Felony Friendly Jobs in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has one of the strongest ban-the-box protections in the Southwest — New Mexico's law applies to private employers with 4 or more employees. The city's economy includes government, healthcare, a growing film production industry, and logistics. The cost of living is very affordable, and the diverse economy provides multiple pathways for people with records.
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Top Employers in Albuquerque That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Albuquerque, NM 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.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
UPS hires felons for package handler roles. Driver and management positions have stricter background requirements.
FedEx Ground contractors frequently hire people with records. FedEx Express has stricter requirements.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
Best Industries in Albuquerque for People With Records
- ✓Government & military
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Film & TV production
- ✓Technology
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Albuquerque That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Albuquerque metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Labor Finders
New Mexico Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
New Mexico passed a statewide ban-the-box law (2019) for private employers with 4 or more employees.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
New Mexico's Criminal Offender Employment Act (2019) prohibits employers with 4+ employees from asking about criminal history on job applications. Employers can inquire after the applicant has been selected as a finalist.
Minimum Wage
$12.00/hr (New Mexico state minimum — Albuquerque minimum is $12.00)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Albuquerque
- 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 Albuquerque
- New Mexico Workforce Connection
- Goodwill Industries of New Mexico
- Heading Home
- Metropolitan Detention Center Programs
- Albuquerque Community Safety Department
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Albuquerque?
- Albuquerque offers opportunities in healthcare support, logistics (Amazon, UPS), construction, food service, and the film/TV production industry (New Mexico has become a major production hub). Government-related support roles and retail (Walmart, Target) also provide pathways.
- Does Albuquerque have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. New Mexico has a statewide ban-the-box law (2019) that applies to private employers with 4 or more employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on job applications. Inquiries are delayed until the applicant has been selected as a finalist.
- Is Albuquerque affordable?
- Yes. Albuquerque has a very affordable cost of living. Housing costs are well below the national average, and New Mexico's $12.00/hr minimum wage provides reasonable entry-level pay.
- What staffing agencies in Albuquerque hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Albuquerque that work with people with records include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders.
Related Resources
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- HousingSecond chance apartments in Albuquerque, NM→
- ExpungementExpungement in New Mexico→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
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