Department store chain JCPenney operates more than 1,000 locations in 49 states. The retailer is commonly found in shopping malls and sells clothing, appliances, and other housewares.
Facts About Working at JCPenney
Hiring Age: 16 years old (How old do you have to be to work at JCPenney?)
Available Positions: Customer service, home department sales, loss prevention associate, retail associate, sales associate, salon stylist, stock associate
Printable Application: No. Search Job Openings or visit official site.
JCPenney Employee Interview Videos
Listen to former employees discuss working at JCPenney:
JCPenney Employment Opportunities
Available Opportunities
Each store needs to hire on new workers to help customers, stock shelves, and manage employees. Some locations also include coffee shops, salons, and optical services. Store departments include clothing, appliances, electronics, and other household items.
Product Knowledge and Personalities
Some broad knowledge of each product line is required. Experience working with others is also ideal. JCPenney regularly looks to hire applicants who enjoy working with the public, are upbeat, and willing to help others.
Getting Started
Most associates start out as entry-level sales staff. Upon hire, JCPenney associates typically work varied hours. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays. The chain hires seasonally, as well.
JCPenney Positions and Salary Information
Job hopefuls enjoy ongoing opportunities to find work at JCPenney. Stores hire both entry-level workers and career professionals. Workers 16 and over can apply for the following positions:
Sales Associate
- Also known as product experts, sales associates help customers, explain products and services, and restock displays.
- Applicants should be keen problem solvers and work well with others.
- JCPenney offers the position in both part-time or full-time availabilities and the position pays minimum wage at start.
- Senior employees make as much as $12.00 or $13.00 an hour.
- Read the JCPenney sales associate job description for even more information.
Stock Associate
- The entry-level job pays an average hourly wage of $9.00.
- Applicants must solve problems creatively and critically.
- Duties include arranging shelves and displays and organizing back storage rooms.
- JCPenney regularly looks for candidates who are self-starters with unique outlooks.
Loss Prevention Associate
- Employees safeguard products and stop theft.
- Paperwork is sometimes a regular part of the job.
- Employment requires a level head, critical thinking skills, and an active lifestyle.
- Workers take charge of stressful situations.
- The hourly position pays nearly $12.00.
- Most JCPenney loss prevention associates work full-time.
Tips For Applying
Having an open schedule benefits applicants in most cases. Workers are usually put in night and weekend roles, with holiday shifts required during certain times of the year. Employment hunters should review their availability before starting the hiring process to ensure a good fit.
Application Status
New online applicants must register with the JCPenney careers network. The process requires a valid email and a random password. Candidates can check back on applications using their personal profiles. Other methods of following up include calling or visiting specific stores. Make sure to place calls or make visits during slower business hours.
Benefits of Working at JCPenney
The department store chain offers 401(k) retirement plans with up to 6% company match. Associates are also eligible for the following:
- Stock purchase plans
- Health coverage
- Disability
- Employee assistance programs
- Paid time off
- Sick days
- Product discounts.
Motivated candidates can enter into apprenticeship programs, diversity programs, and ongoing training.
More Details on JCPenney
Many JCPenney stores operate full salons. Each location offers careers as professional stylists and managers. Jobs include work in hair, nails, and makeup. Candidates must be licensed and enjoy working with the general public. Salary options range from $7.00 an hour for entry-level salon employees up to $60,000 a year or more for salon managers.
Naomi says:
Evelyn, if you click on the link next to the JCPenney logo that says “Jc Penney Job Online Application Form”, that will direct you to a list of jobs currently available there. You can filter it out so that you can find one close to where you live, then you click on the position you want and you can apply to it right from there.
Peggy Younessi says:
JC Penney is a good place to work, I get good hours, decent pay, and if I work here a little longer I’ll get benefits. I love buying our clothes when they’re on sale, I have so many name brands in my closet now. They have good entry-level positions if you don’t have much experience in retail.
jesse says:
I’m a current worker at jcpenny and the age to work there is 16. I applied online and it took two months for them to call me. They usually do group interviews so that means you have to stand out. I got the job because I had 4 years experience being a stocker. I started at 8.60 hour. If you are a good worker, then they will give you more hours. If you are slow, then you will be probaly working one day a week. I manage to work least 45 hours every two weeks. Sometimes even more. Hope this helped.
robert l williams,jr. says:
I worked from 1985-1990 as sales associate in men’s dept and the stockroom.
Linda Kirsch says:
I worked as sales associate at JCPenneys in Coddingtown. Although retail is not my most recent experience, it is a field I prefer to work in. I very much enjoyed working at JCPenneys.
Debra byers says:
I worked in the replenishment department. My job consisted of straightening the store, cleaning out the fitting rooms, helping build shelving, and helping customers. It was a very nice atmosphere!!! I loved my job.
Jonathan Byrd says:
I worked for JC Penney in the stockroom and on the sales floor. I also did package pick-up, rolled the racks out to wherever they needed them, folded clothes on the tables whenever the customer finished shopping, unloaded the trucks onto the floor to the right departments, sizing clothes, and making sure everything was where it was supposed to be, assemble furniture if needed. I enjoyed working at JC Penney, it is a good company to work for due to being customer friendly.
Nilvania malagon says:
I worked for JcPenney for 9 years. I started at the winter Park store, then we opened the Fashion Square Store. I was a Master stylist. Great Company to work for. It was a great experience and great benefits. I was an all star for 9 years, also I became associate of the month once. I really enjoyed working for JC Penney
Talitha Davis says:
Can I start working now I’m 17 I’m a Junior in high school
Mary Bardwell says:
Worked for Penny’s in Albany, New York 12 years ago for about 3 years, part time.
Worked at registers and layaway department. Started for seasonal help and was asked to stay.
Enjoyed all my time at Penny’s. Left when I moved to Florida.
Currently living in Massachusetts near New Hampshire border.
Eloise B Telesco says:
I worked for JC Penny from November 2010 to June 2016. I loved my customers. I received more than 200 positive surveys in my time with JCP. I am certified in diamonds worked as a cashier, cash room customer service. I miss working for JC Penny.