Felony Friendly Jobs in Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City has a strong and growing economy driven by technology (Silicon Slopes), logistics, healthcare, and construction. The metro area has experienced rapid population growth, creating demand for workers across all sectors. While the federal minimum wage applies, the tight labor market means most employers pay significantly above that. The outdoor recreation industry also provides seasonal employment.
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Top Employers in Salt Lake City That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Salt Lake City, UT 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.
Costco does background checks but considers records individually. Known for second-chance hiring in warehouses.
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 Salt Lake City for People With Records
- ✓Technology
- ✓Logistics & distribution
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Construction
- ✓Mining & natural resources
Staffing Agencies in Salt Lake City That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Salt Lake City metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
Utah Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Utah passed a ban-the-box law (2017) for state and local government employers. There is no statewide ban-the-box for private employers. Salt Lake City does not have an additional local ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Utah's ban-the-box law (2017) applies to state and local government employers only. Private employers are not covered by state fair chance legislation. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Utah minimum matches federal, but most employers pay above)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Salt Lake City
- 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 Salt Lake City
- Department of Workforce Services — Utah
- First Step House
- Goodwill Industries
- Rise Together (formerly Utah Community Action)
- Salt Lake County Criminal Justice Advisory Council
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Salt Lake City?
- Salt Lake City offers opportunities in construction (rapid growth), logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), manufacturing, healthcare support, and food service. The 'Silicon Slopes' tech sector has created demand for support roles including warehouse, facilities, and food service. The tight labor market means employers are more willing to consider applicants with records.
- Does Salt Lake City have ban-the-box laws?
- Utah has a ban-the-box law for state and local government employers (2017). There is no statewide ban-the-box for private employers, and Salt Lake City does not have an additional local ordinance. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Salt Lake City hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Salt Lake City that work with people with records include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. The construction and logistics sectors create steady demand for workers.
- Is Salt Lake City affordable?
- Salt Lake City's cost of living has increased with rapid growth but remains moderate compared to West Coast cities. The tight labor market means most jobs pay well above minimum wage. Utah has no local income tax surcharges. Surrounding areas like West Valley City and Ogden offer more affordable housing.
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