Felony Friendly Jobs in Augusta, GA
Augusta is home to Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), the U.S. Army's Cyber Center of Excellence, which drives the local economy. Healthcare is a major sector (Augusta University Medical Center is the state's only public academic medical center). The military presence creates steady demand for construction, logistics, and service workers. The cost of living is very affordable, making it a practical place to start over.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Augusta That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Augusta, GA and are known to consider applicants with criminal records.
Walmart considers applicants with records on a case-by-case basis. Violent and theft-related felonies may disqualify.
Amazon hires people with felony records for most warehouse and delivery roles. Background checks are individualized.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Goodwill is one of the most felon-friendly employers. Their mission includes helping people with barriers to employment.
McDonald's franchise owners set their own hiring policies. Many locations do hire people with records.
Dollar Tree conducts background checks but hires many people with records. Also owns Family Dollar.
Best Industries in Augusta for People With Records
- ✓Military (Fort Eisenhower)
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Cyber security
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Augusta That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Augusta metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Labor Finders
Georgia Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Georgia does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Augusta does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Georgia does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Georgia's state minimum is $5.15 but federal rate applies)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Augusta
- 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 Augusta
- Georgia Department of Labor — Augusta
- Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA
- Augusta Urban League
- Golden Harvest Food Bank (employment programs)
- CSRA Reentry Coalition
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Augusta?
- Augusta offers opportunities in construction (military base expansion), healthcare support, warehouse and logistics, food service, and retail (Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General). The military presence drives civilian employment demand.
- Does Augusta have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Georgia does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Augusta does not have a local ordinance. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Augusta hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Augusta include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders. Construction and warehouse staffing are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Augusta?
- The minimum wage in Augusta is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Georgia's state minimum is $5.15, but the federal rate applies to most employers. Construction and warehouse jobs typically pay $13-$18 per hour.
Related Resources
Company hiring guides
More resources
- ExpungementExpungement in Georgia→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →