Jobs That Hire Felons: 2026 Complete Guide

Finding employment with a felony record is challenging, but hundreds of companies across every industry are committed to fair-chance hiring. This guide covers the best industries, specific employers, and how to approach each one.

Fair-Chance Employers by Industry

Warehouse & Logistics

The warehouse industry is the most accessible for people with records. High turnover, constant hiring demand, and skills-based evaluation mean your work ethic matters more than your background.

• Amazon — Fulfillment centers, sortation, delivery. Background check is individualized.
• FedEx — Package handler roles often accessible. Ground operations especially.
• UPS — Package handlers and warehouse roles. Seasonal hiring is a great entry point.
• XPO Logistics — Forklift operators, loaders, dock workers.
• DHL — Warehouse associates, material handlers.

Retail

Major retailers have shifted toward fair-chance policies, especially for in-store and backroom positions.

• Walmart — Stockers, cart attendants, and overnight roles are most accessible.
• Home Depot / Lowe's — Lot associates, freight, and sales floor.
• Target — Fulfillment and backroom roles.
• Dollar General / Dollar Tree — High-volume hiring, smaller teams.

Food Service & Restaurants

Restaurants hire based on availability and attitude more than almost any other industry. Back-of-house roles are especially accessible.

• McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's — Franchise-dependent but widely accessible.
• Denny's, Waffle House, IHOP — Known for giving chances to workers with records.
• Chipotle — Promotes from within, values consistency over background.
• Independent restaurants — Often more flexible than chains.

Construction & Skilled Trades

Construction values physical ability and reliability. Union apprenticeships provide structured pathways with good pay and benefits.

• Laborers' International Union (LIUNA) — Apprentice programs in many states.
• Waste Management — Drivers, helpers, landfill operators.
• Roofing, painting, and demolition companies — Small companies often hire on merit.

Manufacturing

• Koch Industries — One of the most vocal fair-chance employers in the US.
• Greyston Bakery — Famous "open hiring" model, no background checks at all.
• Dave's Killer Bread — Founded by someone with a record, actively hires returning citizens.

Staffing Agencies That Work With Felons

Staffing agencies can be your fastest path to employment. They have existing relationships with fair-chance employers and can place you quickly.

• Adecco — General labor, warehouse, manufacturing.
• Kelly Services — Industrial, clerical, and light industrial roles.
• Manpower — Warehouse, manufacturing, general labor.
• PeopleReady — Same-day work in construction, events, and warehouse.
• Aerotek — Skilled trades, manufacturing, warehouse.

How to Approach Fair-Chance Employers

• Apply online first — Ban the Box laws mean many applications won't ask about your record initially.
• Target high-turnover roles — These have the fastest hiring timelines and the most flexible requirements.
• Get any certification you can — OSHA 10, forklift, ServSafe, or CDL immediately separates you from other applicants.
• Use staffing agencies as a bridge — Even temporary roles build recent work history for your resume.
• Be honest when asked — Once you reach the background check stage, brief honesty with emphasis on growth is the right approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides