Quick Answer
Yes — The Home Depot considers people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. Records are reviewed individually, and the role, the offense, time passed, and local fair-chance laws all matter. With more than 2,300 stores, steady openings, paid training, and wages averaging $15–$20/hour for entry-level roles, The Home Depot is one of the more accessible major employers for people rebuilding after incarceration.
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About The Home Depot
Founded in 1978, The Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the U.S., with about 472,000 associates and more than 2,300 stores at the end of fiscal 2025. Known for its practical, hands-on environment, the company emphasizes work ethic and reliability — qualities that often align well with second-chance applicants.
Home Depot hires throughout the year in retail, freight, receiving, garden, lumber, and specialty departments. People with criminal backgrounds can be considered for these roles, and on-the-job training and internal promotion give steady workers room to advance.
Does The Home Depot Hire People with Felonies?
Yes. The Home Depot considers each applicant individually rather than imposing blanket exclusions.
The Home Depot’s Approach
Case-by-case evaluation of convictions
Ban-the-Box compliance in applicable states
Compliance with fair-chance hiring laws where they apply
Emphasis on rehabilitation, honesty, and work reliability
What the Company Considers
Nature and severity of the offense
Time passed since conviction
Relevance to job duties (e.g., theft and cashier work)
Work history and rehabilitation efforts
Available Jobs at The Home Depot
Lot Associate
($14–$17/hour)
Assist customers with loading purchases, retrieve carts, and maintain the parking area. Entry-level and frequently open.
Sales Associate
($15–$19/hour)
Support customers, stock departments, and assist with product questions. Common starting role.
Freight / Receiving Associate
($16–$21/hour)
Unload trucks, stock shelves, and operate pallet jacks or forklifts (training provided). Ideal for applicants seeking behind-the-scenes work.
Cashier
($15–$18/hour)
Handle sales transactions and returns, maintain registers, and provide courteous service. Excellent for applicants with retail experience.
Garden Associate
($14–$18/hour)
Work outdoors assisting customers with plants, soil, and seasonal supplies. Often seasonal or part-time.
Lumber Associate
($15–$20/hour)
Help customers with lumber selection, measure and cut materials, and restock aisles. Suited for those with physical stamina.
Tool Rental Associate
($15–$19/hour)
Assist customers renting tools and maintain rental inventory. Great for applicants with mechanical interest.
Specialty Department Associate (Plumbing, Electrical, Appliances)
($16–$22/hour)
Support customers with specialized products; typically promoted from floor roles.
Pro Desk / Pro Sales Associate
($17–$23/hour)
Work with professional contractors; focus on service and order management.
Department Supervisor
($19–$26/hour)
Lead staff, oversee inventory, and ensure sales performance. Promoted from within.
Assistant Store Manager
($29–$41/hour)
Assist with daily operations, staff scheduling, and customer satisfaction. Requires prior leadership experience.
Store Manager
($41–$63/hour)
Oversee full store operations, performance, and profitability. Promoted internally from hourly leadership positions.
Background Check Process
Timeline
Apply online or in person
Interview (one or two rounds)
Conditional offer
Background check (typically 5–7 days)
Final decision and onboarding
What’s Checked
Criminal records (how far back a check can report depends on the type of record and state law)
Sex offender registry
Social Security verification
Employment verification (if applicable)
Driving record for relevant positions
Drug Testing
Required after conditional offer for many roles
Urinalysis used; prescription medications acceptable with documentation
Home Depot applies individualized review standards and complies with applicable fair-chance laws.
Application Tips
Target the right roles. Apply for lot associate, freight, or overnight stocking jobs first.
Show reliability. Emphasize attendance, punctuality, and past steady work.
Highlight transferable skills. Include warehouse, construction, or retail experience.
Be brief but honest. If asked about your record, focus on rehabilitation and growth.
Apply to several stores. Managers make independent hiring decisions.
Follow up in person. Introduce yourself to store managers after applying online.
Consider distribution centers. These roles often have fewer restrictions.
Get certified. Forklift certification improves your hiring chances.
Show long-term interest. Mention Home Depot’s promote-from-within culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Home Depot automatically reject me for a felony?
No. Each application is reviewed individually based on the offense and rehabilitation.
Which jobs are easiest to get?
Lot associate, freight/receiving, and garden associate positions are most accessible.
Does Home Depot drug test?
Yes, typically after a conditional offer.
How long does the background check take?
Usually 5–7 business days.
Can I move up to management?
Yes. Many current managers started as hourly associates and advanced through performance.
How much does Home Depot pay?
Entry-level jobs start around $15–$20/hour, with supervisors and managers earning higher hourly equivalents.
Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies
Lowe’s – ($14–$20/hour); similar hiring policies.
Menards – ($14–$19/hour); Midwest-based with reentry opportunities.
Tractor Supply – ($13–$18/hour); rural retail and warehouse hiring.
Ace Hardware – ($12–$17/hour); many locally owned stores with flexible hiring.
Walmart – ($14–$22/hour); nationwide fair-chance employer.
Final Thoughts
The Home Depot stands out as one of the most open large employers for people with felony convictions. The company’s size, culture of internal promotion, and wide variety of roles create meaningful opportunities for those seeking stable, long-term work.
Take the next step by applying at careers.homedepot.com or visiting your nearest store to speak directly with a hiring manager.
Does Home Depot Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: November 2026
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