Felony Friendly Jobs in Columbia, SC
Columbia is South Carolina's capital and home to the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson (the Army's largest basic training installation). Government, military, healthcare, and education anchor the economy. Amazon has added fulfillment operations in the area. The cost of living is very affordable. While there are no ban-the-box protections, the military presence drives demand for construction, food service, and support workers.
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Top Employers in Columbia That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Columbia, SC 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.
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.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Best Industries in Columbia for People With Records
- ✓Government
- ✓Military (Fort Jackson)
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Education (USC)
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Columbia That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Columbia metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Randstad
South Carolina Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
South Carolina does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Columbia does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
South Carolina does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — South Carolina has no state minimum wage law)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Columbia
- 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 Columbia
- SC Works Midlands
- Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC
- Alston Wilkes Society
- Midlands Fatherhood Coalition
- Richland County Reentry Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Columbia?
- Columbia offers opportunities in warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), construction, food service, retail (Walmart, Target, Kroger), and healthcare support. The military installation creates civilian support demand.
- Does Columbia have ban-the-box laws?
- No. South Carolina does not have a statewide ban-the-box law, and Columbia does not have a local ordinance. Employers can ask about criminal history on applications.
- What staffing agencies in Columbia hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Columbia include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Randstad. Warehouse and manufacturing placements are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Columbia?
- The minimum wage in Columbia is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). South Carolina does not have a state minimum wage law. Warehouse and logistics jobs typically pay $13-$17 per hour.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Columbia, SC→
- ExpungementExpungement in South Carolina→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →