Last Updated: 03/12/2026
If you have a felony on your record and are thinking about applying to Amazon, this guide gives you realistic, straightforward information, no hype no clickbait lies and no false promises.
For most people with criminal records, the real Amazon opportunity is in warehouse, fulfillment center, sortation center, and delivery station roles. That is where Amazon hires at massive scale, and that is where many applicants with felony records have the best chance of getting hired.
Amazon is one of the better major employers to target if you have a felony and need a real shot at steady work. The company fills a huge number of physical, fast paced, process driven jobs. In those roles, the company often cares most about whether you can show up, work hard, follow process, and stay reliable.
That said, not every felony conviction is viewed the same way.
Quick Answer
Yes, Amazon can hire felons, and the outlook can be pretty positive for warehouse and fulfillment roles. This does NOT mean they will hire anyone, with any felony.
Your chances of being hired are usually strongest if:
- your conviction is older
- your record does not involve theft or fraud
- your record does not involve serious violence
- you are applying for warehouse, fulfillment, sortation, or delivery station work
- you have recent work history or can show stability and reliability
Working at Amazon is not a guaranteed, but for many people with non theft and nonviolent felony records, it is one of the more realistic major employers to try.
Amazon Felon Friendly Score™
Amazon Felon Friendly Score™: 38 / 50 Verdict: Moderate-High, Real Job Opportunity For Some Felons
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Access/Opportunity | 10 / 10 – You don’t need much, if any experience. |
| Background Check Friendliness | 7/ 10 – No way out of a background check but Amazon will NOT automatically disqualify you unless violent or theft. |
| Conviction Type Flexibility | 6 / 10 – Some felonies are an immediate disqualifier. |
| Promotion Potential | 7 / 10 – Average for the industry. Nothing special. |
| Overall Pay | 8 / 10 – You can make decent money. |
| Total | 38 / 50 |
Amazon scores well mainly because of its warehouse and fulfillment hiring. This is not the kind of employer where every role is felon friendly, but it is one of the stronger major companies to target if you are willing to do physical, entry level work.
The biggest weak spot is that Amazon still runs background checks, and certain convictions fit badly with the job. Theft, fraud, robbery, and serious violence can make hiring much harder, or impossible. There are a few caveats to this though that are coved later.
Where Amazon Is Most Promising
When people ask whether Amazon hires felons, the better question is this: Does Amazon hire felons for warehouse and fulfillment jobs? That is where the strongest opportunity is. Amazon’s warehouse side includes jobs such as the following.
- picking
- packing
- sorting
- loading and unloading
- scanning items
- moving inventory
- general fulfillment support
That does not mean Amazon ignores criminal records. It means the company needs a lot of workers in operational roles, and that creates more real chances.
Does Amazon Run Background Checks for Warehouse Jobs?
Yes. Warehouse and fulfillment applicants can still go through a background check. There is no way this is not going to happen. That should not automatically scare you away from applying though.
A background check does not mean every felony leads to rejection. For Amazon warehouse roles, the bigger question is usually whether the conviction creates a direct concern tied to the following.
- theft
- inventory
- safety
- violence
- workplace risk
- trust
This is why many applicants with drug convictions, nonviolent offenses, or other non theft records may still have a realistic shot.
State Laws and Background Check Rules for Amazon (Important)
State laws about background checks can affect what an employer can ask and when they can ask it.
Why that matters to you:
- 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.
- Some state laws limit how far back a criminal record search can go, often seven years. There are many nuances to this though. In the best case scenario Amazon may not even be able to see your felony conviction in SOME states.
- Some States have laws prohibiting you from having to disclose your felony recorded until after your interview. Also called Ban The Box laws.
Which Felonies Create The Most Issues With Amazon
The records most likely to create problems are the ones that connect directly to merchandise, trust, or safety.
- theft
- shoplifting
- fraud
- identity related offenses
- robbery
- serious violent offenses
- workplace violence
That is the honest truth is that you are going to have a very difficult time getting hired by Amazon with any of these types of felonies. Still, it doesn’t hurt to apply because you never know but don’t be expecting to get hired.
