Quick Answer

Yes, Amazon hires people with felony convictions for warehouse positions on a case-by-case basis. With over 175 fulfillment centers, 150 sortation centers, and hundreds of delivery stations across the United States, Amazon offers warehouse jobs starting at $17–$22/ hour (higher in many markets with shift differentials).

The company provides sign-on bonuses ($1,000–$3,000), full benefits after 90 days, tuition assistance through Career Choice, and clear promotion paths—making it one of the most accessible large employers for individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

About Amazon Fulfillment Centers

Amazon operates one of the largest logistics networks in the world, employing more than 750,000 warehouse workers across its U.S. operations.

Fulfillment Centers (FCs) handle picking, packing, and shipping customer orders. Sortation Centers organize packages by destination, while Delivery Stations load vans for final delivery.

For job seekers with criminal records, Amazon warehouses are particularly accessible because of:

• Constant high-volume hiring needs

• Competitive pay and shift differentials

• Behind-the-scenes work environments with minimal customer contact

• Tuition support through Career Choice ($5,250 per year)

• Frequent sign-on bonuses

• Availability of overnight and flexible shifts

• Case-by-case consideration for applicants with convictions

Amazon Warehouse Hiring Policy

Amazon evaluates warehouse applicants individually, focusing on rehabilitation and job relevance rather than automatic disqualification.

Evaluation Approach

• Case-by-case review for warehouse roles

• Urgent hiring needs during peak seasons

• Focus on work readiness, reliability, and safety

What Amazon Considers

• Nature and severity of conviction

• Time since conviction or release

• Relevance of offense to warehouse duties

• Previous work history and references

• Overall safety considerations

Peak Hiring Periods

• October–December: Holiday season surge (100,000+ temporary hires)

• July: Prime Day event hiring boost

• Year-round: Continuous hiring due to high turnover

Available Jobs at Amazon Warehouses

Warehouse Associate (Fulfillment Center)

($17–$22/ hour)

Picks, packs, and ships customer orders. Most common and accessible warehouse role.

Sortation Associate

($17–$21/ hour)

Sorts packages by region and destination in sortation centers.

Delivery Station Associate

($17–$20/ hour)

Loads vans, scans packages, and prepares shipments for last-mile delivery.

Process Assistant (Lead)

($19–$24/ hour)

Leads small teams, provides training, and ensures workflow efficiency. Often promoted from within.

Area Manager

($26–$36/ hour equivalent)

Supervises warehouse operations. Typically requires a college degree.

Operations Manager

($36–$48/ hour equivalent)

Oversees multiple departments and performance targets.

Career Path Example: Warehouse Associate → Process Assistant → Area Manager → Operations Manager

Amazon also offers Career Choice, a tuition assistance program that pays up to $5,250 per year for education or certification programs (CDL, IT, healthcare, etc.).

Background Check Process

Amazon conducts a 7-year criminal background check before hiring.

• Case-by-case review of results

• 3–5 days processing time

• Oral swab drug test (not urine)

• Marijuana not tested in many states

• Safety-sensitive positions reviewed more strictly

Application Tips

1. Apply online at Amazon.jobs. This is the official and only hiring portal.

   
   

2. Apply during peak seasons. October–December offers the easiest chances of getting hired.

   
   

3. Choose overnight shifts. They pay $1–$2/ hour more and face less competition.

   
   

4. Search multiple facilities. Apply to fulfillment, sortation, and delivery centers nearby.

   
   

5. Highlight reliability. Emphasize attendance and punctuality in interviews.

   
   

6. Show physical readiness. Mention comfort with lifting, walking, and repetitive motion work.

   
   

7. Express flexibility. Willingness to work weekends and holidays improves chances.

   
   

8. Ask about sign-on bonuses. Many locations offer $1,000–$3,000 incentives.

   
   

9. Mention Career Choice. Shows interest in long-term growth and training.

   
   

10. Follow up via email. If no update after a week, contact HR for application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amazon hire felons?

Yes. Amazon considers warehouse applicants on a case-by-case basis.

What’s the easiest position to get?

Warehouse Associate roles—high volume, minimal customer contact, and frequent openings.

How much do Amazon warehouse workers earn?

Starting pay is typically $17–$22/ hour, or up to $24/ hour with shift differentials.

When is the best time to apply?

Between October and December, during Amazon’s massive seasonal hiring surge.

Does Amazon offer sign-on bonuses?

Yes. Bonuses of $1,000–$3,000 are common during hiring drives.

Does Amazon drug test?

Yes. Oral swab drug tests are used, but marijuana is no longer tested in most states.

How long does the background check take?

Usually 3–5 business days after submitting your application.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes, as long as scheduling can accommodate probation officer meetings.

What is Amazon Career Choice?

A tuition program that covers $5,250 per year for education and training.

Can I advance with a record?

Yes. Many managers started as warehouse associates, showing strong upward mobility.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• XPO Logistics – Major 3PL provider; hires warehouse workers on a case-by-case basis.

• DHL Supply Chain – Large warehouse operator with inclusive hiring practices.

• FedEx Ground/Freight – Entry-level package handlers; consistent second-chance employer.

• UPS – Unionized package handling jobs; hires case-by-case depending on role.

• Ryder – Logistics and warehouse firm; some facilities open to applicants with records.

Final Thoughts

Amazon offers one of the most accessible warehouse employment paths for individuals with felony convictions. With 175+ fulfillment centers and 150+ sortation facilities nationwide, starting pay between $17–$22/ hour, full benefits after 90 days, sign-on bonuses up to $3,000, and tuition assistance through Career Choice, it stands out as a second-chance employer committed to workforce inclusion.

If you’re ready to apply, visit Amazon.jobs and search for “warehouse” or “fulfillment center” openings in your area.