Quick Answer

Yes — The Home Depot hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. The company supports fair-chance hiring, partners with reentry organizations, and has hired many justice-impacted applicants nationwide. With 2,300+ stores, steady openings, paid training, and wages averaging $15–$20/hour for entry-level roles, The Home Depot is one of the most accessible major employers for people rebuilding after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About The Home Depot

3. Does The Home Depot Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at The Home Depot

5. Background Check Process

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

8. Final Thoughts

About The Home Depot

Founded in 1978, The Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the U.S., employing hundreds of thousands across more than 2,300 stores. 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’s inclusive culture and continuous hiring needs provide opportunities in retail, freight, receiving, garden, lumber, and specialty departments. Many people with criminal backgrounds have found long-term employment and advancement at Home Depot, reflecting the company’s commitment to fair evaluation and on-the-job training.

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

• Collaboration with workforce reentry programs

• Emphasis on rehabilitation, honesty, and work reliability

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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

1. Apply online or in person

2. Interview (one or two rounds)

3. Conditional offer

4. Background check (typically 5–7 days)

5. Final decision and onboarding

What’s Checked

• Criminal records (usually seven-year lookback)

• 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

1. Target the right roles. Apply for lot associate, freight, or overnight stocking jobs first.

   
   

2. Show reliability. Emphasize attendance, punctuality, and past steady work.

   
   

3. Highlight transferable skills. Include warehouse, construction, or retail experience.

   
   

4. Be brief but honest. If asked about your record, focus on rehabilitation and growth.

   
   

5. Apply to several stores. Managers make independent hiring decisions.

   
   

6. Follow up in person. Introduce yourself to store managers after applying online.

   
   

7. Consider distribution centers. These roles often have fewer restrictions.

   
   

8. Get certified. Forklift certification improves your hiring chances.

   
   

9. 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.