
Cashier
Publix tasks cashiers with the responsibility of weighing, scanning, and packaging items for shoppers. They also receive payment for the goods. 15-year-olds can work as cashiers, but they will need an adult to handle alcohol and tobacco transactions. Being an entry-level job, no experience is required for this position.
Clerk
There are different clerk positions in Publix. Whether working at the deli, flower shop, or bakery, clerks typically fill and package orders, arrange displays, and, most importantly, keep records of the department. There is no prior experience required for this job.
The Hiring Process at Publix
If you are seeking employment with Publix, you can visit their careers page to fill out an application. But the most recommended approach is to visit your local Publix store to have a conversation on the vacancy.
If invited for an interview, they will expect you to explain personality traits or skill sets that make you the ideal candidate.
Teens can be casual in the way they handle things, so try to be a bit more professional during the interview. Put on formal attire, show up early, and remember to carry your resume.
The following are some questions they might ask you in an interview and to respond.
Interview Question 1: Tell us about yourself.
To respond to this question, mention your skills and any work-related experience you have.
Interview Question 2: How would you deal with an upset customer?
Show that you will try to find out what their concerns are, and if the issue is product-related, you would look at the return policy and replace the product where possible.
How Much Does Publix Pay Their Employees?
The minimum pay for Publix entry-level jobs ranges from $10 to $13 an hour, depending on position or location. For instance, a cashier with no experience at all should expect to earn $10 per hour, while one with experience will earn $13 per hour.
Clerks and pharmacy technicians earn an average of $13 per hour each. Meat cutters, customer service associates, and cake decorators earn an average of $16, $12, and $14, respectively.
Conclusion
Publix is a great place for teens and new grads seeking to launch their careers. The average pay for entry-level jobs is not appealing, but if you can prove your worth, you will rise through the ranks, and more benefits will follow. Publix rewards loyalty and dedication to the brand. And if there are no job vacancies, volunteering can enhance your chances of getting employed at Publix.