Felony Friendly Jobs in Denver, CO

Best Industries in Denver for People With Records

• ✓Construction
• ✓Logistics & distribution
• ✓Technology
• ✓Cannabis industry
• ✓Healthcare

Staffing Agencies in Denver That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Denver 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

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Denver

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Denver

• Mile High Workshop
• Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE)
• Goodwill Denver
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
• Denver Day Works

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Denver?

Denver's strongest industries for people with records are construction (one of the fastest-growing markets in the country), logistics and warehousing (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), food service, and the cannabis industry. Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis, and many dispensaries and cultivation operations hire people with records.

Does Denver have ban-the-box laws?

Yes. Colorado's Chance to Compete Act (2019) is a statewide ban-the-box law that applies to all employers. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. This is one of the strongest protections in the country.

What is the minimum wage in Denver?

Denver's minimum wage is $18.29 per hour, significantly higher than the Colorado state minimum of $14.81 per hour and one of the highest city minimum wages in the country. This makes Denver a place where even entry-level jobs provide more livable wages.

Can people with records work in the cannabis industry in Denver?

Colorado's cannabis industry has created jobs in cultivation, processing, retail, and delivery. While budtender positions may require a Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) badge, some felony convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants. Cultivation and processing facilities may have fewer restrictions. Rules vary, so check current MED requirements.