Last Updated: April 4, 2026
Five Below Application (2026) – Jobs, Pay & How to Apply Online
Quick Answer: Five Below accepts applications online at careers.fivebelow.com through their Workday portal. Entry-level sales associate positions pay $11–$14 per hour. The application takes about 15 minutes, and most applicants hear back within 1–2 days. Five Below operates 1,900+ stores in 46 states and hires year-round with peak seasonal hiring in fall.
By the Numbers
| Metric | Data | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Stores | 1,921 (expanding to 2,070+) | Five Below Investor Relations | Jan 2026 |
| Total Employees | 23,200 | MacroTrends | 2025 |
| States Operating | 46 states | Five Below Official | 2026 |
| Entry-Level Hourly Pay | $11–$14/hr | Glassdoor, Indeed | 2025–2026 |
| Minimum Age Required | 16+ | Indeed, Five Below Careers | 2026 |
| Glassdoor Rating | 3.2/5.0 | Glassdoor (2,728+ reviews) | 2025–2026 |
| Employee Discount | 20% | Glassdoor Benefits | 2025–2026 |
| Founded | 2002 (Philadelphia, PA) | Five Below Official | — |
How to Apply at Five Below
Apply online in about 15 minutes: Visit careers.fivebelow.com, search for open positions near you, create an account on their Workday portal, complete your application, and submit. After applying online, visit your local store to introduce yourself — it can speed up the process.
Step 1: Visit the Five Below Careers Portal
Go to careers.fivebelow.com. The site runs on Workday, a standard applicant tracking system used by many major retailers. You can also find Five Below listings on Indeed and LinkedIn.
Step 2: Search for Open Positions
Filter by location (city, state, or zip code), job category (store, distribution center, or corporate), and position type. Popular entry-level roles include Sales Associate, Cashier, Stock Associate, and Key Holder.
Step 3: Create Your Account
Click “Apply” on your chosen position and create a Workday account with your email address and a password. If you’ve applied to any Workday-based company before, you may be able to log in with your existing credentials.
Step 4: Complete Your Application
Fill in your personal information, work availability, employment history, and education. Answer screening questions about your experience with customer service and physical requirements (standing, lifting). A resume is optional for store-level positions but recommended.
Step 5: Submit and Visit Your Local Store
After submitting online, Five Below sends your application to the store you selected. The store typically receives and reviews it within about a week. To stand out, visit the store in person during a quiet time and ask to speak with the manager about your application.
What to Expect After Applying
- 1–2 days: Many applicants report hearing back quickly — often a phone call or email
- 1 week: If you haven’t heard back, your application has been forwarded to the store — follow up in person
- Interview: Quick and easy, conducted in-store by the store manager
- Total timeline: 1–3 weeks from application to first day of work
Five Below Job Positions & Pay Rates
Entry-level pay: Five Below pays $11–$14 per hour for sales associates and cashiers. The national average for a Five Below Sales Associate is $11.91/hr. Pay varies by state — California and other high-cost states pay at the higher end. Five Below also offers a 20% store discount to all employees.
| Position | Pay Range | Type | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate | $11–$14/hr | PT/FT | Apply Now |
| Cashier | $11–$14/hr | PT/FT | Apply Now |
| Stock Associate | $11–$14/hr | PT/FT | Apply Now |
| Key Holder / Shift Lead | $13–$16/hr | FT | Apply Now |
| Assistant Manager | $16–$20/hr | FT | Apply Now |
| Store Manager | $45K–$60K/year | FT | Apply Now |
Pay Factors at Five Below
- State minimum wage: Five Below meets or exceeds the local minimum wage. States like California, New York, and Washington pay $15+/hr for entry-level roles.
- Experience: Previous retail experience may qualify you for a higher starting rate or Key Holder consideration.
- Store volume: High-traffic locations (malls, busy shopping centers) may pay slightly more than lower-volume stores.
- Seasonal premium: Holiday seasonal hires sometimes receive a small premium during peak periods.
Five Below Application Requirements
Minimum requirements: You must be at least 16 years old to work at Five Below. No prior retail experience is required for Sales Associate or Cashier roles. Flexible availability including weekends is strongly preferred, especially during peak shopping periods.
Age Requirements
- 16 years old: Sales Associate, Cashier, Stock Associate — all entry-level store positions
- 16–17 year olds: Classified as minors; must provide a state-required work permit or working papers
- 18+ preferred: Key Holder, Assistant Manager, and management positions
What You Need to Apply
- Valid email address (required for the Workday portal)
- Your availability — weekends and evenings are Five Below’s busiest times
- Work permit if under 18 (state-specific requirements)
- Ability to stand for full shifts and lift up to 25 lbs for stocking duties
- Previous work experience is a plus but not required for entry-level roles
What Five Below Looks For
- High energy: Five Below’s store culture is upbeat and fast-paced — they want team members who match that vibe
- Customer engagement: Ability to interact with customers, answer questions, and maintain a positive shopping experience
- Speed and efficiency: Quickly restocking shelves, processing transactions, and maintaining store presentation
- Loss prevention awareness: Understanding of shrink prevention and store security basics
Five Below Interview Process
What to expect: Five Below interviews are quick and straightforward — most candidates describe them as easy. Interviews can be individual or group format, conducted in-store by the store manager. Expect questions about customer service, handling busy situations, and your availability. The whole process typically takes 15–20 minutes.
Common Five Below Interview Questions
- “How do you know Five Below?” — Show familiarity with the store and its products
- “Tell me about an experience working under pressure” — Use a specific example
- “Do you like working with people or customers?” — Emphasize your people skills
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” — Be honest and self-aware
- “How do you handle crowds and being rushed?” — Demonstrate composure under pressure
- “What is your availability?” — Be flexible, especially for weekends
Interview Tips
- Visit the store first: Walk through before your interview to familiarize yourself with the layout and product sections
- Show energy: Five Below values enthusiasm — match the store’s upbeat culture in your interview
- Mention flexibility: Weekend and evening availability is a major hiring factor
- Dress appropriately: Neat casual clothing — clean jeans and a polo are fine
Five Below Employee Benefits
Key perks: All Five Below employees receive a 20% store discount. Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k), and an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP). The company also offers a 10% childcare discount through a Learning Care Group partnership.
All Employees
- 20% store discount on all Five Below merchandise
- Flexible scheduling — accommodates school, second jobs, or family needs
- Paid training — learn register systems, stocking procedures, and customer service on the clock
- Performance bonuses — available based on store and individual performance
Full-Time Employees
- Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plans (HDHP and EPO options available)
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) — buy Five Below stock at a discount
- 10% childcare discount (ages 0–12) through Learning Care Group partnership
- Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and holidays
Five Below Career Development
Five Below is in rapid expansion mode — the company added 150+ new stores in fiscal 2025 and plans another 150 in fiscal 2026. This growth creates a steady pipeline of management positions that promote from within.
Typical Career Path
- Sales Associate ($11–$14/hr) → 3–6 months: Learn all store operations including register, stocking, and customer service
- Key Holder ($13–$16/hr) → 6–12 months: Opening/closing responsibilities, cash handling, team supervision
- Assistant Manager ($16–$20/hr) → 1–2 years: Assist with hiring, scheduling, inventory management, and sales targets
- Store Manager ($45K–$60K/year) → 2–3 years: Full P&L responsibility for a single store location
- District Manager ($70K–$90K/year) → 3–5 years: Oversee 8–12 stores in a geographic region
Why Five Below for Career Growth
- 150 new stores per year means new management roles are constantly opening
- Promote-from-within culture: Many district managers started as part-time sales associates
- ESPP access: The stock purchase program lets employees invest in the company’s growth
- Transferable skills: Retail management, inventory systems, and P&L experience are valued across the industry
Five Below vs. Competitors
How Five Below compares: Five Below pays similarly to Dollar Tree and Dollar General but offers a higher Glassdoor rating (3.2 vs. 2.7–2.9), better benefits including ESPP, and a more energetic store culture. Hot Topic scores slightly higher (3.4) but has fewer locations and slower growth. Five Below’s rapid expansion creates more advancement opportunities than its discount retail competitors.
| Factor | Five Below | Dollar Tree | Dollar General | Hot Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Pay | $11–$14/hr | $10–$13/hr | $10–$13/hr | $12–$14/hr |
| Employee Discount | 20% | Standard | Standard | 30–40% |
| U.S. Stores | 1,921 | 16,000+ | 19,000+ | 700+ |
| Glassdoor Rating | 3.2/5.0 | 2.9/5.0 | 2.7/5.0 | 3.4/5.0 |
| 401(k) | Yes + ESPP | Yes | Yes (100% match to 5%) | Limited |
| Health Insurance | Yes (FT) | Yes (limited) | Yes | Yes (after 30 days) |
| Would Recommend | 40% | ~35% | 30% | 59% |
| Growth/New Stores | 150/year | Moderate | Moderate | Slow |
Why choose Five Below? If you want a fun, fast-paced retail environment with a clear path to management and a company that’s still growing rapidly, Five Below is a solid choice. The 20% employee discount, ESPP, and 401(k) are better than what most discount retailers offer. For the highest employee satisfaction in this category, Hot Topic leads — but Five Below has 3x more locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to work at Five Below?
You must be at least 16 years old to work at Five Below. If you’re 16 or 17, you’ll be classified as a minor and need to provide a state-required work permit or working papers. Management and Key Holder positions generally prefer applicants who are 18 or older.
How much does Five Below pay per hour?
Five Below pays $11–$14 per hour for entry-level sales associate and cashier positions. The national average is $11.91/hr, though this varies significantly by state. California and other high-cost areas pay at the top of the range. Key Holders earn $13–$16/hr and Assistant Managers earn $16–$20/hr.
Does Five Below offer an employee discount?
Yes, all Five Below employees receive a 20% discount on store merchandise. This applies to everything in the store. Full-time employees also get access to health insurance, 401(k), an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), and a 10% childcare discount through a partnership with Learning Care Group.
How long does it take to get hired at Five Below?
Most Five Below applicants hear back within 1–2 days of submitting their application. The store receives your application within about a week. The total timeline from application to first day of work is typically 1–3 weeks, though this can vary by location and hiring urgency.
What is the Five Below interview like?
Five Below interviews are quick and easy. They can be individual or group format, conducted by the store manager or district manager. Expect questions about customer service skills, how you handle busy environments, your availability, and your strengths and weaknesses. The interview typically lasts 15–20 minutes.
Does Five Below hire for seasonal positions?
Yes, Five Below hires heavily for seasonal positions during back-to-school (August–September) and the holiday season (October–December). These are often part-time roles with the possibility of transitioning to a regular position if you perform well. Seasonal hiring typically begins 4–6 weeks before peak periods.
Current Five Below Openings Near You
Browse available positions or visit careers.fivebelow.com to search by location. Five Below operates 1,921 stores in 46 states with 150 new stores planned for 2026. Peak hiring occurs during back-to-school and holiday seasons, but stores hire year-round.
| Position | Department | Pay (Estimated) | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate | Store Operations | $11–$14/hr | Apply Now |
| Cashier | Front End | $11–$14/hr | Apply Now |
| Stock Associate | Back of House | $11–$14/hr | Apply Now |
| Key Holder | Management | $13–$16/hr | Apply Now |
About This Guide: Researched and written by the Online Job Applications editorial team and last updated April 2026. Information is based on Five Below Investor Relations data, Glassdoor employee reports (2,728+ reviews), Indeed salary data, and PayScale compensation reports. Pay rates and benefits may vary by location, state, and employment classification. Verify current details directly with Five Below during the application process.