Does Aerotek Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Aerotek's Position in the Staffing Industry

Aerotek is a subsidiary of Allegis Group, the largest privately held staffing firm in the world with over $13 billion in annual revenue. Aerotek specifically focuses on placing workers in manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades, warehouse, and technical roles. They have over 250 offices across the US and serve thousands of client companies. For people with criminal records, Aerotek's strength is their deep presence in manufacturing and industrial sectors — industries that tend to be more accepting of workers with felony backgrounds. However, Aerotek also serves aerospace, defense, and engineering clients where background check requirements are stringent. The mix of client types means your experience with Aerotek will depend heavily on which positions and clients are available in your area.

Aerotek's Background Check and Screening Process

Aerotek conducts background checks on all candidates before placement. The standard screening includes a 7-year criminal history check at county, state, and federal levels, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry search. For certain positions, additional screenings may include drug testing, education verification, employment history verification, and Motor Vehicle Records checks. Aerotek uses third-party background check providers and follows FCRA requirements, meaning you will receive a copy of the report and have the right to dispute any inaccuracies. The critical factor is that many of Aerotek's client companies have their own additional background check requirements. Some accept Aerotek's screening as sufficient, while others run a second check. Government contractors, defense companies, and financial institutions typically have the strictest requirements. Your Aerotek recruiter should be transparent about what each client requires.

Which Aerotek Clients Are Felon-Friendly

While Aerotek cannot publicly name specific clients that hire felons (client contracts often prohibit this), there are patterns you can use to identify your best opportunities. Manufacturing companies, especially those in food production, automotive parts, plastics, and packaging, tend to be the most flexible on criminal history. Warehousing and logistics clients — particularly large distribution centers for retail companies — are also generally accessible. Skilled trades clients in construction, industrial maintenance, and commercial HVAC frequently accept workers with records because the demand for qualified tradespeople far exceeds the supply. On the other hand, aerospace and defense contractors, government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare facilities are typically the most restrictive. The best approach is to tell your Aerotek recruiter exactly what is on your record and let them identify which current clients are a fit.

How Aerotek Compares to Other Staffing Agencies

Aerotek is generally considered less felon-friendly than agencies like Labor Finders, Express Employment, or Manpower — but more felon-friendly than specialized professional agencies. The reason is Aerotek's client mix: they serve a higher proportion of engineering, technical, and defense clients that have strict background requirements. However, Aerotek's warehouse and manufacturing placements are comparable to other major agencies in terms of felon-friendliness. Aerotek also tends to pay well — their focus on skilled and semi-skilled positions means pay rates are often higher than general day labor agencies. If you have trade skills or manufacturing experience, Aerotek can potentially place you in better-paying positions than a general labor agency. The trade-off is that their screening process may be more thorough.

Strategies for Working with Aerotek with a Record

Approach Aerotek with a strategy. First, apply online or visit a branch and be upfront about your record. Do not wait for the background check to reveal it — that creates distrust. Second, emphasize your skills. Aerotek values technical capabilities, certifications, and experience. If you have welding certification, forklift experience, CNC machine operation skills, or any trade qualification, lead with that. Your skills make you placeable regardless of your background. Third, target manufacturing and warehouse roles initially, even if you are qualified for more technical positions. Get established with Aerotek, build a track record, and then ask about advancing to higher-level placements. Fourth, ask specifically about temp-to-hire opportunities — these give clients a reason to take a chance on you because they can evaluate your performance firsthand. Fifth, be flexible on schedule and location — willingness to work nights, weekends, or at less-convenient locations gives your recruiter more options to place you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Aerotek hire felons?

Sometimes. Aerotek works with people who have felony records for many warehouse, manufacturing, and skilled trades positions. However, their diverse client base includes aerospace, defense, and engineering companies with strict background requirements. Your placement options depend on your specific conviction and what clients are available in your area.

Does Aerotek do background checks?

Yes. Aerotek runs background checks on all candidates, typically covering 7 years of criminal history. Client companies may also conduct their own additional screening. Aerotek follows FCRA requirements and provides you with a copy of the report.

Is Aerotek a good staffing agency for people with records?

Aerotek is a solid option for people with records who have skills in manufacturing, warehouse work, or trades. They are not as felon-friendly as day labor agencies like Labor Finders, but they often offer better-paying positions with more potential for permanent employment. The key is being upfront with your recruiter about your record.

What is Allegis Group?

Allegis Group is Aerotek's parent company and the largest privately held staffing firm in the world. Allegis also operates other staffing brands including TEKsystems (IT staffing), Actalent (engineering and sciences), and MarketSource. Being aware of these brands can open additional placement opportunities.

Does Aerotek drug test?

Drug testing requirements depend on the client company and position type. Many manufacturing and warehouse clients require pre-placement drug screening. Safety-sensitive roles and positions with government contractors almost always require drug testing.

How much does Aerotek pay?

Aerotek's pay rates are generally competitive, often higher than general day labor agencies because they focus on skilled and semi-skilled positions. Warehouse roles typically pay $15-20/hour, manufacturing $16-22/hour, and skilled trades $20-35/hour depending on location and certification level.

Can Aerotek place me in a permanent job?

Yes. Aerotek offers temp-to-hire placements and direct-hire recruiting. Temp-to-hire allows you to prove yourself on the job before the client commits to permanent employment — this is the best option for people with records.