Quick Answer

Yes, John Deere does hire people with felonies in 2025. As one of the world's leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers, John Deere evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and job requirements. Production worker and assembly positions pay $18-$28 per hour with excellent benefits and are accessible to people with criminal backgrounds.

Manufacturing facilities need reliable workers, and the company values work ethic, technical aptitude, and safety over perfect backgrounds. John Deere offers union jobs at many plants, competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and clear advancement paths, making them an outstanding option for people with felonies seeking stable manufacturing careers.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About John Deere

3. Does John Deere Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at John Deere

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About John Deere

John Deere is an iconic American manufacturer of agricultural machinery, construction equipment, forestry equipment, and lawn care products. They operate dozens of manufacturing plants, parts distribution centers, and assembly facilities across the United States. The company employs tens of thousands of workers in production, assembly, welding, machining, and maintenance roles.

For people with felonies, John Deere presents exceptional opportunities. Their manufacturing facilities need skilled and reliable workers constantly. These are quality industrial jobs with strong wages ($18-$28/hour for production workers), comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans with matching, and union representation at many facilities providing job security.

John Deere has made commitments to workforce diversity and fair employment practices. While they maintain high manufacturing standards, they evaluate candidates based on qualifications and ability to perform jobs rather than automatically rejecting people with criminal backgrounds. The company partners with workforce development programs and understands that good workers come from diverse backgrounds.

The industrial manufacturing environment focuses on producing high-quality equipment through teamwork, technical skills, and safety consciousness. If you can demonstrate these capabilities, your criminal background becomes less relevant than your ability to contribute to production operations.

Does John Deere Hire People with Felonies?

John Deere does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate each applicant based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. This individualized assessment provides opportunities for people with various backgrounds.

In practice, John Deere facilities hire people with criminal backgrounds for production, assembly, and maintenance positions. The company follows EEOC guidelines and ban-the-box principles where applicable. They focus on whether you can perform skilled manufacturing work safely and reliably.

The type of conviction affects chances. Drug convictions are relatively common and rarely prevent hiring if you can pass drug tests now. Many people in recovery have found stable, well-paying employment at John Deere facilities. The company understands substance abuse issues and focuses on current reliability and safety.

Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case but don't automatically disqualify you. Manufacturing work involves equipment, tools, and machinery rather than vulnerable populations. If your violent conviction was several years ago and you've maintained clean records since, many John Deere facilities will consider you, especially if you have relevant manufacturing skills.

Theft convictions are evaluated carefully. Manufacturing facilities have valuable tools, equipment, and materials. However, many people with old theft convictions work successfully at John Deere plants. Time since conviction and complete honesty matter significantly.

Sexual offenses are evaluated carefully. While manufacturing environments differ from customer-facing settings, facilities may have specific considerations. Be honest and let them evaluate your specific situation.

Time since conviction matters significantly. Convictions older than 7 years often don't appear on standard background checks in many states. Even if they appear, old convictions carry less weight. Clean records for 3-5 years since your last conviction demonstrate positive change and improve chances substantially.

The position you apply for is important. Production workers, assemblers, and machine operators have relatively flexible hiring standards—focusing on technical aptitude, reliability, and safety consciousness. Welders and maintenance technicians with trade skills are highly valued regardless of backgrounds because skilled workers are scarce. Material handlers and warehouse positions are quite accessible. Quality control and some specialized positions may face more scrutiny but remain possible.

Location affects opportunities. John Deere facilities in rural areas sometimes have difficulty finding skilled workers and may be flexible about backgrounds. Plants in states with ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring procedures. Union facilities often have structured hiring processes providing some protections.

The bottom line is that John Deere needs reliable, skilled workers. If you can demonstrate technical aptitude, commitment to safety, and reliable attendance, you have chances regardless of criminal history—especially if you have welding, machining, or other manufacturing skills.

