Quick Answer

Yes, Costco hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. While Costco is more selective than many retailers due to its low turnover and high wages ($16–$25 per hour), the company does employ individuals with criminal records.

Your success largely depends on the nature of your conviction, how much time has passed, the position you’re applying for, and how you present yourself during the hiring process.

Costco offers one of the best retail jobs in the U.S., known for excellent pay, benefits, and long-term stability. The company evaluates each applicant individually, considering rehabilitation and honesty over the record itself. While competition for jobs is strong, many people with records have successfully built lasting careers with Costco through persistence and integrity.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Costco

3. Does Costco Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Costco

5. Background Check Process

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies

About Costco

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates more than 600 warehouse club locations across the United States and employs over 300,000 people. Founded in 1983, Costco has earned a reputation as one of America’s top employers, offering higher wages, better benefits, and greater advancement opportunities than most retailers.

Starting pay typically ranges from $16–$18 per hour, with regular raises that can exceed $25 per hour.

Benefits begin even for part-time employees, and the company’s strong promote-from-within culture means that long-term employees often move into management. Costco’s CEO and many executives began their careers on the warehouse floor, illustrating the company’s dedication to internal growth.

For people with criminal records, Costco represents both opportunity and challenge. The company hires individuals with felonies but is selective due to its commitment to employee longevity and trust-based operations. Getting hired may take persistence, but once you’re in, the stability and advancement opportunities make it one of the most rewarding employers available.

Does Costco Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Costco hires people with felony convictions, but every case is evaluated individually. There’s no blanket policy against hiring individuals with criminal records. Instead, hiring decisions depend on several key factors.

What Costco Considers

• Nature of the offense – Theft, violence, and fraud are reviewed closely.

• Time since conviction – Older convictions (especially beyond seven years) are viewed more favorably.

• Pattern of behavior – A single mistake is weighed differently than repeated offenses.

• Rehabilitation – Completion of education, work programs, or treatment shows responsibility.

• Relevance to job – Offenses tied to job duties (such as theft for cashier roles) are reviewed carefully.

• Honesty – Being truthful during the application process is critical.

• 
  

Costco’s Hiring Approach

Costco invests heavily in training and employee development, which makes it more selective than most high-turnover employers. Positions involving cash handling, merchandise control, or customer interaction may receive extra scrutiny. However, Costco’s goal is long-term employment and internal advancement, not exclusion.

Positions Most Accessible

• Cart Attendant / Lot Worker

• Stocker / Freight Handler

• Food Court Worker

• Deli, Bakery, or Meat Department Assistant

• 
  

Positions With More Scrutiny

• Cashier / Front-End Assistant

• Tire Center Installer

• Pharmacy Technician

• Inventory or Receiving Clerk

• Membership Desk

• Management Positions

  
  

Convictions That Are Most Challenging

• Theft or larceny – Red flag due to high-value inventory.

• Fraud or embezzlement – Financial crimes are heavily scrutinized.

• Violence – Recent violent offenses are major concerns.

• Sexual offenses – Typically disqualifying.

• Drug trafficking – Distribution-level crimes are reviewed closely.

  
  

Convictions That May Be Acceptable

• Simple drug possession (especially older than five years)

• DUI (non-driving roles)

• Non-violent property crimes over seven years old

• Isolated assault or battery more than ten years old

  
  

Costco receives numerous applications for each position, so applicants with records must work harder to stand out. Persistence, honesty, and focusing on less competitive entry-level roles can significantly increase your chances of success.

Available Jobs at Costco

Cart Attendant / Lot Worker

Pay: $16–$18 per hour

increasing to $20–$24 with tenure.Duties include collecting carts, maintaining the parking lot, and assisting members. This outdoor, physical role is an excellent entry point for people with limited experience or records.

Stocker / Freight Handler

Pay: $17–$20 per hour to start, up to $25+ with experience.

Responsibilities include unloading trucks, stocking shelves, and organizing inventory. These early-morning or overnight shifts emphasize reliability over background.

Food Court Worker

Pay: $16–$19 per hour.

Prepare and serve food, take orders, and maintain cleanliness. This position is accessible and emphasizes teamwork and speed.

Deli / Bakery / Meat Department Assistant

Pay: $17–$21 per hour.

Assist with food preparation, slicing, and packaging. These behind-the-scenes roles involve less customer interaction and minimal cash handling.

