Felony Friendly Jobs in Lubbock, TX
Lubbock is a West Texas city anchored by Texas Tech University and a massive agricultural economy (it's one of the top cotton-producing areas in the world). Healthcare is a major employer. The cost of living is extremely low. While the job market is smaller than Dallas or Houston, the agricultural sector, food service, retail, and construction industries provide opportunities for people with records. Oil and gas support services are also significant.
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Top Employers in Lubbock That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Lubbock, 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.
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.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
Best Industries in Lubbock for People With Records
- ✓Agriculture (cotton)
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Education (Texas Tech)
- ✓Retail
- ✓Oil & gas support
Staffing Agencies in Lubbock That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Lubbock 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. Lubbock 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 Lubbock
- 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 Lubbock
- Workforce Solutions South Plains — Lubbock
- Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas
- Lubbock Dream Center
- Open Door Lubbock
- South Plains Food Bank (employment programs)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Lubbock?
- Lubbock offers opportunities in agriculture and agricultural services, food service, retail (Walmart, Dollar General, Target), construction, healthcare support, and oil field services. The agricultural economy creates seasonal work.
- Does Lubbock have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Texas does not have a statewide ban-the-box law, and Lubbock does not have a local ordinance. Employers can ask about criminal history on applications.
- What staffing agencies in Lubbock hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Lubbock include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders. Agricultural and general labor placements are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Lubbock?
- The minimum wage in Lubbock is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Agricultural and industrial jobs often pay $12-$17 per hour.
Related Resources
Company hiring guides
More resources
- ExpungementExpungement in Texas→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →