Felony Friendly Jobs in Montgomery, AL
Montgomery is Alabama's capital with a large government workforce and the home of Maxwell Air Force Base. Hyundai has a major automotive manufacturing plant in the area, which has attracted an automotive supply chain. Healthcare is a growing sector. While there are no ban-the-box protections, the demand for manufacturing and warehouse workers creates opportunities for people with records. The cost of living is very low.
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Top Employers in Montgomery That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Montgomery, AL 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.
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.
Goodwill is one of the most felon-friendly employers. Their mission includes helping people with barriers to employment.
Dollar Tree conducts background checks but hires many people with records. Also owns Family Dollar.
Best Industries in Montgomery for People With Records
- ✓Government
- ✓Military (Maxwell AFB)
- ✓Automotive manufacturing
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Food service
Staffing Agencies in Montgomery That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Montgomery metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Labor Finders
Alabama Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Alabama does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Montgomery does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Alabama does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Alabama has no state minimum wage law)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Montgomery
- 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 Montgomery
- Alabama Career Center — Montgomery
- Goodwill Industries of Central Alabama
- Family Sunshine Center
- Montgomery Area Community Action Committee
- AIDT (Alabama Industrial Development Training)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Montgomery?
- Montgomery offers opportunities in automotive manufacturing (Hyundai and supply chain), warehouse and logistics, food service, retail (Walmart, Dollar General), and construction. Staffing agencies are a key pathway into manufacturing.
- Does Montgomery have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Alabama does not have a statewide ban-the-box law, and Montgomery does not have a local ordinance. Employers can ask about criminal history on applications.
- What staffing agencies in Montgomery hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Montgomery include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders. Automotive and manufacturing temp positions are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Montgomery?
- The minimum wage in Montgomery is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Alabama does not have a state minimum wage. Manufacturing jobs, especially in automotive, typically start at $13-$18 per hour.
Related Resources
Company hiring guides
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Montgomery, AL→
- ExpungementExpungement in Alabama→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →