Quick Answer

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

With over 9,000 pharmacy and retail locations nationwide, starting wages of $14–$18/ hour, pharmacy technician training programs leading to $16–$22/ hour careers, and management opportunities earning $45,000–$75,000+/ year, CVS Health offers accessible healthcare retail employment for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About CVS Health

3. CVS Health Hiring Policy

4. Available Jobs

5. Background Check

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About CVS Health

CVS Health operates more than 9,000 CVS Pharmacy retail locations across the United States.

The company also includes MinuteClinic walk-in clinics, Aetna health insurance, and pharmacy benefit management services. Over 200,000 people work across its retail and pharmacy operations, many in 24-hour locations.

For job seekers with criminal records, CVS Health provides strong opportunities for reentry:

1. 9,000+ nationwide locations

2. Case-by-case hiring policy

3. Retail and pharmacy career paths

4. Pharmacy technician training (state license required)

5. 24-hour stores offering flexible shifts

6. Clear advancement to management roles

CVS Health Hiring Policy

CVS Health uses a case-by-case evaluation for all applicants. The company does not have an automatic ban for felony convictions in retail positions.

Approach:

• Case-by-case evaluation with individual assessment

• Considers nature, timing, and relevance of offense

• Separate evaluation for retail vs. pharmacy roles

• Pharmacy technician eligibility depends on state licensing rules

• Patient safety and honesty emphasized

What CVS Health Considers:

• Type of conviction

• Time passed since offense

• Relation to job responsibilities

• Evidence of rehabilitation

• State pharmacy regulations (for tech roles)

Retail Positions: Widely accessible, minimal restrictions, and training provided.

Pharmacy Tech Positions: Subject to state board approval, with additional background requirements.

Available Jobs

Retail Store Associate

($14–$17/ hour)

Assists customers, operates cash registers, stocks shelves, and maintains store appearance. The most accessible entry-level position.

Shift Supervisor

($16–$20/ hour)

Supervises staff, opens and closes stores, and assists with scheduling and operations.

Operations Manager

($18–$24/ hour, equivalent to $38,000–$50,000/ year)

Oversees retail operations and leads multiple store associates and supervisors.

Pharmacy Technician

($16–$22/ hour)

Assists pharmacists, fills prescriptions, and manages inventory (state license required).

Store Manager

($50,000–$80,000/ year → $24–$38/ hour equivalent)

Manages full store operations, hiring, inventory, and customer satisfaction.

Career Path: Store Associate → Shift Supervisor → Operations Manager → Store Manager

Alternative Path: Pharmacy Technician → Lead Technician → Pharmacy Operations Manager

Background Check

• 7-year lookback for retail positions

• State board verification for pharmacy tech licensing

• Case-by-case evaluation (no blanket rejections)

• Drug testing required for most roles

Application Tips

1. Apply to 10–15 stores. With over 9,000 locations, applying widely increases your odds.

   
   

2. Start with retail roles. Store Associate positions have minimal restrictions and provide advancement potential.

   
   

3. Research state licensing laws. Pharmacy technician roles depend on your state’s board of pharmacy regulations.

   
   

4. Show flexibility. Overnight or weekend availability often improves hiring chances at 24-hour stores.

   
   

5. Emphasize customer service. Any experience in retail, cash handling, or people-facing jobs helps.

   
   

6. Be upfront and professional. Honesty about your background builds trust during interviews.

   
   

7. Apply online and in person. Submit your online application, then visit the store to introduce yourself to the manager.

   
   

8. Follow up after applying. Contact the store about 5–7 days after submitting your application.

   
   

9. Highlight interest in healthcare. Express enthusiasm for helping customers or pursuing pharmacy training.

   
   

10. Leverage CVS training programs. Pharmacy technician training can lead to long-term healthcare careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CVS Health hire people with felonies?

Yes. CVS evaluates all applicants individually. Retail positions are widely accessible; pharmacy tech roles depend on state laws.

Can I be a pharmacy technician with a felony?

Possibly. It depends on your state’s pharmacy board. Drug-related convictions face more restrictions, but some states allow waivers after 5–10 years.

What’s the easiest job to get at CVS?

Retail Store Associate positions ($14–$17/ hour) are the most accessible and require no healthcare licensing.

Does CVS conduct background checks?

Yes. Background checks typically review the past seven years for retail and include state board verification for pharmacy tech roles.

Does CVS drug test?

Yes. Pre-employment drug testing is standard for most positions.

Can I advance to management with a felony?

Yes. Many CVS store managers and supervisors started as entry-level associates with criminal records.

Can I work at CVS while on probation or parole?

Yes, as long as your probation conditions allow regular employment.

Will theft convictions disqualify me?

Not automatically. Older or non-violent property crimes are often accepted for retail positions after review.

Are overnight shifts easier to get?

Often yes. 24-hour CVS locations frequently have openings for late-night or overnight shifts.

How long does the hiring process take?

Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on background check speed and store staffing needs.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Walgreens – 9,000+ stores; similar accessibility; pharmacy and retail roles.

• Rite Aid – 2,400+ stores; case-by-case; regional focus on Northeast and West Coast.

• Walmart Pharmacy – Inside Walmart stores; flexible retail and pharmacy options.

• Kroger Pharmacy – In-store pharmacies; case-by-case hiring.

• Local hospitals and clinics – Often hire for non-clinical positions like maintenance, food service, and clerical work.

Final Thoughts

CVS Health provides one of the most accessible paths into healthcare retail for individuals with felony convictions.

The company evaluates candidates case by case, with opportunities in retail starting at $14–$18/ hour, pharmacy technician positions at $16–$22/ hour (depending on state eligibility), and management earning $45,000–$75,000+/ year.

With over 9,000 locations nationwide, 24-hour operations, pharmacy training programs, and consistent advancement opportunities, CVS Health remains one of the top employers for people rebuilding their careers after incarceration.

Apply at CVS.com/careers.