Target is one of the largest retailers in the U.S., with over 400,000 employees nationwide. It’s also a popular place for first-time job seekers and teens to apply. A common question is: how old do you have to be to work at Target?
This guide breaks down Target’s minimum age requirements, job positions available for teens, and what you should know before applying.
Minimum Age to Work at Target
According to Target’s official hiring page, the minimum age to work at Target is 16 years old. This applies to most entry-level positions, including:
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Cashier
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Sales Floor Team Member
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Stocking Associate
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Cart Attendant
👉 If you are 16 or 17, you may be limited to part-time schedules and certain shifts due to state labor laws.
Can You Work at Target at 14 or 15?
Unfortunately, Target does not hire employees under the age of 16. If you are 14 or 15, you’ll need to look for alternative jobs for teens, such as babysitting, dog walking, or working at local small businesses.
For teens under 16, Target is not an option, but other employers like grocery stores, fast food restaurants, or family-owned shops may hire younger workers depending on state regulations.
Job Opportunities for 16–17 Year Olds at Target
While most Target teen jobs are entry-level, they offer great experience in customer service, teamwork, and retail skills. Here are some roles available for 16–17 year olds:
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Cashier – Handling checkout and customer payments.
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Sales Floor Associate – Helping customers find products and stocking shelves.
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Food & Beverage Assistant – Working in the grocery section.
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Cart Attendant – Collecting and organizing shopping carts in the parking lot.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Target Distribution Centers?
For Target distribution centers, the minimum age requirement is 18 years old. These positions typically involve:
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Heavy lifting
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Operating machinery
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Logistics and warehouse tasks
Since these roles require more responsibility and physical work, Target only hires adults (18+) for these jobs.
Work Permit Requirements (Teens Under 18)
In most U.S. states, if you are under 18 years old, you may need a work permit or parental consent to work at Target. Rules vary by state, so check with your school or local labor office. You can also review U.S. Department of Labor’s youth employment guidelines.
Benefits of Starting Work at Target as a Teen
Working at Target offers valuable experience for teens, including:
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Learning customer service and retail skills.
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Earning a competitive starting wage (Target raised its minimum wage to $15–$24/hour depending on location, per Target corporate news).
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Opportunities for promotion and career growth.
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Flexible part-time schedules for students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How old do you have to be to work at Target?
The minimum age is 16 years old for most entry-level Target jobs (Target Careers).
2. Does Target hire 14 or 15 year olds?
No. Target only hires workers 16 and older (DOL youth rules).
3. Can you work at a Target distribution center at 16?
No. Distribution center jobs require a minimum age of 18 (Target Careers).
4. Do you need a high school diploma to work at Target?
No. Target does not require a high school diploma for most entry-level positions, making it a great first job for students.
5. Does Target require work permits for minors?
Yes. If you’re under 18, you may need a work permit depending on your state laws (U.S. Department of Labor).
Conclusion
To sum it up:
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You must be at least 16 years old to work at Target.
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Some roles, like distribution center jobs, require you to be 18 or older.
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Teens under 16 should explore other job opportunities until they reach Target’s minimum hiring age.
Target is a great first job for students looking to gain experience, earn money, and build valuable workplace skills.