Available Jobs at John Deere

John Deere offers numerous manufacturing positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Production Worker/Assembler

($18-$25/hour)

You'll assemble equipment components, follow work instructions, use hand and power tools, ensure quality standards, and maintain production flow. Requires mechanical aptitude and attention to detail. This is a common entry position accessible to people with felonies. Plants need reliable workers who can learn assembly procedures and work safely.

Welder

($20-$30/hour)

You'll weld equipment components and frames using MIG, TIG, or other welding processes, read blueprints, and ensure weld quality. Requires welding skills and certification. If you have welding experience or certification, criminal backgrounds rarely matter—skilled welders are in extremely high demand and John Deere will hire qualified welders regardless of past convictions.

Machine Operator

($19-$27/hour)

You'll operate manufacturing machinery like CNC machines, lathes, or mills, monitor equipment, make adjustments, and maintain quality. Requires mechanical aptitude and sometimes technical training. Good position for people with manufacturing backgrounds or willingness to learn technical skills.

Material Handler/Forklift Operator

($17-$23/hour)

You'll move materials, operate forklifts, supply assembly lines, organize inventory, and maintain material flow. Requires forklift certification (sometimes provided). These positions are accessible for people with records—straightforward work where reliability and safety matter most.

Painter

($18-$26/hour)

You'll paint equipment and components using spray equipment, ensure finish quality, and maintain paint systems. Requires attention to detail and following procedures. Skilled trade position that values capability over background.

Maintenance Technician

($24-$35/hour)

You'll repair manufacturing equipment, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues, and ensure plant operations. Requires technical training or industrial maintenance experience. If you have these skills, criminal backgrounds matter far less—skilled maintenance workers are extremely valuable and difficult to find.

Quality Inspector

($19-$26/hour)

You'll inspect components and assemblies, use measuring tools, document results, and ensure manufacturing standards. Requires attention to detail and technical understanding. Slightly more competitive but accessible with right work history.

Warehouse Associate

($17-$22/hour)

You'll receive shipments, organize parts inventory, pick orders, and support operations. Physical work with some computer use. Accessible position for people with backgrounds.

Machine Setter

($20-$28/hour)

You'll set up manufacturing equipment for production runs, make adjustments, and ensure proper operation. Requires technical skills and experience. Good advancement opportunity for people who start in basic production roles.

Best entry point

Production Worker/Assembler positions offer accessible entry points. If you have welding skills or can get certified, Welder positions provide excellent opportunities even with criminal backgrounds because skilled welders are so scarce. Material Handler positions also offer good entry points. Once employed and proving reliability, moving to skilled positions becomes realistic.

Background Check Process

Understanding John Deere's background check process helps you prepare and navigate hiring successfully.

John Deere conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This means they interview you, assess your qualifications, decide they want to hire you, and then run background checks. This approach allows you to demonstrate technical aptitude and work ethic before criminal records are reviewed.

The standard background check looks back seven years for criminal history. This is typical for manufacturing positions. Some positions, particularly those requiring security clearances or sensitive work, may look back further. John Deere uses professional screening companies checking federal, state, and county records. They also verify employment history and may check education/training credentials.

The process typically takes 7-10 business days. During this time, you'll complete drug screens. John Deere requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Manufacturing work involves heavy machinery, welding equipment, and safety hazards, making drug testing standard. Random testing after hire is also common.

If something appears on background checks that concerns John Deere, federal law requires them to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions. You have 5-10 days to review reports, provide context, or dispute errors. This is your opportunity to explain circumstances or correct inaccuracies. Take this seriously and respond promptly.

Geographic variations matter. In ban-the-box states, John Deere cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Some jurisdictions have stricter regulations. John Deere follows all local laws regarding fair chance hiring.

Union facilities may have additional considerations. At unionized John Deere plants, collective bargaining agreements may include provisions about hiring practices. These contracts sometimes support fair hiring practices and provide processes for addressing concerns.

The manufacturing environment creates some considerations. John Deere maintains high quality and safety standards. Background checks evaluate whether your history creates safety concerns in the specific manufacturing environment. However, many people with various criminal backgrounds work successfully at John Deere facilities.

