Does Cintas Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

How Cintas Evaluates Criminal Records

Cintas is a Fortune 500 company that provides uniforms, floor care, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, and fire protection services to businesses across North America. The company operates over 400 facilities including large processing plants where uniforms and linens are cleaned, repaired, and distributed. Cintas follows an individualized assessment approach when evaluating criminal records, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, and relevance to the job duties. The company does not publish a list of automatically disqualifying offenses for most positions. Processing plant roles are the most accessible because they involve working inside Cintas facilities rather than at customer locations. Route drivers and customer-facing roles face additional scrutiny because these employees represent the company at customer businesses, drive company vehicles, and may have access to customer facilities.

Background Check Process

Cintas conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. The standard check includes a criminal history search (typically 7 years), a Social Security number trace, and identity verification. For driver positions (Route Service Sales Representatives), an additional motor vehicle records (MVR) check is conducted, and a clean driving record is required. Some positions may require drug testing as part of the hiring process. If criminal history is found during the background check, Cintas reviews it using their individualized assessment criteria. Under the FCRA, if Cintas is considering rescinding the offer, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and a chance to respond. The process generally takes 3-7 business days.

Production Plant vs. Route Driver Roles

The most important distinction at Cintas for people with criminal records is between plant-based production roles and route-based driver/sales roles. Production workers at Cintas processing plants sort incoming uniforms and linens, load commercial washing machines, operate pressing and folding equipment, inspect garments for damage, package items for delivery, and perform general warehouse tasks. These positions are inside the Cintas facility with no customer contact, which means the relevance of most criminal convictions to the job duties is minimal. Route Service Sales Representatives, on the other hand, drive Cintas vehicles on a daily route, deliver clean uniforms and supplies to customer businesses, pick up soiled items, manage customer accounts, and often enter customer facilities including offices, restaurants, and medical facilities. This customer-facing, driving-intensive role naturally involves more scrutiny of criminal and driving history. If you have a record, starting in a production role and potentially transitioning to other positions once you have established a track record at Cintas is a practical strategy.

Pay and Benefits

Cintas offers competitive compensation for its industry. Production workers at processing plants typically start at $15-$19 per hour depending on location and shift. Loaders and warehouse workers earn similar rates. Maintenance technicians earn $20-$30 per hour. Route Service Sales Representatives earn a base salary plus commission, with total compensation typically ranging from $45,000-$65,000 per year. Full-time employees receive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, life insurance, and an employee stock purchase plan. Cintas has been recognized as a top employer for its benefits package and company culture. For production workers, overtime is often available, which can significantly boost take-home pay.

How to Apply

Cintas posts all positions on their careers website at cintas.com/careers. You can search by location, job category, and keyword. The application is completed online. Cintas has processing plants and service facilities in most major metropolitan areas and many mid-size cities, so there is likely a location near you. Some Cintas locations also work with local staffing agencies for temporary or seasonal production workers. Contact staffing agencies in your area to ask about Cintas placements. Local workforce development agencies and reentry programs may also have connections to Cintas facilities. When applying, emphasize reliability, willingness to work various shifts, and any experience in laundry, manufacturing, warehouse, or physical labor environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cintas hire felons?

Cintas does hire people with felony convictions, primarily for production and plant roles. The company uses individualized assessment and does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal records. Production workers at processing plants have the best chance, while driver and customer-facing roles face more scrutiny.

Does Cintas do background checks?

Yes, Cintas conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer. The check covers criminal history (typically 7 years), Social Security trace, and identity verification. Driver positions include an additional MVR (motor vehicle records) check. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you.

What does Cintas production work involve?

Production workers at Cintas processing plants sort uniforms and linens, load industrial washing machines, operate pressing and folding equipment, inspect garments, and package items for delivery. The work is physically active and can involve standing for long periods, working in warm environments, and handling heavy loads of laundry and textiles.

How much does Cintas pay?

Production workers start at $15-$19 per hour. Maintenance technicians earn $20-$30 per hour. Route Service Sales Representatives earn $45,000-$65,000 per year (base plus commission). Full-time employees receive health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and an employee stock purchase plan.

Does Cintas drug test?

Yes, Cintas requires pre-employment drug testing for most positions. Driver positions are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing may also apply during employment.

Can I become a Cintas driver with a felony?

It depends on the nature and recency of the felony. Route Service Sales Representatives drive company vehicles and interact with customers, so the background and driving record review is more thorough. A non-violent, non-driving felony that is several years old may not disqualify you. Recent felonies, violent offenses, and DUI convictions are more problematic for driver roles.

How far back does Cintas background check go?

Cintas's standard background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. State laws limiting lookback periods are respected. Driving history checks for route positions may cover a longer period. Older convictions are given less weight in the assessment process.

Does Cintas promote from within?

Yes, Cintas has a strong promote-from-within culture. Many managers and supervisors started in production or route roles. Starting in a production position and demonstrating reliability, work ethic, and leadership potential can open doors to advancement including driver, technician, and supervisory roles.