Quick Answer

Yes, AutoZone hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

With more than 7,000 stores across the United States, starting pay of ($13–$17/ hour), opportunities for advancement to management earning ($26–$41/ hour), ASE certification support, and a strong focus on automotive knowledge, AutoZone offers accessible employment for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

About AutoZone

Founded in 1979, AutoZone is the largest automotive aftermarket parts retailer in the United States, employing over 100,000 people. Stores sell replacement parts, tools, and accessories to both professional mechanics and DIY customers, offering free services such as battery testing and code scanning.

For job seekers with criminal records, AutoZone provides accessibility through:

• A case-by-case hiring process

• 7,000+ stores nationwide for broad opportunities

• Automotive training and ASE certification support

• Manager discretion in hiring decisions

• An emphasis on technical knowledge and reliability over background

AutoZone’s technical retail focus creates an environment where your interest in cars and willingness to learn matter more than your past.

Hiring Policy

AutoZone evaluates every applicant individually and does not automatically disqualify people with felony convictions.

Approach:

• Case-by-case review

• Manager discretion at store level

• Focus on rehabilitation and job performance

• Accessible for most retail roles

What AutoZone Considers:

• Nature and age of conviction

• Relevance to retail or driving duties

• Employment history since conviction

• Professional attitude and reliability

• Customer service skills and automotive interest

Available Jobs

Retail Sales Associate (Parts Specialist)

($13–$17/ hour)

Assists customers in finding the right parts, operates the register, and maintains store organization. Most common and accessible entry-level position.

Commercial Sales Driver

($14–$18/ hour)

Delivers auto parts to mechanic shops, maintains delivery routes, and builds relationships with customers. Requires a clean driving record.

Shift Supervisor

($16–$21/ hour)

Supervises team members, handles opening/closing duties, and ensures store performance. Typically promoted from within.

Assistant Store Manager

($19–$26/ hour)

Supports store management, oversees sales and inventory, and manages daily operations. Often promoted from shift supervisor.

Store Manager

($26–$41/ hour)

Manages all store operations, P&L responsibility, and staff development. Many managers started as sales associates.

Career Path Example: Retail Sales Associate → Shift Supervisor → Assistant Manager → Store Manager

ASE Certification Pathway: AutoZone supports ASE certification by providing training and materials, allowing employees to develop automotive expertise and higher earning potential.

Background Check

• Typically a 7-year lookback period

• Evaluated individually based on the position

• Driving record required for commercial roles

• May include drug testing depending on store and role

• No automatic disqualification for most offenses

Convictions Given Consideration: Older drug, theft, or nonviolent offenses often accepted with evidence of rehabilitation.

Scrutinized Convictions: Recent theft, vehicle theft, or active warrants require resolution before employment.

Application Tips

1. Apply to multiple stores. Submit applications to 10–15 locations for better chances.

   
   

2. Target retail sales first. Most accessible position for people with records.

   
   

3. Show interest in cars. Express willingness to learn parts and systems.

   
   

4. Be honest and brief. Acknowledge your past, then focus on your goals.

   
   

5. Visit stores in person. Ask for the manager and make a professional impression.

   
   

6. Highlight reliability. Attendance and work ethic matter more than background.

   
   

7. Mention ASE certification interest. Shows long-term commitment.

   
   

8. Emphasize flexibility. Evening and weekend availability increases hiring chances.

   
   

9. Follow up after a week. Persistence shows genuine interest.

   
   

10. Also apply to other auto parts chains. Expands opportunities across similar companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AutoZone automatically reject me for a felony?

No. They evaluate each case individually and have hired many people with felony convictions.

Do I need to know about cars to get hired?

No prior experience is required. AutoZone trains all new hires on automotive systems.

What’s the most accessible position?

Retail Sales Associate—entry-level with comprehensive training provided.

Can I work on probation or parole?

Yes, depending on local conditions and manager approval.

Will a DUI prevent me from working at AutoZone?

No, unless applying for a commercial driver role. Retail roles are still open.

Does AutoZone drug test?

It varies by position and location. More common for driver or management positions.

Can I advance to management with a record?

Yes. Many store managers began as entry-level associates with criminal records.

What’s ASE certification?

Automotive Service Excellence certification that validates automotive knowledge and increases pay potential.

How much can I earn long-term?

Entry-level roles start around $13–$17/ hour, with advancement to store management earning $55,000–$85,000 per year.

How long is the hiring process?

Usually 1–3 weeks, depending on background check processing.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• O’Reilly Auto Parts – 6,000+ stores; case-by-case hiring; similar structure to AutoZone.

• Advance Auto Parts – 4,500+ stores; corporate case-by-case evaluation.

• NAPA Auto Parts – 6,000+ stores; many franchise-owned with flexible hiring.

• Pep Boys – 900+ locations; combines retail and auto service.

• Jiffy Lube – Quick-lube chain; entry-level service technician roles.

• Valvoline Instant Oil Change – Quick oil change centers; case-by-case evaluation.

• Firestone Complete Auto Care – Tire and repair centers; technical career paths.

Final Thoughts

AutoZone provides one of the most accessible automotive retail employment paths for people with felony convictions.

With 7,000+ stores nationwide, pay starting at ($13–$17/ hour), advancement up to ($26–$41/ hour), training provided, ASE certification support, and a proven record of case-by-case hiring, AutoZone is a strong opportunity for motivated individuals ready to learn automotive systems and build a lasting career.

For more information or to apply, visit AutoZone.com/careers.