Felony Friendly Jobs in Dallas, TX
Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, and that growth creates opportunities for everyone — including people with criminal records. The DFW metroplex is a major logistics hub with multiple Amazon fulfillment centers, FedEx and UPS distribution facilities, and a thriving construction industry. Dallas passed a fair chance hiring ordinance in 2019, giving job seekers with records a better shot at getting past the application stage.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Dallas That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Dallas, TX 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.
AT&T runs background checks for retail store and technician roles. Considers records individually.
PepsiCo considers applicants individually for warehouse and driver roles. CDL positions available.
US Foods hires for warehouse and delivery roles. Food distribution with CDL driver opportunities.
Best Industries in Dallas for People With Records
- ✓Logistics & distribution
- ✓Technology
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Construction
- ✓Food service
Staffing Agencies in Dallas That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Dallas metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Adecco
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Aerotek
Texas Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Texas has no statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Dallas passed a fair chance hiring ordinance in 2019 that prohibits private employers from asking about criminal history on job applications before a conditional offer.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Dallas has a local fair chance hiring ordinance (2019) that applies to private employers with 15 or more employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional job offer is made.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — no state minimum above federal)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Dallas
- 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 Dallas
- Texas Workforce Solutions — Dallas
- Unlocking DOORS
- Goodwill Dallas
- Dallas County Reentry Coalition
- The Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Dallas?
- Dallas-Fort Worth has strong opportunities in logistics and distribution, construction, food service, and manufacturing. The DFW area has multiple Amazon warehouses, FedEx and UPS hubs, and a massive construction sector. Companies like Walmart, Target, AT&T, and PepsiCo also have significant operations in the area.
- Does Dallas have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. Dallas passed a fair chance hiring ordinance in 2019 that applies to private employers with 15 or more employees. Under this law, employers cannot ask about criminal history on job applications or during initial interviews. The background check happens after a conditional job offer is made.
- What staffing agencies in Dallas hire felons?
- Major staffing agencies in Dallas that work with people with records include Express Employment Professionals, Adecco, Manpower, Kelly Services, and Aerotek. These agencies place workers in warehouse, manufacturing, construction, and office support roles throughout the DFW metroplex.
- What is the job market like in Dallas for people with records?
- The Dallas-Fort Worth job market is one of the strongest in the country, with low unemployment and high demand across multiple industries. The area's rapid growth in logistics, construction, and healthcare creates ongoing opportunities. The local fair chance hiring ordinance also helps level the playing field for applicants with records.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Dallas, TX→
- ExpungementExpungement in Texas→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →