H-E-B, one of Texas’s largest and most beloved grocery chains, is known for its quality products and offering a range of opportunities for individuals to start their careers. Whether you’re a high school student seeking a part-time job or someone looking to build a long-term career in retail, H-E-B provides various roles to suit different needs and goals.
A common question among job seekers is, “How old do you have to be to work at H-E-B?” This guide details the age requirements, job roles, benefits, and tips on how to apply at H-E-B successfully.
What Does H-E-B Stand For?
H-E-B stands for “Howard E. Butt,” the name of the company’s founder. Established in 1905 in Kerrville, Texas, the chain started as a small family-owned store and has since grown into a retail powerhouse with over 340 stores across Texas and northern Mexico. Known for its commitment to excellence and community involvement, H-E-B has set itself apart as a leader in the grocery industry.
The company’s slogan, “Here Everything’s Better,” reflects its dedication to delivering high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and robust employee support.
Where is the Biggest H-E-B in the World?

The largest H-E-B store is located in San Antonio, Texas. This expansive location offers more than just groceries—it’s a hub for unique shopping and dining experiences. Customers can explore an impressive array of local and international products, a spacious food court featuring diverse cuisines, a cooking demonstration area, and specialty sections like premium wine and cheese selections.
This flagship store showcases H-E-B’s innovative spirit and serves as a landmark for food enthusiasts visiting the area.
Employment Age to Work at H-E-B
H-E-B complies with federal and state labor laws to provide a safe and enriching environment for its employees. The age requirements vary depending on the role:
- 16 Years Old: Entry-level positions like cashier, bagger, and parking lot attendant are available for individuals aged 16 or older. These roles are perfect for high school students seeking part-time work experience.
- 18 Years Old: Positions such as night stockers or food service representatives require candidates to be at least 18. These roles often involve operating machinery, preparing food, or handling responsibilities that demand greater maturity and skills.
Various Entry-Level Roles at H-E-B (With Age Requirements)
H-E-B offers a range of entry-level positions that are ideal for young individuals looking to start their careers. Each role has specific age requirements and responsibilities, providing valuable experience in the retail industry. Below are the details for some of the common positions available at H-E-B.
To work as a Cashier at H-E-B
To work as a cashier at H-E-B, you must be at least 16 years old. In this role, your responsibilities include operating cash registers, handling transactions, assisting customers, and managing the checkout process efficiently. The pay for this position is approximately $10.00 per hour. Working as a cashier helps you gain skills in customer service, cash handling, and problem-solving, providing a solid foundation for future career growth.
To work as a Bagger at H-E-B
Like the cashier position, baggers at H-E-B also need to be at least 16 years old. This role involves bagging groceries, maintaining cleanliness, and providing assistance to customers in the store. Baggers ensure that groceries are efficiently packed for customers, and they also retrieve carts from the parking lot. The pay for this position is around $10.00 per hour. Bagging groceries teaches teamwork, efficiency, and attention to detail—skills that are valuable in many career paths.

Parking Lot Attendant job at H-E-B
The parking lot attendant position at H-E-B is available to those who are at least 16 years old. Responsibilities include retrieving shopping carts, assisting customers in the parking lot, and keeping the area tidy. It’s a role that requires good time management and the ability to interact with customers positively. The pay for this position is also approximately $10.00 per hour. Working as a parking lot attendant helps develop customer interaction skills and teaches how to maintain a clean and organized environment.
To be a Food Service Representative at H-E-B
To work as a Food Service Representative at H-E-B, you must be at least 18 years old. This role involves preparing food items, maintaining cleanliness in the bakery or deli sections, and ensuring customer satisfaction. The pay for this position is around $10.00 per hour. In this role, you gain valuable skills such as food safety, multitasking, and customer service, all of which are crucial for a career in the food service industry.
Night Stocker
The position of Night Stocker at H-E-B requires employees to be at least 18 years old. Night Stockers are responsible for restocking shelves, organizing inventory, and performing physical labor such as lifting boxes. This role offers a pay starting at $12.00 per hour. Night Stockers develop skills in inventory management and organization, and they often learn how to work efficiently in a physically demanding environment.
Benefits and Opportunities if you are a Young Worker at H-E-B
Working at H-E-B is more than just a job—it’s a learning experience that equips young employees with life skills and professional growth opportunities.
- Skill Development: Gain expertise in customer service, teamwork, and time management.
- Flexible Scheduling: Ideal for students managing school and extracurricular activities.
- Employee Discounts: Save on groceries and other in-store purchases.
- Career Pathways: Training programs and internal promotions pave the way for career advancement.
- Community Engagement: Participate in charitable initiatives and company-sponsored events.

Employee Benefits at H-E-B
H-E-B offers comprehensive benefits for its workforce, including:
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Financial Support: 401(k) retirement plans and financial planning resources.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and holiday pay.
- Educational Assistance: Scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs for employees and their dependents.
Does H-E-B Offer Internships?
H-E-B provides comprehensive internship programs for students and recent graduates, covering various departments such as store management, logistics, and corporate operations. These internships offer valuable hands-on experience, giving participants exposure to real-world business environments and helping them build practical skills in their chosen fields.
Conclusion
Starting a career at H-E-B is not just about finding a job—it’s a chance to grow personally and professionally. With a wide range of roles available for different age groups, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to develop valuable skills, H-E-B is a great place to begin or advance your retail career. Whether you’re looking for a part-time position while studying or aiming for a long-term career, H-E-B provides the resources and support you need to succeed.

Daniel Calugar is an experienced investor with a background in business, law, and computer science. As a tech enthusiast, he became interested in computer science and pursued it before obtaining business and law degrees. Dan developed a passion for finance while working as a pension lawyer. He leveraged his technical skills to build computer programs that would analyze vast amounts of data and explore trading strategies to identify more worthwhile investments.
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