List of Companies that Hire Felons 2024

Many companies hire felons to address labor shortages, promote diversity, and take advantage of tax incentives like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Offering second-chance employment helps reduce recidivism, supports corporate social responsibility, and taps into a pool of skilled and motivated workers. Felons often show strong loyalty and work ethic, making them valuable employees while also contributing to social reintegration efforts.

Sectors that Hire Ex-Offenders 

Sectors that commonly hire ex-offenders include construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation, where there is high demand for labor. The food service and hospitality industries also offer opportunities, particularly in entry-level roles. 

Additionally, companies in retail, logistics, and customer service provide jobs for ex-offenders, often in positions such as sales associates, delivery drivers, and warehouse staff. These sectors prioritize skills and experience over background, making them more open to second-chance hiring.

National Companies That Hire Felons (2024)

Here is a list of companies that are known for hiring felons in 2024. Many of these companies have adopted second-chance hiring practices and provide employment opportunities to individuals with criminal records:

Here is a detailed explanation of the National Companies That Hire Felons (2024), including their recruiting policies and criteria for felons:

1. UPS

UPS does not have a blanket ban on hiring felons. They evaluate candidates on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the position.

Felons with non-violent convictions and older offenses may have a better chance of securing entry-level roles such as package handlers, warehouse workers, or driver helpers.

2. Amazon

Amazon is open to hiring felons for warehouse, fulfillment center, and delivery roles. Each application is reviewed individually, and certain felony convictions may disqualify candidates depending on the state and role.

Felons with non-violent offenses, especially those that occurred years ago, are often considered. However, felons with recent convictions or violent crimes may face more scrutiny.

3. Walmart

Walmart does not automatically exclude applicants with felony convictions. They conduct background checks and consider the nature of the offense and the time since the conviction.

Non-violent felons with older convictions can find employment in roles such as stockers, cashiers, warehouse workers, and drivers.

4. Target

Target follows “ban-the-box” policies. Background checks are done later in the hiring process, and decisions are made based on the type of crime, its relevance to the job, and the time since the offense.

Felons with non-violent convictions are more likely to be hired in entry-level roles such as store associates, warehouse staff, and cashiers.

5. Kroger

Kroger evaluates each applicant individually and does not disqualify felons outright. Background checks are conducted for most positions, and certain felony convictions may disqualify candidates.

Non-violent felons can apply for positions like store clerks, stockers, or warehouse workers. Felons with recent or violent convictions may face more challenges.

6. The Home Depot

Home Depot hires felons on a case-by-case basis. The company conducts background checks and considers the severity and relevance of the offense, as well as the time that has passed since the conviction.

Felons with older, non-violent convictions are more likely to be hired for roles such as sales associates, cashiers, and warehouse workers.

7. Starbucks

Starbucks follows fair chance hiring practices and evaluates each application individually. They perform background checks later in the hiring process and do not automatically exclude felons from employment.

Non-violent felons, especially those with convictions that occurred several years ago, can apply for positions like baristas and store associates.

8. CVS Health

CVS Health hires felons on a case-by-case basis. Background checks are conducted, and certain felony convictions may disqualify candidates depending on the role, particularly in positions that involve handling medications.

Non-violent felons are often considered for entry-level positions such as cashier or warehouse worker. However, positions involving pharmacy work may require a clean criminal record.

9. PepsiCo

PepsiCo hires felons depending on the nature of the conviction, the position, and the time since the offense. The company performs background checks, and certain crimes may disqualify candidates. Felons with non-violent offenses may be hired for warehouse, production, or delivery roles.

10. McDonald’s

McDonald’s franchises across the U.S. are known to hire felons. The decision is often made at the franchise level, so hiring practices can vary. Background checks may be conducted depending on the location.

Non-violent felons can apply for roles such as crew member or cashier. Felons with violent or recent offenses may face additional hurdles, but McDonald’s often offers second-chance employment.

11. Goodwill Industries

Goodwill is known for hiring individuals with criminal records and providing second chances. They focus on helping felons reintegrate into the workforce through training and job placement services.

Felons can apply for positions in retail stores, donation centers, or training programs. Goodwill is particularly open to hiring felons for a wide variety of roles.

12. Waste Management

Waste Management hires felons for various positions, but each application is reviewed individually. Background checks are conducted, and certain offenses may disqualify candidates. Felons with non-violent crimes and older convictions are more likely to be hired for roles such as truck drivers or technicians.

13. Cintas

Cintas hires felons based on the nature of their conviction and the position being applied for. They conduct background checks, and certain convictions, particularly related to theft, may disqualify candidates. Felons with non-violent convictions can apply for positions in production, maintenance, or delivery roles.

14. U.S. Xpress

U.S. Xpress hires felons with Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) on a case-by-case basis. They perform background checks and evaluate the nature of the offense and the time since conviction. Felons with older convictions or non-violent crimes are more likely to be hired for truck driving positions. Recent or serious offenses may be a barrier.

15. Kohl’s

Kohl’s hires felons depending on the nature of the conviction, the position, and the time since the offense. Background checks are performed, and certain felonies may disqualify candidates. Felons with non-violent convictions can apply for roles such as store associate, cashier, or warehouse worker. However, recent or violent convictions may pose more challenges.

Transportation and Logistics Companies That Hire Felons (2024)

Transportation and logistics companies are known for offering second-chance employment opportunities to felons, especially for roles such as truck drivers, warehouse workers, and delivery personnel. Here’s an overview of some key companies in the transportation and logistics sector and their policies on hiring felons:

1. FedEx

FedEx evaluates applicants with felonies on a case-by-case basis. They do not have a blanket ban against hiring felons, but they do conduct background checks, and the severity of the felony is considered during the hiring process.

Felons with non-violent offenses are more likely to be considered for positions like package handlers, warehouse workers, and delivery drivers. Violent or recent convictions may disqualify candidates, especially for customer-facing roles.

2. Swift Transportation

Swift Transportation is open to hiring felons, particularly for truck driving positions, as long as they hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Background checks are conducted, and the nature of the felony, as well as the time that has passed since the conviction, will be considered.

Felons with older convictions or non-violent crimes, especially those with a CDL, are more likely to be hired. However, those with violent or drug-related felonies may face more barriers, depending on the specific role and state regulations.

3. Ryder

Ryder hires felons depending on the nature of the conviction and the time since the offense. They conduct background checks and evaluate candidates based on the relevance of their offense to the role they are applying for. Ryder has a second-chance hiring policy for some positions.

Felons with non-violent offenses or those that occurred many years ago are more likely to secure roles in truck driving, warehouse work, or logistics operations.

4. Averitt Express

Averitt Express hires felons based on individual circumstances. They consider the type of felony, the time elapsed since conviction, and the candidate’s qualifications. A background check is required for all applicants, especially for driving positions.

Felons with non-violent convictions or older offenses are considered for driving positions, but the company evaluates each case based on the details of the offense. Certain felonies, such as violent crimes, may disqualify candidates.

5. J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt hires felons on a case-by-case basis. They perform background checks and consider the type of conviction and its relevance to the role. Candidates applying for positions involving driving or handling sensitive materials will face stricter scrutiny.

Retail and Food Service

Here’s a concise overview of Retail and Food Service Companies that hire felons:

1. Subway

Subway is known for hiring felons, particularly for entry-level positions such as sandwich artists and crew members. Hiring decisions are often made at the franchise level, so policies may vary by location. Background checks are typically conducted, but many felons have found employment at Subway.

Positions Available: Sandwich artists, cashiers, crew members.

2. Popeyes

Popeyes offers employment opportunities to felons, particularly in entry-level roles like kitchen staff or cashiers. Hiring decisions are often made by individual franchise owners, and felons with non-violent offenses are more likely to be considered. Background checks may be required.

Positions Available: Kitchen staff, cashiers, crew members.

3. Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle is open to hiring felons for various positions, especially entry-level roles in their restaurants. The company does conduct background checks, but felons with non-violent or older convictions have been hired as crew members. Their hiring policy focuses on rehabilitation and individual qualifications.

Positions Available: Crew members, kitchen staff, cashiers.

4. Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree hires felons for both retail and warehouse positions. While they perform background checks, each candidate is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with non-violent offenders more likely to be considered for employment. Felons with older convictions may have better chances of securing a role.

Positions Available: Sales associates, cashiers, warehouse workers.

5. Family Dollar

Similar to Dollar Tree, Family Dollar is known to hire felons for various roles in its stores and distribution centers. Hiring decisions are based on the type of offense, time since conviction, and the role being applied for. Background checks are conducted, but felons with non-violent offenses are often hired.

Positions Available: Cashiers, sales associates, stockers, warehouse workers.

Construction and Labor Companies

Here’s a concise overview of Construction and Labor Companies that hire felons:

1. Labor Finders

Labor Finders specializes in providing day labor and temporary work to felons, particularly in construction and general labor roles. They are well-known for giving second chances to individuals with criminal records.

Positions Available: Construction laborers, general laborers, and industrial workers.

2. TrueBlue (PeopleReady)

TrueBlue, operating as PeopleReady, offers temporary employment in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. Felons are often hired for temporary or day labor positions, and hiring is based on the nature of the offense.

Positions Available: Construction workers, warehouse staff, manufacturing roles.

3. Tradesmen International

Tradesmen International hires skilled laborers, including felons, for construction projects. They focus on hiring individuals with specific trade skills, and felons with non-violent convictions have been successful in obtaining roles.

Positions Available: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other skilled trades.

4. Aramark

Aramark provides job opportunities for felons in food service, facilities management, and maintenance. The company evaluates candidates on a case-by-case basis, considering the type of offense and its relevance to the role.

Positions Available: Food service workers, custodians, maintenance staff.

5. Allied Universal

Allied Universal hires felons for security guard positions, depending on the nature of the felony. While certain violent or theft-related offenses may disqualify candidates, non-violent felons may be considered for security roles.

Positions Available: Security guards, surveillance, facility management.

How to Apply for a Job as a Felon? 

Applying for a job as a felon involves a few strategic steps to increase your chances of being hired:

1. Be Honest About Your Record: When applying, be upfront about your felony during the interview or when asked. Explain the circumstances briefly and focus on how you’ve rehabilitated since the conviction.
2. Focus on Felon-Friendly Companies: Research and apply to companies known for hiring felons or participating in second-chance programs, such as those in logistics, manufacturing, and food services.
3. Prepare a Strong Resume: Highlight your skills, experience, and any certifications or training completed, including during or after incarceration.
4. Utilize Reentry Programs: Many states and local organizations offer job placement services, career training, and support specifically for felons, such as Goodwill or nonprofit reentry programs.
5. Practice for Interviews: Prepare to discuss your qualifications and briefly mention your criminal history. Focus on your rehabilitation efforts, skills, and how you’ve moved forward.
6. Leverage Ban-the-Box Laws: In states with “ban-the-box” laws, employers are restricted from asking about criminal history early in the hiring process. Use this to showcase your qualifications before disclosing your record.

By following these steps, felons can increase their chances of securing employment and reintegrating into the workforce.

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