You're walking past those bright blue signs, the smell of cheap candy and fresh plastic tech accessories hitting you, and you think, "I could totally work here." It's a vibe. But before you start dreaming about that employee discount on graphic tees and Squishmallows, there is a big hurdle to clear. The age requirement for Five Below isn't just a random number someone picked; it’s a mix of corporate policy and state labor laws that can get kinda confusing if you're just looking for your first paycheck.
Most people assume every retail spot is a free-for-all for teenagers. Not quite.
The Magic Number for Five Below Applicants
So, let's get straight to it. Generally speaking, the age requirement for Five Below is 16 years old. If you’ve hit that sixteenth birthday, the doors are basically open for you to apply as a Sales Associate. Why 16? It’s the sweet spot for retail. At 16, you aren't tied down by the super restrictive "child labor" hours that 14 and 15-year-olds face in most states.
Does this mean 15-year-olds are totally out of luck? Honestly, usually yes. While federal law technically allows 14 and 15-year-olds to work in retail, Five Below typically sticks to a 16+ policy to keep things simple with scheduling. Managers want people who can stay until closing without the Department of Labor breathing down their necks. If you’re under 16, you might want to look at places like Publix or Chick-fil-A, which are famous for hiring younger teens.
Why 16 is the "Golden Age" in Retail
It comes down to the logistics of a busy store. Think about it. Five Below stays open late, often until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. In many states, labor laws strictly forbid 14 and 15-year-olds from working past 7:00 PM during the school year.
Imagine being a manager.
You need someone to help clean up the "Five Beyond" section and reorganize the bin of $5 basketballs at 8:30 PM. If your employee has to clock out at 6:59 PM sharp or you face a massive fine, you're probably just going to hire the 16-year-old. It's a matter of convenience. Plus, 16-year-olds can usually handle more hours on the weekends, which is when Five Below gets absolutely slammed with middle schoolers spending their allowances.
Management and Higher-Level Roles
If you’re looking at a "Lead" or "Support Lead" position, the age requirement for Five Below jumps up. You’re looking at 18 minimum. Why? Responsibility. Key holders need to be legal adults. They handle the cash drops, open the heavy security gates, and deal with the "uncomfortable" customer interactions that a 16-year-old shouldn't have to manage. If you want to be a Store Manager or an Assistant Manager, you definitely need to be 18, and realistically, they’re looking for people with a few years of retail mileage under their belts.
What It’s Actually Like Working There
It is loud. It is colorful. It is fast.
Working at Five Below isn't just standing behind a register. You're constantly moving. One minute you're inflating a dozen beach balls, and the next you're trying to figure out how to fit 50 more "Hello Kitty" pillows onto a shelf that’s already full. Because the store is designed for discovery—basically a treasure hunt—the inventory changes constantly.
You have to be "high energy." That's the corporate buzzword they use. What it really means is you can't look bored. Even if you've scanned 400 packs of freeze-dried Skittles in a row, you've gotta keep it moving. For a lot of 16-year-olds, this is a great first job because it’s not as soul-crushing as flipping burgers, but it definitely requires more social battery than stocking shelves in a quiet grocery aisle.
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The Application Process for Teens
Everything is digital now. Don't go in with a paper resume expecting a handshake and a job on the spot. It rarely works that way anymore. You’ll go to their careers site, search for your zip code, and fill out the "Workday" application.
Here is a pro tip: Five Below loves "crew members" who actually like the brand. If you mention in your interview that you love the "Five Beyond" tech section or you're a fan of their seasonal drops, it shows you get the culture. They want people who "get" the brand's obsession with trends.
Laws That Might Change Your Experience
State laws are the wild card here. Even if the national age requirement for Five Below is 16, some states have specific "Work Permit" requirements.
- California and New York: If you're under 18, you usually need a permit from your school.
- Florida: No permit required, but strict hour limits for anyone under 18.
- Texas: Very relaxed, but the company policy still usually overrides local leniency.
If you are 16 or 17, check your school’s guidance office. They usually have the paperwork ready to go. It’s a bit of a pain, but you can’t get hired without it if your state demands it.
The Pay Situation
Don't expect to buy a Ferrari. Five Below pay usually hovers around the local minimum wage, or maybe a dollar above it. For a first job, it's standard. The real perk for many is the 20% employee discount. It might not sound like much, but when everything is already $5, that discount makes things incredibly cheap. It’s dangerous if you have a shopping habit.
Myths About the Age Requirement for Five Below
You might hear that you can work there at 14 if you have "parental consent." Honestly? I haven't seen it happen. Retailers are becoming more risk-averse. The liability of a 14-year-old getting hurt while breaking down boxes with a box cutter is a headache most corporate legal teams want to avoid.
Another myth: "You have to be 18 to work the register." Not true. 16-year-olds can handle cash and credit transactions all day long. The only thing you can't do at 16 is the "heavy lifting" stuff—operating a forklift (which they don't have anyway) or certain types of trash compactors.
How to Stand Out if You Are Exactly 16
If you are at the minimum age requirement for Five Below, you are competing with people who have more experience. You have to sell your personality.
- Be Flexible: Tell them you can work Friday nights and Saturday mornings. That's when they need people most.
- Look Sharp-ish: You don't need a suit. It's Five Below. Wear a clean polo or a nice sweater. Look like someone a parent would feel comfortable asking for help finding a phone charger.
- Show Initiative: Don't wait for them to call you. If you haven't heard back in a week, go into the store during a slow time (like Tuesday at 2:00 PM) and politely ask for the manager to check on your application status. It shows you actually want the job.
What Happens After You Get Hired?
Training is usually pretty quick. You'll do some "onboarding" which is basically watching videos about safety and how to not let people shoplift. Then, you're on the floor.
The "Go-Backs" will be your life. People pick up stuff in the toy section and drop it in the makeup section. You will spend a lot of time walking around and putting things back where they belong. It’s mindless but satisfying in a weird way.
Final Checklist for Applicants
Before you hit "submit" on that application, make sure you've got your ducks in a row.
- ID Check: Do you have a Social Security card and a photo ID? You’ll need them for the I-9 form.
- Schedule: Know exactly what hours you can work. Don't guess.
- References: Even if it’s just a teacher or a coach, have their phone numbers ready.
- Email: Use a professional email address. "SkaterBoy2009@gmail.com" doesn't scream "reliable employee."
The age requirement for Five Below is a gatekeeper, but once you're 16, it’s one of the more accessible retail jobs out there. It’s a solid way to build a resume, learn how to handle "Karens" with a smile, and finally have your own money for those $5 hoodies.
Next Steps for Your Job Search
- Check the Five Below Careers Portal: Visit the official site to see which local stores are currently hiring for "Sales Associate" roles.
- Verify State Permits: If you are under 18, Google "Work permit [Your State]" to see if you need to visit your school counselor for paperwork before your interview.
- Update Your Resume: Focus on soft skills like "punctuality," "teamwork," and "communication" if you don't have previous work experience.
- Visit the Store: Walk through your local Five Below to see how the current staff interacts and what the "vibe" is like so you can speak to it during your interview.