Felony Friendly Jobs in Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's economy is driven by agriculture (Kern County is the top agricultural producing county in the U.S.), oil and gas production, and logistics. The city is a major distribution point along Highway 99 and I-5. California's Fair Chance Act provides strong protections for job seekers with records. The cost of living is much lower than coastal California, and the combination of agricultural, industrial, and warehouse jobs provides many entry points for people rebuilding.
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Top Employers in Bakersfield That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Bakersfield, CA 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.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
FedEx Ground contractors frequently hire people with records. FedEx Express has stricter requirements.
McDonald's franchise owners set their own hiring policies. Many locations do hire people with records.
Best Industries in Bakersfield for People With Records
- ✓Agriculture & food processing
- ✓Oil & gas
- ✓Logistics & distribution
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Construction
Staffing Agencies in Bakersfield That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Bakersfield metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Labor Finders
California Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
California has a statewide ban-the-box law (AB 1008, Fair Chance Act) that applies to employers with 5 or more employees. Bakersfield follows the state law.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
California's Fair Chance Act prohibits employers with 5+ employees from asking about criminal history before a conditional offer. Employers must conduct individualized assessment.
Minimum Wage
$16.85/hr (California state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Bakersfield
- 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 Bakersfield
- America's Job Center of California — Bakersfield
- Goodwill Industries of South Central California
- Bakersfield Homeless Center (employment programs)
- Kern County Reentry Collaborative
- Community Action Partnership of Kern
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Bakersfield?
- Bakersfield has strong opportunities in agriculture and food processing, oil and gas services, warehouse and logistics (Amazon, FedEx), construction, and retail. Agricultural work is especially accessible during harvest seasons.
- Does Bakersfield have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. California's Fair Chance Act (AB 1008) applies to employers with 5+ employees in Bakersfield. Criminal history inquiries are delayed until after a conditional offer.
- What staffing agencies in Bakersfield hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Bakersfield include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders. Agricultural, warehouse, and industrial staffing are especially active.
- What is the minimum wage in Bakersfield?
- Bakersfield follows California's state minimum wage of $16.85 per hour. Fast food workers at large chains earn $20.00 per hour. Agricultural and warehouse jobs typically start at $17-$20 per hour.
Related Resources
Company hiring guides
More resources
- ExpungementExpungement in California→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →