Quick Answer

Yes, Sam’s Club hires people with felony convictions. As a Walmart-owned company, Sam’s Club follows the same fair-chance hiring policies that make Walmart one of the most accessible major employers in the country.

With more than 600 warehouse clubs nationwide, starting wages of ($15–$20/hour), strong benefits, and a corporate commitment to second-chance employment—including Ban-the-Box practices and partnerships with reentry organizations—Sam’s Club offers stable, well-paying retail warehouse opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Sam’s Club

3. Does Sam’s Club Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Sam’s Club for People with Records

5. Background Check Process at Sam’s Club

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

About Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club, founded in 1983 and owned by Walmart Inc., operates over 600 membership warehouse clubs across the United States, employing more than 100,000 workers. The company competes directly with Costco, offering bulk merchandise to members that include both individual shoppers and businesses.

For people with criminal records, Sam’s Club’s Walmart ownership provides a major advantage. Walmart’s companywide fair-chance hiring policies—such as Ban-the-Box practices, partnerships with reentry organizations, and individualized assessments—apply equally to Sam’s Club. These policies, combined with higher-than-average wages, comprehensive benefits, and frequent internal promotions, make Sam’s Club one of the most inclusive large employers in the U.S.

The warehouse club format also benefits job seekers with records. The large facilities mean more available positions, physical work that fits many skill levels, and steady operations due to the membership model that ensures consistent customer traffic.

Does Sam’s Club Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Sam’s Club follows Walmart’s comprehensive fair-chance hiring policies designed to give qualified applicants a second chance.

Walmart/Sam’s Club Fair-Chance Commitments

• Ban-the-Box: Does not ask about criminal history on the initial application.

• Individual assessments: Evaluates each case based on the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and signs of rehabilitation.

• Partnerships with reentry organizations: Works with local and national programs to recruit formerly incarcerated people.

• Participation in Second Chance Month: Actively supports national fair-chance initiatives.

• Corporate-wide inclusion: Walmart and all subsidiaries, including Sam’s Club, publicly commit to hiring people with records.

• Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of criminal background.

  
  

What Sam’s Club Considers

• Nature of the conviction and circumstances.

• How long ago it occurred.

• Relevance to the job role.

• Signs of rehabilitation and positive change.

• References and employment history.

Most felony types are not automatic disqualifiers, though recent theft or violent offenses may receive closer review.

Available Jobs at Sam’s Club for People with Records

Member Services / Front-End Cashier

($15–$18/hour)

Handles transactions, memberships, and customer inquiries. Entry-level position with strong advancement potential and steady hiring demand.

Merchandise Associate / Stocker

($15–$18/hour)

Unloads trucks, stocks shelves, and organizes merchandise. Great behind-the-scenes role for those preferring physical, non-customer-facing work.

Fresh Food Associate

($15–$19/hour)

Works in bakery, deli, produce, or meat departments preparing and stocking fresh food. Food safety training provided.

Forklift Operator / Power Equipment Operator

($16–$20/hour)

Operates forklifts and other power equipment. Sam’s Club provides free training and certification for new hires.

Café Associate

($14–$17/hour)

Prepares and serves food in Sam’s Café, handles cleaning, and maintains food safety standards.

Tire & Battery Center Associate

($15–$19/hour)

Performs tire installations and battery services. Training provided; automotive experience helpful but not required.

Overnight Stocker

($16–$20/hour)

Restocks merchandise overnight when the club is closed. Minimal customer contact and additional pay for night shifts.

Team Lead / Supervisor

($18–$24/hour)

Supervises teams and ensures department standards. Typically promoted from within after consistent performance.

Assistant Manager / Club Manager

(Assistant Manager: $50,000–$70,000/year; Club Manager: $80,000–$120,000/year)

Manages club operations and staff. Most managers are promoted from entry-level roles, demonstrating long-term growth potential.

Background Check Process at Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club conducts background checks after a conditional offer, consistent with Ban-the-Box laws.

Typical Timeline:

1. Submit application online or in person.

2. Complete an interview.

3. Receive a conditional offer.

4. Provide consent for a background check.

5. Wait 5–7 business days for processing.

6. Undergo individualized assessment if needed.

7. Receive final offer and attend orientation.

What’s Checked:

• Criminal history (usually a 7-year lookback).

• County and state court records.

• Sex offender registry.

• Social Security verification.

Applicants with records are not automatically disqualified; each case is reviewed fairly.

Drug Testing: Some locations require pre-employment drug screening, usually by urinalysis after a conditional offer.

State Compliance: Sam’s Club complies with all state and local Ban-the-Box and Fair Chance laws.

Application Tips

1. Apply both online and in person. Visit your local Sam’s Club after submitting an online application to introduce yourself and express interest.

   
   

2. Start with accessible roles. Positions like stocker, overnight stocker, or fresh food associate often have lower barriers and frequent openings.

   
   

3. Reference Sam’s Club’s second-chance policy. Mention appreciation for Walmart’s fair-chance hiring commitment during your interview.

   
   

4. Emphasize reliability and work ethic. Highlight your consistency, teamwork, and willingness to learn new skills.

   
   

5. Show interest in forklift certification. It’s free, valuable, and increases your pay potential.

   
   

6. Be honest but brief if asked about your record. Focus on your growth, rehabilitation, and current goals.

   
   

7. Apply to multiple clubs. Hiring managers differ—submitting several applications boosts your chances.

   
   

8. Follow up professionally. Checking in after a week shows initiative and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Sam’s Club automatically reject me?

No. Sam’s Club follows Walmart’s fair-chance policies and evaluates each case individually.

Is Sam’s Club as accessible as Walmart?

Yes. Both share the same ownership and hiring policies, offering similar opportunities.

Can I work while on probation?

Yes. Retail scheduling is flexible enough to accommodate court or probation appointments.

Will theft convictions prevent hiring?

Not automatically. Older or isolated incidents are often acceptable after review.

Does Sam’s Club drug test?

Some positions may require testing depending on location, but not all.

Can I move up to management?

Yes. Many current managers began in entry-level roles and advanced through performance.

Do I need a membership to work there?

No. Employees receive a complimentary membership as a benefit.

How much can I earn?

Entry-level pay starts around ($15–$20/hour), with managers earning between ($50,000–$120,000/year).

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Costco: ($18–$27/hour); fair-chance evaluation; competitive but accessible.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club: ($14–$18/hour); case-by-case consideration.

• Walmart: ($14–$18/hour); same hiring policies as Sam’s Club.

• Target: ($15–$20/hour); Ban-the-Box compliant.

• Amazon: ($17–$22/hour); fair-chance and warehouse roles available.

Final Thoughts

Sam’s Club is one of the best large employers for people with felony convictions. The combination of Walmart’s fair-chance hiring policies, competitive pay, steady warehouse work, and internal promotion opportunities makes it ideal for those seeking long-term stability and growth.

If you’re ready to apply, visit SamsClub.com/careers to start your application today.