Quick Answer

Yes, Dollar General hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. With 19,000+ stores across America, starting pay of ($11–$15/ hour), and small teams of 6–10 employees per location.

Dollar General offers one of the most accessible retail job opportunities in the U.S. The company’s rural focus, frequent turnover, and manager-level discretion make it possible for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration to find steady work and career growth.

Table of Contents

1. About Dollar General

2. Dollar General Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

3. Available Jobs at Dollar General

4. Background Check Process

5. Application Tips

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

About Dollar General

Founded in 1939, Dollar General operates over 19,000 small-format discount stores across 47 states, making it the largest retailer in America by store count. The company employs more than 175,000 people, focusing on providing essential goods in rural and small-town areas underserved by larger chains.

For job seekers with criminal records, Dollar General’s accessibility stands out because:

• Its massive footprint means there’s likely a store near you.

• Small store teams create immediate openings when someone leaves.

• Many stores are located in rural towns with practical, second-chance hiring attitudes.

• Managers have discretion to make quick hiring decisions based on reliability rather than background.

Dollar General’s focus on efficiency, customer service, and dependability makes it ideal for individuals demonstrating steady work habits and a willingness to learn.

Dollar General Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

Dollar General reviews applications individually rather than applying blanket bans.

Approach

• Case-by-case evaluation for each applicant

• Hiring discretion often left to individual store managers

• High turnover creates frequent job openings

• Rural hiring often more personal and pragmatic

• Widely reported accessibility among second-chance job seekers

What They Consider

• Nature and date of conviction

• Time since the offense and signs of rehabilitation

• Relevance to retail or cash-handling roles

• Reliability and attendance record

• Immediate staffing needs and store location

Commonly Accepted Convictions

• Older drug or property offenses

• Assault or fighting charges several years old

• DUI or traffic violations unrelated to retail work

Convictions Facing Scrutiny

• Recent theft (due to cash/merchandise handling)

• Violent offenses in small-team environments

• Sexual offenses (customer safety concerns)

Store managers often make practical decisions—if they need staff urgently and trust your reliability, you can be hired even with a felony.

Available Jobs at Dollar General

Sales Associate

($11–$14/ hour)

Operates the register, assists customers, stocks merchandise, and maintains store cleanliness. This is the most common entry-level role and offers consistent hours with flexible shifts.

Stock Clerk / Stocker

($11–$14/ hour)

Unloads trucks, stocks shelves, organizes backroom inventory, and supports daily operations. It’s a behind-the-scenes position ideal for those preferring less customer interaction.

Key Holder

($13–$17/ hour)

Responsible for opening/closing the store, supervising associates, handling cash, and maintaining security procedures. Typically promoted from within after 6–12 months of reliable performance.

Assistant Store Manager

($14–$18/ hour)

Supports the store manager in operations, inventory, and supervision. Often promoted from key holder or experienced retail employees.

Store Manager

($20–$26/ hour, or $40,000–$55,000/year)

Oversees full store operations, hiring, and budgeting. Many store managers began as associates or stockers and advanced through consistent performance.

Career Path Example:Sales Associate → Key Holder → Assistant Manager → Store Manager

Background Check Process

Dollar General uses a 7-year background check that typically includes county/state records, sex offender registry, and employment verification.

Process Overview:

1. Online or in-store application

2. Interview with store manager

3. Conditional offer

4. Background check authorization

5. Results within 3–5 business days

6. Final review and hiring decision

Store managers have authority to approve most hires unless serious disqualifications appear.

Drug Testing:

• Varies by state and position

• More common for management roles

• Typically conducted after conditional offer

Application Tips

1. Apply to multiple stores. Dollar General has 19,000+ locations—apply to 10–20 for better chances.

   
   

2. Visit stores in person. Introduce yourself to the manager and express genuine interest.

   
   

3. Start with stocker roles. Less customer interaction and faster hiring decisions.

   
   

4. Emphasize reliability. State clearly that you have reliable transportation and consistent attendance.

   
   

5. Show flexibility. Offer to work evenings, weekends, and holidays—this matters in small teams.

   
   

6. Highlight physical ability. Stocking and unloading trucks require stamina—mention this strength.

   
   

7. Target rural or small-town stores. Managers in smaller towns often have more hiring flexibility.

   
   

8. Apply during peak turnover seasons. Summer and holiday months (June–December) have the most openings.

   
   

9. Be honest if asked about your record. Briefly explain your situation and focus on reliability and commitment.

   
   

10. Follow up after applying. Call or visit within a few days to show initiative and persistence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dollar General hire people with felonies?

Yes. Hiring is decided case-by-case, and many employees with felony records work across stores nationwide.

What’s the easiest position to get?

The Stock Clerk role is the most accessible since it focuses on physical work and has less customer interaction.

How long does the hiring process take?

Usually 1–2 weeks from application to start date, depending on background check timing.

Does Dollar General drug test?

Not always. Testing varies by store and is more common for managers.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes. Many employees on supervision have flexible schedules to meet requirements.

How far back does the background check go?

Typically 7 years, though store discretion can apply.

Can I move up to management with a record?

Absolutely. Dollar General promotes from within frequently based on reliability and performance.

Is rural hiring easier?

Often yes. Smaller-town managers may be more flexible due to community ties and staffing needs.

Will theft convictions prevent me from being hired?

Not automatically. Older theft convictions can be overlooked with demonstrated rehabilitation.

Do I need retail experience?

No. Dollar General provides training for all entry-level roles.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Dollar Tree / Family Dollar – 16,000+ stores combined; case-by-case hiring; similar discount retail environment.

• Five Below – 1,400+ stores; youth-oriented discount chain; accessible hiring.

• Big Lots – 1,400+ stores; closeout retailer; case-by-case evaluations.

• 99 Cents Only Stores – 370+ locations in the Southwest; accessible for entry-level applicants.

• Roses Discount Stores – 140+ stores in the Southeast; regional chain with flexible hiring.

Final Thoughts

Dollar General remains one of the most accessible employers in America for people with criminal records. Its case-by-case hiring, 19,000+ locations, and manager discretion make it an ideal starting point for steady work and advancement.

With starting pay of $11–$15/hour, rapid hiring, and real promotion potential, applicants emphasizing reliability, flexibility, and work ethic have an excellent chance of success.

Ready to begin? Visit DollarGeneral.com/careers and apply to 10–20 stores in your area—your next opportunity could be just one manager away.