Quick Answer
Yes, Pepsi Co does hire people with felonies in 2025. As one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, Pepsi Co evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and job requirements. Warehouse, production, and merchandiser positions pay $16-$22 per hour and are most accessible.
The company operates manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and has merchandising teams needing reliable workers constantly. Pepsi Co has made corporate commitments to diversity and fair chance hiring, making them a solid option for people with various criminal backgrounds who can demonstrate work ethic, reliability, and ability to perform physical work safely.
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About Pepsi Co
Pepsi Co is a global food and beverage company producing brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Tropicana, Frito-Lay snacks, and Quaker products. They operate hundreds of manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and sales operations across the United States. The company employs tens of thousands of workers in production, warehouse, delivery, merchandising, and operations roles.
For people with felonies, Pepsi Co presents good opportunities. Their facilities need workers constantly for production lines, warehouse operations, and merchandising routes. These are real jobs with competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Union representation at many facilities provides additional job security and fair treatment.
Pepsi Co has made public commitments to workforce diversity and fair chance hiring. They partner with workforce development programs and participate in initiatives designed to reduce barriers for people with criminal backgrounds. The company understands that reliable workers come from diverse backgrounds.
The nature of beverage and food production work means the focus is on your ability to work safely, show up consistently, and meet production or delivery standards—not on having a perfect background. This works in your favor if you're willing to do physical work reliably.
Does Pepsi Co Hire People with Felonies?
Pepsi Co 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 gives you real opportunities.
In practice, Pepsi Co facilities regularly hire people with various types of criminal backgrounds for production, warehouse, and merchandising positions. The company follows EEOC guidelines and ban-the-box principles where applicable.
The type of conviction affects chances somewhat. Drug convictions are relatively common among Pepsi Co employees and rarely prevent hiring if you can pass drug tests now (commonly required at most facilities). Many people in recovery have found stable employment at Pepsi Co. The company focuses on current reliability.
Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case but don't automatically disqualify you. Production and warehouse work involves equipment and materials rather than vulnerable populations. If your violent conviction was several years ago and you've maintained clean records since, many facilities will give you chances.
Theft convictions are evaluated carefully since facilities have products and equipment. However, many people with theft backgrounds work successfully at Pepsi Co plants and warehouses. Time since conviction and honesty matter significantly.
Sexual offenses are evaluated carefully. While less problematic than in customer-facing industries, facilities may have specific considerations. Be honest and let them evaluate your situation.
Time since conviction matters. Convictions older than 7 years 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 improve chances substantially.
The position you apply for is important. Production workers and warehouse associates have relatively flexible hiring standards—focusing on physical ability, reliability, and safety consciousness. Merchandisers who stock products in stores face more scrutiny due to customer interaction but are still accessible. Delivery drivers require clean driving records but felonies don't automatically disqualify you. Maintenance technicians with skills are highly valued regardless of backgrounds.
Location affects opportunities. Pepsi Co facilities in areas with tight labor markets may be particularly flexible. Plants in states with ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring. Union facilities often have structured processes providing protections.
The bottom line is that Pepsi Co needs reliable workers. If you can demonstrate work ethic, commitment to safety, and reliable attendance, you have chances regardless of criminal history.
Available Jobs at Pepsi Co
Pepsi Co offers numerous positions suitable for people with felony convictions:
Production Worker/Line Operator
($16-$21/hour)
You'll work on production lines bottling beverages or manufacturing snacks, operate machinery, monitor quality, and maintain equipment. Requires ability to work shifts and follow safety protocols. This is a common entry position accessible to people with felonies. Plants need reliable workers constantly.
Warehouse Associate
($16-$21/hour)
You'll move products, operate forklifts, load trucks, organize inventory, and maintain warehouse operations. Physical work requiring forklift certification (often provided). These positions are very accessible for people with records—straightforward work where reliability and safety matter most.
Merchandiser
($16-$20/hour)
You'll stock Pepsi products in retail stores, build displays, maintain product rotation, and ensure shelf appearance. Physical work requiring driving between stores and customer interaction. Good position if you prefer variety and working in different locations daily. Requires valid driver's license.
Material Handler
($16-$20/hour)
You'll move raw materials, supply production lines, organize materials, and support operations. Physical work requiring attention to organization. Accessible for people with backgrounds.
Forklift Operator
($17-$22/hour)
You'll operate forklifts to move products and materials, load trucks, and organize warehouse space. Requires forklift certification. Once certified, these positions pay well and criminal backgrounds rarely matter if you're safe with equipment.
Maintenance Technician
($22-$30/hour)
You'll repair production equipment, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure plant operations. Requires technical skills or industrial maintenance experience. If you have these skills, criminal backgrounds matter much less—skilled maintenance workers are valuable and scarce.
Production Supervisor
($24-$32/hour)
You'll oversee production workers, manage shifts, ensure quality and safety, and solve problems. Requires leadership ability and usually some experience. Good advancement opportunity for people who start in production and prove themselves.
Sanitation Worker
($17-$22/hour)
You'll clean production equipment and facilities, ensure food safety standards, and maintain hygiene. Physical work often on night shifts using specialized equipment. These positions have high acceptance rates for people with felonies because they're essential but hard to fill.
Best entry point
Production Worker or Warehouse Associate positions offer accessible entry points. These roles constantly need workers and focus on physical capability and reliability. Once employed and proving yourself, moving to better-paying positions becomes realistic.
Background Check Process
Understanding Pepsi Co's background check process helps you prepare and navigate hiring successfully.
Pepsi Co conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This means they interview you, decide they want to hire you, and then run background checks. This approach allows you to demonstrate qualifications before criminal records are reviewed.
The standard background check looks back seven years for criminal history. This is typical for production and warehouse positions. Pepsi Co uses professional screening companies checking criminal records at various levels. They also verify employment history.
The process typically takes 5-10 business days. During this time, drug testing is commonly required at most facilities, though policies may vary by location and position. Testing happens after conditional offers due to safety-sensitive production work with equipment and machinery.
If something appears on background checks that concerns Pepsi Co, 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. Respond promptly.
Geographic variations matter. In ban-the-box states, Pepsi Co cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Some jurisdictions have stricter regulations. Pepsi Co follows all local laws regarding fair chance hiring.
Union facilities may have additional protections. At unionized plants, collective bargaining agreements may include provisions about hiring practices. These contracts sometimes support fair hiring and provide processes for addressing concerns.
The production environment creates some considerations. Pepsi Co must comply with food safety regulations and OSHA requirements. However, these primarily affect specific job duties rather than general employment eligibility.
Application Tips
Apply online at pepsicojobs.com and search for facilities in your area. Create complete profiles and apply to multiple positions and locations to increase chances.
Target production worker and warehouse associate positions first. These roles have more flexible standards and constant openings due to turnover.
Don't mention your felony on applications in ban-the-box jurisdictions. Answer honestly if asked, but don't volunteer unnecessary information upfront.
Visit Pepsi Co facilities in person after applying. Some plants have HR offices or hiring events. Showing up demonstrates serious interest and work ethic.
Be completely honest about backgrounds when asked. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility and emphasize your commitment to reliable work and safety.
Emphasize any manufacturing, warehouse, food production, or physical labor experience. Even informal experience demonstrates relevant work ethic and capabilities.
Highlight your reliability, attendance record, and safety consciousness. Pepsi Co facilities operate on production schedules requiring consistent staffing and safe practices. Give specific examples.
Get forklift certification before applying if possible. This certification improves your chances and pay significantly. Many workforce programs offer free certification.
Be flexible with shift work. Most Pepsi Co facilities run multiple shifts including nights and weekends. Willingness to work any shift increases hiring chances.
Check if your local workforce development program has relationships with Pepsi Co. Some facilities partner with these programs for recruiting.
Dress appropriately for interviews. Business casual demonstrates professionalism even for production positions. First impressions matter.
Research Pepsi Co's brands and operations. Understanding their product portfolio and commitment to quality shows genuine interest.
Bring references from anyone who can vouch for your work ethic and reliability. Former supervisors or anyone who can speak to your dependability provides credibility.
Express interest in long-term employment and advancement. Showing you want a career, not just a job, helps overcome concerns about backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at Pepsi Co?
Drug convictions, including felonies, don't automatically prevent hiring at Pepsi Co. However, you must pass drug tests now. Drug testing is commonly required at most facilities due to safety requirements in food and beverage production. 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 work ethic. Production and warehouse positions are accessible even with drug felony histories if you can pass current drug tests.
Does Pepsi Co do drug testing?
Yes, drug testing is commonly required at most Pepsi Co facilities, though policies may vary somewhat by location and position. Production and warehouse work involves operating equipment and machinery, making testing standard for safety reasons. You'll be tested after receiving conditional offers. Tests typically screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Random testing after hire is also common at many facilities. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications, bring proper documentation. Be prepared to pass drug screens.
How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Pepsi Co?
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. Don't wait unnecessarily if you need work and are ready to perform reliably.
Can I work at Pepsi Co while on probation or parole?
Yes, many Pepsi Co employees work while on probation or parole. Having employment helps satisfy supervision requirements. Be upfront about restrictions like check-ins or travel limits. Pepsi Co 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 Pepsi Co employment—these are stable jobs with good pay and benefits.
Will violent felonies disqualify me from Pepsi Co?
Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you. Pepsi Co evaluates circumstances, time passed, and records since then. Production and warehouse work involves equipment but not vulnerable populations. If your violent conviction was 5+ years ago and you've maintained clean records since, many facilities will consider you. Be honest about what happened and emphasize workplace safety commitment. Different facilities have different comfort levels. Apply to multiple locations—some will give chances while others may be more cautious.
What if I have theft convictions?
Theft convictions are evaluated carefully because facilities have products and equipment. 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 merchandising roles. Be honest, take responsibility, and emphasize how you've changed.
Can I work as a merchandiser with a felony?
Yes, many Pepsi Co merchandisers have felony convictions. Merchandisers stock products in retail stores, requiring driving and some customer interaction. You'll need a valid driver's license and reasonable driving record. While this position faces more scrutiny than warehouse work due to store interaction, many people with felonies work as merchandisers successfully. Be honest about your background and emphasize your reliability and customer service skills. Time since conviction helps significantly.
Are certain Pepsi Co facilities better for hiring people with felonies?
All Pepsi Co facilities need reliable workers, but plants in areas with tight labor markets may be more flexible. Facilities in ban-the-box states must follow fair chance hiring. Union plants may have structured processes providing protections. However, the most important factors are your skills and the facility's current needs. Apply to multiple Pepsi Co facilities within reasonable distance to find the best opportunities. Don't make assumptions—different locations have different needs and management attitudes.
What should I do if my background check contains errors?
Act immediately if checks contain errors. Federal law requires Pepsi Co to send pre-adverse action notices before rejecting based on background results. You typically have 5-10 days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both Pepsi Co 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 in employment decisions.
Does Pepsi Co offer advancement for people with felonies?
Yes, Pepsi Co offers clear advancement paths regardless of backgrounds. Once hired and proving reliability and capability, criminal records become much less relevant. Production workers can move to lead positions, then supervisory roles. Warehouse associates can become forklift operators, then warehouse supervisors. Merchandisers can advance to sales representatives. Many facilities provide training and development opportunities. Your track record with Pepsi Co matters far more than criminal history for advancement. Many people with felonies have built successful careers at Pepsi Co.
Similar Felon-Friendly Companies
If Pepsi Co doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in beverage/food production, consider these companies:
Coca-Cola: Major competitor with similar operations. They hire people with felonies for production, warehouse, and merchandising positions.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group: Beverage company that hires people with criminal backgrounds for production and warehouse roles.
Anheuser-Busch: Beverage manufacturer hiring people with felonies for production and warehouse positions.
Nestlé: Food and beverage company with manufacturing facilities that hire people with criminal backgrounds.
General Mills: Food manufacturer that hires people with felonies for production and warehouse work.
Final Thoughts
Pepsi Co offers solid opportunities for people with felony convictions. 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 competitive wages ($16-$22/hour), benefits, union representation at many facilities, and advancement opportunities makes Pepsi Co a good option for building stable employment.
Take action today by applying at pepsicojobs.com to every facility within reasonable distance. Focus on production and warehouse positions for fastest entry.
Be honest about your background, emphasize your reliability and safety consciousness, and show willingness to work any shift. Many people with criminal backgrounds have built successful careers at Pepsi Co—with the right approach, you can too.
Does Pepsi Co 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:
Alaska
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