Does Tyson Foods Hire Felons?

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Why Tyson Foods Is Felon-Friendly

Tyson Foods is one of the largest food companies in the world, operating over 100 production facilities across the United States. The meat processing industry is known for physically demanding, fast-paced work in cold or hot environments, and this creates persistent labor shortages. Tyson needs a massive workforce and has learned that people with criminal records are often among the most reliable and hardworking employees. The company has publicly committed to second-chance hiring and has partnered with organizations like the National HIRE Network, local workforce development boards, and reentry programs to recruit workers who have been through the criminal justice system. In many rural communities where Tyson plants are located, the company is the largest employer and represents one of the best available job opportunities for people with records. Tyson's willingness to hire people with felonies is not just corporate policy — it is a practical business necessity that has become part of the company's culture at the plant level.

Background Check Process

Tyson Foods conducts background checks on all new hires, but the process is designed to be inclusive rather than exclusionary. The company follows Ban the Box practices and does not ask about criminal history on the initial application. After a conditional offer of employment is extended, Tyson runs a criminal background check that typically covers 7 years of history, though this varies by state. The company uses an individualized assessment that considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction or completion of the sentence, and the relevance of the offense to the job duties. For most production and warehouse positions, the bar is relatively low — non-violent felonies, drug offenses, and property crimes that are more than a year or two old generally pass. Violent felonies receive more scrutiny but are not automatically disqualifying. For CDL driver positions, there is an additional DOT-mandated check that includes driving history and drug testing.

Types of Positions Available

Tyson Foods offers a wide range of positions at its processing plants, and the majority of them are accessible to people with criminal records. Production line workers are the most common roles — these involve cutting, deboning, packaging, and processing poultry, beef, or pork products. The work is fast-paced and physically demanding, often in cold environments. Sanitation crews clean and sanitize production equipment, typically working overnight shifts. Warehouse and distribution roles involve loading and unloading trucks, operating forklifts, and managing inventory. Maintenance technicians keep plant equipment running and are in high demand — if you have mechanical, electrical, or refrigeration skills, this can be an excellent career path. CDL drivers transport products between facilities and to customers. All of these roles offer full-time hours with overtime frequently available.

Pay and Benefits

Tyson Foods offers competitive pay for the food processing industry, and wages have increased significantly in recent years due to labor shortages. Production workers typically start at $16-$22 per hour depending on the plant location and shift, with many facilities offering shift differentials for evening and overnight work. Maintenance technicians earn $22-$32 per hour. CDL drivers earn $55,000-$80,000 per year. Overtime is frequently available and can significantly boost take-home pay. Full-time employees receive benefits starting on day one or within 60 days, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, life insurance, and access to the Tyson employee stock purchase plan. Many plants also offer free or subsidized meals, which is a meaningful benefit. Tyson also provides tuition reimbursement through its Upward Academy program, offering free education including ESL classes, GED preparation, and college courses.

How to Apply

Tyson Foods posts all positions on their careers website at tysonfoodscareers.com. You can search by location, job type, and keyword. The online application is straightforward and does not ask about criminal history. Many Tyson plants also host regular hiring events and job fairs, often in partnership with local workforce development agencies and reentry programs. If there is a Tyson plant in your area, you can also visit in person to ask about openings — many plants have on-site hiring offices. Staffing agencies that partner with Tyson are another avenue, and some of these agencies specialize in placing people with criminal records. When you reach the background check stage, be honest about your record. Tyson hiring managers at the plant level are experienced with second-chance hiring and value honesty. If you have documentation of rehabilitation — completion certificates, letters from parole officers, community service records — bring them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tyson Foods hire felons?

Yes. Tyson Foods is widely recognized as one of the most felon-friendly large employers in the country. The company actively recruits people with criminal records for production, warehouse, sanitation, and maintenance positions. Background checks are conducted but use individualized assessment, and most felony convictions are not automatic disqualifiers.

Does Tyson Foods do background checks?

Yes, Tyson conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. However, Tyson uses an individualized assessment process and a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The company follows Ban the Box practices and does not ask about criminal history on the application.

What felonies disqualify you from working at Tyson?

Tyson does not publish a specific list of disqualifying offenses. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. However, recent violent felonies and sex offenses receive the most scrutiny. Non-violent drug offenses, property crimes, and older convictions are generally less likely to disqualify you for production roles. Active warrants or pending charges may delay the process.

Does Tyson Foods drug test?

Yes. Tyson Foods requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Production workers are typically tested at hire and may be subject to post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing during employment.

How much does Tyson Foods pay?

Production workers typically start at $16-$22 per hour depending on location and shift. Maintenance technicians earn $22-$32 per hour. CDL drivers earn $55,000-$80,000 per year. Overtime is frequently available. Full-time employees receive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and free educational programs through Upward Academy.

How far back does Tyson's background check go?

The standard Tyson Foods background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history, though this can vary by state law. States like California and New York limit employment background checks to 7 years. In other states, older convictions may appear but are given less weight in the individualized assessment process.

Can I work at Tyson with a drug conviction?

In most cases, yes. Drug possession convictions, even felonies, are generally not disqualifying for production and warehouse positions, especially if they are more than a year or two old. Drug trafficking or manufacturing charges may receive more scrutiny. You will still need to pass a pre-employment drug test regardless of your criminal history.

Does Tyson hire people on probation or parole?

Yes. Many Tyson employees are on probation or parole. The company works with reentry programs and parole officers. Having stable employment at Tyson can be beneficial for meeting your probation or parole requirements. Let your PO know you are applying — Tyson is a well-known reentry employer.