Felony Friendly Jobs in Riverside, CA
The Riverside-San Bernardino metro (Inland Empire) is one of the largest logistics corridors in the country. Dozens of Amazon fulfillment centers and massive distribution warehouses line the I-10 and I-15 corridors, creating tens of thousands of warehouse jobs. California's Fair Chance Act gives applicants strong protections. The cost of living is significantly lower than coastal California, making the Inland Empire a practical place to rebuild.
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Top Employers in Riverside That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Riverside, CA 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.
Starbucks is a recognized second-chance employer and actively hires people with criminal records.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Dollar Tree conducts background checks but hires many people with records. Also owns Family Dollar.
Best Industries in Riverside for People With Records
- ✓Logistics & warehousing
- ✓Construction
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Retail
Staffing Agencies in Riverside That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Riverside metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
California Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
California has a statewide ban-the-box law (AB 1008, Fair Chance Act) that applies to employers with 5 or more employees. Riverside follows the state law.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
California's Fair Chance Act prohibits employers with 5+ employees from asking about criminal history before a conditional offer. Employers must conduct individualized assessment and cannot consider most marijuana convictions, older arrests, or dismissed charges.
Minimum Wage
$16.85/hr (California state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Riverside
- 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 Riverside
- Riverside County Workforce Development
- Goodwill Southern California
- Inland Empire Job Corps
- Starting Over Inc.
- Riverside County Community Action Partnership
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Riverside?
- The Inland Empire is a warehouse and logistics powerhouse. Amazon, UPS, FedEx, Target, and Walmart all have massive distribution operations here. Construction, manufacturing, and food service are also strong sectors. Staffing agencies are a major pathway into warehouse work.
- Does Riverside have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. California's Fair Chance Act (AB 1008) applies to all employers with 5+ employees in Riverside. Criminal history inquiries are delayed until after a conditional offer. Employers must conduct individualized assessment.
- What staffing agencies in Riverside hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Riverside and the Inland Empire that work with people with records include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. Warehouse staffing is a massive industry here.
- What is the minimum wage in Riverside?
- Riverside follows California's state minimum wage of $16.85 per hour. Fast food workers at chains with 60+ locations earn $20.00 per hour. Many warehouse jobs start at $18-$22 per hour.
Related Resources
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