Felony Friendly Jobs in Mesa, AZ
Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and part of the greater Phoenix metro area. The city has a strong aerospace and defense sector (Boeing has operations here), along with growing healthcare and technology industries. Amazon has fulfillment centers in the East Valley. Arizona's $14.70/hr minimum wage and the region's rapid growth create real opportunities. The cost of living is lower than nearby Scottsdale or Tempe.
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Top Employers in Mesa That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Mesa, AZ and are known to consider applicants with criminal records.
Amazon hires people with felony records for most warehouse and delivery roles. Background checks are individualized.
Walmart considers applicants with records on a case-by-case basis. Violent and theft-related felonies may disqualify.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
FedEx Ground contractors frequently hire people with records. FedEx Express has stricter requirements.
Republic Services is very felon-friendly, similar to Waste Management. CDL driver and laborer roles available.
Best Industries in Mesa for People With Records
- ✓Aerospace & defense
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Construction
- ✓Technology
- ✓Retail
Staffing Agencies in Mesa That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Mesa metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Adecco
- Kelly Services
- Aerotek
Arizona Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Arizona does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Mesa does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Arizona does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law. Federal EEOC guidelines apply to all Mesa employers.
Minimum Wage
$14.70/hr (Arizona state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Mesa
- 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 Mesa
- Arizona@Work — East Valley
- Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
- A New Leaf
- Mesa Community Action Network
- Save the Family Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Mesa?
- Mesa offers opportunities in warehouse and logistics (Amazon, FedEx), construction, manufacturing (aerospace supply chain), retail (Walmart, Target, Home Depot), and food service. The East Valley's growth creates steady demand across multiple sectors.
- Does Mesa have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Arizona does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Mesa does not have a local ordinance. Employers can ask about criminal history on applications. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Mesa hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Mesa and the East Valley include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Adecco, Kelly Services, and Aerotek. Warehouse and manufacturing staffing are common placements.
- What is the minimum wage in Mesa?
- Mesa follows Arizona's state minimum wage of $14.70 per hour. Many warehouse and construction jobs start well above minimum wage, typically $16-$22 per hour.
Related Resources
More resources
- ExpungementExpungement in Arizona→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →