Felony Friendly Jobs in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is a growing Midwestern metro with a strong economy driven by insurance and financial services, agriculture, food processing, and logistics. While many corporate insurance jobs require clean backgrounds, the metro's manufacturing, warehouse, and food processing sectors provide significant opportunities for people with records. Amazon has fulfillment operations in the area. The cost of living is very affordable, and unemployment is consistently low.
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Top Employers in Des Moines That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Des Moines, IA 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.
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.
Tyson Foods is one of the most felon-friendly large employers. Meat processing and production roles widely available.
Best Industries in Des Moines for People With Records
- ✓Insurance & financial services
- ✓Agriculture & food processing
- ✓Logistics
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Manufacturing
Staffing Agencies in Des Moines That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Des Moines metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
Iowa Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Iowa does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Des Moines does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Iowa does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply. Iowa does offer a governor's executive order banning the box for state employment.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Iowa minimum matches federal)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Des Moines
- 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 Des Moines
- IowaWORKS — Des Moines
- Goodwill of Central Iowa
- EMBARC (Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy & Resource Center)
- United Way of Central Iowa
- Iowa Prison Industries
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Des Moines?
- Des Moines offers opportunities in food processing (Tyson and other food companies), warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), manufacturing, construction, and retail (Walmart, Target, Hy-Vee). The food processing industry is a major employer.
- Does Des Moines have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Iowa does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Des Moines does not have a local ordinance. State government employment follows a governor's executive order removing criminal history questions from initial applications.
- What staffing agencies in Des Moines hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Des Moines include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. Food processing and warehouse staffing are especially common.
- What is the minimum wage in Des Moines?
- The minimum wage in Des Moines is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Iowa does not have a state minimum above the federal level. Manufacturing and food processing jobs typically start at $14-$18 per hour.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Des Moines, IA→
- ExpungementExpungement in Iowa→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →