Felony Friendly Jobs in Austin, TX
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country with a booming tech-driven economy. While tech jobs may be more competitive, the city's rapid growth has created massive demand in construction, food service, and logistics. Whole Foods is headquartered here, and H-E-B has a strong presence. The construction sector is particularly active, with ongoing residential and commercial development. Most Austin employers pay well above the federal minimum wage due to the tight labor market.
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Top Employers in Austin That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Austin, TX 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.
H-E-B is a Texas-based grocer known to give second chances. Warehouse and in-store roles available.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
Whole Foods (Amazon-owned) follows Amazon's fair chance approach. Background checks are individualized.
UPS hires felons for package handler roles. Driver and management positions have stricter background requirements.
Starbucks is a recognized second-chance employer and actively hires people with criminal records.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Best Industries in Austin for People With Records
- ✓Technology
- ✓Construction
- ✓Food & hospitality
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Austin That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Austin metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
Texas Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Texas has no statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Austin passed a fair chance hiring ordinance in 2016 for private employers, though enforcement has been limited.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Austin's fair chance hiring ordinance (2016) was intended to prohibit criminal history inquiries on job applications. However, a Texas state law (2015) restricts local governments from regulating private employment practices, creating enforcement challenges. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Texas has no state minimum above federal, though most Austin employers pay well above minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Austin
- 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 Austin
- Workforce Solutions Capital Area
- Goodwill of Central Texas
- American YouthWorks
- Integral Care
- Austin/Travis County Reentry Roundtable
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Austin?
- Austin's best opportunities for people with records are in construction (the city is growing rapidly), food service and hospitality (Austin has a thriving restaurant and bar scene), logistics (Amazon, UPS), and retail (H-E-B, Whole Foods, Walmart). The tight labor market means employers are more willing to give second chances.
- Does Austin have ban-the-box laws?
- Austin passed a fair chance hiring ordinance in 2016, but enforcement has been limited due to a Texas state law that restricts local regulation of private employment practices. In practice, many Austin employers — especially larger ones — voluntarily follow fair chance practices due to the competitive labor market.
- What staffing agencies in Austin hire felons?
- Major staffing agencies in Austin that work with people with records include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. The booming construction and logistics sectors mean agencies frequently need workers.
- Is Austin affordable for people starting over?
- Austin has become significantly more expensive in recent years due to rapid growth. However, the tight labor market means most jobs pay well above minimum wage, even in entry-level positions. Surrounding areas like Round Rock, Pflugerville, and San Marcos offer more affordable housing while still being within commuting distance.
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