Trader Joe's: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Trader Joe's was founded in 1967 by Joe Coulombe, who opened the first store in Pasadena, California. The concept evolved from a chain of Pronto Market convenience stores that Coulombe had been operating since 1958. Coulombe repositioned the brand around a nautical theme, smaller store formats, and a curated selection of private-label products at accessible prices. The approach set Trader Joe's apart from conventional supermarkets that carried tens of thousands of SKUs from national brands.

In 1979, German businessman Theo Albrecht, co-founder of ALDI, purchased Trader Joe's. The chain remains under the ownership of the Albrecht family trust, operating as a sister company to ALDI Nord. Despite the ownership connection, Trader Joe's maintains its own distinct product lines, store design, and brand identity. The company is headquartered in Monrovia, California.

Today, Trader Joe's operates more than 600 stores across 42 states and the District of Columbia, with approximately 50,000 employees. The company opened 34 new stores in 2024 and 43 in 2025, with plans to continue expanding in 2026. California has the highest concentration of locations, with more than 200 stores. Trader Joe's is known for its smaller-footprint stores, a rotating selection of roughly 4,000 products (most sold under the Trader Joe's private label), no loyalty cards or coupons, and a straightforward pricing model.

Company culture and employee programs:

Trader Joe's refers to its store employees as "Crew Members" and store managers as "Captains." The company states that it offers wages above industry averages, with crew members receiving performance reviews twice per year and the potential for annual raises. According to publicly available salary data, average crew member pay is approximately $19-$20 per hour. Benefits are available to both full-time and part-time crew members who meet eligibility requirements. The company offers medical, dental, and vision plans, with crew member contributions reported as low as $25 per month for certain plans. Additional programs include a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions, paid time off that increases with tenure, and an employee discount of up to 20% on in-store purchases.

Yes. As with many grocery retailers, Trader Joe's may conduct background checks as part of its hiring process. The scope and requirements of a Trader Joe's background check can vary depending on the position, store location, and applicable state or local laws. Candidates should be prepared for the possibility of a background screening after receiving a conditional offer.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, but timing varies with the screenings ordered and record accessibility. Database searches can close in minutes, whereas searches that require manual courthouse retrieval or follow-up paperwork may extend beyond a week. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for details.

A background check report may include:

Look-back periods vary by state law, position, and the CRA's data sources. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, but certain roles may require a deeper review. Candidates should review state fair-chance or "ban-the-box" laws to understand local limits.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain written consent before ordering a background report, provide a copy of the report plus a "pre-adverse action" notice if they may take negative action, and allow time to dispute errors. EEOC guidance also recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, its age, and relevance to the job.

The Trader Joe's hiring process typically follows these steps:

The timeline from application to start date can vary, but candidates report that the process often takes one to three weeks.

Trader Joe's does not appear to require pre-employment drug testing as a standard part of the hiring process for all positions. However, drug testing policies can vary by store location and state law. Employees may be subject to testing following a workplace accident or if there is documented reasonable suspicion of impairment. Candidates should check with their specific store location for the most current policy information.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Trader Joe's may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or families.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.