Does John Deere do background checks?

Yes, John Deere conducts background checks on all direct employees. The check includes criminal history with a standard 7-year lookback. John Deere follows EEOC guidelines and uses individualized assessment. Dealerships conduct their own background checks with their own standards.

How much does John Deere pay?

Pay varies significantly by role and location. Factory production workers (UAW) typically earn $20-$35/hour with overtime frequently available. Dealership service technicians earn $18-$32/hour depending on experience and certifications. UAW positions include comprehensive benefits — health insurance, pension, 401(k), and paid time off.

Are John Deere factory jobs union?

Yes, most John Deere manufacturing plants are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW). Union membership provides higher wages, comprehensive benefits, job security, seniority rights, and grievance procedures. Union protections can be particularly beneficial for people with criminal records, as the union can advocate during the hiring process.

Does John Deere drug test?

Yes, John Deere conducts pre-employment drug testing for manufacturing and most other positions. Random drug testing may also occur during employment, particularly for safety-sensitive roles. Drug testing policies are consistent across most Deere facilities.

What is the difference between John Deere corporate and dealership jobs?

John Deere corporate positions (factories, warehouses, offices) are direct Deere employment with standardized hiring practices and UAW union benefits at factories. Dealerships are independently owned businesses that sell and service Deere equipment — they hire their own staff with their own policies. Both offer good career opportunities but through different paths.

Where are John Deere factories located?

Major John Deere factories are located in Iowa (Waterloo, Dubuque, Davenport, Ottumwa, Des Moines), Illinois (East Moline, Horicon), Georgia (Augusta), Louisiana (Thibodaux), North Carolina (Kernersville), and several other states. The Waterloo, Iowa tractor factory and Moline, Illinois headquarters are the largest facilities.

Does John Deere Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Sometimes

John Deere hires people with some criminal records, particularly for factory production and dealer service roles. The company conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment and has a strong manufacturing workforce that values reliability.

John Deere (Deere & Company) is one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment in the world, with major manufacturing plants across the United States and a network of independently owned dealerships. The company does hire people with criminal records for some positions, particularly production and assembly roles at its manufacturing plants and service technician roles at dealerships. John Deere conducts background checks on all direct employees, using individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. Manufacturing plant positions — which involve operating machinery, assembling equipment, welding, painting, and quality inspection — are generally the most accessible for people with records. These are well-paying union jobs (most Deere factories are UAW-represented) with excellent benefits. John Deere dealerships are independently owned and operated, meaning each dealer sets its own hiring policies, which may be more or less strict than Deere corporate.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Production / Assembly (Factory)	Case-by-case	Yes — standard background check	Most accessible role; union (UAW) positions; good pay and benefits; non-violent records often OK
Welder / Fabricator (Factory)	Case-by-case	Yes — standard background check	Skilled production role; welding certifications valued; same standards as general production
Warehouse / Logistics (Parts Distribution)	Case-by-case	Yes — standard background check	Parts warehousing and distribution; forklift experience helpful; accessible entry point
Dealer Service Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — background check set by individual dealer	Works at independently owned dealerships; hiring standards vary by dealer; mechanical skills valued
Dealer Parts Counter / Sales	Case-by-case	Yes — background check set by individual dealer	Customer-facing role at dealerships; dealer sets own hiring standards
Corporate / Engineering	Case-by-case	Yes — comprehensive background check	Professional roles at Deere headquarters and offices; stricter review for roles with system access

John Deere Manufacturing — A Strong Opportunity

John Deere operates major manufacturing plants in Iowa (Waterloo, Dubuque, Davenport, Ottumwa, Des Moines), Illinois (East Moline, Horicon), Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and other states. These factories produce tractors, combines, construction equipment, engines, and components. Manufacturing positions are among the best-paying factory jobs available in the United States, with production workers earning $20-$35/hour depending on experience and the specific plant. Most Deere factories are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which provides additional job protections, seniority-based advancement, and strong benefits. For people with criminal records, factory production roles are often the most accessible path into John Deere. The nature of the work — operating machinery, assembling components, welding, painting — is skills-based and physically demanding, and the company evaluates workers based on reliability and capability rather than past mistakes.

Background Check Process at John Deere

John Deere conducts background checks on all direct employees through a third-party screening provider. The standard check includes criminal history (county, state, and federal records), Social Security trace, and employment verification. The lookback period is generally 7 years, consistent with EEOC guidelines. John Deere uses individualized assessment, considering the Green Factors recommended by the EEOC: the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job being sought. For manufacturing positions, most non-violent felonies that are several years old are unlikely to be automatic disqualifiers. Theft and fraud convictions may receive more scrutiny for positions involving inventory or financial access. Violent felonies are evaluated based on recency and the specific role. The background check typically occurs after a conditional offer of employment, and Deere follows Ban the Box practices.

UAW Union Protections

Most John Deere manufacturing plants are unionized under the United Auto Workers (UAW), and this union membership provides significant protections that benefit people with criminal records. The collective bargaining agreement includes grievance procedures that make it harder for the company to rescind a conditional job offer based solely on background check findings — the union can advocate on your behalf. Union contracts also establish clear criteria for employment decisions and provide due process rights. Additionally, UAW representation means higher wages, comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and job security that are difficult to find elsewhere in manufacturing. The 2021 and subsequent UAW-Deere contracts have continued to strengthen worker protections and compensation. For people reentering the workforce, a UAW-represented job at John Deere is one of the best employment outcomes available, providing both financial stability and workplace protections.

John Deere Dealership Positions

John Deere products are sold and serviced through a network of independently owned and operated dealerships across the country. These dealerships employ service technicians, parts counter staff, sales representatives, and administrative staff. Because dealerships are independent businesses, each one sets its own hiring policies and conducts its own background checks. Some dealerships are small, family-owned operations where the owner makes all hiring decisions personally, while others are large multi-location businesses with formal HR departments. This decentralized model means that hiring standards can vary significantly from one dealer to another. If you have a record and are interested in working at a John Deere dealership, it's worth applying to multiple dealers in your area. One dealer may pass while another is willing to give you a chance, especially if you have mechanical skills and experience. Service technicians are in particularly high demand at dealerships, and skilled mechanics with records are often hired.

Skills and Certifications That Help

Having relevant skills and certifications can significantly improve your chances at John Deere, both at manufacturing plants and dealerships. For factory positions, welding certifications (AWS), CNC machining experience, forklift certification, and previous manufacturing experience are all valuable. For dealership service roles, diesel mechanic certification, hydraulics training, electrical systems knowledge, and experience with heavy equipment are highly sought after. John Deere also operates its own technical training programs — some dealerships sponsor employees through John Deere's Technical Training Center programs, which provide manufacturer-specific certification. If you are coming from a background that included vocational training (including prison-based vocational programs), those skills translate directly to John Deere positions. Highlighting technical skills on your application and in interviews can help shift the focus from your background to your capabilities.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online through deere.com/careers for direct Deere manufacturing and corporate positions — the company follows Ban the Box practices
2.For dealership positions, visit local John Deere dealers in person and ask about openings — dealerships are independent and many prefer in-person applications
3.If you have welding, machining, or mechanical skills, highlight them prominently — these are the most in-demand skills at Deere factories and dealerships
4.Target manufacturing plant positions if you have a record — factory roles tend to have the most lenient hiring standards and are union-protected
5.If one dealership turns you down, apply at others — each dealer sets its own hiring policy and standards can vary significantly
6.Consider getting a forklift certification or welding certification before applying — these credentials demonstrate capability and commitment
7.Check if your state has manufacturing apprenticeship or workforce training programs that partner with John Deere — going through a formal program can strengthen your application

Frequently Asked Questions

Does John Deere hire felons?: John Deere does hire people with felony records on a case-by-case basis, particularly for manufacturing and production roles. The company conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment. Non-violent felonies that are several years old are often manageable for factory positions. Dealership hiring varies as each dealer is independently owned.
Does John Deere do background checks?: Yes, John Deere conducts background checks on all direct employees. The check includes criminal history with a standard 7-year lookback. John Deere follows EEOC guidelines and uses individualized assessment. Dealerships conduct their own background checks with their own standards.
How much does John Deere pay?: Pay varies significantly by role and location. Factory production workers (UAW) typically earn $20-$35/hour with overtime frequently available. Dealership service technicians earn $18-$32/hour depending on experience and certifications. UAW positions include comprehensive benefits — health insurance, pension, 401(k), and paid time off.
Are John Deere factory jobs union?: Yes, most John Deere manufacturing plants are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW). Union membership provides higher wages, comprehensive benefits, job security, seniority rights, and grievance procedures. Union protections can be particularly beneficial for people with criminal records, as the union can advocate during the hiring process.
Does John Deere drug test?: Yes, John Deere conducts pre-employment drug testing for manufacturing and most other positions. Random drug testing may also occur during employment, particularly for safety-sensitive roles. Drug testing policies are consistent across most Deere facilities.
What is the difference between John Deere corporate and dealership jobs?: John Deere corporate positions (factories, warehouses, offices) are direct Deere employment with standardized hiring practices and UAW union benefits at factories. Dealerships are independently owned businesses that sell and service Deere equipment — they hire their own staff with their own policies. Both offer good career opportunities but through different paths.
Where are John Deere factories located?: Major John Deere factories are located in Iowa (Waterloo, Dubuque, Davenport, Ottumwa, Des Moines), Illinois (East Moline, Horicon), Georgia (Augusta), Louisiana (Thibodaux), North Carolina (Kernersville), and several other states. The Waterloo, Iowa tractor factory and Moline, Illinois headquarters are the largest facilities.

Take Action — Direct Links

John Deere Careers
Official John Deere job search portal — search factory, corporate, and other direct positions
Find a John Deere Dealer
Locate John Deere dealerships near you for dealer-based employment opportunities
UAW — United Auto Workers
Information about UAW union membership and worker protections at Deere manufacturing plants
EEOC — Criminal Records and Employment
Federal guidance on how employers should consider criminal records in hiring

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).