Does Kohl's do background checks?

Yes, Kohl's conducts background checks after conditional job offers. Criminal records are evaluated individually.

Does Kohl's drug test?

Kohl's has generally moved away from pre-employment drug testing for most store positions.

How much does Kohl's pay?

Kohl's associates earn $11-$16/hour depending on position and location. Distribution center workers may earn more.

Can I work at Kohl's with a theft conviction?

Theft convictions are evaluated individually at Kohl's. Older convictions with evidence of rehabilitation have a better chance. Stockroom positions may be more accessible than cash-handling roles.

Does Kohl's Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sometimes

Kohl's conducts background checks with individualized assessment. Ban the Box compliant with fair chance practices.

Kohl's hires some people with felony records. The department store chain conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment as recommended by the EEOC. Kohl's operates over 1,100 stores and is one of the largest department store chains in America. The company is Ban the Box compliant and does not ask about criminal history on initial applications. E-commerce fulfillment center and stockroom positions are generally more accessible for people with records than customer-facing sales roles.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Sales Associate	Sometimes	Yes — individualized	Customer-facing retail. Theft convictions assessed for relevance.
Stockroom / Receiving	Sometimes	Yes — individualized	Back-of-house. Receiving, stocking, and inventory work.
E-Commerce Fulfillment	Sometimes	Yes	Online order fulfillment in-store. Growing area of the business.
Distribution Center	Sometimes	Yes	Warehouse work at Kohl's DCs. Physical labor.
Seasonal Associate	Sometimes	Yes	Holiday hiring with higher volume and potentially more flexibility.
Management	Rarely	Yes — comprehensive	Leadership positions with thorough vetting.

Kohl's Hiring Practices

Kohl's is a major department store chain operating over 1,100 locations across the US. The company has adopted fair chance hiring practices and is Ban the Box compliant, meaning they do not ask about criminal history on initial applications. Kohl's conducts background checks after extending conditional offers and uses individualized assessment. The company's growing e-commerce fulfillment operations (shipping online orders from stores) have created new positions that may be accessible for people with records.

Background Check Process

Kohl's conducts background checks through a third-party provider after conditional job offers. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. The company provides pre-adverse action notice and allows applicants to respond if adverse information is found, as required by the FCRA.

What Disqualifies You

Theft and shoplifting convictions are particularly sensitive in the retail setting. Violent felonies and sex offenses are typically disqualifying. Financial fraud affects positions with payment access. Drug convictions are assessed individually with more leniency for older offenses.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply online at careers.kohls.com. Target stockroom, e-commerce fulfillment, and seasonal positions for better chances. Kohl's hires large numbers of seasonal workers starting in September. Emphasize any retail experience and availability for evenings and weekends.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at careers.kohls.com — Kohl's does not ask about criminal history on the application.
2.Target stockroom, e-commerce fulfillment, or distribution center positions.
3.Apply during seasonal hiring periods (September-October) for more opportunities.
4.Emphasize retail experience and availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays.
5.Know your rights under your state's fair chance hiring laws.
6.Seasonal employment can lead to permanent positions if you demonstrate reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kohl's hire felons?: Kohl's hires some people with felony records. The company is Ban the Box compliant and uses individualized assessment for background checks.
Does Kohl's do background checks?: Yes, Kohl's conducts background checks after conditional job offers. Criminal records are evaluated individually.
Does Kohl's drug test?: Kohl's has generally moved away from pre-employment drug testing for most store positions.
How much does Kohl's pay?: Kohl's associates earn $11-$16/hour depending on position and location. Distribution center workers may earn more.
Can I work at Kohl's with a theft conviction?: Theft convictions are evaluated individually at Kohl's. Older convictions with evidence of rehabilitation have a better chance. Stockroom positions may be more accessible than cash-handling roles.

Take Action — Direct Links

Kohl's Careers
Official career page.
National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.

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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).