Warehouse / Floor Stock Associate

Pay: $17–$20 per hour.

Restock shelves, maintain displays, and help customers locate items. Combines warehouse duties with basic customer service.

Tire Center Installer

Pay: $18–$22 per hour.

Install and balance tires, maintain tools, and interact with members. A physically demanding but well-paying trade position.

Seasonal Worker

Pay: Same as regular employees.Temporary roles during peak seasons (holidays or summer). Seasonal positions are often the easiest entry point and can lead to permanent employment.

Career Growth at Costco

Costco promotes from within. Many employees with felony records have advanced from entry-level positions to leadership.

1. Entry-Level (Cart Attendant, Stocker, Food Court) – $16–$20/hour

2. Experienced Worker (3–5 years) – $22–$26/hour

3. Department Supervisor (5–8 years) – $28–$35/hour

4. Assistant Manager (8–12 years) – $50,000–$70,000/year

5. General Manager (12–20 years) – $80,000–$120,000+/year

Background Check Process

Costco’s hiring process includes a background check after a conditional offer. The company evaluates each report individually.

Steps in the Process:

1. Apply online or in-person at Costco.com/jobs

2. Interview (1–2 rounds)

3. Conditional job offer

4. Background check and drug screen (3–7 days typical)

5. Final offer and orientation

   
   

What the Background Check Includes

• 7–10 year criminal history (depending on state laws)

• County, state, and federal record checks

• Employment and education verification

• Sex offender registry check

• Motor vehicle record (for driving positions)

Costco uses third-party background screening firms like Sterling Talent Solutions and First Advantage. The company complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which allows applicants to dispute any inaccurate findings.

Drug Screening

Costco conducts pre-employment drug tests, typically via urinalysis. Testing includes marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. Prescription medications are allowed with documentation.

Application Tips

1. Apply both online and in person at Costco.com/jobs and your local warehouse.

   
   

2. Focus on entry-level positions such as cart attendant or food court worker.

   
   

3. Show strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn.

   
   

4. Be honest about your background—never hide or falsify information.

   
   

5. Bring references from supervisors, probation officers, or community mentors.

   
   

6. Highlight physical work, customer service, or food handling experience.

   
   

7. Apply during busy hiring seasons (holidays or summer).

   
   

8. Follow up politely after submitting your application.

   
   

9. Prepare for interviews with examples of responsibility and growth.

   
   

10. Stay patient—Costco’s process can take several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Costco automatically reject me because of my felony?

No. Costco reviews each case individually. The nature and recency of your conviction matter more than the conviction itself.

How far back does Costco’s background check go?

Usually seven to ten years, depending on state laws. Serious violent or sexual crimes may be considered beyond that period.

Can I work at Costco while on probation or parole?

Yes, in many cases. Ensure your schedule meets supervision requirements and keep open communication with your probation officer.

Will Costco hire me with a theft conviction?

Recent theft convictions are difficult, but older cases (ten or more years ago) may not disqualify you if you demonstrate rehabilitation.

Does Costco test for marijuana?

Yes. Marijuana remains part of Costco’s standard drug screen, even in states where it’s legal.

What are the easiest positions to get with a record?

Cart attendant and food court worker are the most accessible entry points.

Can I advance in Costco with a felony record?

Absolutely. Many employees with records have become supervisors, managers, and even department leaders through reliability and good performance.

What if Costco rescinds my offer after a background check?

You’ll receive notice under the FCRA and can dispute any inaccuracies. You may reapply after six to twelve months.

Similar Companies

If Costco isn’t hiring near you, try these similar employers that also consider applicants with records:

• Sam’s Club – Warehouse retailer with similar pay and structure.

• Walmart – Second-chance employer with thousands of locations.

• Amazon – Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory with steady hiring.

• Target – Ban-the-box policy and case-by-case hiring.

• Home Depot / Lowe’s – Home improvement retailers offering fair-chance employment.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club – East Coast warehouse chain similar to Costco.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Costco remains one of the best-paying and most stable retail employers in the country. While getting hired with a felony may be more competitive than at other retailers, the rewards—excellent pay, full benefits, and real career advancement—make it well worth the effort.

If you’re ready to apply, visit Costco.com/jobs. Start with cart attendant or food court positions, be transparent about your history, and show commitment to steady work and personal growth.

Persistence, honesty, and reliability can open the door to a long, rewarding career with one of America’s top employers.