Does Caterpillar Hire Felons?

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Caterpillar's Hiring Approach for People with Records

Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction equipment, mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial turbines. The company operates manufacturing facilities across the United States, with heavy concentrations in Illinois, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and other states. Manufacturing heavy equipment requires a large workforce of skilled and semi-skilled workers, and Caterpillar faces ongoing competition for labor in many of its plant locations. This creates opportunities for people with criminal records. Caterpillar uses an individualized assessment process when evaluating criminal history, considering the nature and severity of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, and relevance to the job. The company complies with Ban the Box laws and follows EEOC guidance on the use of criminal records in employment decisions. While Caterpillar does not market itself as a second-chance employer, its practical hiring needs at the plant level mean that many people with records have been hired.

Background Check Process

Caterpillar conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening provider. The standard check includes a criminal history search, Social Security number trace, and identity verification. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history, though this varies by state law. The background check process begins after a conditional offer of employment has been made. If criminal history is found, Caterpillar's HR team evaluates it using the individualized assessment framework. If the company is considering rescinding the offer, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice under the FCRA, along with a copy of the background check report and a summary of your rights. You will have an opportunity to respond, provide additional context, or dispute any inaccuracies before a final decision is made. Take this opportunity seriously and provide documentation of rehabilitation if available.

Manufacturing Careers at Caterpillar

Caterpillar's manufacturing positions offer solid career opportunities with good pay and benefits. Assembly workers build everything from bulldozers and excavators to diesel engines and turbines. Welders and fabricators work with heavy steel components. CNC machinists produce precision parts. Painters apply industrial coatings. These roles require physical stamina and often involve working with heavy materials in a factory environment. The work is demanding but the compensation reflects it. Many Caterpillar manufacturing positions are union-represented (UAW, IAM, or other unions depending on the plant), which provides additional pay and benefit protections. The key to getting hired at Caterpillar with a record is having demonstrable skills or a willingness to learn. Welding certifications, CNC programming experience, forklift licenses, and industrial maintenance skills all increase your value as a candidate and can offset concerns about your background.

Pay and Benefits

Caterpillar manufacturing positions offer competitive compensation. Production and assembly workers typically start at $18-$25 per hour depending on location, shift, and skills. Welders and machinists earn $22-$35 per hour. Maintenance technicians earn $25-$38 per hour. Overtime is available at many facilities. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match (Caterpillar matches dollar-for-dollar up to 6%), paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage. The company also offers tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing relevant education. Caterpillar's 401(k) match is one of the best in manufacturing, and the total compensation package makes these positions genuinely career-level opportunities.

How to Apply

Caterpillar posts all positions on their careers website at caterpillar.com/careers. Manufacturing positions can be filtered by location and job type. The application is completed online. Caterpillar also hires through staffing agencies for temporary and contract positions at many facilities — this can be a strategic entry point for people with records, as staffing agencies may have different screening thresholds and temp-to-hire arrangements let you demonstrate your value. Check with staffing agencies near Caterpillar plants in your area. Local workforce development agencies and American Job Centers can also help connect you with opportunities at Caterpillar and may have relationships with plant HR departments. If you have welding, machining, or industrial maintenance skills, make sure your certifications and credentials are current and prominently featured in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Caterpillar hire felons?

Caterpillar does hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis, particularly for manufacturing and production positions at its factories. The company uses individualized assessment and does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal records. Non-violent felonies and older convictions have the best chance of being accepted.

Does Caterpillar do background checks?

Yes, Caterpillar conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. If issues are found, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice under the FCRA with an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.

What jobs are available at Caterpillar for people with records?

Manufacturing positions are the most accessible, including assembly workers, welders, machinists, painters, material handlers, and maintenance technicians. These roles are available at Caterpillar plants across the country. Skilled positions like welding and machining offer the best pay and the most demand.

How much does Caterpillar pay?

Production workers start at $18-$25 per hour. Welders and machinists earn $22-$35 per hour. Maintenance technicians earn $25-$38 per hour. Benefits include health insurance, a 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match up to 6%, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

Does Caterpillar drug test?

Yes, Caterpillar requires pre-employment drug testing for manufacturing positions. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing may also occur during employment. Policies comply with applicable state and federal laws.

Are Caterpillar jobs union?

Many Caterpillar manufacturing positions are union-represented, though this varies by plant. Unions at Caterpillar facilities include the UAW, IAM (International Association of Machinists), and others. Union representation provides standardized pay scales, benefits, and grievance procedures that can benefit workers with criminal records.

How far back does Caterpillar's background check go?

The standard background check at Caterpillar typically covers 7 years of criminal history. States with laws limiting lookback periods are respected. Older convictions are given less weight in the individualized assessment. Time elapsed since the offense is one of the key factors considered.

Does Caterpillar work with reentry programs?

Caterpillar participates in workforce development partnerships in many of its plant communities. Local American Job Centers and workforce development boards near Caterpillar facilities may have connections to the company's HR departments. Contact these agencies for help with your application.