Felony Friendly Jobs in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo has a strong and growing economy with excellent fair chance protections under New York State law. The city is more affordable than New York City or the downstate region. Healthcare is the largest industry, and the manufacturing base remains significant. Amazon has fulfillment centers in the region. New York State's ban-the-box law and Article 23-A provide robust protections for job seekers with records.
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Top Employers in Buffalo That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Buffalo, NY 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.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Goodwill is one of the most felon-friendly employers. Their mission includes helping people with barriers to employment.
Best Industries in Buffalo for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Logistics
- ✓Education
- ✓Food processing
Staffing Agencies in Buffalo That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Buffalo metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Express Employment Professionals
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Staffmark
New York Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
New York State has Article 23-A and a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers with 15+ employees (effective 2020). Buffalo follows the state law.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
New York State prohibits employers with 15+ employees from asking about criminal history on job applications. Buffalo employers must follow the state law and Article 23-A, which requires individualized assessment.
Minimum Wage
$15.50/hr (New York State minimum for upstate — effective 2026)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Buffalo
- 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 Buffalo
- Buffalo Employment and Training Center
- Goodwill Industries of Western New York
- Matt Urban Human Services Center
- Restoration Society
- New York State Department of Labor
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Buffalo?
- Buffalo offers opportunities in healthcare support, manufacturing, logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), food processing, and construction. The city's affordability and New York State's fair chance protections create a favorable environment.
- Does Buffalo have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. New York State's ban-the-box law applies to private employers with 15+ employees. Article 23-A requires individualized assessment of criminal records. Buffalo employers must follow all state protections.
- Is Buffalo affordable?
- Yes. Buffalo has one of the lowest costs of living in New York State and among major Northeast cities. Housing costs are well below the national average. Combined with New York's $15.50/hr upstate minimum wage and strong worker protections, Buffalo is a viable option for people rebuilding.
- What staffing agencies in Buffalo hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Buffalo include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark.
Related Resources
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