Does Wawa do background checks?

Yes, Wawa conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional job offer.

Is Wawa employee-owned?

Yes, Wawa is employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving workers a financial stake in the company.

Wawa's drug testing policies vary by position and location.

Does Wawa Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Sometimes

Wawa conducts background checks but is known to hire people with records for customer service and food service positions.

Wawa does hire some people with felony records. The beloved convenience store and gas station chain operates over 1,000 locations across the mid-Atlantic and Florida. Wawa is a privately held, employee-owned company (through an ESOP) known for its hoagie sandwiches, coffee, and community commitment. The company conducts background checks on all hires but evaluates results individually. Customer service associate and food service positions are the most commonly available roles. Wawa is known for competitive wages, benefits, and a positive work culture. The company's 24/7 operations create staffing needs across all shifts, and overnight positions may be more accessible for people with records. Wawa's employee-owned model means workers have a stake in the company, which can be particularly motivating for people rebuilding their careers.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Customer Service Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Register, customer service, and stocking. Primary entry-level role.
Food Service / Deli Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Preparing hoagies, beverages, and food. Food handler certification required.
Fuel Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Gas station operations and customer assistance.
Overnight Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Overnight stocking and store maintenance. May be more accessible for people with records.
Management	Case-by-case	Yes — comprehensive check	Store management. Internal promotion is common.

Wawa's Hiring Approach

Wawa is a privately held, employee-owned convenience store chain with over 1,000 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington DC. The company is known for its fresh food (especially hoagies), coffee, and strong company culture. Wawa conducts background checks but takes an individualized approach to evaluating records. The company's employee-owned structure (ESOP) means workers have a financial stake in the company, which creates a culture of investment in people. Wawa's 24/7 operations require staffing across all shifts, with overnight and early morning positions being the hardest to fill. The company is known for above-average convenience store pay and benefits.

Background Check Process

Wawa conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party provider. The check covers criminal history, Social Security verification, and sex offender registry screening. The process is completed after a conditional offer of employment. Wawa follows FCRA requirements and applicable state laws. The company's individualized assessment considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply online at wawa.com/careers. Target overnight or early morning shifts, which are the hardest to fill. Wawa values customer service and enthusiasm — their interview process often focuses on personality and attitude. Highlight any food service or customer service experience. Wawa offers good benefits even for part-time workers, making it a strong option for rebuilding your career.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at wawa.com/careers. Target overnight shifts for the most accessibility.
2.Emphasize customer service skills and a positive attitude — Wawa values personality.
3.Highlight any food service or deli experience.
4.Wawa is employee-owned with benefits — express interest in long-term career growth.
5.Be available for varied shifts including holidays and weekends.
6.Apply at multiple Wawa locations to increase your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wawa hire felons?: Wawa does hire some people with felony records. The company conducts background checks with individualized assessment.
Does Wawa do background checks?: Yes, Wawa conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional job offer.
Is Wawa employee-owned?: Yes, Wawa is employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving workers a financial stake in the company.
Where are Wawa stores located?: Wawa operates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington DC.
Does Wawa drug test?: Wawa's drug testing policies vary by position and location.

Take Action — Direct Links

Wawa Careers
Search and apply for positions at Wawa locations.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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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).