Sure, Dollar Tree might sell some of the cheapest items, and not all their products are top-notch quality. But that doesn’t mean they slack when it comes to hiring. If you want to work in this discount variety store, there are many requirements to fulfill, starting with the age limit!
So, how old do you have to work at Dollar Tree? Let’s find out.
In this article:
How Old To Work At Dollar Tree
From my research, Dollar Tree usually looks for applicants who are 18 or older with a GED or high school diploma.
Nevertheless, the number varies depending on each region. Some places might hire 16-year-olds (after confirming they’ve got work permits), and others even take on 14-year-olds! So, make sure you check out the state’s labor laws for work permit regulations and minimum legal working age.
The type of job you choose also matters here. For instance, if you’re under 18, a warehouse or managerial position is out of the question. Instead, you can only work as a cashier or sales floor associate.
How Much Does Dollar Tree Pay?
According to Zip Recruiter, the average pay for a job at Dollar Tree is about $20.58 per hour as of 27th February, 2024.
Most people land between $17.31 and $22.6 across the U.S. The pay range can swing up to a $5.29 difference, indicating opportunities to climb the ladder toward better-paying roles. This career path is based on where you work, your current skillset, and how much experience you’ve got under your belt.
My team has also scoped out ten cities where Dollar Tree workers earn more than the U.S. average. San Jose easily tops the chart, followed by Oakland and Hayward:
| City | Hourly Wage | Weekly Pay | Monthly Pay | Annual Salary |
| San Jose, CA | $26.38 | $1,055 | $4,573 | $54,880 |
| Oakland, CA | $25.80 | $1,032 | $4,472 | $53,672 |
| Hayward, CA | $25.76 | $1,030 | $4,465 | $53,581 |
| Ashland, CA | $25.76 | $1,030 | $4,464 | $53,575 |
| Antioch, CA | $25.74 | $1,029 | $4,462 | $53,544 |
| Seattle, WA | $25.62 | $1,024 | $4,440 | $53,286 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $24.92 | $996 | $4,319 | $51,838 |
| Seaside, CA | $24.88 | $995 | $4,311 | $51,742 |
| San Buenaventura, CA | $24.71 | $988 | $4,283 | $51,397 |
| Concord, CA | $24.65 | $986 | $4,273 | $51,281 |
I’ve also found 5 jobs that rake in more cash each year than the average Dollar Tree paycheck of $42,814 per year. They can generate from $42,543 (a 99.4% increase) to $90,248 (about 210.8% higher):
| Job Title | Hourly Wage | Weekly Pay | Monthly Pay | Annual Salary |
| General Corporate | $63.97 | $2,558 | $11,088 | $133,062 |
| Big Dollar | $56.94 | $2,277 | $9,870 | $118,445 |
| Value Dollar | $55.77 | $2,230 | $9,666 | $116,000 |
| General Employment | $46.26 | $1,850 | $8,019 | $96,229 |
| Corporate Office | $41.04 | $1,641 | $7,113 | $85,357 |
Employee Benefits At Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree introduces you to all standard services like prescription/health plans, dental, and vision coverage. You also receive great extras like paid time off, discounts, DailyPay, travel assistance, etc.
Check out my full list below:
1. For Health Care
- Prescription and medical plans keep you covered on everyday meds and treatments.
- Vision and dental plans – plus some extra perks outside the usual coverage.
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts help you manage your expenses and save money.
- Need to see a doctor but don’t want to leave the house? No worries; a virtual medical visit will address all your non-emergency issues.
- Wellness programs offer tips on tobacco cessation, healthy eating, managing chronic conditions, and reaching personal goals.
- Life insurance (100% paid) with options for extra coverage for your kids and spouses; there is even a will preparation service to sort out your affairs.
- Long- and short-term disability plans
2. For Financial Support
Dollar Tree offers a 401(k) deal that matches your contribution dollar for dollar (up to 5%). Plus, with their Employee Stock Purchasing Plan, you can buy Dollar Tree’s stocks at discounted prices through automated payroll deductions.
