Quick Answer

Yes, Amazon does hire people with felony convictions. Amazon evaluates applicants case-by-case rather than automatic rejection. They signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge, meaning they consider your qualifications and experience alongside your record. Thousands of people with felonies work at Amazon warehouses and delivery operations across all 50 states. Your best opportunities are in warehouse associate, package handler, and fulfillment center positions starting at $16-20/hour.

Last Verified: October 2025

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Amazon

3. Does Amazon Hire People with Felonies?

4. What Jobs Can Felons Get at Amazon?

5. Easiest Positions to Get

6. Positions Requiring Clean Records

7. Advancement Opportunities

8. What to Expect: Amazon's Background Check

9. How to Apply to Amazon with a Felony Record

10. Common Questions About Working at Amazon with a Felony

11. Other Companies Like Amazon That Hire Felons

12. Final Thoughts

About Amazon

Amazon is the world's largest online retailer and one of America's biggest employers. The company operates over 1,000 fulfillment centers, delivery stations, and sortation centers across all 50 states.

With more than 1.5 million employees in the U.S., Amazon is constantly hiring. The company needs thousands of warehouse workers, delivery drivers, and fulfillment associates year-round. High turnover means frequent job openings.

For people with records, Amazon matters because they hire in volume. They need workers fast. And they've publicly committed to fair-chance hiring through the Fair Chance Business Pledge.

Does Amazon Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Amazon's official policy is case-by-case evaluation.

Here's what that means in practice:

Official Policy

Amazon signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge in 2021. This means they committed to:

• Removing questions about criminal history from job applications

• Reviewing each applicant individually

• Considering time since conviction

• Evaluating relevance of the offense to the job

  
  

Real-World Practice

Most warehouse and fulfillment positions will hire people with felonies. Amazon processes thousands of applications weekly. They need bodies on the floor. If you're honest, show up on time, and can do the work, you have a real shot.

However, some positions have stricter requirements. Delivery drivers face more scrutiny because they drive company vehicles. Positions with access to customer data may have additional background requirements.

What Affects Hiring Decisions

Amazon considers several factors:

Time since conviction: More time = better chances. 3+ years significantly helps. 5+ years is even better.

Type of offense: Amazon reviews what you did. Theft is more problematic for warehouse work. Violence can be an issue depending on the specific charge.

Location: Some states have "Ban the Box" laws. Amazon must follow these in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, New Mexico, Illinois, Minnesota, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Hawaii, and Washington DC.

The specific job: Entry-level warehouse work is easier to get than roles with financial access or driving.

Disqualifying Factors

These make it very difficult (but not always impossible):

• Very recent convictions (less than 1 year)

• Theft or fraud (for positions handling products or money)

• Violent felonies (may be considered for non-customer-facing roles)

• Sex offenses (severely limits opportunities)

• Current warrants or pending charges

  
  

Time Requirements

Amazon doesn't have a published waiting period. In practice:

• 1-2 years: Possible but challenging

• 3-5 years: Good chances for warehouse work

• 5+ years: Strong chances for most positions

• 7+ years: Very good chances (seven-year rule in many states)

  
  

What Jobs Can Felons Get at Amazon?

Amazon has multiple job categories. Your opportunities depend on your specific record and how much time has passed.

Warehouse Associate

Pay: $16-19/hour

Availability: Excellent

Background Check: Yes, but not strict

This is your best entry point. You'll sort, scan, and move packages. Physical work. 10-hour shifts are common. Amazon hires warehouse associates constantly.

These roles have the highest acceptance rate for people with records. The company needs thousands of workers. Turnover is high. If you're willing to work hard and show up consistently, this is your door in.

Package Handler

Pay: $16-18/hour

Availability: Excellent

Background Check: Yes, but not strict

Similar to warehouse associate. You load and unload trucks, move packages, and organize shipments. This is physical labor. You'll be on your feet all day.

Good opportunity for people with records. Limited customer interaction. Focus is on work ethic and reliability.

Fulfillment Associate

Pay: $16-20/hour

Availability: Very Good

Background Check: Yes, but not strict

You pick items, pack boxes, and prepare orders for shipping. Some positions use technology like handheld scanners. More variety than basic warehouse work.

People with records get hired for these positions regularly. Amazon provides training. You start at the bottom and can move up.

Sortation Associate

Pay: $16-19/hour

Availability: Good

Background Check: Yes, moderate

You organize packages by destination. Requires attention to detail. Less physically demanding than some warehouse roles.

Accepts people with records, though slightly more selective than basic warehouse positions.

Delivery Driver (Limited)

Pay: $18-22/hour

Availability: Moderate

Background Check: Strict (driving record + criminal)

This is harder to get with a record. Amazon checks driving history closely. Recent traffic violations or DUIs are problems. Theft charges are also concerning since you'll have access to packages.

Some drivers with older felonies (7+ years) have been hired. But expect this to be tougher than warehouse work.

Shift Manager/Supervisor (After Advancement)

Pay: $20-25/hour

Availability: Limited initially

Background Check: Moderate

You typically can't start here with a record. But you can promote into management after proving yourself on the warehouse floor. Many people have done this.

Amazon promotes from within. Work hard for 6-12 months, show leadership, and you can move up.

Easiest Positions to Get

1. Warehouse Associate (highest acceptance rate)

2. Package Handler (constant hiring)

3. Fulfillment Associate (good volume of openings)

   
   

Positions Requiring Clean Records

• Corporate roles (office jobs at headquarters)

• IT and tech positions (data access concerns)

• HR and security (company policy)

• Accounting/finance (fraud concerns)

  
  

Advancement Opportunities

Amazon has a "promote from within" culture. Starting on the warehouse floor doesn't mean staying there forever. Paths include:

• Warehouse Associate → Problem Solver → Team Lead → Shift Manager

• Many managers started with felonies, worked hard, and moved up

• Amazon offers tuition assistance and training programs

What to Expect: Amazon's Background Check

Understanding the process helps you prepare mentally and practically.

When It Happens

Amazon conducts background checks after they make a conditional job offer. This means:

1. You apply online

2. You may do a video or phone interview

3. They offer you the job (conditional)

4. Then they run the background check

5. Final decision comes after results

This is good news. They've already decided they want you before seeing your record. You get a chance to explain.

What They Check

Amazon uses third-party companies (often Sterling or Accurate Background) to conduct checks. They review:

Criminal Records:

• Felony convictions

• Misdemeanor convictions

• Pending charges

• Warrants

  
  

Employment Verification:

• Past jobs you listed

• Employment dates

  
  

Driving Records (for driver positions):

• License status

• Traffic violations

• DUIs or suspended licenses

  
  

Sex Offender Registry:

• Required by law for all employers

  
  

How Far Back They Look

Standard: 7 years for most positions in most states

Exceptions:

• California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington have seven-year limits by law

• Some states allow Amazon to see your entire history

• Serious violent felonies may appear regardless of age

  
  

Important: "Seven-year rule" doesn't mean Amazon rejects everything older than seven years. It means they can't see it in some states. In states without this protection, they see everything but may still hire you with older convictions.

Timeline

• Application to offer: 1-2 weeks (can be same day during hiring surges)

• Background check processing: 3-7 business days

• Final decision: Usually within 48 hours of results

Total timeline: Expect 2-3 weeks from application to start date if everything goes smoothly.

What Happens After

If approved: You'll get an email or call confirming your start date. You'll complete online training modules and attend an in-person orientation.

If denied: Amazon typically sends an email. They must provide a pre-adverse action notice giving you a chance to dispute errors. You have 5-10 days to respond if something is wrong.

If you want to dispute: Check your background report for errors immediately. Wrong dates, mixed-up identities, or dismissed charges that appear as convictions are common mistakes. You can dispute these with the background check company.

How to Apply to Amazon with a Felony Record

Follow these steps to maximize your chances:

1. Be honest about your record.

Amazon asks about convictions after the conditional offer. Don't lie. They will find out. Being truthful shows integrity. Lying gets you automatically rejected.

2. Apply online at amazon.jobs or amazondelivers.jobs

Search for "warehouse associate" or "fulfillment associate" in your city. These have the best acceptance rates for people with records.

3. Complete the application thoroughly.

Fill out every section. Include all past work experience, even short jobs. Show you're reliable and have a work history.

4. Emphasize your strengths in the interview.

Talk about:

• Your work ethic

• Physical stamina

• Ability to follow directions

• Reliability and attendance

• Willingness to work any shift

  
  

5. Prepare a 60-second explanation of your record.

If asked, keep it short:

• "I made a mistake in [year]"

• "I took full responsibility"

• "I completed my sentence/probation"

• "I've learned from it and stayed out of trouble since"

• "I'm looking for a company that gives people a chance to prove themselves"

  
  

6. Apply to multiple Amazon facilities.

If one location says no, try another. Different hiring managers make different decisions. Some facilities are more lenient than others.

7. Highlight any certifications or training.

Forklift certification, OSHA training, or warehouse experience helps. Amazon values skills.

8. Be flexible with shifts.

Night shift and weekend positions are easier to get. Amazon needs overnight workers. If you're willing to work less desirable hours, you're more valuable.

9. Follow up appropriately.

If you don't hear back in 2 weeks, call or visit the facility. Show you're serious.

10. Consider applying during peak season.

October through December is Amazon's busiest time. They hire thousands of temporary workers. Many temp positions convert to permanent. It's easier to get hired when they're desperate for bodies.

Common Questions About Working at Amazon with a Felony

Does Amazon hire violent felons?

Sometimes, depending on the offense and time passed. Amazon evaluates case-by-case. Assault from 10 years ago has better chances than assault from last year. Non-customer-facing warehouse roles are most likely. Positions with public interaction are harder to get. Be honest and emphasize time since conviction and rehabilitation.

How long do I need to wait after my conviction?

There's no official waiting period. In practice, 3+ years significantly improves your chances. 5+ years is even better. Some people get hired with convictions only 1-2 years old, especially for warehouse work during busy season. The more time that's passed, the better your odds.

Will Amazon hire me with a drug charge?

Yes, drug charges are common among Amazon employees. The company is more concerned with theft and violence than past drug offenses. If your drug charge is old (3+ years) and you've stayed clean, you have good chances. Current drug use or very recent charges are more problematic.

Can I work at Amazon if I'm on probation?

Yes. Amazon hires people on probation regularly. Make sure your probation officer approves the job. Some probation terms restrict certain work (like handling money or working near schools). Standard warehouse work is usually fine. Give Amazon your probation officer's contact info if they ask.

Does Amazon do drug testing?

Yes, for most positions. Warehouse associates typically get drug tested at the time of hire. Amazon tests for marijuana in some states but not all. The company changed its policy in 2021 to stop testing for THC in states where marijuana is legal (except for DOT-regulated positions like delivery drivers). If you're in a legal state and applying for warehouse work, marijuana use may not disqualify you. Other drugs will.

What if I have theft or fraud charges?

Theft and fraud are more challenging for Amazon because you'll handle valuable merchandise. However, people with these charges do get hired if enough time has passed (5+ years is better). Be ready to explain what happened and what you learned. Emphasize that you've stayed out of trouble since. Warehouse positions are still possible, but roles handling high-value items or access to customer data are unlikely.

Does Amazon hire in all states?

Yes, Amazon operates in all 50 states. They hire people with records nationwide. Some states have Ban the Box laws that help you by limiting what Amazon can ask. States with strong protections include California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Illinois, and several Northeast states.

Can I advance with a felony record at Amazon?

Yes. Amazon promotes from within. Many current managers and supervisors started as warehouse associates with criminal records. If you work hard, show up consistently, and demonstrate leadership, you can move up. The company offers Career Choice programs that pay tuition for education and training.

Other Companies Like Amazon That Hire Felons

If Amazon doesn't work out, these similar companies also hire people with records:

FedEx Ground - Package handlers, warehouse, logistics. Similar pay ($17-22/hour). Known for case-by-case hiring.

UPS - Package handlers, sorters, warehouse. Union jobs with good pay ($15-21/hour starting). Promotes from within. Easier to get warehouse roles than driving positions.

Walmart - Warehouse, distribution centers, retail. Massive employer. Case-by-case evaluation. Present in all states.

Target - Distribution centers, warehouse, fulfillment. Similar to Amazon. Fair-chance hiring policies. $15-20/hour starting.

U-Haul - Explicitly states "we hire felons." Customer service, hitch installation, warehouse. More flexible than most companies.

Waste Management - Waste collection, recycling, driving. Physical work. Good pay ($15-23/hour). Known for second-chance hiring.

Tyson Foods - Food processing, production, packaging. Major employer of people with records. $14-19/hour. Plants in many states.

Staffing Agencies - Labor Ready, Manpower, Randstad, Kelly Services. Day labor and temp-to-hire. Easier to get initial work. Can lead to permanent positions.

Final Thoughts

Amazon hires thousands of people with felony records every year. Your past doesn't automatically disqualify you.

The key is honesty and timing. Be truthful on your application. Wait until enough time has passed (3+ years helps significantly). Apply for warehouse positions where acceptance rates are highest.

Many people with records have rebuilt their careers at Amazon. Some started on the warehouse floor and now manage teams. Others used Amazon's tuition assistance to get degrees and moved into corporate roles.

You can do this too.

Start here: Visit amazon.jobs or amazondelivers.jobs and search for warehouse or fulfillment positions in your area.

Need more help? Download our free Job Application Kit at FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com - includes resume templates, interview scripts, and application tracking tools.