Quick Answer

Yes, Kroger does hire people with felonies in 2025. As one of America's largest supermarket chains with nearly 2,800 stores, Kroger evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and position requirements. Courtesy clerk, stocker, and grocery clerk positions pay $12-$16 per hour and are most accessible.

While theft convictions face more scrutiny in retail grocery environments, Kroger has made corporate commitments to fair chance hiring and many stores practice second-chance employment. Union representation at many locations provides additional job security and fair treatment for people with various criminal backgrounds who demonstrate reliability and customer service skills.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Kroger

3. Does Kroger Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Kroger

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Kroger

Kroger operates nearly 2,800 supermarkets under various banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Smith's, King Soopers, and many others. They're the largest supermarket chain in the United States, employing over 400,000 people in retail stores, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and corporate roles.

For people with felonies, Kroger presents solid opportunities. Their massive store count means constant hiring needs. Many positions involve stocking shelves, cleaning, and back-of-store work rather than cash handling, which can work in your favor. Union representation at most stores provides structured hiring processes and protections against discrimination.

Kroger has made public commitments to workforce diversity and fair chance hiring. They partner with organizations helping people with criminal backgrounds find employment and participate in national second-chance hiring initiatives. While individual store managers have some discretion, corporate policies support evaluating candidates fairly.

The grocery industry has high turnover, creating ongoing openings. If you're willing to work various shifts including nights, early mornings, and weekends, Kroger needs workers like you.

Does Kroger Hire People with Felonies?

Kroger does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate applicants based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. This individualized assessment gives you real opportunities.

In practice, many Kroger stores hire people with various types of criminal backgrounds. The company follows EEOC guidelines and complies with ban-the-box laws in applicable jurisdictions. Union contracts at most stores often include provisions supporting fair hiring practices.

The type of conviction matters. Theft and fraud convictions create the most significant challenges at Kroger since retail grocery involves merchandise and cash. However, they don't make employment impossible. Positions focusing on cleaning, stocking, or backroom work that don't involve cash handling may be more accessible. Time since conviction and complete honesty matter enormously.

Drug convictions are relatively common among Kroger employees and rarely prevent hiring if you can pass drug tests (commonly required at most locations). Many people in recovery have found stable employment at Kroger. The company understands substance abuse issues and focuses on current reliability.

Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case. Customer-facing grocery retail requires appropriate interpersonal behavior, but backroom and stocking positions involve less direct customer interaction. If your violent conviction was several years ago and you've maintained clean records since, many stores will give you chances, especially for less customer-facing positions.

Sexual offenses create significant barriers due to the family-friendly retail environment. Opportunities are very limited with this background.

Time since conviction is crucial. Convictions older than 7 years carry much less weight and often don't appear on standard background checks in many states. Clean records for 3-5 years since your last conviction demonstrate positive change and dramatically improve chances.

The position you apply for affects your odds significantly. Courtesy clerk (bagger) and cart retrieval positions are most accessible—physical work with minimal cash handling.

Stocker positions working overnight or early morning are very accessible because these shifts are hard to fill. Grocery clerk and produce clerk positions are possible. Cashier positions face more scrutiny with theft convictions but aren't impossible. Deli and bakery positions are possible depending on backgrounds.

Location matters. Stores in urban areas often have more experience hiring diverse candidates. Stores in states with strong ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring procedures. Union facilities have structured processes protecting against discrimination.

Individual store managers' attitudes vary. Some actively practice second-chance hiring while others are more cautious. Applying to multiple Kroger stores (different banners count as different stores) increases your success rate.

Available Jobs at Kroger

Kroger offers numerous positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Courtesy Clerk/Bagger

($12-$15/hour)

You'll bag groceries, help customers to cars, retrieve shopping carts, clean store areas, and assist customers. Physical work with customer interaction but minimal cash handling. This is often the most accessible position for people with felonies because it's entry-level and doesn't involve registers or inventory control.

Stocker/Stock Clerk

($13-$16/hour)

You'll stock shelves, organize products, rotate inventory, build displays, and maintain store appearance. Physical work requiring lifting and organization. Very accessible for people with records, especially overnight shifts when stores are closed to customers. Night and early morning shifts (10pm-6am) are hardest to fill and managers are most flexible about backgrounds.

Grocery Clerk

($13-$16/hour)

You'll stock groceries, assist customers, maintain departments, and help with various tasks. Combination of stocking and customer service. Accessible for people with backgrounds who have good people skills.

Produce Clerk

($13-$16/hour)

You'll stock produce, trim and prepare items, assist customers, maintain displays, and ensure freshness. Physical work with customer interaction. Good option if you prefer working with fresh products.

Meat/Seafood Clerk

($14-$17/hour)

You'll prepare meat and seafood products, assist customers, maintain departments, and ensure food safety. Requires knife skills (which you learn). Good position for people interested in learning a skilled trade within grocery.

Bakery Clerk

($13-$16/hour)

You'll prepare bakery items, assist customers, package products, and maintain cleanliness. Some early morning shifts. Good for people who prefer working with baked goods and don't mind early hours.

Deli Clerk

($13-$16/hour)

You'll prepare deli items, slice meats and cheeses, assist customers, and maintain food safety. Physical work with significant customer interaction. Good option if you have food service experience.

Overnight Stocker

($14-$17/hour)

You'll stock shelves and organize products while store is closed (typically 10pm-6am). Physical work with no customer interaction. This is one of the best positions for people with felonies—hard to fill shifts, no customers, focus on reliable physical work. Often includes night differential pay.

Utility Clerk/Janitor

($12-$15/hour)

You'll clean store areas, maintain restrooms, take out trash, and support operations. Physical work with less customer interaction. Very accessible for people with various backgrounds.

Best entry point

Courtesy Clerk or Overnight Stocker positions offer the quickest paths to employment for people with felonies. They require no experience, focus on physical work and reliability, and have less scrutiny than cashier positions. Once employed and proving reliability, moving to other departments becomes realistic. Union representation also helps protect your job once hired.

Background Check Process

Understanding Kroger's background check process helps you navigate hiring successfully.

Kroger conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This timing gives you opportunity to interview and make positive impressions before criminal records are reviewed. This approach follows fair chance hiring principles.

The standard background check looks back seven years for criminal history. This is typical for retail positions and follows most state regulations. Some states legally limit how far back employers can check. If your conviction is older than seven years, it may not appear at all.

The process typically takes 5-10 business days. During this time, drug testing is commonly required at most locations, though policies vary by region and sometimes by position. You'll be tested after receiving conditional offers but before starting work if testing is required at your location.

If something concerning appears on background checks, federal law requires Kroger to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions. This gives you 5-10 days to review reports, provide context, or dispute errors. This is your opportunity to explain circumstances or correct inaccuracies. Respond promptly.

Geographic variations matter significantly. In ban-the-box states and cities, Kroger cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Some jurisdictions have stricter regulations about what convictions can be considered. Kroger follows all local laws regarding fair chance hiring.

Union representation affects the process. At unionized stores (most Kroger locations), hiring processes must follow union contract provisions. These contracts often include protections against discrimination and provide grievance processes if you believe you were treated unfairly.

Individual store managers have some discretion in final hiring decisions, particularly for entry-level positions. Even if something appears on background checks, managers who were impressed during interviews may decide to hire you anyway, especially for positions with urgent staffing needs.

Application Tips

1. Apply online at jobs.kroger.com and visit stores in person. Online applications are required, but in-person visits show initiative and let you make personal connections with managers. Ask for the store manager or department manager.

   
   

2. Target courtesy clerk and overnight stocker positions first. These roles have the most flexible hiring standards, focus on physical work, and have less customer-facing interaction than cashier positions.

   
   

3. Don't mention your felony on applications in ban-the-box jurisdictions. Only answer questions directly asked. If applications don't inquire about criminal history, don't volunteer it upfront.

   
   

4. Apply to multiple Kroger stores and different banners. Each store manager makes somewhat independent hiring decisions. Apply to 10-15 stores including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Smith's, King Soopers, or whatever banners operate in your area.

   
   

5. Visit stores during slower times (mid-morning weekdays). Avoid weekends and after-work hours when stores are busy. Ask for managers during quieter periods when they can actually talk with you.

   
   

6. Be completely honest when background questions come up. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility, explain lessons learned, and focus on moving forward. Practice until natural and confident.

   
   

7. Emphasize any retail, customer service, or physical labor experience. Even informal experience like helping at events, volunteer work, or stocking experience demonstrates relevant capabilities.

   
   

8. Highlight your reliability and attendance record. Kroger needs people who show up consistently, especially for overnight and early morning shifts. Give specific dependability examples from any context.

   
   

9. Be flexible with scheduling, especially for overnight shifts. If you can work 10pm-6am shifts, this dramatically increases your chances. These shifts are hardest to fill and managers are most flexible about backgrounds. Night differential pay also increases your earnings.

   
   

10. Show genuine interest in the grocery industry. Kroger values people who care about customer service and food retail. Enthusiasm for helping customers and maintaining store standards resonates well.

    
    

11. Dress appropriately when visiting or interviewing. Business casual is fine. Clean, neat appearance shows professionalism. First impressions matter in retail.

    
    

12. Join the union if hired. Most Kroger stores are unionized. Union membership provides job security, grievance processes, and protections. Pay your dues—it's worth it for the protections.

    
    

13. Check with local workforce development programs. Some have relationships with Kroger stores that can facilitate your application and provide advocacy.

    
    

14. Bring references from anyone who can vouch for work ethic and character. Former employers, volunteer coordinators, instructors, or community members provide valuable credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my theft conviction prevent me from getting hired at Kroger?

Theft convictions create the most significant challenges at Kroger since retail grocery involves merchandise and cash. However, they don't make employment impossible. If your conviction was 5+ years ago, you've maintained stable employment since, and you're completely honest about what happened, some stores will give you chances. Your best approach is targeting positions with no cash handling—courtesy clerk (bagging), overnight stocker, or utility clerk positions. Different stores and managers have different comfort levels. Apply to many locations (10-15) to find managers willing to give opportunities. Union representation also helps—once hired, union contracts protect against unfair treatment. Time since conviction and honesty matter most.

Does Kroger do drug testing?

Drug testing policies at Kroger vary by location and sometimes by position. Most stores require pre-employment drug testing for most positions, though not universally for all entry-level roles. Policies vary by state and local management. You'll be informed during hiring if testing is required for your specific position and location. If required, testing happens after conditional offers. Even if not required initially, promotion to management typically requires testing. The safest assumption is you might be tested, so be prepared to pass drug screens. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications, bring proper documentation.

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

You can apply to Kroger immediately after conviction. However, chances improve with time. If conviction is less than 2 years old, you'll face more challenges but can still find work, especially in overnight stocker or courtesy clerk positions at stores with staffing needs. After 3-5 years of clean records, options expand considerably. After 7 years, many convictions won't appear on standard background checks in most states. The key is demonstrating stability since conviction—reliable work history, stable housing, staying out of trouble. Don't wait unnecessarily if you need work now. Apply to multiple stores and let managers decide. Union stores often provide more structured, fair processes.

Can I work at Kroger while on probation or parole?

Yes, many Kroger employees work while on probation or parole. Having employment helps satisfy supervision requirements. Be upfront with hiring managers about restrictions like curfews or required check-ins. Kroger scheduling can usually accommodate these needs, especially with diverse shift options. Some managers coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest about your situation from the beginning is better than hiding it and having conflicts arise later. Union representation also helps—union stewards can advocate for reasonable accommodations.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from Kroger?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you but create more challenges. Retail involves customer interaction, including families and vulnerable individuals, so managers assess appropriate behavior capability. Positions with less direct customer interaction—overnight stocker, backroom positions, utility clerk—are more accessible than customer service roles. Time matters enormously—10-year-old assault convictions are viewed very differently than recent ones. Be prepared to discuss what happened honestly, show positive change evidence, and emphasize workplace-appropriate behavior. Different stores have different comfort levels. Apply to multiple locations—some will give chances while others won't. Union stores often have fairer processes.

What if I have multiple felonies?

Multiple felonies make hiring more challenging but not impossible at Kroger. The pattern matters—were they all from one period or spread over years? If you've been conviction-free for 3-5 years, this demonstrates positive change. Be completely honest about your history and emphasize what you've done differently since your last conviction. Target the most accessible positions like courtesy clerk or overnight stocker. Apply to many stores (15-20)—some managers have hired people with complex backgrounds while others won't. Working with workforce development programs that have Kroger partnerships can help. Union representation provides additional fairness once hired.

Can I advance to management with a felony?

Yes, many Kroger supervisors, assistant managers, and even store managers have felony convictions in their past. Once hired and proving yourself as reliable, hard-working employees, criminal backgrounds become much less relevant for advancement. Courtesy clerks become department clerks, then lead positions. Stockers become department managers. Kroger promotes from within regularly, and union contracts often include provisions about fair promotion practices. Your work record with Kroger matters far more than criminal records for internal advancement. Demonstrating leadership, reliability, and commitment to customer service can lead to management within 2-4 years regardless of backgrounds.

Are certain Kroger stores better for hiring people with felonies?

Stores in urban areas and diverse communities often have more experience hiring people with criminal backgrounds. Stores in states with strong ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring practices. All unionized stores (most Kroger locations) have structured processes providing some protections. Stores with visible "now hiring" signs need workers urgently and may be more flexible. However, the most important factor is individual store manager attitudes. Apply to 10-15 different stores across different banners (Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Smith's, etc.) to find managers willing to give opportunities. Don't make assumptions—cast a wide net.

What should I do if my background check contains errors?

Take immediate action if background checks show incorrect information. Federal law requires Kroger to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions based on background check results. You typically have 5-10 business days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both Kroger's HR department and background screening companies to file formal disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing dismissed or expunged charges. Follow up every 2-3 days to ensure dispute processing. If you're already a union member, contact your union steward for assistance. Don't miss these deadlines.

Does being in the union help protect my job despite my felony?

Yes, union membership provides significant protections. Most Kroger stores are represented by UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) or other unions. Union contracts include provisions about fair treatment, grievance processes, and protection against discrimination. Once hired, the union helps ensure you're treated fairly regardless of your background. If you feel you're being treated unfairly due to your criminal record, union stewards can advocate for you. Pay your union dues—the protections are worth it. Union representation is one of the best aspects of working at Kroger for people with criminal backgrounds.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Kroger doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in grocery retail, consider these companies:

Albertsons/Safeway: Large grocery chain with similar operations and union representation. They hire people with felonies for various positions.

Publix: Southeastern grocery chain known for employee ownership. They hire people with criminal backgrounds for entry-level positions.

Whole Foods/Amazon: Grocery chain (owned by Amazon) that hires people with felonies for store positions.

Target: Big-box retailer with grocery departments that hires people with criminal backgrounds for various positions.

Walmart: Largest retailer with grocery departments that regularly hires people with felonies for stocking and backroom positions.

Final Thoughts

Kroger offers realistic opportunities for people with felony convictions. Their massive store count, constant hiring needs, and union representation at most stores create pathways to stable employment. While theft convictions face more scrutiny in retail grocery, positions like courtesy clerk and overnight stocker focus on physical work where backgrounds matter less. Your best strategy is targeting accessible entry positions, being honest when appropriate, and demonstrating strong work ethic and reliability.

Take action today by applying at jobs.kroger.com to 10-15 stores within reasonable distance, including different banners. Focus on courtesy clerk and overnight stocker positions for fastest entry. Visit stores in person during slower times to meet managers.

Emphasize your availability for any shifts, especially nights and early mornings. Join the union once hired for job protections. Many people with criminal backgrounds have built stable careers at Kroger—with persistence and professionalism, you can too.