Quick Answer
Costco considers applicants with felony convictions for some positions, but it doesn't publish a company-wide felony policy. Costco is more selective than many retailers due to its low turnover and high wages ($16–$25 per hour), so expect your record to be reviewed along with the role you're applying for.
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 is widely regarded as one of the better retail employers in the U.S., known for strong pay, benefits, and long-term stability. Hiring decisions consider the role, the offense, how much time has passed, and local law, and honesty matters throughout. Competition for jobs is strong, so persistence and a clear, honest explanation of your history can make a difference.
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About Costco
Costco Wholesale Corporation operated 629 warehouse club locations in the United States and Puerto Rico (914 worldwide) and employed about 341,000 people worldwide at the end of its 2025 fiscal year, according to its annual report. 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 is selective because it focuses on long-term employees and trust-based operations, and decisions about records depend on the role and the offense. 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?
Costco doesn't publish a company-wide felony policy, so expect your record to be reviewed along with the role you're applying for. 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 are generally 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 reward reliability.
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, and your work record after you're hired becomes a big part of how you're evaluated for advancement.
Entry-Level (Cart Attendant, Stocker, Food Court) – $16–$20/hour
Experienced Worker (3–5 years) – $22–$26/hour
Department Supervisor (5–8 years) – $28–$35/hour
Assistant Manager (8–12 years) – $50,000–$70,000/year
General Manager (12–20 years) – $80,000–$120,000+/year
Background Check Process
Costco's hiring process typically includes a background check, often after a conditional offer, as fair chance laws in many states and cities require. Ask the recruiter how records are reviewed for your role.
Steps in the Process:
Apply online or in-person at Costco.com/jobs
Interview (1–2 rounds)
Conditional job offer
Background check and any required screening (3–7 days typical)
Final offer and orientation
What the Background Check Includes
Criminal history (how far back depends on the type of record and state law)
County, state, and federal record checks
Employment and education verification
Sex offender registry check
Motor vehicle record (for driving positions)
Costco uses a third-party background check company. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you must authorize the check, and you can dispute any inaccurate findings.
Drug Screening
Drug testing practices can vary by position and location, so ask the recruiter whether a test is required for your role. If you take prescription medications, keep documentation handy.
Application Tips
Apply both online and in person at Costco.com/jobs and your local warehouse.
Focus on entry-level positions such as cart attendant or food court worker.
Show strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn.
Be honest about your background—never hide or falsify information.
Bring references from supervisors, probation officers, or community mentors.
Highlight physical work, customer service, or food handling experience.
Apply during busy hiring seasons (holidays or summer).
Follow up politely after submitting your application.
Prepare for interviews with examples of responsibility and growth.
Stay patient—Costco’s process can take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Costco automatically reject me because of my felony?
Not necessarily. Costco doesn't publish a policy that bars everyone with a felony. Your record is reviewed along with the role, the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and local law.
How far back does Costco’s background check go?
How far back a check can report depends on the type of record and state law. The FCRA's 7-year limit does not apply to convictions, so in many states older convictions can still appear.
Can I work at Costco while on probation or parole?
Often, yes, but it depends on the role and your supervision conditions. Make sure your schedule meets supervision requirements and keep open communication with your probation or parole 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?
Costco doesn't publish one drug testing policy for every role. Ask the recruiter whether a test is required for your position, and assume marijuana may be included if you are tested, 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?
Yes, advancement is possible. Once you're hired, reliability and good performance are the main ways to move into supervisor and management roles. Some management roles may involve additional screening.
What if Costco rescinds my offer after a background check?
You should receive a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights under the FCRA before a final decision. Use that time to dispute any inaccuracies or share context about your record. If the decision stands, ask whether and when you can reapply.
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 – Founding member of the Second Chance Business Coalition, with thousands of locations.
Amazon – Large employer with warehouse and delivery hiring nationwide.
Target – Ban-the-box policy and case-by-case hiring.
Home Depot / Lowe's – Home improvement retailers that consider applicants with records for many roles.
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.
Does Costco Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: November 2026
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