Felony Friendly Jobs in Seattle, WA

Best Industries in Seattle for People With Records

• ✓Technology
• ✓Logistics & warehousing
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Construction
• ✓Food service

Staffing Agencies in Seattle That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Seattle metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.

• Manpower
• Kelly Services
• Express Employment Professionals
• Adecco
• Aerotek

Washington Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Seattle

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Seattle

• Pioneer Human Services
• Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region
• Washington State Employment Security Department
• YWCA Seattle
• WorkSource Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Seattle?

Seattle has strong opportunities in logistics (Amazon is headquartered here), food service (Starbucks headquarters), technology support roles, construction, and healthcare. Amazon's second-chance hiring initiatives, combined with its massive local presence, make it a key employer. Costco, also headquartered nearby, is another option.

Does Seattle have ban-the-box laws?

Yes, on two levels. Washington State has a Fair Chance Act (2018) that applies to most employers statewide. Seattle has its own Fair Chance Employment Ordinance with additional protections, including limitations on using conviction records and requirements to consider rehabilitation evidence. Together, these provide some of the strongest protections in the country.

What is the minimum wage in Seattle?

Seattle's minimum wage is $20.76 per hour for large employers (501+ employees) and $18.76 for smaller employers who provide medical benefits. Washington state's minimum is $16.66/hr. These are among the highest minimum wages in the country.

What is Pioneer Human Services?

Pioneer Human Services is one of the nation's oldest and largest reentry organizations, headquartered in Seattle. They provide housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, and other services. Their social enterprise model includes manufacturing, food services, and staffing businesses that directly employ people with criminal records.