Application Tips

1. Apply online at jobs.deere.com and search for manufacturing facilities in your area. Create complete profiles emphasizing any technical skills, manufacturing experience, or trade training.

   
   

2. Target production worker, assembler, and material handler positions for entry. These have more flexible standards. If you have welding or maintenance skills, absolutely apply to those positions—skilled trades are in high demand.

   
   

3. Don't mention your felony on applications in ban-the-box jurisdictions. Answer honestly if asked, but don't volunteer unnecessary information upfront.

   
   

4. Visit John Deere facilities in person after applying. Some plants have HR offices or hiring events. Showing up demonstrates serious interest.

   
   

5. Be completely honest about backgrounds when asked. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility and emphasize your commitment to reliable work and safety. John Deere values integrity.

   
   

6. Emphasize any manufacturing, mechanical, welding, or technical experience. Even informal experience like automotive work, farm equipment repair, or construction demonstrates relevant capabilities.

   
   

7. Highlight your reliability, attendance record, and safety consciousness. John Deere facilities operate on production schedules requiring consistent staffing and safe practices. Give specific examples.

   
   

8. Get welding certification or forklift certification before applying if possible. These certifications dramatically improve your chances and pay. Welding certification especially opens doors regardless of criminal backgrounds.

   
   

9. Be flexible with shift work. Most John Deere plants run multiple shifts. Willingness to work any shift increases hiring chances.

   
   

10. Check if your local workforce development program has relationships with John Deere. Some facilities partner with these programs for recruiting.

    
    

11. Dress appropriately for interviews. Business casual demonstrates professionalism. Manufacturing companies value both practical skills and professional behavior.

    
    

12. Research John Deere's products and manufacturing operations. Understanding their equipment and commitment to quality shows genuine interest. Ask intelligent questions during interviews.

    
    

13. Bring references from anyone who can vouch for your work ethic and reliability. Former supervisors from manufacturing, construction, or technical jobs provide valuable credibility.

    
    

14. If you have technical training or trade school certificates, bring documentation. Welding certificates, machining credentials, or maintenance training significantly strengthen your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at John Deere?

Drug convictions, including felonies, don't automatically prevent hiring at John Deere. However, you must pass drug tests now. John Deere tests pre-employment for all positions due to safety requirements in manufacturing. If your conviction was for distribution rather than possession, be prepared to discuss it honestly. Time since conviction helps—if you've been clean for 2+ years, most hiring managers view this positively. Focus on current sobriety and your technical skills or willingness to learn. Production and skilled trade positions are accessible even with drug felony histories if you can pass current drug tests.

Does John Deere do drug testing?

Yes, John Deere requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions without exception. Manufacturing involves heavy machinery, welding equipment, overhead cranes, and numerous safety hazards. You'll be tested after receiving conditional offers. Tests typically screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. John Deere also conducts random drug testing throughout employment. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications, bring proper documentation. This is absolutely non-negotiable—be prepared to pass full drug screens.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to John Deere?

You can apply immediately after conviction. However, chances improve with time. If conviction is less than a year old, you'll face more scrutiny but aren't automatically disqualified, especially for entry positions. After 3 years of clean records, options expand considerably. After 7 years, many convictions won't appear on standard checks in most states. The key is demonstrating stability—consistent work history, staying out of trouble. If you have valuable skills like welding or maintenance experience, these can offset recent convictions. Don't wait unnecessarily if you need work and have relevant skills.

Can I work at John Deere while on probation or parole?

Yes, many John Deere employees work while on probation or parole. Having employment helps satisfy supervision requirements. Be upfront about restrictions like check-ins or travel limits. John Deere shift work usually accommodates these requirements. If you need specific arrangements for check-ins, discuss this during hiring. Some managers coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Your probation officer will likely support John Deere employment—these are stable, well-paying manufacturing jobs with benefits and union protection at many facilities.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from John Deere?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you. John Deere evaluates circumstances, time passed, and records since then. Manufacturing work involves tools and equipment, requiring safety consciousness, but doesn't involve vulnerable populations. If your violent conviction was 5+ years ago and you've maintained clean records since, many facilities will consider you, especially if you have manufacturing skills. Be honest about what happened and emphasize workplace safety commitment. Many people with violent felonies work successfully at John Deere plants.

What if I have theft convictions?

Theft convictions are evaluated carefully because manufacturing facilities have valuable tools, equipment, and materials. However, they don't make employment impossible. If your theft conviction was 5+ years ago, you've maintained stable employment since, and you're completely honest, some facilities will give chances. Time since conviction matters significantly—10+ year old theft convictions carry minimal weight. Production positions may be more accessible than warehouse roles with inventory access. Be honest, take responsibility, and emphasize how you've changed.

Can I work in manufacturing with a felony?

Yes, many people with felonies work in John Deere manufacturing facilities. These plants need reliable workers who can learn technical skills and work safely. Be prepared for skilled manufacturing work—reading instructions, using tools, following quality procedures, working safely around equipment. Various felony types are represented among manufacturing workers. If you have technical aptitude, mechanical skills, or welding abilities, criminal backgrounds matter less because skilled workers are scarce. If you can handle the work and show up reliably, you have chances.

Are certain John Deere facilities better for hiring people with felonies?

All John Deere facilities need reliable workers, but rural plants sometimes have more difficulty finding skilled labor and may be more flexible. Facilities in ban-the-box states must follow fair chance hiring. Union plants may have structured processes providing some protections. However, the most important factors are your skills and the facility's current needs. If you have welding or maintenance skills, you'll find opportunities at most facilities regardless of location. Apply to multiple John Deere plants within reasonable distance.

What should I do if my background check contains errors?

Act immediately if checks contain errors. Federal law requires John Deere to send pre-adverse action notices before rejecting based on background results. You typically have 5-10 days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both John Deere HR and the screening company to file disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records or documents showing dismissed/expunged charges. Follow up every 2-3 days. Don't miss the deadline. Accuracy matters significantly in skilled manufacturing roles.

Does John Deere offer advancement for people with felonies?

Yes, John Deere offers clear advancement paths regardless of backgrounds. Once hired and proving reliability and skill, criminal records become much less relevant. Production workers can move to skilled operator positions, then lead roles. Workers can pursue technical training for welding, machining, or maintenance. Many facilities provide apprenticeships and training programs. John Deere values workers who show initiative and develop skills. Your track record with John Deere matters far more than criminal history for advancement. Many people with felonies have built long manufacturing careers at John Deere.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If John Deere doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in manufacturing, consider these companies:

Caterpillar: Heavy equipment manufacturer with similar operations. They hire people with felonies for production and skilled trade positions.

CNH Industrial: Manufactures agricultural and construction equipment. They hire people with criminal backgrounds for manufacturing roles.

AGCO Corporation: Agricultural equipment manufacturer that hires people with felonies for production positions.

Volvo Construction Equipment: Heavy equipment manufacturer hiring people with backgrounds for manufacturing and assembly positions.

Kubota: Tractor and equipment manufacturer that hires people with felonies for production and assembly work.

Final Thoughts

John Deere offers outstanding opportunities for people with felony convictions seeking stable manufacturing careers. Their facilities need reliable workers, and the company evaluates candidates based on qualifications and work ethic rather than automatically rejecting people with criminal backgrounds. The combination of strong wages ($18-$28/hour), excellent benefits, union representation at many facilities, and advancement opportunities makes John Deere an excellent option for building long-term financial stability.

Take action today by applying at jobs.deere.com to every facility within reasonable distance. If you have welding, machining, or maintenance skills, emphasize these—skilled trades positions are accessible even with criminal backgrounds. Focus on production, assembly, or material handler positions for entry.

Be honest about your background, emphasize your reliability and safety consciousness, and show willingness to learn. Thousands of people with criminal backgrounds have built successful manufacturing careers at John Deere—with the right skills and approach, you can too.