Does PepsiCo Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

PepsiCo's Massive Workforce — Where the Opportunities Are

PepsiCo's U.S. operations span two major divisions: PepsiCo Beverages North America (Pepsi, Gatorade, Tropicana, other drinks) and Frito-Lay North America (Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos, other snacks). Both divisions operate large manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and delivery fleets across the country. The scale of PepsiCo's operations means there are typically hundreds or thousands of open positions at any given time, concentrated in warehouse, production, delivery, and merchandising roles. These positions are the backbone of PepsiCo's operations and have the highest turnover, creating consistent opportunities for people entering or reentering the workforce. Frito-Lay in particular is known for hiring a large number of Route Sales Representatives (RSRs) and warehouse workers, and the Frito-Lay division has a reputation for being somewhat more accessible for people with records than some other divisions.

Background Check Process

PepsiCo conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening provider. The standard check includes criminal history (county, state, and federal), Social Security trace, and employment verification. For CDL driving positions, additional DOT-mandated checks include a Motor Vehicle Records review, DOT drug and alcohol testing, and previous employer verification. The criminal background lookback period is generally 7 years, though some states have shorter limitations. PepsiCo follows EEOC guidelines and uses individualized assessment, meaning a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The company considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job. The background check typically occurs after a conditional offer of employment, and PepsiCo follows Ban the Box practices in most locations. If disqualifying information is found, you receive a pre-adverse action notice with an opportunity to respond before a final decision.

CDL Driver Opportunities

CDL delivery driver positions are among the best-paying non-management roles at PepsiCo, with experienced drivers earning $50,000-$80,000+ per year including overtime. Drivers deliver Pepsi beverages or Frito-Lay products to retail stores, restaurants, and vending locations along established routes. The role requires a valid Class A or B CDL, a clean driving record meeting DOT standards, and the ability to pass DOT drug and alcohol testing. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from CDL driving at PepsiCo, but DUI/DWI within the past 3-5 years, driving on a suspended license, and certain driving-related offenses are disqualifying under DOT regulations. Non-driving felonies — especially older ones — are often manageable for CDL positions. Some PepsiCo locations offer CDL training or tuition reimbursement for employees who want to advance from warehouse work to driving, creating a clear career path.

Warehouse and Production Roles

Warehouse and production positions are the most frequently available and most accessible entry points at PepsiCo for people with records. Warehouse workers load and unload trucks, pick orders, operate forklifts, and manage inventory at distribution centers. Production operators work on manufacturing lines at Pepsi and Frito-Lay plants, operating machines, monitoring quality, and maintaining equipment. These roles typically pay $16-$24/hour depending on the location and shift, with overtime frequently available. Night and weekend shifts often pay a premium. Full-time positions include health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and other benefits. The physical nature of the work and non-standard hours create turnover that keeps these positions frequently open. For someone with a record, starting in a warehouse or production role and demonstrating reliability can lead to advancement into driving, maintenance, or supervisory positions over time.

Merchandiser and Route Sales Positions

PepsiCo (especially Frito-Lay) employs a large number of merchandisers and Route Sales Representatives (RSRs). Merchandisers visit retail stores to stock shelves, set up displays, and ensure PepsiCo products are properly presented. RSRs combine delivery with merchandising — they drive a route, deliver products to stores, and stock the shelves. Merchandiser positions typically pay $15-$20/hour and do not require a CDL. RSR positions pay more (often commission-based, earning $40,000-$60,000+) but require a CDL and involve driving. Merchandiser roles are relatively accessible for people with records because the work is largely independent (you visit stores on your own), does not involve high-value transactions, and the background check standards are similar to warehouse roles. RSR positions are essentially CDL driving roles with additional sales responsibilities and have the same DOT requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PepsiCo hire felons?

Yes, PepsiCo does hire people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. The company uses individualized assessment and many people with non-violent felonies have been successfully hired for warehouse, production, merchandising, and even CDL driving positions. The company's large-scale operations create consistent hiring needs.

Does PepsiCo do background checks?

Yes, PepsiCo conducts background checks on all new hires. The check includes criminal history with a standard 7-year lookback. CDL driving positions have additional DOT-mandated checks including MVR and drug testing. The background check occurs after a conditional offer of employment.

Does Frito-Lay hire felons?

Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, does hire people with felony records for many positions. Frito-Lay has a reputation in the reentry community for being relatively accessible, particularly for warehouse, production, and merchandising roles. The company has consistent hiring needs due to the scale of its snack food operations.

How much does PepsiCo pay?

Pay varies by role and location. Warehouse workers and production operators typically earn $16-$24/hour. Merchandisers earn $15-$20/hour. CDL drivers earn $50,000-$80,000+ per year. Benefits for full-time employees include health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

Does PepsiCo drug test?

Yes, PepsiCo conducts pre-employment drug testing for most positions. CDL driving positions are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing, including random testing during employment. Non-CDL positions typically have a pre-employment drug screen only.

Can I drive for Pepsi with a felony?

A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from CDL driving positions at PepsiCo. However, you must meet DOT requirements, which include a clean driving record and passing drug/alcohol testing. DUI/DWI within the past 3-5 years is disqualifying for driving roles. Non-driving felonies, especially older ones, are often manageable.

What is the difference between Pepsi and Frito-Lay jobs?

Pepsi Beverages and Frito-Lay are separate divisions of PepsiCo with separate facilities and hiring processes. Pepsi Beverages operates bottling plants and distributes drinks. Frito-Lay operates snack food manufacturing plants and distributes chips and snacks. Both divisions have warehouse, production, driving, and merchandising roles. Apply to both to maximize your opportunities.

Does PepsiCo offer CDL training?

Some PepsiCo and Frito-Lay locations offer CDL training programs or tuition reimbursement for employees who want to become drivers. A common path is to start in a warehouse role, demonstrate reliability, and then move into a CDL training program. This can be an excellent career advancement strategy for people with records.