Does Walgreens Hire Felons? 2025 Hiring Policy

Finding a job with a felony on your record can feel like trying to run a marathon with ankle weights. Data from the Prison Policy Initiative shows that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated people is over 27%—nearly five times higher than the national average. With Walgreens operating more than 8,500 stores nationwide and employing around 240,000 workers, it’s no surprise many job seekers with past convictions want to know if this retail giant offers second chances.

Does Walgreens hire felons, or is your application dead on arrival?

Yes, Walgreens has hired individuals with felony records, but the decision depends on the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and the specific job you’re applying for.

Walgreens’ Official Stance on Hiring Felons

Walgreens doesn’t publish a one-size-fits-all policy on hiring individuals with felony convictions. Instead, they review applicants case by case.

From known hiring practices and applicant reports:

• Felons have been hired at Walgreens in roles such as customer service, stock clerk, and warehouse associate.
• Applications are evaluated based on offense type, severity, and time since conviction.
• Certain crimes—especially involving theft, violence, or drug distribution—face higher scrutiny, particularly for jobs handling cash or medications.

In other words, a felony won’t automatically disqualify you, but your specific record will matter.

Walgreens’ Background Check Process

Walgreens conducts background checks for nearly all positions before making a final hiring decision.

What’s Included in the Check?

• Criminal history (felonies, misdemeanors, pending charges)
• Employment history verification
• Education verification
• Identity confirmation
• Drug screening (especially for pharmacy-related jobs)

Time Frame:
In most states, Walgreens looks back seven years. Some states have shorter limits (e.g., California, New York), while others allow a longer review period.

More Opportunities: Can a Felon Become a Realtor?

Felony Types and Their Impact on Hiring

Not all felonies affect Walgreens’ decision the same way.

Walgreens and “Ban the Box”

Walgreens supports Ban the Box legislation in many states, meaning they don’t ask about criminal history on the initial job application. You’ll still go through a background check later, but this gives you the opportunity to show your qualifications first.

Positions at Walgreens That Felons Can Apply For

Walgreens offers a wide range of jobs, from entry-level retail roles to skilled positions in pharmacies, distribution centers, and corporate offices. While some jobs have stricter legal and regulatory requirements—especially those involving controlled substances or large amounts of cash—many roles remain open to applicants with past convictions, depending on the offense type and how long ago it occurred.

Here are the positions felons are most likely to be considered for:

1. Customer Service Associate

• Duties: Assisting customers, restocking shelves, operating cash registers, maintaining store cleanliness.
• Why Felons May Qualify: Non-theft and non-violent felonies often don’t automatically disqualify candidates.
• Considerations: Theft, fraud, or financial crime convictions may be more closely scrutinized.

2. Stock Clerk / Inventory Associate

• Duties: Unloading shipments, stocking shelves, organizing backroom inventory.
• Why Felons May Qualify: Minimal customer money handling; good starting point for building work history.
• Considerations: Property crime convictions may still be reviewed carefully.

3. Warehouse Associate (Distribution Centers)

• Duties: Packaging, sorting, and moving products for delivery to stores.
• Why Felons May Qualify: Often less customer interaction; emphasis on physical labor and reliability.
• Considerations: Violent crimes may be reviewed for workplace safety concerns.

4. Maintenance / Janitorial Roles

• Duties: Cleaning store areas, maintaining equipment, ensuring safety standards.
• Why Felons May Qualify: Limited handling of sensitive materials or finances.
• Considerations: Any convictions involving vandalism or workplace misconduct may be reviewed.

5. Seasonal or Temporary Positions

• Duties: Helping during peak seasons (holidays, sales events) with stocking, customer service, or cashiering.
• Why Felons May Qualify: Temporary positions may have slightly more flexible hiring requirements.
• Considerations: Still subject to background checks; theft convictions may be problematic.

Positions That Are More Restricted for Felons

Some Walgreens jobs require state licenses or compliance with DEA regulations, which can make it harder for those with felony records:

• Pharmacy Technician – Requires a pharmacy board license in most states; drug-related felonies are usually disqualifying.
• Pharmacist – Strict licensing rules, often barring felons with any drug or fraud convictions.
• Management Roles – May involve more financial oversight and background scrutiny.

Tips to Improve Your Hiring Chances

1. Be Honest – If asked, keep your answer brief and redirect to your skills.
2. Aim for Entry-Level Roles First – Positions like stock clerk or warehouse associate often have fewer restrictions.
3. Show Evidence of Rehabilitation – Certifications, training programs, and volunteer work help prove change.
4. Use Strong References – Letters from mentors, employers, or community leaders can make a difference.
5. Know Your Rights – Learn your state’s background check limits before applying.

Applicant Experiences

Real-world examples from forums like Indeed and Glassdoor:

• A warehouse worker in Texas was hired in 2023 despite a 2014 drug possession felony.
• A customer service applicant in Florida was denied after a 2019 theft misdemeanor, showing theft charges may be heavily scrutinized.
• A stock clerk in Illinois was accepted with a 2008 assault charge, likely due to the time elapsed.

Your Legal Protections

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Requires Walgreens to get your consent for background checks and let you dispute errors.
• State “Lookback” Laws – Some states limit how far back employers can review your criminal history.
• EEOC Guidelines – Employers must consider the offense nature, time passed, and job type before denying employment.

Final Word

Yes—Walgreens can and does hire felons, but there’s no blanket guarantee. Your odds depend heavily on:

• The nature of your conviction
• How long ago it happened
• The role you’re applying for
• Your demonstration of rehabilitation and trustworthiness

If you prepare thoroughly, target the right positions, and present yourself as a reliable candidate, Walgreens can be a real employment opportunity—especially in 2025’s tight labor market.

FAQs