Felony Friendly Jobs in Spokane, WA
Spokane is the largest city in eastern Washington and serves as the economic hub for the Inland Northwest. Healthcare is the largest industry, followed by manufacturing and logistics. Washington's Fair Chance Act provides strong ban-the-box protections. The state's high minimum wage ($16.66/hr) combined with Spokane's low cost of living makes it one of the more affordable yet well-paying places to rebuild in the Pacific Northwest.
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Top Employers in Spokane That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Spokane, WA 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.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Starbucks is a recognized second-chance employer and actively hires people with criminal records.
Best Industries in Spokane for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Logistics & distribution
- ✓Agriculture
- ✓Construction
Staffing Agencies in Spokane That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Spokane metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Aerotek
Washington Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Washington State has a statewide Fair Chance Act (2018) that applies to most employers. Spokane follows the state law.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Washington's Fair Chance Act prohibits most employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. Employers cannot inquire until after the applicant is determined to be otherwise qualified. Exceptions exist for law enforcement and certain sensitive positions.
Minimum Wage
$16.66/hr (Washington state minimum — adjusted annually)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Spokane
- 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 Spokane
- WorkSource Spokane
- Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest
- Spokane Workforce Council
- SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs)
- Pioneer Human Services — Eastern WA
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Spokane?
- Spokane offers opportunities in healthcare support, manufacturing, warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), construction, and agriculture. The city's role as a regional hub creates demand across multiple sectors.
- Does Spokane have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. Washington's statewide Fair Chance Act (2018) applies in Spokane. Most employers cannot ask about criminal history on job applications. This gives applicants a fair chance to present their qualifications first.
- What staffing agencies in Spokane hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Spokane include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. Manufacturing and warehouse placements are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Spokane?
- Spokane follows Washington's state minimum wage of $16.66 per hour. Combined with Spokane's low cost of living, this makes entry-level positions more financially viable than in Seattle or Portland.
Related Resources
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