Felony Friendly Jobs in Baltimore, MD
Baltimore is a city with significant reentry needs and a growing infrastructure to support returning citizens. The Port of Baltimore drives logistics employment, and the healthcare sector — anchored by Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical System — is the largest employer. Baltimore City has a ban-the-box ordinance for employers with 10 or more employees. Maryland's $15.00/hr minimum wage provides more livable entry-level pay.
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Top Employers in Baltimore That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Baltimore, MD 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.
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.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
CVS is Ban the Box compliant and considers records individually. Pharmacy roles have stricter requirements.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Best Industries in Baltimore for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Logistics & port operations
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Education
- ✓Construction
Staffing Agencies in Baltimore That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Baltimore metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Express Employment Professionals
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
Maryland Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Maryland does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers (only public). Baltimore City has a ban-the-box ordinance for employers with 10 or more employees.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Baltimore City's ban-the-box ordinance prohibits employers with 10+ employees from asking about criminal history on job applications. Background checks happen after the first interview. Maryland's statewide ban-the-box applies to state government only.
Minimum Wage
$15.00/hr (Maryland state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Baltimore
- 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 Baltimore
- Baltimore Mayor's Office of Employment Development
- Center for Urban Families (CFUF)
- Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake
- Maryland Division of Workforce Development
- Living Classrooms Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Baltimore?
- Baltimore offers opportunities in logistics (Port of Baltimore, Amazon, UPS), healthcare support (non-clinical roles at hospitals), construction, manufacturing, and food service. The port drives warehouse and distribution jobs. Construction and infrastructure projects create ongoing demand.
- Does Baltimore have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. Baltimore City has a ban-the-box ordinance that applies to private employers with 10 or more employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on job applications. Background checks happen after the first interview. Maryland's statewide ban-the-box law applies to state government employment only.
- What reentry programs are available in Baltimore?
- Baltimore has several strong reentry organizations. The Center for Urban Families (CFUF) provides employment services specifically for returning citizens. The Mayor's Office of Employment Development coordinates citywide employment programs. Living Classrooms Foundation and Goodwill Industries also provide job training and placement.
- What is the minimum wage in Baltimore?
- Baltimore follows Maryland's state minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. This applies to all employers and provides more livable starting wages than many other cities. Most warehouse and logistics jobs pay above minimum wage.
Related Resources
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