If you have a criminal record and are trying to get back into the workforce, you might be wondering: Does McDonald’s hire convicted felons? The answer is encouraging — yes, many McDonald’s locations do hire people with felony convictions, but there are a few things you need to know about the process.
McDonald’s is one of the largest employers in the world, with over 13,000 locations in the United States alone and hundreds of thousands of employees. Because of its size, McDonald’s often has a reputation as a “second chance” employer, meaning they are more likely to consider applicants with criminal records than many other companies.
✅ Short Answer: Yes, McDonald’s Is Felon-Friendly — But It Depends
McDonald’s does not have a blanket corporate policy that bans felons from employment. Instead, hiring decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. This means:
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Franchise owners make the call. Around 90% of McDonald’s restaurants are franchise-owned, and the hiring manager at each location decides who to hire.
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The type of conviction matters. Non-violent crimes, older convictions, or charges unrelated to theft or customer safety are less likely to be a dealbreaker.
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The timing matters. A conviction that happened many years ago is less of an obstacle than a recent one, especially if you can show you’ve stayed out of trouble.
🧑🍳 Entry-Level Jobs That Are Most Accessible
Many felons find work in McDonald’s entry-level positions, which focus on teamwork, reliability, and customer service rather than background history. Common roles include:
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Crew Member – Taking orders, preparing food, cleaning, and helping customers.
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Cashier – Working the front counter or drive-thru, handling transactions.
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Cook – Preparing burgers, fries, and other menu items.
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Maintenance Worker – Keeping the restaurant clean and equipment running.
These jobs often require no prior experience and are available with flexible schedules, which can help you reintegrate into the workforce and build a positive job history.
Why McDonald’s Is a Good Option for Felons?
High Volume of Hiring
With thousands of open positions nationwide, McDonald’s is almost always hiring. This increases your chances of finding a location willing to give you a chance.
Fast Hiring Process
Unlike some companies with lengthy HR procedures, McDonald’s locations often schedule interviews quickly, sometimes hiring within days.
Felon-Friendly Reputation
McDonald’s has been mentioned on multiple job boards and re-entry programs as a company that routinely hires individuals with criminal records.
Room for Growth
McDonald’s is known for promoting from within. Crew members can become shift leaders, managers, or even franchise owners over time — making it more than just a short-term job.
Positive Public Image
McDonald’s participates in community programs like second chance hiring initiatives, which shows a corporate interest in rehabilitation and reintegration.
⚠️ What to Expect When Applying to McDonald’s as a Felon?
Applying for a job when you have a record can be intimidating, but understanding the process ahead of time will make things smoother.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Background Checks
Most McDonald’s locations run a pre-employment background check, usually after the interview but before officially offering the job. Here’s what you should know:
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Typical Lookback Period: Most background checks go back 7 years, but this varies by state.
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State Restrictions: Some states, like California, New York, and Massachusetts, limit how far employers can look back or ban certain older convictions from being considered.
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Ban-the-Box States: If you live in a state or city with “Ban the Box” laws, McDonald’s cannot ask about your conviction history on the initial job application — only later in the process.
🔑 Pro Tip: You can request a copy of your own background report through companies like Checkr or HireRight before applying. This lets you see what McDonald’s will see.
2. Type of Conviction Matters
Not all convictions are viewed equally. Here’s how they’re often weighed:
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Violent Crimes & Theft:
These can be red flags, particularly for cashier roles where handling money is involved. -
Drug Offenses:
Some locations may still hire, especially if the conviction was years ago and you can show evidence of rehabilitation. -
Non-Violent & Misdemeanor Offenses:
These are generally less of a barrier and are often overlooked if you’re otherwise qualified.
Franchise owners are primarily looking for reliability — if you can demonstrate responsibility and a willingness to work, many will still hire you.
3. Franchise vs. Corporate-Owned Restaurants
Around 90% of McDonald’s locations are franchise-owned, which means:
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Each franchise sets its own hiring policies. Some may have strict rules about criminal records, while others are more open.
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Corporate-owned restaurants may have a more standardized process and could be more consistent in giving second chances.
🔑 Pro Tip: Apply at several McDonald’s locations in your area. Just because one says no doesn’t mean another won’t hire you.
Important Tips for Applying as a Felon
Here’s how to maximize your chances of getting hired:
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Be Honest and Direct
If the background check brings up your record, be prepared to explain it briefly. Focus on what you’ve done since to turn things around. -
Highlight Rehabilitation
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Bring letters of recommendation (from former employers, probation officers, or mentors).
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Mention if you’ve completed vocational training, anger management, or other programs.
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Meet the Hiring Manager in Person
Face-to-face contact helps humanize your application and allows you to explain your situation confidently. -
Apply for Multiple Roles
If a cashier position feels like a long shot due to a theft charge, try applying as a cook or maintenance worker first. -
Show Work Ethic Early
If you get hired, showing up on time and being reliable during the first 90 days is crucial — this is when managers evaluate whether they made the right decision.
Conclusion
Yes — McDonald’s does hire convicted felons, but success depends on where you apply, what your conviction was for, and how you present yourself. Your best chance is to:
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Apply to multiple locations, including franchise-owned and corporate stores.
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Be upfront and confident when discussing your past.
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Show that you’re committed to building a better future.
McDonald’s can be more than just a paycheck — it can be a stepping stone to rebuilding your resume, earning promotions, and creating new opportunities for yourself.
We have also an article on McDonalds working age limit you can check out.
