Last Updated: 03/04/2026
If you have a felony on your record and you’re thinking about applying to Dollar General (DG), this guide gives you realistic, straightforward information, no hype and no false promises.
Dollar General can be a decent opportunity for people with felony records because they hire constantly and operate a massive number of stores. But it’s still retail, so cash handling and “trust roles” can make some convictions harder to get past.
Dollar General is one of the largest discount retailers by store count. Their SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)filing states they had 20,662 stores in 48 U.S. states and Mexico (as of Feb 28, 2025).
Quick Answer
Yes, Dollar General will hire felons, especially for entry-level store roles and distribution (warehouse) jobs. However, keep in mind this does not mean they will hire everyone that has a felony. Expect the following:
- Dollar General (DG) does run background checks in most, if not all cases.
- Retail jobs are sensitive to theft/fraud and violent convictions, especially for cashier, keyholder, and management roles. The older they are the better chance you have of getting hired.
- Your best odds usually come from applying to the right roles first and showing reliability (availability + transportation + calm interview).
- Dollar General is still expanding in 2026 (more stores = more openings). Reports on the company’s plan mention roughly 450 new U.S. store openings in 2026 (plus relocations and remodels).
Dollar General Felon-Friendly Score™
34 / 50 — Moderate (Retail With Lots of Openings, But Background Checks Are Common)
Dollar General is not the “easiest yes” company — but it is worth applying to because they hire at high volume and have a lot of entry-level roles.
| Category | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Type (Discount Retail) | 6/10 | Lots of hiring, but retail is trust-sensitive. |
| Store Count / Opportunity | 9/10 | Tons of openings. |
| Background Check Reality | 5/10 | Background/criminal checks are required. |
| Customer-Facing Sensitivity | 6/10 | Cash & customers |
| Second-Chance Practicality | 8/10 | You can often start low, prove yourself, and move up. |
How Dollar General Hiring Actually Works
Dollar General hiring is usually pretty simple:
- You apply (mostly online) but most locations also have in store applications.
- You may do an assessment.
- You interview.
- If they like you, they may do pre-employment screening (often includes a background check)
Dollar General has been under scrutiny for how criminal screening is used. The EEOC announced a $6 million settlement with Dollar General related to criminal background checks and alleged racial discrimination impacts. Since then they have been much more open to hiring people from different backgrounds.
What that means for you: Don’t assume you’re automatically out. But don’t assume youre automatically in either.
Does Dollar General Run Background Checks?
Yes, on every applicant.
What they usually care about (if a check is used)
- Type of offense
- How long ago it happened ( The longer the better)
- Whether it relates to the job (cash handling, violence, safety, etc.)
- Work history since conviction
- Your attitude + reliability in the interview
State Laws and Background Check Rules for Dollar General
State laws about background checks can affect what an employer can ask and when they can ask it.
Why that matters to you:
- Some state laws limit how far back a criminal record search can go, often seven years. There are many nuances to this though.
- Some States have laws prohibiting you from having to disclose your felony recorded until after your interview. Also called Ban The Box laws.
- Don’t assume you need to tell them about your felony. Do the research about any local or state laws regarding criminal records and employers.
What Positions Are More Felon Friendly at Dollar General?
These are usually the best starting points if you have a felony record.
More Flexible Positions (Start Here)
- Stocker / freight / truck unload
- Backroom / inventory support
- Store associate roles that are not keyholder positions.
- Distribution center / warehouse roles (if available near you)
Harder Positions to Get
- Lead Sales Associate / Keyholder-type roles
- Assistant Store Manager
- Store Manager / District roles
What Convictions Usually Cause the Most Problems?
These categories tend to trigger more “no’s” in retail stores like Dollar General.
- Theft, fraud, embezzlement, financial crimes
- Recent violent offenses
- Sex offenses (public-facing environment)
- Recent serious charges or open cases
- Probation/parole restrictions that conflict with shifts
Older, non-violent convictions are usually easier to work with, especially if your recent work history is solid.
What Should I Say in a Dollar General Interview if I Have a Felony?
