Felony Friendly Jobs in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is a growing East Tennessee city with a diversified economy. Healthcare is the largest private employer, followed by manufacturing and logistics. The University of Tennessee campus adds an educational component. Amazon has fulfillment centers in the region, and FedEx has operations along the I-40/I-75 corridor. The cost of living is among the lowest in Tennessee, and there is no state income tax. While there are no ban-the-box protections, the labor market provides opportunities.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Knoxville That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Knoxville, TN 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.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
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.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Best Industries in Knoxville for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Logistics & distribution
- ✓Education (UT)
- ✓Energy (TVA)
Staffing Agencies in Knoxville That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Knoxville metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Staffmark
Tennessee Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Tennessee does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Knoxville does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Tennessee does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Tennessee has no state minimum wage law)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Knoxville
- 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 Knoxville
- American Job Center — Knoxville
- Goodwill Industries — Knoxville
- Knox County Reentry Coalition
- Helen Ross McNabb Center
- Volunteer Ministry Center
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Knoxville?
- Knoxville offers opportunities in warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), manufacturing, healthcare support, food service, construction, and retail (Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General). The I-40/I-75 corridor creates logistics demand.
- Does Knoxville have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Tennessee does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Knoxville does not have a local ordinance. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Knoxville hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Knoxville include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark. Manufacturing and warehouse temp jobs are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Knoxville?
- The minimum wage in Knoxville is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Tennessee has no state minimum wage law. Manufacturing and logistics jobs typically start at $13-$18 per hour.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Knoxville, TN→
- ExpungementExpungement in Tennessee→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →