Quick Answer
Yes, Walmart does hire people with felonies in 2025. As America's largest private employer with over 4,600 stores and 600+ distribution centers, Walmart evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and position requirements. Sales associate, stocker, and warehouse positions pay $14-$19 per hour and are highly accessible.
While theft convictions face more scrutiny in retail, Walmart has made major corporate commitments to fair chance hiring, including explicit goals to hire tens of thousands of people with criminal backgrounds annually. Their massive scale and constant hiring needs create substantial opportunities for people with various felonies seeking stable retail or warehouse employment.
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About Walmart
Walmart operates over 4,600 stores and 600+ distribution centers across the United States, making them the largest private employer in America with over 1.6 million employees. They're the dominant force in retail, offering everything from groceries to electronics to automotive services.
For people with felonies, Walmart presents exceptional opportunities due to sheer scale. The company has made headline news with explicit commitments to hire people with criminal backgrounds—they've publicly announced goals to hire tens of thousands of people with records annually. This isn't just talk; it's corporate policy backed by partnerships with reentry organizations.
Walmart offers multiple types of positions: retail store jobs, distribution center warehouse work, truck driving, and more. This variety creates different pathways depending on your skills and background. Their starting wages have increased to $14+ per hour at most locations, with many roles paying more.
The company operates in every state and virtually every community, meaning opportunities exist wherever you are. Individual store and DC managers have hiring discretion within corporate guidelines, so experiences vary, but the overall corporate culture strongly supports second-chance hiring.
Does Walmart Hire People with Felonies?
Walmart explicitly and actively hires people with felony convictions. They don't just tolerate it—they've made fair chance hiring a major corporate initiative with public commitments and measurable hiring goals.
In practice, Walmart stores and distribution centers regularly hire people with all types of criminal backgrounds. The company follows EEOC guidelines, implements ban-the-box practices in many locations, and has partnered with organizations like America Works, Goodwill, and local workforce development programs specifically focused on helping people with criminal records.
The type of conviction matters somewhat. Theft and fraud convictions create challenges in retail settings involving merchandise and cash. However, Walmart's sheer size means opportunities exist even with these backgrounds—warehouse positions, cart pusher positions, and overnight stocking roles involve less cash/merchandise access. Time since conviction and honesty matter enormously.
Drug convictions are extremely common among Walmart employees and rarely prevent hiring if you can pass drug tests now (commonly required at most locations, though policies vary). Walmart has hired thousands of people in recovery and understands substance abuse challenges.
Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case but don't automatically disqualify you. Customer-facing retail requires appropriate behavior, but many positions (overnight stocking, warehouse work, cart pushing) involve minimal customer interaction. If convictions were several years ago with clean records since, most locations will give you chances.
Sexual offenses create more significant barriers due to family-friendly retail environment but don't make all employment impossible, especially at distribution centers.
Time since conviction helps. Convictions older than 7 years carry less weight. Clean records for 3-5 years demonstrate change and dramatically improve chances.
The position matters significantly. Distribution center warehouse worker positions are highly accessible—physical work with no customers. Cart pusher and maintenance positions in stores are very accessible. Overnight stocker positions work when stores are closed. Sales associate positions are accessible. Cashier positions face more scrutiny with theft backgrounds. Auto care center positions are possible. Management requires proving yourself first but is very achievable.
Location doesn't vary much since Walmart's corporate policy supports fair chance hiring nationwide, though individual managers' attitudes vary.
The key is Walmart NEEDS workers—their turnover is high and hiring needs are constant. If you can work hard, show up reliably, and function appropriately in the workplace, you have strong chances.
Available Jobs at Walmart
Walmart offers numerous positions suitable for people with felony convictions:
Sales Associate
($14-$17/hour)
You'll assist customers, stock shelves, maintain departments, and support store operations. General retail work with customer interaction. Very accessible for people with felonies—Walmart's most common entry position with constant openings.
Overnight Stocker
($15-$18/hour)
You'll stock shelves and organize products while stores are closed (typically 10pm-7am). Physical work with no customers and night differential pay. One of the best positions for people with felonies—hard to fill shifts, no customer interaction, managers very flexible about backgrounds.
Cart Pusher/Lot Associate
($14-$16/hour)
You'll gather shopping carts, maintain parking lot, assist customers loading vehicles, and support store entrance. Physical outdoor work in all weather. Very accessible for people with felonies—physical work with minimal cash handling and less direct sales interaction.
Warehouse Associate (Distribution Centers)
($16-$22/hour)
You'll pick orders, pack items, load trucks, operate equipment, and support DC operations. Physical warehouse work often paying more than retail stores. Highly accessible for people with records—behind-the-scenes work focusing on productivity.
Maintenance Associate
($14-$17/hour)
You'll clean store areas, maintain equipment, handle repairs, and support operations. Physical work with less customer interaction. Very accessible for people with various backgrounds.
Produce/Meat Department Associate
($14-$17/hour)
You'll prepare produce, stock departments, assist customers, and maintain food safety. Specialized retail work. Accessible for people with backgrounds interested in food retail.
Auto Care Center Technician
($15-$19/hour)
You'll perform oil changes, tire services, and basic automotive work. Requires some mechanical knowledge. Good position for people with automotive skills regardless of backgrounds.
Deli/Bakery Associate
($14-$17/hour)
You'll prepare food items, serve customers, and maintain departments. Food service work in retail setting. Accessible depending on backgrounds.
Stocker/Unloader
($14-$17/hour)
You'll unload trucks, move freight, and stock merchandise. Physical work often during early morning or overnight. Very accessible for people with felonies who can handle physical work.
Cashier
($14-$16/hour)
You'll operate registers, handle transactions, and assist customers. More scrutiny with theft convictions but not impossible, especially if convictions are old.
Best entry point
Cart Pusher, Overnight Stocker, or Distribution Center Warehouse Associate positions offer the quickest paths to employment for people with felonies. They require no experience, focus on physical work and reliability, involve minimal cash handling or customer service, and have less scrutiny. Walmart's distribution centers are particularly accessible. Once employed and proving reliability, moving to other positions becomes realistic.
Background Check Process
Understanding Walmart's background check process helps you navigate hiring successfully.
Walmart conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This allows you to interview and make positive impressions before criminal records are reviewed, following their fair chance hiring commitment.
The standard background check looks back seven years for criminal history. This is typical for retail positions. Distribution centers may have similar or slightly more extensive checks.
The process typically takes 5-10 business days. During this time, drug testing is commonly required at most locations, though policies vary somewhat by region, position, and local laws. Testing happens after conditional offers if required at your location.
If something concerning appears, federal law requires Walmart to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions. You have 5-10 days to review reports, provide context, or dispute errors. Use this time to respond professionally with explanations about rehabilitation.
Walmart's corporate commitment to fair chance hiring means they're trained to evaluate backgrounds in context. They consider nature of offense, time passed, job duties, and rehabilitation evidence. They can't automatically reject you just for having a record.
Geographic variations matter. In ban-the-box states and cities, Walmart cannot ask about criminal history on applications. They follow all local fair chance hiring regulations.
Individual store and DC managers have discretion in final hiring decisions. Even if something appears on checks, managers impressed during interviews may hire you, especially for positions with urgent staffing needs.
Walmart has partnerships with workforce development programs and reentry organizations. If you're working with these programs, they may facilitate your application process and provide advocacy.
Application Tips
Apply online at careers.walmart.com for stores and distribution centers. Apply to multiple locations (10-20) to maximize chances since hiring varies by location.
Target overnight stocker, cart pusher, or warehouse positions first. These roles have the most flexible standards and focus on physical work where backgrounds matter least.
Consider distribution centers. Walmart DCs often have more flexible hiring than stores, pay better ($16-$22/hour), and focus on warehouse productivity rather than customer service.
Don't mention your felony on applications in ban-the-box jurisdictions. Only answer questions directly asked.
Visit stores or DCs in person after applying. Express strong interest and ask about application status. Personal connections help.
Be completely honest when background questions come up. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility and focus on positive changes. Practice until confident.
Emphasize any retail, customer service, warehouse, or physical labor experience. Even informal experience demonstrates relevant capabilities.
Highlight your reliability and work ethic. Walmart needs people who show up consistently. Give specific dependability examples from any context.
Be flexible with scheduling. If you can work nights, early mornings, weekends, or holidays, state this clearly. Flexibility dramatically increases hiring chances.
Show willingness to work hard physically. Many Walmart positions are physically demanding. Demonstrating you understand this and can handle it helps.
Bring valid ID and Social Security card to interviews. Walmart moves fast when hiring—having documentation ready speeds the process.
Dress appropriately. Business casual for store positions, clean work-appropriate clothes for DC positions. First impressions matter.
Check with workforce development programs. Many have Walmart partnerships that can facilitate applications and provide advocacy for people with records.
Apply for multiple types of positions. Don't limit yourself to one job title. Walmart has many roles—apply broadly and let them place you where they have needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my theft conviction prevent me from getting hired at Walmart?
Theft convictions create challenges at Walmart since retail involves merchandise and cash. However, they don't make all employment impossible at America's largest employer. If your conviction was 5+ years ago, you've maintained stable employment since, and you're completely honest, many locations will give chances. Your best approach is targeting positions with less merchandise/cash handling—cart pusher, overnight stocker, warehouse worker, maintenance. Distribution centers may be particularly accessible with theft backgrounds. Time since conviction and honesty matter most. Apply to many locations (20+) to find managers willing to give opportunities. Walmart's sheer size and public commitment to hiring people with records mean opportunities exist even with theft backgrounds.
Does Walmart do drug testing?
Drug testing is commonly required at most Walmart locations, though policies vary by region, position, and local laws. Most stores and distribution centers require pre-employment testing. You'll be informed during hiring if testing is required for your specific position and location. Testing happens after conditional offers if required. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications, bring documentation. Be prepared for testing to maximize opportunities across all Walmart positions. The company's commitment to hiring people with criminal backgrounds includes many people in recovery, but current sobriety is expected.
How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Walmart?
Don't wait. Walmart explicitly hires people with recent convictions as part of their fair chance hiring commitment. Even if your conviction or release was very recent—within weeks or months—apply now. Walmart's public goals include hiring tens of thousands of people with criminal backgrounds annually, and they understand people need immediate employment. Your chances improve with time, but don't let recent convictions stop you from applying. Focus on positions most accessible with recent convictions (warehouse, overnight stocking, cart pusher) and apply to many locations. Walmart's scale means someone will likely give you a chance.
Can I work at Walmart while on probation or parole?
Yes, absolutely. Thousands of Walmart employees work while on probation or parole. Having Walmart employment helps satisfy supervision requirements and looks favorable to probation officers. Be upfront about restrictions like check-ins or curfews. Walmart scheduling can usually accommodate these needs, especially with diverse shift options. Some managers coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest from the start is better than hiding it. Walmart's commitment to hiring people with records extends to understanding supervision situations. Your probation officer will likely support Walmart employment—stable work at America's largest employer with decent pay.
Will violent felonies disqualify me from Walmart?
Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you from Walmart employment. The company has hired many people with violent convictions. They evaluate circumstances, time passed, and current stability. Positions with less customer interaction—warehouse worker, overnight stocker, cart pusher, maintenance—are more accessible than customer service roles. Time matters—10-year-old assault convictions are viewed very differently than recent ones. Be honest about what happened and emphasize personal growth. Apply to multiple Walmart locations and consider distribution centers. Walmart's scale and commitment to fair chance hiring mean violent felonies don't prevent employment, especially if you've demonstrated change.
What if I have drug felonies?
Drug felonies, including distribution charges, don't prevent Walmart employment if you can pass drug tests now. Walmart has hired thousands of people with drug-related criminal histories who are in recovery. Be honest about your past and emphasize current sobriety. Time helps—if you've been clean 2+ years, this demonstrates positive change. Walmart's commitment to hiring people with records explicitly includes people with drug convictions. You'll need to pass drug testing, but if you're sober now, drug felonies won't prevent employment. All positions—stores and distribution centers—are accessible to people with drug histories who maintain sobriety.
Can I advance to management with a felony record?
Yes, absolutely. Many Walmart department managers, assistant store managers, store managers, and even district managers have felony convictions in their past. Walmart aggressively promotes from within—they prefer developing their own talent. Once hired and proving yourself as reliable, hard-working employees, criminal backgrounds become irrelevant for advancement. Cart pushers become department managers. Overnight stockers become assistant managers. Walmart offers clear paths to management regardless of backgrounds. Your work record with Walmart matters far more than criminal history. Demonstrating leadership, reliability, and results can lead to management within 2-4 years. Walmart's scale means enormous advancement opportunities.
Are Walmart distribution centers better for people with felonies than stores?
Distribution centers often have more flexible hiring regarding criminal backgrounds because work involves less customer interaction and focuses more on warehouse productivity. DC positions typically pay better ($16-$22/hour vs $14-$17/hour in stores) and involve physical warehouse work—picking orders, loading trucks, operating equipment. However, don't discount stores—Walmart stores hire people with felonies constantly, especially for overnight stocking, cart pusher, and maintenance positions. Apply to both stores and DCs to maximize opportunities. Walmart's commitment to fair chance hiring extends across all facility types.
What should I do if my background check shows errors?
Take immediate action if checks contain incorrect information. Federal law requires Walmart to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions based on background results. You typically have 5-10 days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both Walmart HR and the screening company to file disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing dismissed or expunged charges. Follow up every 2-3 days. Don't miss the deadline. Given Walmart's commitment to fair chance hiring, they'll work with you to ensure accurate information. Mistakes happen—be proactive about correcting them.
Does Walmart work with reentry programs?
Yes, extensively. Walmart has partnerships with organizations like America Works, Goodwill, Center for Employment Opportunities, and local workforce development programs that specifically help people with criminal backgrounds. If you're working with a reentry program, ask if they have Walmart relationships—they may facilitate your application and provide advocacy with hiring managers. Walmart has made public commitments to hiring through these partnerships as part of their fair chance hiring initiatives. Working through established programs can significantly improve your chances and provide additional support during hiring and employment.
Similar Felon-Friendly Companies
If Walmart doesn't work out, these similar major retailers also practice fair chance hiring:
Target: Major big-box retailer with similar scale. They hire people with felonies for various positions regularly.
Amazon: E-commerce company with massive fulfillment center network hiring people with felonies for warehouse positions.
Home Depot/Lowe's: Home improvement retailers hiring people with criminal backgrounds for sales, warehouse, and freight positions.
Kroger/Safeway: Major grocery chains that hire people with felonies for stocking and various store positions.
Costco: Warehouse club retailer with good wages that hires people with criminal backgrounds.
Final Thoughts
Walmart offers exceptional opportunities for people with felony convictions. Their explicit corporate commitments to hiring tens of thousands of people with criminal backgrounds annually, combined with their massive scale as America's largest private employer, create substantial opportunities. Whether in stores or distribution centers, Walmart's constant hiring needs and fair chance hiring policies make them one of the best options for people with records seeking stable employment.
Take action today by applying at careers.walmart.com to 10-20 stores and distribution centers within reasonable distance. Focus on overnight stocker, cart pusher, or warehouse positions for fastest entry. Visit locations in person to express interest.
Emphasize your reliability, physical capability, and willingness to work any shifts. Check with workforce programs about Walmart partnerships. Walmart has hired hundreds of thousands of people with criminal backgrounds—with the right approach and work ethic, you absolutely can be next.
Does Walmart Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
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