Felony Friendly Jobs in Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis is home to Target and Best Buy headquarters, and the Twin Cities metro has a strong, diversified economy. Minnesota was one of the first states to pass a ban-the-box law (2013), and Minneapolis has additional local protections. The city's minimum wage for large employers is $15.57/hr. The logistics and manufacturing sectors provide accessible entry points, and the healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in the region.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Minneapolis That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Minneapolis, MN 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.
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.
Costco does background checks but considers records individually. Known for second-chance hiring in warehouses.
Best Buy is Ban the Box compliant with individualized assessment. Theft convictions are harder for sales roles.
GM considers records individually for manufacturing roles. UAW union plants offer additional protections.
Best Industries in Minneapolis for People With Records
- ✓Retail corporate
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Logistics & distribution
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Food processing
Staffing Agencies in Minneapolis That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Minneapolis metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Express Employment Professionals
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
Minnesota Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Minnesota has a statewide ban-the-box law (2013) that applies to all employers. Minneapolis has additional local protections.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Minnesota's ban-the-box law (2013) prohibits all public and private employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. Employers can inquire after the applicant has been selected for an interview. Minneapolis's additional protections further limit when employers can consider criminal history.
Minimum Wage
$10.85/hr (Minnesota state minimum — Minneapolis minimum is $15.57/hr for large employers)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Minneapolis
- 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 Minneapolis
- HIRED (Minneapolis)
- Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota
- Emerge Community Development
- Minneapolis Workforce Center
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Minneapolis?
- Minneapolis has strong opportunities in logistics and warehousing (Amazon, UPS, FedEx — the Twin Cities are a major distribution hub), retail (Target headquarters), manufacturing, healthcare support roles, and food processing. The metro area's diverse economy provides multiple pathways.
- Does Minneapolis have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. Minnesota has a statewide ban-the-box law (2013) that applies to all public and private employers. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on job applications. Minneapolis has additional local protections that further limit when employers can consider criminal records.
- What is the minimum wage in Minneapolis?
- Minneapolis has a city minimum wage of $15.57 per hour for large employers (101+ employees) and $14.00 for small employers. This is significantly higher than the Minnesota state minimum of $10.85/hr.
- What staffing agencies in Minneapolis hire felons?
- Major staffing agencies in Minneapolis that work with people with records include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. HIRED is also a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that specifically helps people with employment barriers find jobs.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Minneapolis, MN→
- ExpungementExpungement in Minnesota→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →