Quick Answer

Yes, Lowe’s hires people with felony convictions. As a verified second-chance employer and one of the nation’s largest home improvement retailers, Lowe’s reviews each applicant individually based on their background and the job requirements.

With over 2,200 stores nationwide, starting pay between $15–$20/hour, comprehensive benefits, and clear paths to management earning $60,000–$110,000+ per year, Lowe’s offers a fair opportunity for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Lowe’s

3. Does Lowe’s Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Lowe’s

5. Background Check Process

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About Lowe’s

Founded in 1946, Lowe’s operates more than 2,200 home improvement stores across all 50 U.S. states and employs approximately 300,000 people. It stands as America’s second-largest home improvement retailer, serving both do-it-yourself homeowners and professional contractors with a wide range of building materials, tools, appliances, and home services.

Lowe’s maintains a strong corporate culture focused on customer service, diversity, and community engagement. The company has been recognized as a verified second-chance employer and partners with organizations like Goodwill and American Job Centers to provide employment opportunities for people with criminal records. Lowe’s also runs one of the nation’s strongest military hiring programs, which frequently extends to civilian second-chance candidates.

For individuals with criminal backgrounds, Lowe’s offers realistic and stable job options. The company’s focus on reliability, teamwork, and customer care allows people with records to demonstrate their skills and grow within a structured retail environment.

Does Lowe’s Hire People with Felonies?

Yes, Lowe’s does hire people with felony convictions. The company practices a fair-chance hiring policy, meaning applicants are not automatically disqualified due to their criminal history. Each case is reviewed based on the nature of the offense, time passed, and relevance to the position.

Lowe’s considers factors such as the type of conviction, the time since it occurred, evidence of rehabilitation, and how it relates to the specific job duties. Many individuals with past convictions work successfully at Lowe’s locations nationwide, especially in warehouse, stocking, and customer service roles.

Positions like Loader, Receiver/Stocker, and Customer Service Associate are often the most accessible. Over time, hardworking employees can advance to supervisory or management positions, demonstrating Lowe’s commitment to internal promotion and long-term career development.

Available Jobs at Lowe’s

Customer Service Associate (CSA)

($15–$19/hour)

Assists customers, restocks products, and maintains sales floor departments. Ideal entry-level role with steady hiring and strong training support.

Receiver / Stocker (Freight Team)

($16–$21/hour)

Handles truck unloading, stocking, and warehouse organization. Often overnight shifts; great for those seeking minimal customer interaction.

Loader (Lot Associate)

($14–$17/hour)

Loads customer vehicles, retrieves carts, and maintains the parking area. Physically demanding but accessible entry job with consistent openings.

Cashier

($15–$18/hour)

Operates registers, processes payments, and provides front-end customer service. Ideal for those with people skills and accuracy in handling cash.

Fulfillment Associate

($15–$19/hour)

Prepares and stages online orders. Behind-the-scenes work environment with less direct supervision.

Garden Center Associate

($14–$18/hour)

Assists customers outdoors with plants and garden supplies. Seasonal peaks in spring and summer make this role accessible for new hires.

Lumber Associate

($15–$20/hour)

Cuts and loads lumber, maintains inventory, and assists contractors. Good for physically capable workers who enjoy hands-on tasks.

Appliance Sales Specialist

($16–$23/hour)

Sells major home appliances with training provided. Commission potential available.

Pro Sales Associate

($17–$24/hour)

Supports contractors and business clients. Ideal for those with construction or sales experience.

Department Supervisor

($19–$27/hour)

Oversees department staff and operations. Often promoted internally from CSA or specialist roles.

Assistant Store Manager / Store Manager

($26–$58/hour equivalent)

Manages store operations, staff, and budgets. Leadership roles often filled by internal promotions, including employees with records.

Background Check Process

Lowe’s conducts background checks after a conditional job offer. The process typically takes 5–7 business days and reviews:

• Criminal history (usually a 7-year lookback)

• Sex offender registry

• Social Security verification

• Employment and driving record (for delivery positions)

Drug tests may be required depending on the store’s policy and are conducted after a conditional offer. The company evaluates each case individually, considering the type of offense and evidence of rehabilitation. Many applicants with records successfully pass this step and go on to long-term employment.

Application Tips

1. Apply to Multiple Locations. Each Lowe’s store hires independently, so apply to several in your area to increase your chances.

   
   

2. Target Accessible Roles. Focus on Loader, Receiver/Stocker, or Garden Center positions, which typically have fewer background barriers.

   
   

3. Show Work Ethic. Emphasize reliability, physical ability, and willingness to work hard in interviews.

   
   

4. Be Honest If Asked. Briefly acknowledge your past, then focus on your growth and readiness to work.

   
   

5. Visit in Person. After applying online, stop by to express interest and ask for the hiring manager.

   
   

6. Leverage Military Experience. Lowe’s values veterans and service members—highlight transferable skills if applicable.

   
   

7. Get Forklift Certified. Certification improves your chances for warehouse or stocker roles.

   
   

8. Follow Up. Call or visit within a week of applying to show initiative.

   
   

9. Apply During Peak Hiring Seasons. Spring and fall offer more job openings.

   
   

10. Show Product Interest. Express enthusiasm for tools, DIY projects, or construction—Lowe’s values genuine curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Lowe’s automatically reject me?

No. Lowe’s is a verified second-chance employer and evaluates each applicant individually.

What jobs are easiest to get with a record?

Loader and Receiver/Stocker positions are the most accessible due to limited customer interaction and constant hiring needs.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes. Many stores accommodate court or supervision requirements during scheduling.

Will a theft conviction prevent hiring?

Not necessarily. Older convictions, especially those over five years old, are often acceptable.

Does Lowe’s drug test?

Some stores do, depending on state and company policy. Testing occurs only after a conditional offer.

Can I advance with a record?

Yes. Lowe’s promotes from within, and many supervisors and managers began in entry-level roles with prior convictions.

How much can I earn?

Starting pay ranges from $15–$20/hour, with management positions reaching $80,000–$120,000 per year.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Home Depot – Verified second-chance employer with over 2,300 stores nationwide

• Menards – Midwest-based chain offering case-by-case hiring

• Tractor Supply – 2,000+ rural retail stores with inclusive hiring

• Ace Hardware – Franchise-operated stores with flexible hiring practices

• 84 Lumber – Contractor-focused supplier known for hands-on work opportunities

Final Thoughts

Lowe’s provides genuine career opportunities for people with felony convictions. The company’s verified second-chance hiring policy, military-friendly culture, and emphasis on internal promotion make it one of the best national retailers for individuals seeking stable, long-term employment after incarceration.

With thousands of stores, consistent starting pay around $15–$20/hour, and training for advancement, Lowe’s is a realistic and supportive place to rebuild a career.

Take your next step by applying at lowes.com/careers or visiting your nearest Lowe’s store to ask about open positions today.