Career questions we hear the most

Thinking about starting a career at Publix, but unsure where to begin? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to guide you on your journey and help you take the first steps toward joining our team.
- For retail positions, visit apply.publix.jobs.
- For pharmacist, corporate, distribution and manufacturing positions, visit jobs.publix.com
We’re publishing more than 260,000 associates now.
Yes, you can apply to multiple positions and up to three stores at the same time.
We hire for select positions in our stores starting at 14 years old.
After you submit your application to Publix, it will be reviewed by the hiring team. If your qualifications match their needs, you may be contacted for an interview. If selected after the interview, you’ll go through a background check and onboarding process before starting your job.
For retail positions the Publix hiring process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the position and location. After applying, you may be contacted for an interview within a week or two, and if selected, the background check and onboarding typically take a few more days.
For other positions (such as corporate or distribution center roles) may have a longer and more detailed hiring process, which can include multiple interviews and additional assessments. For corporate roles, the process may take several weeks or even longer, depending on the position and department.
If you are chosen for an interview, you will be contacted. However, only applicants whose qualifications and availability best match the store’s needs are typically contacted.
During the interview, you can expect questions about your work experience, availability, skills, and why you want to work at Publix. For tips to help stand out in an interview, check out this blog.
For store roles, hours can vary by day based on the workload..
- Full-Time Associates: Usually work 40 to 45 hours per week.
- Part-Time Associates: Typically work 10–30 hours per week. Shifts are often shorter and more flexible and may still include weekends and holidays.
- Department-Specific Hours: Departments (like bakery, deli, or distribution roles) may require early morning or late evening shifts to prepare for store opening or closing.
Yes, we offer full-time and part-time positions.
At Publix we offer a wide variety of benefits for eligible associates, a few of which are:
- Short-term disability insurance
- Employee stock ownership at no cost to associates
- Opportunity to purchase additional shares of our privately held stock
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Annual holiday cash bonus
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with a matching contribution
- Group health, vision and dental plans
- Paid parental leave
- Short-term disability insurance
Publix offers a variety of opportunities for advancement to its associates. Many management and leadership positions are filled by promoting from within the company. Here are some common advancement opportunities at Publix:
- Department Management: Associates can move up to become department managers (such as Bakery Manager, Deli Manager, Produce Manager, etc.).
- Store Management: From department management, associates can advance to Assistant Store Manager and then to Store Manager positions.
- Corporate and Support Roles: Publix also offers opportunities to move into corporate, distribution, manufacturing, and support roles in areas like human resources, information technology, and marketing.
- Training and Development: Publix provides training programs and resources to help associates develop the skills needed for advancement.
- Internal Promotions: Publix is known for promoting from within, so dedicated associates who perform well and show leadership potential often have opportunities to move up.
If you are interested in advancing at Publix, it’s a good idea to speak with your manager about your career goals and ask about available training or development programs.
Yes, we believe in supporting our associates in their personal and professional development. You can read about our tuition reimbursement here.
The work environment at Publix is often described as friendly, supportive, and team-oriented. Publix emphasizes a sense of community and belonging, frequently referring to its associates as the “Publix family.” This family-like atmosphere is a core part of the company’s culture.
At Publix, associates are recognized for their contributions in several meaningful ways, reflecting the company’s commitment to valuing and appreciating its associates. Here are some of the main ways Publix recognizes its associates:
- Verbal and Written Praise
- Awards and Recognition Programs
- Service Anniversaries
- Holiday Bonuses
While our offer types and timing are not guaranteed, and certain offers are limited to specific locations, we always look for ways to provide valuable offers that help you save.
Yes, to submit a transfer request, you need to fill out a request form or apply for an open position at the desired location through the Publix internal job portal.
Go to the Publix Careers website. -> Log in to your account using the credentials you used to apply -> Navigate to the “My Applications” or “Application Status” section to view updates on your application.
For more information about hiring at Publix you can reach out to our recruiters directly.
For a full list of our official FAQs, check out our FAQ page.
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