Quick Answer
Yes, McDonald's does hire people with felonies in 2025. As one of the world's largest fast-food chains with over 13,000 U.S. locations, McDonald's evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and position requirements—though as a franchise business, hiring decisions vary significantly by location. Crew member positions pay $11-$14 per hour and are most accessible.
Fast-food restaurants have high turnover and constant hiring needs, making them accessible options for people with various criminal backgrounds who can demonstrate reliability, willingness to work, and basic customer service skills.
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About McDonald's
McDonald's operates over 13,000 restaurants in the United States, making them one of the largest employers in the fast-food industry. The vast majority of McDonald's restaurants are independently owned franchises rather than corporate locations. This matters significantly because each franchise owner makes their own hiring decisions within corporate guidelines.
For people with felonies, McDonald's presents realistic opportunities. Fast food has constant turnover and always needs workers willing to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Many franchise owners understand that good workers come from all backgrounds and are willing to give people second chances.
The franchise model works in your favor because if one McDonald's won't hire you, another might. Different owners have different policies and comfort levels. Some actively practice second-chance hiring, while others are more cautious. This means persistence pays off—keep applying to different locations until you find an owner willing to give you a shot.
McDonald's corporate has made some commitments to workforce diversity and opportunity, but remember that individual franchise owners control hiring. Your experience will vary dramatically from one location to another based on who owns that particular restaurant.
Does McDonald's Hire People with Felonies?
McDonald's corporate doesn't have a universal blanket ban on hiring people with felonies, and most franchises evaluate applicants individually. However, because hiring is controlled by individual franchise owners, your experience will vary significantly from one location to another.
In practice, many McDonald's locations regularly hire people with criminal backgrounds. Fast food needs workers urgently and consistently. Franchise owners who can't find enough employees are often more flexible about backgrounds. This is especially true for overnight shifts, weekend positions, and locations in areas with tight labor markets.
The type of conviction affects your chances somewhat, but less than in many other industries. Violent felonies can be more challenging, but many franchise owners will still give you a chance if time has passed and you're honest. Drug convictions are extremely common among fast-food employees and rarely prevent hiring. Theft convictions can raise concerns since you'll be around food, equipment, and sometimes cash, but many owners will hire you for kitchen positions if you're upfront about it.
Time since conviction helps but matters less in fast food than in other industries. Even recent convictions (within the past year) don't automatically disqualify you at many locations. Franchise owners care more about whether you'll show up reliably and work hard than about your criminal history.
The position you apply for matters somewhat. Kitchen and prep positions are slightly easier to get than cashier roles if you have theft convictions, simply because you're not handling money. However, many locations will cross-train you in all positions regardless of background.
Location and management make the biggest difference. Urban McDonald's and those in areas with more diverse populations tend to have more experience hiring people with records. Restaurants with visible "now hiring" signs or staffing shortages are often more flexible. Individual managers and franchise owners vary enormously in their attitudes—some actively seek to give second chances while others are more cautious.
The bottom line is that if one McDonald's says no, try ten more. You'll likely find a franchise owner willing to hire you.
Available Jobs at McDonald's
McDonald's offers several entry-level positions that people with felony convictions regularly obtain:
Crew Member
($11-$14/hour)
You'll take orders, prepare food, work registers, clean, and perform various tasks. No experience required and they train you on everything. This is the standard entry position where most people start. It involves all aspects of restaurant operations. Very accessible for people with felony records.
Kitchen Crew/Cook
($11-$14/hour)
You'll focus on food preparation, cooking on grills, assembling orders, and kitchen maintenance. Physical work in hot conditions. If you have theft convictions and worry about handling cash, asking specifically for kitchen positions can help. Many franchise owners are more comfortable putting people with backgrounds in kitchen roles.
Cashier/Front Counter
($11-$13/hour)
You'll take orders at registers, handle money, and interact with customers. Requires basic math and customer service skills. While possible to get this position with a felony, theft or fraud convictions may make franchise owners hesitant. However, plenty of people with these backgrounds work registers—it depends on the owner and your honesty about your past.
Maintenance Crew
($11-$13/hour)
You'll focus on cleaning dining areas, restrooms, equipment, and general maintenance. Less customer interaction and good if you prefer working more independently. Some locations have dedicated maintenance positions, especially larger or busier restaurants. Very accessible for people with records.
Shift Manager
($13-$16/hour)
You'll supervise crew members, manage shifts, handle opening/closing procedures, and solve problems. Requires some experience (usually 6+ months) and leadership ability. Once you prove yourself as a reliable crew member, moving up to shift manager is very possible regardless of your background. Many people with felonies have become shift managers.
Overnight Crew
($12-$15/hour)
You'll work late night/early morning shifts (often 11pm-7am) doing all crew member tasks. Harder to fill shifts often mean franchise owners are more flexible about backgrounds. Night differential may increase pay slightly.
Morning Prep
($11-$13/hour)
You'll arrive early (often 4-5am) to prepare food, start cooking, and get the restaurant ready. Physical kitchen work. Early morning shifts are often hard to fill, so franchise owners may be very flexible about backgrounds for people willing to work these hours.
Best entry point
Crew Member or Kitchen Crew positions offer the quickest path to employment. If one location seems hesitant about your background, emphasize your willingness to work any shift, especially nights, weekends, and early mornings that are hardest to staff.
Background Check Process
Background check practices at McDonald's vary significantly by franchise owner. Understanding the general process helps you know what to expect.
Many McDonald's franchises do conduct background checks, but not all do, and practices vary widely. Some franchise owners only run backgrounds for management positions, while others check all employees. Some locations don't conduct formal background checks at all, especially if they're desperate for workers.
When background checks are performed, they typically happen after the interview when the owner or manager has decided they want to hire you. This gives you the chance to make a personal impression first. Some locations may ask about criminal history on the application, while others (especially in ban-the-box jurisdictions) cannot ask until later in the process.
The depth of background checks varies. Some franchise owners use comprehensive screening companies that look back seven years or more. Others do basic checks through county records. Some simply verify what you've told them. There's no universal standard across all McDonald's.
The process typically takes 2-7 days when conducted. Some franchises move faster, especially if they need workers immediately. Very few McDonald's locations require drug testing for entry-level positions, though some may test for management roles.
If something appears on your background check that concerns the franchise owner, your best asset is the relationship you've built during the interview. This is why in-person applications and showing your personality help tremendously. A manager who likes you and thinks you'll be a good worker may decide to hire you anyway.
Geographic variations matter significantly. In cities and states with ban-the-box laws, McDonald's franchises must follow those regulations. This means they can't ask about criminal history until after determining you're qualified. Some progressive jurisdictions have even stricter rules that limit what convictions can be considered.
Application Tips
Apply to many McDonald's locations—at least 10-15 different restaurants. Since each is independently owned, one owner might say yes while another says no. Cast a wide net to find franchise owners willing to hire people with records.
Apply in person during slow times (2-4pm on weekdays). Walk in, ask for an application, and request to speak with a manager. Making a personal connection dramatically improves your chances compared to online-only applications.
Be honest if asked about your felony directly. Don't volunteer it on the application if not required, but if asked, tell the truth. Prepare a brief 2-3 sentence explanation that takes responsibility and focuses on moving forward.
Emphasize your availability for hard-to-fill shifts. Tell them you can work nights, weekends, early mornings, and holidays. Franchise owners desperately need workers for these times and may overlook your background if you'll cover difficult shifts.
Dress clean and neat when applying, even though it's fast food. You don't need a suit, but clean clothes and a presentable appearance show you take the opportunity seriously.
Highlight any food service, customer service, or work experience. Even informal experience like helping cook at church events or volunteering shows you have relevant skills and work ethic.
Show enthusiasm and energy during the interview. Fast food needs people with good attitudes who'll work efficiently. Positive energy can outweigh concerns about your background.
Be ready to start immediately. If you can start tomorrow or within a few days, say so clearly. Many McDonald's need workers urgently, and immediate availability makes you much more attractive.
Ask about advancement opportunities. Showing interest in growing with the company demonstrates you're serious about work, not just looking for a temporary job until something better comes along.
Follow up if you don't hear back within 2-3 days. Call the restaurant, ask for the manager, and express your continued interest. Persistence shows reliability.
Target locations with visible "now hiring" signs or that look short-staffed. These restaurants need workers most urgently and franchise owners will be most flexible about backgrounds.
Don't get discouraged if one location says no. Fast food franchise owners have wildly different attitudes. What disqualifies you at one McDonald's might not matter at all at another location five miles away.
Bring references if you have them. Anyone who can vouch for your work ethic and reliability helps, even if they're not from traditional employment.
Consider applying at McDonald's locations near bus routes or where you can reliably commute. Transportation reliability is crucial in fast food, so demonstrating you can get to work consistently matters more than your background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my felony show up on McDonald's background check?
This depends entirely on the franchise owner. Some McDonald's locations don't conduct background checks at all. Others use basic county-level checks that may miss things. Some use comprehensive screening companies. If a formal background check is run, felonies typically appear if they occurred within the past 7-10 years, though laws vary by state. In ban-the-box states, employers can only check after a conditional offer. The best approach is being honest if asked directly. Many franchise owners care more about your current reliability than your past.
Does McDonald's do drug testing?
Most McDonald's locations do not require drug testing for entry-level crew member positions. Drug testing is rare in fast food generally because of high turnover and the need for workers. Some franchise owners may require testing for management positions, but even this isn't universal. If testing is required, you'll be told during the hiring process. This makes McDonald's a good option if you're concerned about drug testing at other jobs.
How long should I wait after my conviction before applying?
Don't wait at all. Apply to McDonald's immediately if you need work. Fast food is one of the most accessible industries for people with recent convictions. Even if your felony is less than a year old, many franchise owners will hire you if you're honest and they need workers. Your chances improve with time, but don't let your conviction stop you from applying now. The worst they can say is no, and the next location might say yes.
Can I work at McDonald's while on probation or parole?
Yes, absolutely. Many McDonald's employees work while on probation or parole. Fast food schedules can usually accommodate required check-ins, court dates, or curfews, especially if you're upfront about your needs. Having employment helps satisfy probation requirements and looks good to your probation officer. Some managers even communicate directly with probation officers to confirm employment. Be honest about your situation when hired so schedules can be worked out.
Will violent felonies prevent me from getting hired?
Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you from fast food work. Many franchise owners have hired people with various violent convictions. Much depends on the specific circumstances, how long ago it occurred, and the individual franchise owner's comfort level. Some owners won't hesitate while others may be more cautious. Your best strategy is applying to many locations and being honest when asked. Time helps—a 7-year-old assault conviction carries much less weight than one from a year ago.
What if I have theft convictions?
Theft convictions can create hesitation since you'll be around food, equipment, and sometimes money. However, many McDonald's locations hire people with theft backgrounds, especially for kitchen positions. Be completely honest about it if asked, take responsibility, and explain how you've changed. Emphasize any employment you've had since without problems. If one franchise owner is uncomfortable, try other locations—policies vary dramatically between franchises.
Will multiple felonies disqualify me?
Multiple felonies make things more challenging but not impossible at McDonald's. Fast food franchise owners have seen everything, and many are willing to give chances to people with complex backgrounds. The key is demonstrating you're stable now and ready to work reliably. If you've been trouble-free for the past few years, highlight that. Apply to many locations because different owners have different comfort levels. Someone will likely give you a chance if you're persistent.
Can I move up to management with a felony record?
Yes. Many McDonald's managers and even franchise owners have felony records in their past. Once you're hired and prove yourself as a reliable, hard-working employee, your criminal background becomes much less relevant. McDonald's regularly promotes from within, and performance matters more than history. People with felonies have become shift managers, assistant managers, and general managers. Your path to advancement is limited more by your work performance than your past mistakes.
What should I do if the manager seems hesitant about my background?
If you sense hesitation, address it directly and professionally. Acknowledge your past, take responsibility, explain briefly what happened, and pivot quickly to how you've changed and why you'll be a great employee. Offer to start on a trial basis or work the shifts nobody wants. Sometimes showing you're willing to prove yourself overcomes hesitation. If that particular manager still seems uncomfortable, thank them and try other McDonald's locations. Don't take rejection personally—franchise owners vary tremendously.
Are certain McDonald's locations better for people with felonies?
Generally, McDonald's in urban areas, locations with visible staffing problems, and franchise owners with multiple restaurants (who see hiring volume differently) tend to be more flexible. Locations in states with ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring practices. Restaurants near bus lines or in working-class neighborhoods often have more experience with diverse applicants. The main strategy is applying to many locations rather than assuming any particular restaurant will be better or worse—franchise owners vary so dramatically that you need to find the ones willing to give you a chance.
Similar Felon-Friendly Companies
If McDonald's doesn't work out, these similar fast-food companies also regularly hire people with felony convictions:
Burger King: Fast-food chain with franchise locations. Like McDonald's, hiring varies by franchise owner, but many locations hire people with criminal backgrounds.
Wendy's: Fast-food chain that frequently hires people with felonies. Entry-level crew and kitchen positions are very accessible.
Taco Bell: Popular fast-food chain known for giving second chances, especially for crew and kitchen positions.
KFC: Fast-food chicken restaurant that hires people with various criminal backgrounds regularly, especially for kitchen and crew positions.
Subway: Sandwich chain with thousands of franchise locations. Many franchisees hire people with felonies, especially for back-of-house prep positions.
Final Thoughts
McDonald’s offers real opportunities for people with felony convictions. The franchise model means if one location won’t hire you, another might. Persistence is key—apply to multiple locations, show up in person, demonstrate your availability for hard-to-fill shifts, and be honest about your background when asked.
Start today by visiting careers.mcdonalds.com to apply online, then follow up in person at 10–15 local McDonald’s during off-peak hours. Pick up applications, fill them out neatly, and ask to speak briefly with managers. Emphasize your availability and willingness to work hard.
Don’t let one “no” discourage you—thousands of people with felony convictions have built successful fast-food careers. With persistence, your first paycheck might be just a few applications away.
Does McDonalds Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center
Industry:
Food & Hospitality
Pay:
$15.00 – $35.00/hour
Location:
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