Some Drawbacks When Working At Dollar Tree
1. Overworking
It’s quite common for people working at Dollar Tree stores to get swamped with work and put in extremely long hours.
That’s because most Dollar stores tend to keep their staff numbers low to save on costs, meaning there are often not enough hands on deck to keep shelves stocked and customers happy. As a result, most employees must do much more than they signed up for.
No matter how hard you try, running a tight ship without enough help is never easy! So, if you like having some fun at work, constantly rushing around a Dollar Tree store from the beginning to the end of a shift might not sound great to you.
2. A Manager Is Not Always A Manager
When there are not enough employees to get things done, who ends up picking up the slack? You guessed it right – the managers.
While they might have a fancy job title (and maybe a bit more cash in their pocket), these managers aren’t just sitting behind desks! They often find themselves doing much more than just managing; some even tell me they sometimes feel like manual laborers.
How To Apply For A Job At Dollar Tree
1. Requirements
Age: Usually at least 18
Availability: Can work flexibly during days, nights, holidays, and weekends
Physical Requirement:
- Can lift 40 to 55 lbs regularly from the floor to above the shoulders
- Meet demands for frequent standing, walking, kneeling, pulling, stooping, pushing, climbing, repetitive lifting (even without accommodation)
Relevant Skills:
- Basic math skills (for cashier duties)
- Communication skills (for communications with customers)
2. Application
First, head over here to check out the job listings. After finding a job that suits your skills and experience, follow these steps at the Dollar Tree Career Center:
Step 1.
Create an online username and password using your email. Make sure this email is active because you’ll need it to apply.
What if you’re a returning user? Then it’s easy: just log in with your existing credentials.
Step 2.
Time to upload your resume!
I suggest attaching your resume in PDF format. But if that’s not an option for you, no worries; there’s an online resume builder on Dollar’s website where you can manually type in your work history. Then, press “Apply to the job” to link up your work profile and answer any extra questions shown on the screen.
Tip:
- For those eyeing an assistant manager position, consider contacting the store managers for more help.
- Make sure to specify your preferred schedule because these hourly jobs at Dollar Tree usually offer lots of flexibility (but only after you have requested it upfront).
Step 3.
Once your application is submitted, it’s time for the review process.
Expect a call or email from the distribution center or local store you applied for; they’ll want to discuss more about your application and move things along in the selection process.
Available Dollar Tree Jobs For Teens
1. Warehouse Associate
Average Pay: $18.01 an hour
Responsibilities:
- Inventory maintenance (shipping, receiving, storing, processing)
- Inspecting inventory for damages or defects
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Good physique
- Keen eyes for details
- Can operate forklift & other equipment
2. Sales Associate
Average Pay: $9.79 an hour
Responsibilities:
- Customer communication
- Promoting essential products
- Stocking shelves
- (Optional) Janitorial tasks
- (Optional) Operating the store’s cash register.
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 16
- Understanding Dollar Tree products
- Basic math
- Strong communication
(Best for: Students and undergraduates, due to flexible and part-time shifts)
3. Assistant Manager
Average Pay: $10.85 an hour
Responsibilities:
- Overseeing store operations (including cash register operations, inventory, and customer service)
- Opening & closing the store
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- Substantial retail experience (preferably as a Dollar Tree employee)
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
4. Cashier
Average Pay: $8.74 an hour.
Responsibilities:
- Operating the store’s POS system
- Handling exchanges and returns
- Processing payments
- Assisting customers
- Stocking products
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- Strong math skills & communication skills
- Honesty and integrity (to work with the store’s cash register)
Conclusion
You will have a better shot with Dollar Tree if you are 18, though some places might still take younger applicants; just do a quick check with their managers or look up the child labor laws to be sure! Also, keep all the drawbacks we discussed earlier in mind before you start sending your applications.
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