Felony Friendly Jobs in Corpus Christi, TX
Corpus Christi's economy revolves around oil and gas refining, the Port of Corpus Christi (the third-largest port in the U.S. by tonnage), military installations, and tourism. These industries create steady demand for workers in construction, industrial maintenance, and shipping. H-E-B is a major employer and is known for hiring people with records. The cost of living is among the lowest of any Texas metro, making it a practical place to start over.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Corpus Christi That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Corpus Christi, TX 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.
H-E-B is a Texas-based grocer known to give second chances. Warehouse and in-store roles available.
Amazon hires people with felony records for most warehouse and delivery roles. Background checks are individualized.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
McDonald's franchise owners set their own hiring policies. Many locations do hire people with records.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Walgreens hires people with records for non-pharmacy store roles. Pharmacy positions require clean records.
Best Industries in Corpus Christi for People With Records
- ✓Oil & gas refining
- ✓Port operations & shipping
- ✓Military & defense
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Tourism
Staffing Agencies in Corpus Christi That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Corpus Christi metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Labor Finders
- Adecco
Texas Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Texas has no statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Corpus Christi does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Texas does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply to all Corpus Christi employers.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — no state minimum above federal)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Corpus Christi
- 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 Corpus Christi
- Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend
- Goodwill Industries of South Texas
- Nueces County Community Action Agency
- Coastal Bend Food Bank (employment programs)
- Texas Workforce Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Corpus Christi?
- Corpus Christi has strong opportunities in oil and gas refining, port and shipping operations, construction, and food service. H-E-B and Walmart are major retail employers. The port creates industrial and dock worker positions that often hire people with records.
- Does Corpus Christi have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Texas does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Corpus Christi does not have a local ordinance. Private employers can ask about criminal history on applications. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Corpus Christi hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Corpus Christi include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Labor Finders, and Adecco. These agencies place workers in industrial, construction, and general labor positions.
- What is the minimum wage in Corpus Christi?
- The minimum wage in Corpus Christi is $7.25 per hour (the federal minimum). Texas does not have a state minimum above the federal level. However, industrial and refinery jobs typically pay $14-$22 per hour.
Related Resources
Company hiring guides
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Corpus Christi, TX→
- ExpungementExpungement in Texas→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →