Quick Answer
Yes, 24 Hour Fitness hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.
With more than 400 clubs across the United States, the company offers accessible positions such as Front Desk Team Member ($13–$17/hour), Fitness Coach ($15–$22/hour), Personal Trainer ($17–$30/hour + commission), and Kids Club Attendant ($13–$16/hour).
Many employees with records have advanced to Club Manager roles earning around $45,000–$75,000 per year (approximately $22–$36/hour).
About 24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness operates more than 400 full-service gyms throughout the U.S., offering 24-hour access at many locations. Facilities typically include cardio and strength training equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, basketball courts, swimming pools, Kids Club childcare, and sports leagues.
Founded in 1983, the company employs about 18,000 people in roles across member services, fitness coaching, personal training, childcare, and management. For applicants with criminal records, 24 Hour Fitness provides case-by-case opportunities in customer service, sales, training, and club operations, with advancement potential through internal promotions.
24 Hour Fitness Hiring Policy for People with Felonies
24 Hour Fitness does not automatically reject applicants with criminal histories. Instead, hiring decisions are made individually at the club level, considering the nature of the conviction, time elapsed, and relevance to the position.
What 24 Hour Fitness Considers
Type and severity of conviction
Time since the offense (3–5+ years preferred)
Job duties and member interaction
Safety and trust considerations
Rehabilitation and work record
Most Accessible Roles
Front Desk Team Member, Fitness Coach, Personal Trainer (with certification), and Facilities Custodian.
Positions Facing More Scrutiny
Kids Club Attendant (due to working with children), and any role involving direct access to locker rooms or sensitive areas for applicants with violent or sexual convictions.
Available Jobs at 24 Hour Fitness for People with Records
Front Desk Team Member
($13–$17/hour)
Greets members, checks in guests, answers calls, processes payments, schedules appointments, and maintains a welcoming environment at the front desk.
Personal Trainer
($17–$30/hour + commission; total $30–$50/hour possible)
Creates personalized fitness programs, demonstrates proper technique, motivates clients, and builds a loyal training clientele through consistent results and sales performance.
Fitness Coach
($15–$22/hour)
Assists members on the gym floor, provides exercise guidance, ensures safety and equipment cleanliness, and helps members stay engaged in their fitness routines.
Kids Club Attendant
($13–$16/hour)
Supervises children while parents work out, leads fun activities, ensures safety, and maintains communication with parents in a friendly childcare environment.
Group Fitness Instructor
($25–$40/hour per class)
Leads engaging group fitness classes such as cycling, yoga, or boot camp, teaches form and motivation techniques, and maintains certifications for class types.
Club Manager
($45,000–$75,000/year or approximately $22–$36/hour)
Oversees daily club operations, manages staff, ensures member satisfaction, and drives financial performance. Often promoted from front desk or fitness roles within 5–8 years.
Background Check and Drug Testing
24 Hour Fitness conducts a standard background check covering up to seven years of criminal history, including county and state records, employment verification, and sex offender registry screening.
Timeline: Typically 5–7 business days.
Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing is required at most locations after a conditional job offer.
Disqualifying Factors:
Recent violent or sexual offenses
Crimes against children (Kids Club roles)
Active warrants or unverified employment history
Application Tips
Apply to 5–10 different 24 Hour Fitness clubs since each location’s manager has hiring discretion.
Focus on Front Desk or Fitness Coach roles as strong entry-level options.
Earn a personal training certification (NASM, ACE, ISSA) to open higher-paying career paths.
Show enthusiasm for fitness and helping others reach their goals.
Submit your application online and follow up in person at your local club.
Be honest about your background if asked; keep the explanation brief and professional.
Demonstrate consistent availability for early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Highlight customer service, sales, or athletic experience on your résumé.
Network with trainers and managers during your club visit.
Apply to multiple fitness chains to maximize your opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 24 Hour Fitness hire people with felonies?
Yes. The company hires individuals with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis depending on the role, nature of the offense, and rehabilitation progress.
What is the most accessible position?
The Front Desk Team Member role ($13–$17/hour) is the most accessible, followed by Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer with certification.
Can I work at 24 Hour Fitness with a violent conviction?
It’s difficult, especially for roles involving close member contact. Older cases (10+ years) may be reviewed individually.
How far back does 24 Hour Fitness background check go?
Typically seven years, though state laws and club policies may vary.
Does 24 Hour Fitness automatically reject felons?
No. The company conducts individual evaluations rather than blanket rejections.
Can I work while on probation or parole?
Yes. Many employees on probation or parole maintain employment successfully with manager approval.
Does 24 Hour Fitness drug test?
Yes, most clubs require a pre-employment drug test after a conditional offer.
Can felons become personal trainers?
Yes. With proper certification (NASM, ACE, ISSA), individuals with records can become personal trainers and build clientele at 24 Hour Fitness.
Is 24 Hour Fitness felon-friendly?
Yes. The company is generally felon-friendly in 2025 and hires case-by-case with emphasis on fitness passion and work ethic.
What benefits does 24 Hour Fitness offer?
Full-time employees may receive health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and a free gym membership.
Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies
Planet Fitness – 2,400+ clubs; entry-level front desk and custodian jobs available.
LA Fitness – 700+ clubs; similar structure and hiring approach.
Anytime Fitness – 5,000+ franchises; owner discretion allows flexible hiring.
Gold’s Gym – Focuses on training, customer service, and sales-based roles.
Crunch Fitness – Expanding chain with similar sales and training jobs.
YMCA – Nonprofit gyms often open to second-chance hiring.
Final Thoughts
24 Hour Fitness provides meaningful second-chance employment opportunities across 400+ U.S. gyms. Case-by-case hiring, steady growth paths, and performance-based pay make it a strong fit for motivated applicants rebuilding their lives.
Key Takeaways:
Case-by-case evaluation for all applicants
Front Desk and Fitness Coach positions most accessible
Personal Trainer certification increases income potential
Free gym membership and benefits for employees
Advancement to management possible within 5–8 years
Start here: Visit 24hourfitness.com/careers or stop by your local 24 Hour Fitness club to apply in person.
Does 24 Hour Fitness Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center
Industry:
Food & Hospitality
Pay:
$15.00 – $35.00/hour
Location:
Alaska
Recommended Companies
Companies under the same industry
Table of Contents