Does Comcast Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

How Comcast's Background Check Works

Comcast conducts background checks on all prospective employees through a third-party background screening company. The check includes a criminal history search across county, state, and federal databases, a Social Security number trace, and employment verification. For positions that require driving (field technicians, installers), a Motor Vehicle Records check is also included. The standard lookback period is 7 years for criminal convictions, though this varies by state — some states like California and New York limit how far back employers can look. Comcast follows EEOC guidelines and uses individualized assessment, meaning they consider the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the relationship between the conviction and the job duties. The background check typically occurs after a conditional offer of employment, consistent with Ban the Box practices that Comcast follows in most markets.

Call Center and Customer Service Opportunities

Comcast operates large call centers across the country, and customer service representative roles are among the most frequently available positions. These roles involve answering customer calls, troubleshooting service issues, processing payments, and managing accounts. Because they are phone-based and do not require entering customer homes, they tend to be more accessible for people with criminal records than field positions. However, representatives do have access to customer account information, including payment details, which means fraud, identity theft, and financial crime convictions may be closely scrutinized. Non-violent, non-fraud offenses — especially older ones — are much less likely to be an issue. Call center positions typically pay $15-$22/hour and offer full benefits for full-time employees. Many Comcast call centers offer training programs for new hires, making prior experience in the industry unnecessary.

Field Technician and Installer Positions

Field technicians and installers are among the better-paying hourly positions at Comcast, typically earning $18-$30/hour depending on experience and market. These roles involve going to customer homes and businesses to install, maintain, and repair cable, internet, and phone services. Because technicians enter private residences and often work alone inside homes, Comcast applies stricter scrutiny to violent offenses, theft, burglary, and sexual offenses for these positions. A clean driving record is also required since technicians drive company vehicles. That said, Comcast has a persistent need for technicians due to high turnover and growing demand for broadband services. People with older, non-violent records and clean driving records have successfully been hired into these roles. The position offers a company vehicle, tools, uniforms, and a path to advancement into senior technician or supervisory roles.

Comcast's Workforce Development Programs

Comcast has participated in various workforce development initiatives in markets across the country. The company has partnered with local reentry programs and community organizations to provide job training and employment opportunities to people with criminal records. These partnerships vary by location and are not available in every market, but they signal that Comcast is open to second-chance hiring when supported by community infrastructure. If there is a workforce development or reentry program in your area that has a relationship with Comcast, going through that program can significantly improve your chances of being hired, as the program provides a referral and sometimes additional support during the onboarding process. Check with your local workforce development board, reentry program, or probation/parole office to see if such partnerships exist in your area.

Comcast Contractors vs. Direct Employment

It is important to understand that much of Comcast's field work is performed by contractors and subcontractors, not direct Comcast employees. These contracting companies have their own hiring standards, which may be more or less strict than Comcast's direct hiring. Some Comcast contractors are known to be more open to hiring people with records, as they face even greater pressure to fill technician roles. Working for a Comcast contractor can be a good entry point — you gain experience, training, and a track record that can help you eventually apply for a direct Comcast position. When searching for jobs, look for both direct Comcast positions on jobs.comcast.com and contractor positions listed on job boards that mention Comcast or Xfinity installation and service work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Comcast hire felons?

Comcast does hire people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. The company uses individualized assessment considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. Call center and warehouse roles tend to be more accessible, while field technician roles that require home access have stricter standards for violent, theft, and sexual offenses.

Does Comcast do background checks?

Yes, Comcast conducts background checks on all prospective employees. The check includes criminal history, Social Security trace, and MVR for driving positions. The standard lookback is 7 years, and the check typically occurs after a conditional offer of employment.

How far back does the Comcast background check go?

Comcast's background check generally looks back 7 years for criminal convictions. State laws may limit the lookback period further — for example, California limits reporting to 7 years. Motor Vehicle Records checks cover 3-7 years depending on the state.

Can I be a Comcast technician with a felony?

It is possible but depends on the nature of the felony and how long ago it occurred. Non-violent felonies that are several years old are more likely to be approved. Violent, theft, burglary, and sexual offense convictions are more closely scrutinized for technician roles because they require entering customer homes. A clean driving record is also required.

Does Comcast drug test?

Yes, Comcast conducts pre-employment drug testing for most positions. Field technicians and drivers are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements where applicable. Drug testing policies may vary by state and specific position.

How much does Comcast pay?

Pay varies by role and location. Customer service representatives typically earn $15-$22/hour. Field technicians and installers earn $18-$30/hour. Retail sales associates earn $14-$20/hour plus commission. Full-time positions include benefits such as health insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and free or discounted Xfinity services.

What is the difference between working for Comcast directly vs. a Comcast contractor?

Direct Comcast employees go through Comcast's hiring process and receive Comcast benefits. Contractors work for separate companies that perform work for Comcast. Contractors may have different hiring standards (sometimes more lenient), different pay structures, and different benefits. Working as a contractor can be a good stepping stone to direct employment.