Felony Friendly Jobs in Raleigh, NC
The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (Research Triangle) area has one of the strongest job markets in the Southeast. While many tech jobs are competitive, the region's rapid growth has created massive demand in construction, logistics, and support services. Amazon has fulfillment centers in the area. The cost of living is moderate, and the economy is diverse enough to provide multiple pathways.
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Top Employers in Raleigh That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Raleigh, NC 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.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Best Industries in Raleigh for People With Records
- ✓Technology (Research Triangle)
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Education
- ✓Logistics
- ✓Construction
Staffing Agencies in Raleigh That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Raleigh metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
North Carolina Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
North Carolina does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Raleigh does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance for private employers.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
North Carolina does not have statewide fair chance hiring legislation for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — North Carolina minimum matches federal)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Raleigh
- 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 Raleigh
- NCWorks Career Center Wake County
- Goodwill Industries of Eastern NC
- Triangle Community Foundation
- Wake County Reentry Council
- StepUp Ministry
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Raleigh?
- The Raleigh area has strong opportunities in construction (one of the fastest-growing regions in the country), logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), food service, retail (Walmart, Target, Lowe's), and healthcare support. The booming construction sector is particularly accessible for people with records.
- Does Raleigh have ban-the-box laws?
- North Carolina does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Raleigh does not have a local ordinance. Private employers can ask about criminal history on applications, though federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Raleigh hire felons?
- Major staffing agencies in the Raleigh area include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. The construction and logistics sectors create steady demand for temporary and temp-to-hire workers.
- Is Raleigh a good place to start over?
- The Raleigh-Durham area is one of the strongest job markets in the country with relatively moderate cost of living. The region's rapid growth means employers are actively looking for workers across all skill levels. Goodwill Industries and local reentry organizations provide additional support.
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