Nothing unless you’re asked. If they ask, keep it short, calm, and confident:
“I made a mistake in the past, took responsibility, and I’ve been focused on work and moving forward. I’m dependable, I show up, and I’m ready to work.”
No long story. No oversharing. Bring it right back to reliability.
Real-World Strategy to Get Hired at Dollar General With a Felony
Dollar General is a numbers game + presentation.
Step 1: Apply online
Most hiring starts there.
Step 2: Apply to multiple stores
One manager may say no. Another may say yes.
Step 3: Show up at the right time
Best time: 2pm–4pm (after lunch rush, before evening traffic).
Step 4: Ask to introduce yourself to a manager
Keep it simple: “I applied online and wanted to introduce myself.”
Step 5: Sell what managers need
- Open availability
- Weekend/closing willingness
- Transportation
- Calm attitude
- “I show up” energy
Dollar General Hiring Readiness Checklist
☐ My conviction is older
☐ I’ve stayed out of trouble since
☐ I have work history or references
☐ I can work evenings/weekends
☐ I’m applying to associate/stocking/freight/warehouse first
☐ I can explain my past briefly if asked
☐ I’m applying to multiple stores
Score Meaning
- 6–7 checks: Strong chance
- 4–5 checks: Possible
- 2–3 checks: Harder, but still apply if you need that first break.
Dollar General Pay Scale (Typical Ranges 2026)
Pay varies by state and city, but these are real current averages reported from job postings and employee data.
| Position | Typical Pay (Real Numbers) |
|---|---|
| Sales Associate (U.S. avg) | ~$9.59/hour – 13.75/hour |
| Removed | – |
| Sales Associate Lead (U.S. avg) | ~$12.40/hour |
| Assistant Store Manager (U.S. avg) | ~$16.04/hour |
| Warehouse Worker (U.S. avg) | ~$19.44/hour |
| Store Manager (U.S. avg) | ~$43,506/year |
Promotion Potential
A common path is: Sales/Stocking → Lead → Assistant Manager → Store Manager
For people with records, the best strategy is usually:
get in first → build trust → move up
Reality Check
Dollar General is a realistic target for many people with felony records if you play it smart.
- Apply to multiple stores
- Target stocking/freight/warehouse first
- Don’t overshare
- Be calm and reliable
- Be ready for a background check
What It’s Like to Work at Dollar General
Working at Dollar General is usually fast-paced retail work with a small team and a lot of responsibility. Many stores run with only a few employees on shift, which means workers often do multiple jobs at once like running the register, stocking shelves, unloading trucks, cleaning, and helping customers. Its super hectic and not very easy to be honest!
Dollar General FAQ
Often yes, especially if you’ve completed probation/parole, you can pass a drug test (if required) and you show stable work or references.
Drug convictions are usually less “job-related” than theft/fraud for retail work. The biggest issues are very recent cases or ongoing court/probation restrictions that make scheduling hard.
Possibly, but recent violent convictions usually reduce approval odds greatly. Even older convictions can be hard to get past.
Yes they do. Their privacy policy references background and criminal checks, and so does the EEOC settlement centered on criminal background screening.
Stocking/freight, backroom/inventory support, and warehouse/distribution roles are usually the best starting points.
No. Don’t volunteer information that isn’t requested. Answer honestly if asked. If the application asks, answer truthfully. If it doesn’t, don’t bring it up early.
For many people, yes if you treat it as a stepping stone.
Because many stores run on a lean model with very few employees that have; lots of tasks, long hours, frequent truck deliveries and constant stocking needs. That’s stressful, but it also creates opportunity: managers value people (even felons) who can show up and handle the workload.
Related Employer Guides
You may also want to review:
- Does Family Dollar Hire Felons?
- Does Wendy’s Hire Felons?
- Does Burger King Hire Felons?
- Does Taco Bell Hire Felons?
- Does Subway Hire Felons?
- Does Olive Garden Hire Felons?
- Does Walmart Hire Felons?
- Does Waste Management Hire Felons?
Disclaimer
HelpForFelons.org is not affiliated with Dollar General. Hiring policies vary by location and can change at any time. This guide is informational and does not guarantee employment.