A job at a one-stop shop represents different things to different people. For some, it is a stepping stone, a job that signals entry into the daunting job market. For others, it is a career path, with the prospect of rising through the ranks to the role of Captain. However, chances are, if you are looking to find out trader joe’s hiring age, you are for the former as many young people see grocery store jobs as no-brainer entry jobs. This article will seek to answer all the questions that may arise in your consideration of Trader Joe’s as your potential employer.
Trader Joe’s minimum hiring age is 16. The age is set with the mindset that many high school students looking for summer jobs typically take on jobs at grocery stores, marts, supermarkets, etc. to make a quick buck.
Let’s get into the reasons why a role with Trader Joe’s is worth your consideration.
Life At Trader Joe’s
The first step to consider when on a job hunt is whether or not a prospective work environment and culture is a fit for you. To do this, what is necessary is research, research, and more research. This first stage of this research, for many people, tends to be taking a look at the benefits attached to the employment, feedback from past and current employees, and a lot of Google searches.
To get a job at Trader Joe’s, one needs to be friendly, approachable, and be a seamless communicator. Trader Joe’s boasts of a customer service-oriented work culture that shows across all the levels of the company approach.
The benefits of working at an average grocery store may not be all that in many cases, but Trader Joe’s offers some attractive perks that may be right up your alley as a job seeker. Trader Joe’s employees are entitled to the following:
- A health/ medical insurance coverage that commences after the first 90 days (3 months) of work.
- A Forbes article written a few years ago reported on the friendly and lively Trader Joe work culture. This sort of feedback is good to have at the back of your mind as you consider your employment options.
- Trader Joe’s employees, past and present boast of a very well-stocked break room. A break room so well stocked that one employee described it as one that “will make you think twice about packing a lunch”.
- Job Growth. Trader Joe’s typically promotes employees from within. As a reward for loyalty, Trader Joe’s like many other successful business enterprises recognizes the importance of rewarding current long-serving employees. Should an employee decide to stay on and remain loyal to Trader Joe’s, said employee is sure to rise within the ranks in only a few years, should she/he demonstrate proper work ethic.
- All Trader Joe’s employees are eligible for a discount on items sold at the store. This discount may be as high as 20%.
- Trader Joe’s offers a competitive pay range. Trader Joe’s employees receive competitive pay with the possibility of a 7% annual increase.
- Trader Joe’s employees are entitled to paid-time-off. Trader Joe’s employees are entitled to paid time off that increases as employee tenure increases.
- Trader Joe’s employees are offered the option of contributing to a 401k retirement plan.
- Trader Joe’s offers the possibility of transfers and/or relocation to its employees. For all those with nomadic lifestyles or dreams of living in numerous locations, a job at Trader Joe’s may help fund that. Both financially and logistically.
- In addition to encouraging job growth and stability, Trader Joe’s offers leadership training programs to its eligible employees.
Trader Joe’s Jobs
Trader Joe’s has interesting job titles – Crew, Merchants, Mates, Captain, and Office Crew.
- Crew – The role of a crew member at Trader Joe’s is a multi-faceted one, with simultaneous moving parts. The duties of a Trader Joe’s crew member include stocking shelf displays, managing the register, maintaining the cleanliness of the store, interacting with customers, etc.
How Much Do Trader Joe’s Crew Members Earn?
According to Glassdoor, the average hourly earnings of a Trader Joe’s Crew member is $16. The pat ranges from $10 – $27 per hour.
- Merchant – The role of a Merchant at Trader Joe’s is similar to that of a crew member. Merchants are promoted exclusively from crew members, they are elected for this role by their peers. Merchants typically have more input towards customer experience management than crew members.
How Much Do Trader Joe’s Merchants Earn?
According to Glassdoor, the average hourly earnings of a Trader Joe’s Merchant is $28. The pay range is from $20 – $42 per hour.
- Mate – Trader Joe’s mates’ role is similar to that of an assistant store manager at other retail stores. They can be promoted from crew members, they are also listed on the Trader Joe’s job boards. The most common listings on the Trader Joe’s Job Board are that of crew members and mates.
How Much Do Trader Joe’s Mates Earn?
According to Glassdoor, the average hourly earnings of a Trader Joe’s Mate is $28. The pay ranges from $14 – $50 per hour.
- Captain – Per Trader Joe’s policy, Captains are always promoted from within. Captains are Trader Joe’s equivalent of retail store managers. They are the leaders of the stores under their purview. The Captains enlist the assistance of the mates to direct the ship- the crew. The Captains typically carry out their responsibilities from the store floor. Captains do not have back offices- an all-hands-on-deck company policy, it seems.
How Much Do Trader Joe’s Captains Earn?
According to Glassdoor, the average hourly earnings of a Trader Joe’s Captain is $56. The pay ranges from $48 – $67 per hour.
How To Apply
- Apply On the Trader Joe’s Website. You can apply directly through the Job Listings on the Official Trader Joe’s Website. Search through the job listings, select your desired role, follow the prompts. You can check on the available job listings from the official Trader Joe’s job board here.
- Employee Recommendations. You may have friends or friends of a friend or family members that are in the employment of Trader Joe’s. Employee recommendations are always a good way to get a job. However, this is dependent on the level of respect the manager has for the recommender, and in many cases, your performance may affect how the manager views the recommender. Be sure to be on your best behavior.
- Walk-In Application. These are still a thing. While some hiring managers may appreciate the retro approach, some may not for the sake of setting a wrong precedent. As the saying goes nut-up or shut-up, in this case, walk-up or remains unemployed.
This writer recommends applying through the Trader Joe’s website. It is the best way to prevent job scams and the safest way to know that your application is being viewed by the right people.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Long Does It Take Trader Joe’s To Review My Application?
Current employees answered this question. The typical timeline from the point of application till the first day on the job is 2 weeks. It may be shorter depending on the urgency to fill the position. - Why Work At Trader Joe’s?
It is a diverse workplace, with a lot of opportunities for growth and good remuneration. - Does Trader Joe’s Hire Teens?
Yes. However, you must have attained the age of 16 to be considered for a role at Trader Joe’s.
