Once you have researched the laws in your state and obtained a work permit if necessary (for information on work permits in your state click here), you are now ready to look for a job. As you start thinking about where you would like to work, you realize that you will need to find a job somewhere that you can walk or ride your bike to. At least until you earn enough money to buy a car. There are several gas stations near your home and you wonder if gas stations will hire 16 year-olds.

The answer is yes, there are jobs at gas stations open to you at the age of 16.

This blog post will cover:

• Hiring at gas stations
• How to get hired at a gas station at age 16
• Other opportunities for 16 year olds to earn money

Hiring at Gas Stations

As with any employer, each gas station is going to have different requirements. At some gas stations, it is required to be 18 before being hired. This may be because employees will have to work in the store alone at times or for their entire shift, something that you cannot do at 16. As gas stations often sell alcohol, this may be another reason that gas stations seek to hire employees that are at least 18.

There are however, gas stations that are open to hiring you at the age of 16. These will often be larger locations that typically have at least two employees on each shift.

Remember that it is important to have an idea of the child labor laws and work permit requirements in the state where you live prior to beginning your job search. Click here for more information on child labor laws and work permit requirements in your state.

How to Get Hired at a Gas Station at 16

Getting hired at a gas station will require that you submit an application. This can typically be done online or the application can be brought to the store in person.

Since not all gas stations will be open to hiring employees who are 16 years-old, it is a good idea to find out what the policy is for the station or stations you are interested in applying to. You can do this by looking at their website, or calling the gas station. Should you call the gas station, go ahead and ask what their minimum age is for employment.

If a gas station be open to hiring those who are 16, submitting your application in person is preferable. It is likely that many applications are submitted for jobs at gas stations and by applying in person you will have the chance to make a good impression and get noticed. Make sure to dress well; nice pants and a button-down shirt for example.

If you are able to print an application from their website, go ahead and do so and complete it before going to the gas station. If not, you can request an application in person. Upon entering the store ask if you can speak to a manager. If a manager is not available, and you do not have an application, go ahead and request one. You can then ask the clerk the name of the manager and when they will be in so that you can return the completed application to them.

Even if you have completed your application, ask when the manager will be in. It is a good idea to come back and give the application to the manager so that you know that they receive it.

If a manager is available and comes to meet you, introduce yourself. You can then give them your application and let them know you are interested in being employed. Ask if there are any current openings. If there are none currently, you can follow up by asking when they are next anticipating an opening. The manager may ask you a few questions and say that they will keep you application on file.

Ask the manager when the best time is for you to follow up with them and make sure to get their name. While there may not be an immediate opening, you will have obtained valuable information by going to the store and meeting the manager. If there is an opening, the manager will have had the chance to meet you and see that you present and communicate well. This will help your application stand out from the others.

For more information on applying for a job in person, click here.

Other Opportunities for 16 Year Olds to Earn Money

Should you have difficulty obtaining a job at a gas station, there are plenty of other options available to you at the age of 16. Consider applying at grocery stores, retail establishments, restaurants, or movie theaters.

You can also consider online jobs, which offer you the opportunity to earn money on your own schedule while working in your home.

For example, you can create websites or blogs. Businesses or individuals will be willing to pay you to build these for them. Fortunately, there are pre-designed templates that you can use and build upon. Consider offering to create your first few websites for minimal cost or for free. You can then use the sites as samples of your work and your clients can offer you good references.

You can also design a website or blog for yourself, building it around an interest that you have. You can then learn how to drive traffic to your site; there are ways that you can earn money by doing so.

Online freelance writing is a flexible way to earn money. Look into freelance sites like Upwork.com and Fiverr.com. You will be able to build a profile and apply for short and long term writing jobs. Many of the jobs involve producing content for existing websites and blogs. Pay will vary by the client and it is a good idea to start with a low rate while you build your business.

If you speak another language fluently, you can earn money by translating documents or articles. Upwork.com offers translating opportunities. You can apply for the jobs that you are comfortable you can do well.

These are just a few of the jobs that you can do online. For more information and opportunities, click here.

If online jobs don’t interest you, consider a side job. This type of work will allow you to set your own hours while meeting the needs of your clients.

One option is to offer tutoring services. You can set your own schedule and tutor the topics you choose. This part-time, flexible work will be both challenging and rewarding. You can also offer homework help services for elementary school kids. Parents will appreciate having someone spend an hour with their kids one to two days a week to help with homework, particularly when there are multiple school-aged kids. Rates can start at $10 per hour and you can negotiate an increase as the child improves their grades.

You can also offer a service where you run errands using your bike or walking to stores. You can help with grocery shopping, going to the post office, doing the household’s holiday shopping, etc. If you provide excellent service your clients will refer you to their friends.

Pet sitting and dog walking are also great options if you enjoy being around animals. When people leave town it is a great help to have someone who can check on and feed your pets. Dog walking is also a huge help especially for those who work long days and are worried about their dogs getting exercise. You can charge a rate per visit or walk.

For more information on side jobs click here.

It is certainly possible to get a job at a gas station when you are 16 years-old. The number of opportunities that are available will depend upon which gas stations are near you. Keep in mind when searching for a job that it is important to keep trying. You might have to apply for quite a few jobs before one comes through, however persistence will pay off. Fortunately, even if you are unable to find a job at a gas station at the age of 16, there are plenty of other opportunities available for you to explore.

So, what do you think about whether 16 year olds can work at a gas station?  Do you agree with what was said above?  Comment below to let us know!