25 Companies That Hire Felons (+ Job Search Tips)

Finding a job after serving time can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many companies today understand that people deserve a second chance. Having a felony record doesn’t mean your career is over. In fact, there are several companies across different industries that hire individuals with felony convictions. This article highlights 25 companies that hire felons and shares helpful tips to improve your job search.

Why Do Some Companies Hire Felons?

Second Chances

Some companies believe in rehabilitation and giving people a fresh start.

Labor Shortages

In certain industries, companies need more workers and are open to hiring people with different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Policies

Many businesses follow fair hiring practices that prevent discrimination against former felons.

25 Companies That Hire Felons

1. Walmart

• Industry: Retail
• Details: Known for hiring individuals with criminal records for roles like stocking, cleaning, and cashiering.

2. Starbucks

• Industry: Food & Beverage
• Details: Has hired felons for barista and maintenance roles depending on the conviction type.

3. Amazon

• Industry: Warehousing & Tech
• Details: Offers jobs in warehouses and delivery services, but may review charges case-by-case.

4. Goodwill

• Industry: Nonprofit/Retail
• Details: Helps those with criminal records find jobs and often hires them directly.

5. Salvation Army

• Industry: Nonprofit
• Details: Supports reentry programs and provides work in stores and warehouses.

6. Tyson Foods

• Industry: Food Processing
• Details: Known for hiring felons in production and maintenance roles.

7. McDonald’s

• Industry: Food & Beverage
• Details: Franchise-based, but many locations hire felons for crew positions.

8. UPS (United Parcel Service)

• Industry: Delivery & Logistics
• Details: May hire felons as package handlers, especially during seasonal periods.

9. Waste Management

• Industry: Environmental Services
• Details: Offers truck driving and facility jobs, often to people with records.

10. Home Depot

• Industry: Retail
• Details: Has hired individuals with felonies depending on role and background check.

11. Target

• Industry: Retail
• Details: May hire felons based on the offense and time passed since conviction.

12. Kroger

• Industry: Grocery
• Details: Many locations hire felons, especially for warehouse and store positions.

13. J.B. Hunt

• Industry: Trucking
• Details: Offers commercial driving roles depending on the type of offense.

14. General Electric (GE)

• Industry: Manufacturing & Engineering
• Details: Has hired individuals with criminal records for factory and technician roles.

15. Delta Airlines

• Industry: Travel
• Details: Has hired felons for baggage handling and ground crew roles with background checks.

16. PetSmart

• Industry: Retail & Pet Care
• Details: Offers employment depending on the charge and job type.

17. Burlington Stores

• Industry: Retail
• Details: Known to hire felons for cashier and stock associate roles.

18. Xerox

• Industry: Technology
• Details: Offers call center and customer service positions to people with records.

19. Nestlé

• Industry: Food & Beverage
• Details: Provides manufacturing jobs depending on background checks.

20. Comcast

• Industry: Telecommunications
• Details: Has hired felons for tech support and field technician roles.

21. Coca-Cola

• Industry: Food & Beverage
• Details: Offers roles in warehouses and delivery; depends on offense and state laws.

22. Marriott Hotels

• Industry: Hospitality
• Details: Hires felons for roles like housekeeping and maintenance.

23. Aramark

• Industry: Food Service
• Details: Offers jobs in schools, hospitals, and stadiums; known to hire felons.

24. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF)

• Industry: Transportation
• Details: Offers labor and technician jobs with case-by-case reviews.

25. Dollar Tree

• Industry: Retail
• Details: Many locations are open to hiring felons for cashier or stock positions.

Helpful Job Search Tips for Felons

1. Be Honest

• Always be truthful about your background. Most companies do background checks.

2. Get References

• Ask former employers, mentors, or community leaders to recommend you.

3. Improve Your Resume

• Take online courses, list skills, and show past work experiences clearly.

4. Practice Interviews

• Prepare to explain your record positively. Show what you learned and how you’ve changed.

5. Apply to Felon-Friendly Sites

• Use job boards like Indeed, 60 Million Jobs, or Jobs for Felons Hub that focus on second-chance hiring.

6. Be Persistent

• You may face rejections, but don’t give up. Keep applying and improving your skills.

FAQs About Jobs for Felons

Do all companies do background checks?

Most do, especially larger companies. But some smaller businesses may skip them.

Should I tell the employer about my felony?

Yes, but be honest and brief. Focus on how you’ve changed and what you can bring to the company.

Are there special programs that help felons find work?

Yes, nonprofits, workforce agencies, and some government programs offer job training and support.

Can felons work in healthcare or education?

It depends on the type of felony and local laws. Some roles may be restricted.

How long after a conviction can I apply?

The longer it has been, the better. Many companies consider how much time has passed.

Conclusion

A felony record doesn’t have to stop you from building a better life. Many companies believe in second chances and are open to hiring people with past convictions. With the right approach, effort, and support, it’s possible to find a steady, meaningful job. Use this list as a starting point, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone deserves an opportunity to work, grow, and succeed.