According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), over 70 million Americans—that’s 1 in 3 adults—have some type of criminal record. With barriers to employment still high, companies like Lowe’s play a crucial role in either widening or narrowing the path to reintegration.
Overview of Lowe’s
Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the U.S. With more than 1,700 stores nationwide, it’s not just a hardware store—it’s a community employer.
Key Stats:
- Employees: 300,000+
- Locations: 1,700+ stores in the U.S.
- Annual Revenue (2024): $86.4 billion
- Job Roles Available: Cashier, Stocker, Delivery Driver, Warehouse Associate, Department Supervisor, etc.
Does Lowe’s Hire Felons?
Yes, Lowe’s Does Hire Felons.
But—it depends on:
- The type of felony
- How long ago it occurred
- Job position applied for
- State laws and background check requirements
Lowe’s does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with felony convictions. Many applicants with felonies have successfully been hired, especially in entry-level roles. However, not every applicant with a criminal record will be accepted.
Lowe’s Official Hiring Policy
While Lowe’s doesn’t publicly list a detailed policy on its corporate site about hiring felons, they confirm during interviews and job fairs that they are open to second-chance hiring.
What Lowe’s Has Publicly Stated:
“We consider qualified applicants with a criminal history consistent with applicable law.”
— Lowe’s Careers Portal, 2025
This aligns with compliance under the Fair Chance Act and EEOC regulations, which prohibit discrimination based solely on a criminal record unless it’s directly related to the job.
Does Lowe’s Run Background Checks on All Applicants?
Yes, all job candidates at Lowe’s must complete a criminal background check before finalizing employment.
Background Check Details:
- Scope: Typically covers the past 7 years
- Type: Criminal record, identity verification
- Conducted by: Third-party screening services (often Checkr or Sterling)
- Timing: After the interview and before official hire
Some states like California, New York, and Illinois restrict employers from seeing older convictions or sealed records. You must consent to the background check. Lowe’s cannot run it without your permission.
What Types of Felonies May Be Considered?
Not all felonies are treated equally at Lowe’s. Some may raise red flags depending on the job role.
| Felony Type | Hire Possible? | Notes |
| Drug Possession | ✅ Often hired | Especially if non-violent and years have passed |
| Theft or Burglary | ⚠️ Case-by-case | May affect stock or cashier roles |
| Assault or Violent Crimes | ❌ Rarely hired | May disqualify for customer-facing positions |
| DUI | ✅ Yes | Usually fine unless role requires driving |
| Fraud or Identity Theft | ⚠️ High risk | May affect any role involving transactions |
| Sex Offenses | ❌ Typically not hired | Strict company and legal limitations |
What Types of Jobs Can Felons Get at Lowe’s?
Lowe’s offers a wide range of entry-level roles that are more accessible to people with felony convictions—especially non-violent ones. Here are 7 positions most commonly filled by individuals with prior records:
| Job Title | Description | Felony-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Unloader/Stocker | Moves merchandise and stocks shelves | ✅ YES |
| Warehouse Associate | Handles inventory in distribution centers | ✅ YES |
| Cart Attendant | Manages carts in parking lot | ✅ YES |
| Delivery Helper | Assists drivers with unloading deliveries | ✅ YES |
| Cashier | Operates register and handles payments | ⚠️ Depends on felony |
| Sales Associate | Assists customers in-store | ⚠️ Depends on felony |
| Loader | Loads materials into customer vehicles | ✅ YES |
Warehouse and stock roles are typically the easiest entry point for individuals with past convictions.
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired at Lowe’s with a Felony
- Be Honest on Your Application
Lying is grounds for immediate disqualification—background checks will reveal the truth. - Apply for Entry-Level Positions First
Roles like Stocker, Loader, or Warehouse Assistant often carry fewer background restrictions. - Get a Recommendation or Referral
If someone at Lowe’s can vouch for your work ethic, it goes a long way. - Clean Up Your Record (If Possible)
In some states, expungement may be an option. Visit National Expungement Works to learn more. - Build a Resume with Transferable Skills
Show skills like punctuality, communication, forklift operation, or customer service—even if earned while incarcerated. - Stay Persistent
If you’re rejected, wait 6-12 months and try again. Many ex-offenders get in on the second or third try.
Does Lowe’s Hire Individuals with Misdemeanors?
Yes, Lowe’s hires applicants with misdemeanor convictions.
Misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies, and many people with these charges find jobs at Lowe’s—especially if the offenses are:
- Non-violent
- Older than 2–3 years
- Unrelated to theft or fraud
Examples of commonly accepted misdemeanors:
- Disorderly conduct
- Simple drug possession
- Trespassing
- Driving without a license
Always be transparent during the background check process. Many misdemeanor cases do not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Does Lowe’s Drug Test?
Yes, Lowe’s does conduct drug tests, though the timing and strictness depend on your role and location.
| Position | Drug Test Required? | When It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Staff | ✅ Yes | After conditional job offer |
| Delivery Helpers/Drivers | ✅ Yes | Pre-employment + Random tests |
| Stockers/Unloaders | ✅ Often | Pre-hire |
| Sales or Cashiers | ⚠️ Sometimes | Store-dependent |
| Seasonal Employees | ⚠️ Rarely | Depends on location |
Test Type:
Typically a urine-based 5-panel drug test that screens for:
- THC (marijuana)
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- PCP
- Amphetamines
Some stores may still test for marijuana even in legalized states—especially for safety-sensitive positions. Don’t assume legalization of marijuana in your state protects you from job-related drug tests. Many corporations like Lowe’s still enforce zero-tolerance policies depending on location.
Other Felony-Friendly Employers Like Lowe’s
If Lowe’s isn’t hiring in your area or if your background prevents employment, consider these companies with second-chance policies:
- Home Depot – Competes directly with Lowe’s and often hires felons
- Walmart – Offers warehouse, stocking, and cashier jobs
- Goodwill – Actively supports people with records
- UPS/FedEx – Especially during peak seasons
- Kroger – Grocery stores are often more open to hiring with records
Legal Rights: Know Before You Apply
- Ban the Box States: In over 37 states, it’s illegal to ask about criminal history on initial job applications.
- EEOC Guidelines: Employers must consider the nature of the crime, time elapsed, and relevance to the role.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): You must be notified before being denied based on your background check.
Can I Work at Lowe’s with a DUI?
Yes—you can still get hired at Lowe’s with a DUI, especially for non-driving positions.
However:
- If the DUI is recent (under 3 years) and you’re applying for a driver/delivery job, it might be disqualifying.
- Multiple DUI charges may raise red flags regardless of the job role.
Final Thought
Getting back into the workforce with a felony isn’t easy, but employers like Lowe’s are showing that second chances do exist—as long as you’re prepared, transparent, and determined.
FAQs
Does Lowe’s ask about felonies on their application?
Not in Ban the Box states. In other locations, they may ask—but only consider convictions relevant to the job.
How far back does Lowe’s check your background?
Usually 7 years, depending on state law and the severity of the offense.
Can you work at Lowe’s with a drug felony?
Yes, especially if the conviction is older and the role doesn’t involve handling medication or driving.
Does Lowe’s drug test employees?
Yes. Most roles require a pre-employment drug test and may have random testing afterward.
What if I was denied by Lowe’s because of my background?
You can ask for a copy of the background report and appeal any incorrect information.