Best Amazon Jobs to Target If You Have a Felony
If you have a felony, these are usually the smartest Amazon jobs to target first:
| Role | Why It Is a Better Target |
|---|---|
| Fulfillment Center Associate | High volume hiring for picking, packing, and order processing |
| Sortation Center Associate | Frequent openings tied to sorting and moving packages |
| Delivery Station Associate | Strong operational entry point with regular demand |
| Seasonal Warehouse Associate | Volume hiring can make these roles more accessible |
| General Warehouse Associate | Practical entry point focused on labor and reliability |
Amazon Pay Scale, Typical Ranges in 2026
Amazon pay varies heavily by location, shift, and labor market. Current Amazon hourly postings around Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and nearby areas include the following.
| Role / Location Example | Posted Pay |
|---|---|
| Delivery Station Warehouse Associate, Philadelphia | Up to $20.50 |
| Delivery Station Warehouse Associate, Levittown PA | Up to $17.75 |
| Sortation Center Warehouse Associate, Pittsburgh PA | Up to $18.25 |
| Fulfillment Center Warehouse Associate, West Deptford NJ | Up to $20.80 |
| Fulfillment Center jobs search result, Tremont PA | Up to $22.40 |
| Delivery Station Warehouse Associate, Middlesex NJ | Up to $19.00 |
Practical takeaway
For the kinds of Amazon jobs most relevant to people with felony records, a realistic current target range is about $17 to $22 per hour, depending on shift, market, and whether the posting says “up to” a top rate rather than a flat starting wage.
Promotion Potential
Amazon warehouse work can be more than just a starting job. If you get in and build a strong attendance and performance record, it can help you.
- stabilize income
- rebuild your resume
- create recent work history
- strengthen future applications elsewhere
That matters a lot for people with felony records. Sometimes the biggest value is not just getting hired. It is getting back into steady work.
What Should I Say During a Amazon Interview if I Have a Felony?
Nothing unless you are asked directly. If they ask, keep it short, calm, and professional:
“I made a mistake in the past, took responsibility, and I’ve been focused on working and moving forward. I’m dependable, I show up, and I’m ready to work.”
Do not overexplain.
What Amazon Managers Actually Care About
In warehouse work, managers care most about whether you will make their shift easier. They usually prioritize the following.
- Not creating drama
- Showing up on time
- Open availability
- Speed and hustle
- Team attitude
- Following instructions
- Cross trainability
The managers don’t really care about your criminal record, they care whether you will make their work life easier. Amazon human resources is the only people that care about that felony. So make sure you sell yourself in your interview!
Denial Strategy for Amazon
If Amazon says no, do not assume you can’t do anything about it.
Take these steps:
- Ask whether the issue involved the background check.
- Request a copy of the report.
- Review it carefully for errors, duplicates, or outdated information.
- Dispute anything inaccurate.
- Ask amazon if they will allow you to explain your felony.
A denial does not always mean you are unemployable. We have had some reports of Amazon actually taking personal explanations into account during the hiring process.
Amazon FAQ
Generally speaking no, unless they are old or beyond state law reporting limits . Theft charges can be a major problem because so many Amazon warehouse jobs involve handling products, scanning merchandise, and working around inventory.
That can vary based on state law and internal policy. Amazon doesn’t do the background check themselves, it is hired out to a third party.
Potentially, yes. Amazon warehouse work can help you rebuild your work history, stabilize income, and create a path toward stronger future job options. Getting in first is often the biggest step.
Often, yes. Picking and packing jobs are core Amazon warehouse functions, and they are among the most realistic jobs to target if you have a nonviolent and non theft felony record.
Yes, Amazon can hire people with no warehouse experience, including some applicants with felony records. Entry level operational jobs are often built for people starting fresh, as long as they can handle the work.
Amazon hires throughout the year, but hiring often increases during busy shopping periods (like Christmas) and peak delivery seasons. That can make certain times of year better for finding openings.
A fulfillment center usually handles storing items, picking products, packing orders, and preparing them to ship. A sortation center usually handles sorting packages by destination before they move farther through the delivery network.
Other Employer Guides
- Does Waste Management Hire Felons?
- 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 Waffle House Hire Felons?
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Hiring decisions can vary by role, location, conviction type, how recent the offense was, and local law. No article can guarantee whether Amazon will hire a specific person.