Felony Friendly Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Best Industries in Los Angeles for People With Records

• ✓Entertainment & media
• ✓Logistics & port operations
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Construction
• ✓Hospitality

Staffing Agencies in Los Angeles That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Los Angeles metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.

• Manpower
• Kelly Services
• Adecco
• Express Employment Professionals
• Labor Finders

California Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Los Angeles

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 Los Angeles

• Homeboy Industries
• Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) — LA
• Goodwill Southern California
• A New Way of Life Reentry Project
• SHIELDS for Families

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Los Angeles?

LA offers huge opportunities in logistics (Port of LA/Long Beach drives massive warehouse demand), construction, food service and hospitality, entertainment industry support (set construction, transportation, catering), and healthcare. Amazon has multiple fulfillment centers in the Inland Empire area.

Does Los Angeles have ban-the-box laws?

Yes, double protection. California's Fair Chance Act applies to employers with 5+ employees. LA's Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (2017) adds additional protections and penalties for employers with 10+ employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer.

What is the minimum wage in Los Angeles?

LA City's minimum wage is $17.28 per hour for employers with 26+ employees. California's state minimum is $16.85/hr. Fast food workers at chains with 60+ locations earn $20.00/hr. Healthcare workers earn a minimum of $25.00/hr. These high minimums mean even entry-level jobs provide more livable wages.

What is Homeboy Industries?

Homeboy Industries, founded by Father Gregory Boyle in LA, is the world's largest gang intervention and reentry program. They operate social enterprises (Homegirl Cafe, Homeboy Bakery, Homeboy Electronics Recycling, and more) that employ program participants. They also provide tattoo removal, legal services, education, and mental health support.