Felony Friendly Jobs in Jackson, MS
Jackson is Mississippi's capital and largest city. As the state capital, government is a major employer. Healthcare (University of Mississippi Medical Center) is the largest private employer. Manufacturing and food processing provide entry-level positions. The cost of living in Jackson is among the lowest of any metro in the country, making it possible to start over even with low wages. However, the job market is smaller than many Southern cities.
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Top Employers in Jackson That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Jackson, MS 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.
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.
Dollar Tree conducts background checks but hires many people with records. Also owns Family Dollar.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Goodwill is one of the most felon-friendly employers. Their mission includes helping people with barriers to employment.
Best Industries in Jackson for People With Records
- ✓Government
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Food processing
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Jackson That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Jackson metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Labor Finders
Mississippi Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Mississippi does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Jackson does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Mississippi does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Mississippi has no state minimum wage law)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Jackson
- 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 Jackson
- Mississippi Department of Employment Security — Jackson
- Goodwill Industries of Mississippi
- Mississippi Center for Legal Services
- Hinds County Reentry Program
- Mississippi Prison Industries
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Jackson?
- Jackson offers opportunities in healthcare support, manufacturing, food processing, food service, retail (Walmart, Dollar General, Kroger), and construction. Staffing agencies provide temp-to-hire pathways.
- Does Jackson have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Mississippi does not have a statewide ban-the-box law, and Jackson does not have a local ordinance. Employers can ask about criminal history on applications.
- What staffing agencies in Jackson hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Jackson include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders. Manufacturing and warehouse placements are most common.
- What is the cost of living in Jackson?
- Jackson has one of the lowest costs of living of any metro area in the United States. Housing is extremely affordable. While wages are also lower, the math works out — it is very possible to survive on entry-level wages in Jackson.
Related Resources
Company hiring guides
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Jackson, MS→
- ExpungementExpungement in Mississippi→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →