Felony Friendly Jobs in Providence, RI
Providence has one of the strongest ban-the-box protections in New England — Rhode Island's law applies to all public and private employers. The city's economy is driven by healthcare (Lifespan, Care New England), education (Brown University, RISD), and manufacturing. CVS Health is headquartered in nearby Woonsocket. Rhode Island's small size means reentry resources are centrally accessible.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Providence That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Providence, RI 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.
CVS is Ban the Box compliant and considers records individually. Pharmacy roles have stricter requirements.
FedEx Ground contractors frequently hire people with records. FedEx Express has stricter requirements.
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 Providence for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Education
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Hospitality
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Providence That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Providence metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Express Employment Professionals
- Adecco
- Staffing Solutions
Rhode Island Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Rhode Island has a statewide ban-the-box law (2013) that applies to both public and private employers.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Rhode Island's ban-the-box law prohibits all employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. This applies to both public and private employers. Background checks happen later in the hiring process.
Minimum Wage
$14.00/hr (Rhode Island state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Providence
- 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 Providence
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
- OpenDoors
- Amos House
- Goodwill of Southern New England
- Crossroads Rhode Island
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Providence?
- Providence offers opportunities in healthcare support (the healthcare system is the region's largest employer), manufacturing, logistics (Amazon, UPS), food service, and hospitality. The port and intermodal facilities also create warehouse and distribution jobs.
- Does Providence have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. Rhode Island has a statewide ban-the-box law (2013) that applies to all employers — both public and private. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. This is one of the most comprehensive protections in the country.
- What is the minimum wage in Providence?
- Providence follows Rhode Island's state minimum wage of $14.00 per hour. This applies to all workers and provides more livable entry-level wages.
- What reentry programs are available in Providence?
- Providence has several strong reentry organizations. OpenDoors provides comprehensive services for people returning from incarceration. Amos House provides meals, shelter, and employment programs. Crossroads Rhode Island provides housing services. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training provides employment assistance.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Providence, RI→
- ExpungementExpungement in Rhode Island→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →