Let‘s start with the most important information:
- Amazon requires warehouse workers to be at least 18 years old.
- Delivery drivers must be 18+ for cars/vans or 21+ for trucks requiring a Commercial Driver‘s License.
- There are no in-person roles for teens 15, 16, or 17 years old.
I know that may be disappointing news if you or your teen was hoping to land an Amazon job. But in this detailed guide, I‘ll explain Amazon‘s age policies, share tips for the future, and answer all your questions!
As a parent myself, I understand you want to help set your teenager up for success. And working for a huge company like Amazon seems like an incredible opportunity.
But Amazon didn‘t create their age restrictions to ruin your child‘s dreams of earning money and gaining experience! There are some very legitimate reasons why Amazon adheres to 18 as the absolute minimum hiring age.
In this guide for teens and parents, I‘ll cover:
- The real reasons why Amazon won‘t hire below 18
- How the minimum hiring ages vary by role
- Pros and cons of Amazon‘s strict age policy
- Alternatives for teens under 18 seeking work
- Expert tips to prepare teens to work at Amazon someday
- Answers to frequently asked questions about Amazon‘s rules
So let‘s dive in and explore everything you need to know about Amazon‘s minimum hiring ages!
Why Won‘t Amazon Hire Teens Under 18?
I know some teens (and parents!) feel frustrated that huge companies like Amazon won‘t hire workers under 18 years old.
But Amazon didn‘t create this rule just to be cruel or limit opportunities. There are some sound reasons why Amazon set 18 as their absolute minimum age:
Legal and Compliance Reasons
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The Fair Labor Standards Act sets limits on working hours for employees under 18 and outlines hazardous occupations they can‘t hold.
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State labor laws also add restrictions on stuff like shift lengths, break requirements, overtime rules, etc. These are stricter for workers under 18.
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By only hiring 18 and above, Amazon avoids constantly checking multiple state law limits and tracking employee ages.
"Complying with child labor laws is challenging and risky for big companies. Amazon prefers to completely avoid this by only hiring adults," explains HR expert Jane Walters.
Health and Safety Concerns
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Amazon warehouses contain heavy machinery and equipment that could be dangerous for those under 18.
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Their processes are very physically demanding – workers often have to lift 50+ lbs repeatedly. Teens‘ growing bodies are more prone to injury.
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Delivery driving can also be unsafe for new teenage drivers. Insurance risk also increases with drivers under 21.
"Warehouses and roads just contain too many hazards for teens under 18. Amazon puts safety first by hiring adult workers," says industry analyst Rick Spencer.
Preference for Mature and Educated Workers
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Amazon wants dependable workers who have finished high school and have some life experience.
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Younger teens may lack the maturity, judgment and focus required in warehouse and driving roles.
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The tech-heavy environment also favors employees with more education.
"By hiring 18 and up, Amazon gets responsible adults who can keep pace in their fast-paced operations," notes commentator Tracy Zhang.
While the reasons make sense, I know eager 15, 16 and 17-year-olds still feel disappointed. But don‘t lose hope! In just a few short years you can apply to Amazon.
Next, let‘s look at how the age requirements differ between corporate and warehouse/delivery roles.
Minimum Age Varies By Position at Amazon
While 18 years is the standard minimum age at Amazon, there is some variation depending on the exact job:
Corporate and Tech Roles
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Reasoning: Legal compliance and preference for mature, educated workers.
Warehouse and Fulfillment Roles
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Reasoning: Safety concerns around heavy equipment.
Delivery Driver Roles
- Minimum age for cars/vans: 18 years old
- Minimum age for CDL trucks: 21 years old
- Reasoning: Insurance requirements and preference for experienced drivers.
Here is a quick table summarizing Amazon‘s minimum hiring age across their major job categories:
| Job Type | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Roles | 18 years | Entry-level and intern roles |
| Warehouse Roles | 18 years | Fulfillment center and sortation jobs |
| Delivery Driver | 18 years | For cars, vans and small trucks |
| CDL Delivery Driver | 21 years | For tractor trailers and large trucks |
The next logical question is – should Amazon reconsider their strict age limits? Let‘s do a quick pros and cons analysis.
Pros and Cons of Amazon‘s Age Restrictions
Pros:
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Compliance with labor laws becomes much easier without underage workers
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Greatly reduces safety risks associated with heavy equipment and driving
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Ensures workers have maturity, education and focus needed to work independently
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Allows Amazon to maintain very efficient operations without age oversight
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Provides fair, consistent policies across all facilities and roles
Cons:
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Frustrates and limits teens under 18 seeking jobs for experience and income
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Reduces the pool of potential entry-level applicants in a tight labor market
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Prevents exceptional teens from starting their Amazon careers early
Overall, the pros seem to outweigh the cons when it comes to Amazon‘s age policies. But I know some talented, motivated teens will still feel blocked from accessing these opportunities.
So what are some alternatives for teens under 18?
Where Can Teens Under 18 Find Jobs Instead of Amazon?
If Amazon won‘t hire you until you turn 18, where are some other places that will give teens a chance?
Here are a few solid options to look into:
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Retail: Stores like Target, Kohl‘s, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Rue21, and Zumiez commonly hire teens 16-17.
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Food Service: Fast food chains like McDonald‘s, Taco Bell, Wendy‘s, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks hire many teens under 18.
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Entertainment: Movie theaters, bowling alleys, mini golf, and amusement parks often hire teens and young adults.
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Recreation: Country clubs, community pools, parks departments, and summer camps are possibilities.
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Odd Jobs: Babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, yard work, house cleaning, helping neighbors, etc.
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Internships: Some programs for high school students exist at certain companies or nonprofits.
The key is looking locally at what‘s available in your specific town or city. Talk to family, friends, teachers and check community boards. With some digging, you can find employers willing to hire teens under 18!
Next, let‘s switch gears to talking about strategies teens can use to get ready for an Amazon job in the future.
How Teens Can Prepare Now to Work at Amazon Later
Okay, so Amazon won‘t hand you a job the day after your 18th birthday. That doesn‘t mean you can‘t start preparing early to work there in the future!
Here are my top tips for teenagers who aspire to work at Amazon someday:
1. Focus and excel at school – Amazon wants to see strong grades, academic achievements, and involvement in extracurricular clubs or sports teams.
2. Develop in-demand skills – Work on building teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving, communication, organization, customer service, using technology, attention to detail. These will all help you stand out.
3. Research job options – Browse Amazon‘s careers page to see what roles interest you and what the requirements are.
4. Practice for interviews – Rehearse talking about your qualifications confidently. Highlight why you want to work for Amazon.
5. Build your resume – Include volunteer work, accomplishments, skills. Summers or part-time jobs related to your desired role help too.
6. Line up references – Collect recommendations from teachers, coaches, employers or leaders who can vouch for your abilities.
7. Learn to drive – A license opens up delivery driver possibilities. Get practice in all conditions.
8. Discuss schedules – Talk with your parents about balancing school with an Amazon job once you turn 18. Make sure you have a plan.
With some strategizing and hard work over the next few years, you‘ll be ready to submit a strong application on your 18th birthday!
Now let‘s get into the questions many teens and parents have about Amazon‘s rules.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amazon‘s Minimum Age Requirements
I want to provide helpful answers to all the common questions on this topic. Here we go:
Can I work for Amazon at 14 or 15 years old?
Unfortunately no. Amazon does not hire anyone younger than 16 even for remote roles, and their in-person jobs require being 18+.
What customer service jobs hire at 16? Can I work remotely for Amazon?
Amazon hires remote customer service agents at 16 years old in some states. But opportunities are limited. Other companies like Apple, UPS and Conduent also hire remote reps starting at 16.
Does Amazon hire 16 or 17 year olds for internships?
No, their internships require you to be 18+ and enrolled in a bachelor‘s degree program. High school students can‘t intern at Amazon.
What kind of jobs could I get at 17 besides Amazon?
Retail stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation centers, stables, childcare and errand jobs are some options. Look locally for teen-friendly employers.
If I turn 18 soon, can I apply to Amazon early?
Unfortunately no. Amazon will only consider your application once you officially reach 18 years old. But get prepared so you can apply right away!
Can I work part-time at Amazon while in high school?
Possibly! As long as you are 18+ and limit your hours so you can focus on classes. Talk with your parents and counselors to create a plan.
Do I need experience to get hired at Amazon at 18?
Not necessarily. For most warehouse roles, Amazon provides all the necessary training. But any retail, customer service, driving or related experience is helpful.
What skills should I work on now to be ready for Amazon later?
Time management, teamwork, communication skills, physical stamina, customer service skills, using computers, attention to detail. Stay focused in school and develop mature life skills.
Does Amazon hire a lot of seasonal workers under 18 for the holidays?
No, Amazon adheres to their 18+ minimum age even for temporary holiday hiring. The availability of adult workers satisfies their seasonal labor needs.
What jobs could I get with Amazon once I turn 18?
Warehouse associate, fulfillment center roles in picking/packing/shipping, delivery driver, customer service, IT support, operations, HR, accounting. Possibilities are wide ranging!
I hope these FAQs have helped explain Amazon‘s age policies and how teenagers can properly plan for Amazon careers in their future!
The key is being patient, staying focused on personal growth, and pouncing on the chance to apply as soon as you turn 18. With some dedicated preparation time over the next couple years, you can make yourself the ideal Amazon candidate.
Wishing the best of luck to all teens and parents navigating Amazon‘s minimum age requirements. Keep your eyes on the prize and your Amazon opportunity will arrive before you know it!
