Felony Friendly Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs has a major military presence (Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Air Force Academy) that drives civilian support jobs in construction, logistics, and food service. The tech sector is growing, and tourism is significant thanks to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Colorado's Chance to Compete Act provides ban-the-box protections for job seekers. The cost of living is lower than nearby Denver, making it a more affordable option in Colorado.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Colorado Springs That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Colorado Springs, CO 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.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
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.
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.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Best Industries in Colorado Springs for People With Records
- ✓Military & defense
- ✓Technology
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Tourism
- ✓Construction
Staffing Agencies in Colorado Springs That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Colorado Springs metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Adecco
- Kelly Services
- Aerotek
Colorado Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Colorado has a statewide ban-the-box law (Chance to Compete Act, 2019) that applies to employers with 11 or more employees. Colorado Springs follows the state law.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Colorado's Chance to Compete Act prohibits employers with 11+ employees from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. Employers cannot inquire until after a first interview or conditional offer.
Minimum Wage
$14.81/hr (Colorado state minimum — adjusted annually for inflation)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Colorado Springs
- 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 Colorado Springs
- Pikes Peak Workforce Center
- Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs
- Springs Rescue Mission
- Community Corrections of Colorado Springs
- El Paso County Reentry Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Colorado Springs?
- Colorado Springs has strong opportunities in construction, warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), food service, retail (Walmart, Target, Home Depot), and civilian support roles near military installations. The growing tech sector also creates demand for support staff.
- Does Colorado Springs have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. Colorado's Chance to Compete Act (2019) applies to employers with 11+ employees statewide. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. This protection applies to all Colorado Springs employers meeting the threshold.
- What staffing agencies in Colorado Springs hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Colorado Springs include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Adecco, Kelly Services, and Aerotek. These agencies place workers in warehouse, construction, and general labor positions.
- What is the minimum wage in Colorado Springs?
- Colorado Springs follows the state minimum wage of $14.81 per hour, adjusted annually for inflation. Many entry-level jobs in construction and logistics start above minimum wage.
Related Resources
More resources
- ExpungementExpungement in Colorado→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →