Quick Answer

Yes, Publix hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. While the employee-owned grocery chain doesn’t have a publicized second-chance program, Publix evaluates each applicant individually and has hired people with records across its 1,300+ stores in the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia).

With starting pay between $13–$16/hour, excellent benefits, and the stability of employee ownership, Publix offers reliable, long-term opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Publix

3. Does Publix Hire People with Felonies?

4. Background Check Process at Publix

5. Application Tips

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Final Thoughts

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

About Publix

Founded in 1930, Publix Super Markets operates over 1,300 locations across seven Southeast states. Headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, Publix is the largest employee-owned company in America, meaning every eligible worker becomes a shareholder. This ownership structure builds a culture of loyalty, pride, and long-term investment.

For people with felony convictions, Publix’s structure is uniquely beneficial. The company values reliability and growth potential—qualities that many returning citizens emphasize. Publix’s strong promotion-from-within culture and reputation for treating employees well make it one of the most respected grocery employers in the U.S. While standards are slightly higher than discount chains, Publix’s fair case-by-case hiring approach provides a realistic chance for dedicated applicants to succeed.

Does Publix Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Publix reviews applicants individually and considers the full context of each person’s history.

Publix’s Approach

• No automatic disqualifications

• Individual assessment based on offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation

• Focus on long-term employees who fit the Publix service culture

• Regional flexibility—local managers often decide

• Proven record of hiring people with criminal backgrounds

What Publix Considers

• Time since conviction and rehabilitation

• Relevance of the offense to the job

• References and past work performance

• Customer service ability and professionalism

• Commitment to long-term growth

Convictions That May Be Acceptable

• Older drug or property crimes (5–10+ years ago)

• Isolated offenses with rehabilitation evidence

• Non-violent misdemeanors

Convictions That Face More Scrutiny

• Recent theft or fraud (cash handling is key)

• Violent or sexual offenses

• Multiple or recent convictions

Reality Check

Publix maintains high customer service standards and an employee-first culture. However, it has hired people with records who demonstrate honesty, professionalism, and genuine long-term commitment.

Available Jobs at Publix for People with Records

Grocery Clerk / Stocker

($13–$16/hour)

Stock shelves, unload deliveries, organize inventory, and assist customers with product locations.

Why It’s Accessible: Steady hiring, essential function, limited customer interaction, and entry point for advancement.

Cashier

($13–$16/hour)

Operate registers, handle payments, and deliver friendly customer service.

Why It’s Accessible: Frequent hiring, structured role, and excellent path to supervisor positions.

Front Service Clerk (Bagger)

($12–$14/hour)

Bag groceries, collect carts, assist customers, and maintain the front end.

Why It’s Accessible: Minimal experience required, ideal for proving reliability and professionalism.

Deli Clerk

($14–$17/hour)Prepare and serve deli items, slice meats and cheeses, and maintain food safety standards.

Why It’s Accessible: Constant hiring due to high demand, hands-on work, and training provided.

Bakery Clerk

($14–$17/hour)

Assist in baking, decorating cakes, preparing items, and providing customer service.Why It’s Accessible: Creative department with strong demand and on-the-job training.

Produce Clerk

($13–$16/hour)

Stock produce, maintain displays, and ensure freshness and quality.

Why It’s Accessible: Early morning shifts, steady hiring, and good for those preferring active, independent work.

Meat Cutter

($16–$22/hour)

Cut and prepare meat, maintain equipment, and serve customers at the counter.

Why It’s Accessible: Publix trains apprentices; skilled trade path offering excellent pay and career security.

Department Manager

(approximately $22–$31/hour)

Supervise department staff, manage inventory, ensure quality and service standards.

Why It’s Accessible: 100% of department managers are promoted from within; proven performance outweighs past mistakes.

Store Manager

(approximately $38–$63/hour)

Oversee store operations, staffing, and profitability.

Why It’s Accessible: Every store manager started in an entry-level role; record doesn’t block advancement if performance is excellent.

Career Progression at Publix

• 0–12 months: Clerk roles ($13–$16/hour)

• 1–3 years: Specialist or Lead Clerk ($15–$19/hour)

• 3–5 years: Assistant Manager ($20–$24/hour)

• 5–8 years: Department Manager ($22–$31/hour)

• 8–15 years: Assistant Store Manager ($26–$36/hour)

• 10–20 years: Store Manager ($38–$63/hour)

Background Check Process at Publix

Timeline

1. Apply at Publix.com/careers or in-store

2. Interview with hiring manager

3. Conditional offer

4. Background check authorization

5. Screening (5–7 business days)

6. Individualized review

7. Final decision and onboarding

What’s Checked

• Criminal records (typically 7-year lookback)

• Sex offender registry

• Employment verification

• Identity verification

• Driving record (for applicable roles)

Drug Testing

• Pre-employment urinalysis required

• Prescription medications allowed with documentation

• Offer may be withdrawn for failed tests

Assessment

Publix uses an individualized review process. Offense type, recency, and rehabilitation are all considered fairly before final decisions are made.

Application Tips

1. Target high-turnover roles. Apply for grocery, deli, or produce positions to improve your chances.

   
   

2. Start at entry level. Publix promotes from within—beginning small can lead to management.

   
   

3. Show commitment. Express interest in long-term employment and company growth.

   
   

4. Be professional. Dress neatly and communicate politely during interviews.

   
   

5. Apply at multiple stores. Each location may have different hiring managers and needs.

   
   

6. Emphasize customer service. Publix values friendly, respectful service above all.

   
   

7. Be honest if asked. Acknowledge your record briefly and focus on rehabilitation.

   
   

8. Follow up. Check in after a week to show initiative.

   
   

9. Highlight reliability. Consistency and punctuality are valued highly.

   
   

10. Show interest in ownership. Mention you’re excited to be part of an employee-owned company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Publix automatically reject people with felonies?

No. Publix reviews applicants individually and has hired people with records in many stores.

Is Publix harder to get into than other grocery chains?

Yes, slightly. The company’s employee ownership and reputation mean higher standards—but fair consideration for qualified applicants.

Can I advance with a record?

Yes. Publix promotes 100% from within, and store managers often began in entry-level positions.

Does Publix drug test?

Yes. A pre-employment urinalysis is required after a conditional offer.

What is the pay like?

Most roles start between $13–$16/hour, with management earning up to about $63/hour.

Which states have Publix stores?

Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Kroger – ($13–$17/hour) – Case-by-case review.

• Food Lion – ($12–$15/hour) – Accessible entry-level roles.

• Harris Teeter – ($13–$16/hour) – Southeast regional grocer; fair review process.

• Winn-Dixie – ($12–$15/hour) – Common in Florida and Gulf states.

• Safeway/Albertsons – ($14–$17/hour) – Nationwide; individual evaluations.

Final Thoughts

Publix offers one of the most stable and rewarding grocery career paths for people with felony convictions. Its employee-ownership model, internal promotion system, and fair case-by-case review make it an outstanding employer for anyone serious about rebuilding their career.

With pay starting at $13–$16/hour and long-term advancement potential up to $63/hour, Publix provides a genuine path to financial stability and respect.

Ready to apply? Visit Publix.com/careers to find current openings and begin your application.