Felony Friendly Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has transformed from a steel city into a healthcare and technology hub. UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) and Highmark are among the region's largest employers. The tech sector has grown significantly, and manufacturing remains important. Amazon has distribution centers in the area. The cost of living is very affordable compared to other cities with similar economic diversity.
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Top Employers in Pittsburgh That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Pittsburgh, PA 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.
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.
Goodwill is one of the most felon-friendly employers. Their mission includes helping people with barriers to employment.
Best Industries in Pittsburgh for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Technology
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Education
- ✓Energy
Staffing Agencies in Pittsburgh That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Pittsburgh metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Express Employment Professionals
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
Pennsylvania Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Pennsylvania has a statewide ban-the-box law for state employment. Pittsburgh does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance for private employers.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Pennsylvania's ban-the-box applies to state government employment. Pittsburgh does not have additional local fair chance legislation for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Pennsylvania minimum matches federal)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Pittsburgh
- 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 Pittsburgh
- PA CareerLink Pittsburgh
- Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Center for Victims
- Mon Valley Initiative
- Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Pittsburgh?
- Pittsburgh offers opportunities in healthcare support (UPMC is one of the region's largest employers), logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), manufacturing, construction, and food service. The healthcare system's size means there are many non-clinical support roles available.
- Does Pittsburgh have ban-the-box laws?
- Pennsylvania has a ban-the-box law for state government employment. Pittsburgh does not have an additional local ordinance for private employers. Private employers can ask about criminal history, though federal EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment.
- Is Pittsburgh affordable for people starting over?
- Yes. Pittsburgh has one of the most affordable costs of living among major cities with diversified economies. Housing costs are well below the national average. The healthcare and logistics sectors provide steady employment opportunities.
- What staffing agencies in Pittsburgh hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Pittsburgh that work with people with records include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. Healthcare support, manufacturing, and logistics positions are frequently available.
Related Resources
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- HousingSecond chance apartments in Pittsburgh, PA→
- ExpungementExpungement in Pennsylvania→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →