Felony Friendly Jobs in Boston, MA

Best Industries in Boston for People With Records

• ✓Healthcare & biotech
• ✓Education
• ✓Technology
• ✓Logistics
• ✓Construction

Staffing Agencies in Boston That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Boston metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.

• Manpower
• Kelly Services
• Adecco
• Express Employment Professionals
• Robert Half

Massachusetts Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Boston

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Boston

• MassHire
• UTEC (United Teen Equality Center)
• Goodwill Industries
• Roca Inc.
• Community Resources for Justice (CRJ)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Boston?

Boston offers opportunities in healthcare support (the region has world-class hospitals), logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), construction, food service, and education support. The healthcare sector is the largest employer and has many non-clinical roles including facilities, food service, and administrative support.

Does Boston have ban-the-box laws?

Yes. Massachusetts has a statewide CORI Reform Act (2010) that prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial written applications. Employers can only access criminal records after determining the applicant is otherwise qualified. This was one of the first such laws in the nation.

What is the minimum wage in Boston?

Boston follows Massachusetts' state minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. Tipped workers receive a lower base rate plus tips. The $15.00 minimum provides more livable entry-level wages, though Boston's cost of living is high.

What reentry programs are available in Boston?

The Boston area has strong reentry organizations. Roca Inc. is nationally recognized for working with high-risk young adults. UTEC provides comprehensive reentry services in the Lowell/Lawrence area. Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) provides direct services. MassHire Career Centers provide employment services statewide.