Felony Friendly Jobs in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and that growth is creating jobs across the board. The metro area has become a major logistics hub with Amazon building multiple fulfillment centers, and the construction boom means constant demand for workers. Arizona's higher-than-federal minimum wage ($14.70/hr) and relatively low cost of living compared to California make it an attractive option for people starting over.
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Top Employers in Phoenix That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Phoenix, 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.
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.
Republic Services is very felon-friendly, similar to Waste Management. CDL driver and laborer roles available.
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.
Best Industries in Phoenix for People With Records
- ✓Logistics & distribution
- ✓Construction
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Technology
Staffing Agencies in Phoenix That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Phoenix metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Labor Finders
- Manpower
- Adecco
- Kelly Services
Arizona Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Arizona does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Phoenix passed a ban-the-box ordinance for city government employment in 2017.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Arizona does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law. Phoenix's ban-the-box ordinance applies only to city government jobs. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply to all employers.
Minimum Wage
$14.70/hr (Arizona state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Phoenix
- 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 Phoenix
- Arizona@Work
- Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
- St. Joseph the Worker
- Arizona Prisoners Reentry Initiative
- Phoenix Workforce Connection
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Phoenix?
- Phoenix has strong opportunities in construction (one of the fastest-growing construction markets), logistics and warehousing (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), manufacturing, and food service. Republic Services is headquartered in Phoenix and is one of the most felon-friendly large employers. The city's rapid growth creates ongoing demand across nearly all industries.
- Does Phoenix have ban-the-box laws?
- Arizona does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Phoenix passed a ban-the-box ordinance in 2017, but it only applies to city government employment. Private employers in Phoenix can still ask about criminal history on applications, though federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Phoenix hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Phoenix that work with people with records include Express Employment Professionals, Labor Finders, Manpower, Adecco, and Kelly Services. The construction boom in Phoenix means staffing agencies frequently need workers for temp-to-hire positions.
- What is the minimum wage in Phoenix?
- The minimum wage in Arizona is $14.70 per hour, which applies throughout the Phoenix metro. This is significantly higher than the federal minimum and makes even entry-level positions more livable. Many warehouse and construction jobs start well above minimum wage.
Related Resources
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