Felony Friendly Jobs in El Paso, TX
El Paso is a major U.S.-Mexico border city with Fort Bliss, one of the largest military installations in the country. International trade, logistics, and trucking are significant employers. The cost of living is among the lowest in Texas. Healthcare is a growing sector. While there are no ban-the-box protections, the demand for logistics and construction workers creates opportunities for people with records. The bilingual job market is an advantage for Spanish speakers.
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Top Employers in El Paso That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near El Paso, 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.
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.
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.
Best Industries in El Paso for People With Records
- ✓Military (Fort Bliss)
- ✓International trade & logistics
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Government
Staffing Agencies in El Paso That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the El Paso metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Labor Finders
Texas Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Texas has no statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. El Paso 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 apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — no state minimum above federal)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in El Paso
- 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 El Paso
- Workforce Solutions Borderplex
- Goodwill Industries of El Paso
- Project Vida
- El Paso Center for Opportunity
- Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in El Paso?
- El Paso offers opportunities in logistics and trucking (cross-border trade), construction, food service, retail (Walmart, Target, Dollar General), healthcare support, and military civilian support jobs. The border trade creates demand for warehouse and shipping workers.
- Does El Paso have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Texas does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and El Paso does not have a local ordinance. Employers can ask about criminal history on applications.
- What staffing agencies in El Paso hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in El Paso include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders. Logistics, warehouse, and manufacturing placements are common.
- What is the minimum wage in El Paso?
- The minimum wage in El Paso is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Logistics and construction jobs typically pay $12-$18 per hour.
Related Resources
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- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →