Quick Answer

Yes, Walgreens hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

With over 9,000 pharmacy and retail locations across the United States, starting pay of $14–$18/ hour, career paths to management earning $50,000–$80,000 per year ($24–$38/ hour equivalent), and pharmacy technician training opportunities, Walgreens offers accessible healthcare retail employment for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. Walgreens Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

3. Available Jobs at Walgreens for People with Records

4. Background Check and Drug Screening

5. Application Tips

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

8. Final Thoughts

About Walgreens

Walgreens, founded in 1901, operates over 9,000 drugstores across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It is one of America’s largest pharmacy chains, employing more than 200,000 people. Walgreens provides pharmacy services, retail merchandise, photo processing, vaccinations, and healthcare products, serving millions of customers every day.

For job seekers with criminal records, Walgreens offers meaningful advantages:

1. Over 9,000 stores providing widespread hiring access.

2. Both retail and pharmacy technician career tracks.

3. Pharmacy technician training programs with advancement potential.

4. 24-hour store operations offering flexible shifts.

5. A company culture that values dependability and customer care over background.

6. Case-by-case hiring evaluation, similar to CVS Health.

Walgreens focuses on dependability, accuracy, and customer service—qualities that many justice-impacted job seekers already demonstrate through personal growth and responsibility.

Walgreens Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

Walgreens evaluates applicants with criminal records individually rather than applying blanket restrictions. The company focuses on qualifications, reliability, and the ability to serve customers safely and effectively.

Walgreens’ Approach

• Case-by-case evaluation: Each applicant is reviewed individually.

• Retail focus: Most retail positions remain accessible even with prior convictions.

• Pharmacy regulation: Pharmacy technician eligibility depends on state laws.

• Individual assessment: Nature of offense, time passed, and rehabilitation are all considered.

• Reports of hiring success: Many Walgreens employees with records report positive experiences.

What Walgreens Considers

• Type and severity of conviction.

• Time elapsed since the offense (5–7 years helps demonstrate stability).

• Relevance to the position (e.g., theft may impact cashier roles).

• State licensing requirements (for pharmacy technician roles).

• Evidence of rehabilitation or steady work history.

While some restrictions apply to pharmacy roles due to state regulations, most customer service and retail positions remain open to applicants with records.

Available Jobs at Walgreens for People with Records

Customer Service Associate

($14–$18/ hour)

Operates cash registers, assists customers, stocks shelves, and maintains store cleanliness. This is the most common entry-level role and a great way to start a Walgreens career.

Shift Lead

($16–$20/ hour)

Supervises associates, manages daily operations, assists with opening and closing, and ensures excellent customer service. Usually promoted from within.

Pharmacy Technician

($16–$22/ hour)

Assists licensed pharmacists with prescription preparation, customer inquiries, and insurance processing. Subject to state licensing requirements.

Store Manager

($24–$38/ hour equivalent; $50,000–$80,000/ year)

Oversees all store operations, staffing, budgeting, and customer experience. Usually promoted internally from shift or assistant management roles.

Career Path Example

Customer Service Associate → Shift Lead → Assistant Manager → Store Manager

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Employee discounts

• Pharmacy technician certification support

• Tuition assistance programs

Background Check and Drug Screening

Background Check Process

1. Online application: Complete at Walgreens.com/careers.

2. Interview: Usually with a store or shift manager.

3. Conditional offer: If selected.

4. Background check: Standard review (typically 7-year lookback).

5. Drug test: Required for most roles.

6. Final decision: Case-by-case based on background, rehabilitation, and job fit.

What’s Included

• County and state criminal record checks

• Identity and employment verification

• Sex offender registry search

• Drug screening (mandatory)

• Driving record check (if applicable to delivery roles)

Most retail positions remain available after review, provided offenses are not recent or directly related to theft or fraud.

Application Tips

1. Apply to 10–15 Walgreens stores. Different store managers have independent hiring authority, so more applications increase your chances.

   
   

2. Target retail positions first. Customer Service Associate and Shift Lead roles are most accessible for people with records.

   
   

3. Highlight reliability and consistency. Walgreens values dependability and strong attendance.

   
   

4. Research state pharmacy regulations. If applying as a Pharmacy Technician, confirm your eligibility with your state’s board of pharmacy.

   
   

5. Show flexibility in schedule. Mention your willingness to work evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts—especially at 24-hour stores.

   
   

6. Apply in person and online. Visit your local Walgreens after applying to introduce yourself and make a good impression.

   
   

7. Focus on customer care. Emphasize patience, communication, and helping others—key traits Walgreens values.

   
   

8. Be honest if asked about your record. Keep it short and forward-focused: “I made a mistake years ago, but I’ve learned from it and I’m ready to contribute.”

   
   

9. Mention long-term goals. Share interest in pharmacy, healthcare, or retail management to show growth potential.

   
   

10. Apply to similar pharmacy chains. CVS, Rite Aid, and grocery store pharmacies have nearly identical hiring practices—apply to all for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walgreens hire people with felonies?

Yes. Walgreens considers applicants case-by-case, especially for retail positions.

What position is most accessible?

The Customer Service Associate role—cashier and stocking duties—has the broadest availability.

Can I be a pharmacy technician with a felony?

Possibly. Pharmacy tech eligibility depends on state regulations and the nature of the conviction. Drug-related convictions may face restrictions.

Does Walgreens drug test?

Yes, pre-employment drug testing is required for most positions.

How far back does Walgreens background check go?

Typically seven years, though this can vary by state.

Can I work at Walgreens while on probation or parole?

Yes, if hired. Many stores accommodate probation check-ins if disclosed professionally.

Can I advance to management with a felony record?

Yes. Many shift leads and managers began as entry-level employees with past convictions.

What’s the pay range at Walgreens?

Entry-level retail roles pay $14–$18/ hour, while store managers earn $24–$38/ hour equivalent ($50,000–$80,000/ year).

Is Walgreens similar to CVS in hiring policy?

Yes. Both evaluate candidates with records case-by-case and offer similar pay, benefits, and advancement paths.

How should I follow up on my application?

Call or visit after 5–7 days. Ask to speak with the store manager and express continued interest politely.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• CVS Health – 9,000+ stores; nearly identical policy; strong pharmacy training.

• Rite Aid – 2,400 stores; accessible hiring for retail positions.

• Walmart Pharmacy – In-store pharmacy and retail positions; case-by-case review.

• Kroger Pharmacy – Grocery-based pharmacy; hiring flexibility varies by location.

• Target – General retail chain; hires case-by-case; competitive benefits.

• Costco – Warehouse retailer; strong pay and advancement; case-by-case hiring.

• Dollar General – 19,000+ stores; steady retail hiring for entry roles.

• Family Dollar – Accessible for cashiers and stockers; case-by-case review.

Final Thoughts

Walgreens provides one of the most accessible healthcare retail employment paths in the United States, offering case-by-case evaluation, 9,000+ stores, and starting pay of $14–$18/ hour with advancement to management roles paying $24–$38/ hour equivalent.

If you’re rebuilding your life after incarceration, Walgreens’ structured retail environment, nationwide presence, and commitment to internal promotion create real second-chance opportunities.

Many employees with records have grown from Customer Service Associate to Store Manager within a few years through dependability and strong customer service.

To begin, visit Walgreens.com/careers, apply to several locations, and highlight your reliability, customer service skills, and willingness to grow within healthcare retail.