Felony Friendly Jobs in Akron, OH
Akron is historically known as the 'Rubber Capital of the World' and still has a strong polymer and advanced manufacturing base. Healthcare is a major employer, with several hospital systems in the region. Amazon has fulfillment centers in the area, and the logistics sector is growing. The cost of living is very low compared to national averages, and Ohio's CQE program can help remove barriers for people with records seeking employment.
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Top Employers in Akron That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Akron, OH and are known to consider applicants with criminal records.
Amazon hires people with felony records for most warehouse and delivery roles. Background checks are individualized.
Walmart considers applicants with records on a case-by-case basis. Violent and theft-related felonies may disqualify.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
UPS hires felons for package handler roles. Driver and management positions have stricter background requirements.
Goodwill is one of the most felon-friendly employers. Their mission includes helping people with barriers to employment.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
FedEx Ground contractors frequently hire people with records. FedEx Express has stricter requirements.
Best Industries in Akron for People With Records
- ✓Polymer & rubber manufacturing
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Logistics
- ✓Food processing
- ✓Retail
Staffing Agencies in Akron That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Akron metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Express Employment Professionals
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Staffmark
Ohio Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Ohio does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Akron does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Ohio does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply. Ohio's CQE program provides an option for individuals seeking to reduce employment barriers.
Minimum Wage
$10.65/hr (Ohio state minimum — adjusted annually)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Akron
- 1.Start with staffing agencies. Temp agencies are often the fastest way to get working. They have relationships with employers who are willing to hire people with records, and a temp-to-hire position can become a permanent job.
- 2.Apply to multiple places at once. Do not wait for one application to come back before applying to the next. Apply to 5-10 places in the same week. The more applications you send, the better your chances.
- 3.Be honest about your record. If asked, be upfront. Lying about your criminal history is grounds for immediate termination if discovered later. Briefly acknowledge what happened, explain what you have learned, and focus on what you bring to the job.
- 4.Focus on industries with high demand. Warehouse, logistics, construction, and food service jobs tend to be the most accessible for people with records because these industries have chronic worker shortages.
- 5.Use local reentry programs. Organizations like Goodwill, workforce development centers, and reentry coalitions can connect you with employers who actively hire people with records. They often know about job openings before they are publicly posted.
- 6.Know your rights. Under the EEOC guidelines, employers must use individualized assessment — they cannot have a blanket ban on hiring people with records. Under the FCRA, you have the right to see and dispute your background check. If you are in a ban-the-box state or city, employers cannot ask about your record until later in the hiring process.
Reentry Employment Programs in Akron
- Ohio Means Jobs — Summit County
- Goodwill Industries of Akron
- Community Support Services
- Summit County Reentry Network
- Akron Urban League
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Akron?
- Akron has strong opportunities in manufacturing (polymer, rubber, and general manufacturing), warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS), healthcare support roles, food processing, and retail (Walmart, Kroger). Staffing agencies are a major pathway into manufacturing jobs.
- Does Akron have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Ohio does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Akron does not have a local ordinance. Ohio's Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) can help with removing legal barriers.
- What staffing agencies in Akron hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Akron include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark. Manufacturing and warehouse placements are common.
- What is the cost of living in Akron?
- Akron has one of the lowest costs of living among Ohio metros and well below the national average. Housing is very affordable. Combined with Ohio's $10.65/hr minimum wage and available manufacturing jobs, Akron is a practical place to rebuild.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Akron, OH→
- ExpungementExpungement in Ohio→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →