Felony Friendly Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City has a diversified economy with strong energy, logistics, and healthcare sectors. Express Employment Professionals, one of the most felon-friendly staffing agencies, is headquartered in the OKC metro. The cost of living is one of the lowest among major U.S. cities. ReMerge is a respected local program focused on women returning from incarceration. While the state lacks ban-the-box protections, the tight labor market and low cost of living make OKC viable for people rebuilding.
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Top Employers in Oklahoma City That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Oklahoma City, OK 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.
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.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Best Industries in Oklahoma City for People With Records
- ✓Energy (oil & gas)
- ✓Logistics
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Construction
Staffing Agencies in Oklahoma City That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Oklahoma City metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Labor Finders
Oklahoma Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Oklahoma does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Oklahoma City does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Oklahoma does not have statewide fair chance hiring legislation. Federal EEOC guidelines apply. Oklahoma does have a process for expungement that can help remove barriers.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Oklahoma's state minimum is $7.25)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Oklahoma City
- 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 Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
- Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City Community Foundation
- ReMerge
- Oklahoma Department of Corrections — Reentry
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Oklahoma City?
- OKC has opportunities in energy and oil/gas services, logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), construction, manufacturing, and food service. Express Employment Professionals is headquartered here and actively places people with records. The energy sector creates demand for field workers, drivers, and support personnel.
- Does Oklahoma City have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Oklahoma does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Oklahoma City does not have a local ordinance. Private employers can ask about criminal history on applications. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- Is Oklahoma City affordable?
- Yes. Oklahoma City has one of the lowest costs of living among major U.S. cities. Housing, food, and transportation costs are well below the national average. This makes it one of the most affordable places to start over, though wages tend to be lower as well.
- What staffing agencies in Oklahoma City hire felons?
- Express Employment Professionals, headquartered in the OKC area, is one of the most felon-friendly staffing agencies in the country. Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders also serve the area and work with people with records.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Oklahoma City, OK→
- ExpungementExpungement in Oklahoma→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →