Felony Friendly Jobs in Springfield, IL
Springfield is Illinois's capital city, with government as the single largest employer. Healthcare (Memorial Health, HSHS St. John's) is the biggest private sector. The job market is heavily government-influenced, which can be challenging for people with records since many state jobs have background check requirements. However, food service, retail, and healthcare support roles provide opportunities. Illinois's ban-the-box law and $14.00/hr minimum wage provide important protections.
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Top Employers in Springfield That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Springfield, IL and are known to consider applicants with criminal records.
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.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
McDonald's franchise owners set their own hiring policies. Many locations do hire people with records.
Walgreens hires people with records for non-pharmacy store roles. Pharmacy positions require clean records.
Best Industries in Springfield for People With Records
- ✓Government
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Education
- ✓Retail
- ✓Food service
Staffing Agencies in Springfield That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Springfield metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Express Employment Professionals
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Staffmark
Illinois Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Illinois has a statewide ban-the-box law (Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act) that prohibits private employers with 15+ employees from asking about criminal history on job applications. Springfield follows the state law.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Illinois law prohibits employers with 15+ employees from inquiring about criminal records until after an interview or conditional offer. Springfield employers must follow the state law.
Minimum Wage
$14.00/hr (Illinois state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Springfield
- 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 Springfield
- Illinois Department of Employment Security — Springfield
- Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois
- Springfield Urban League
- Helping Hands of Springfield
- Sangamon County Reentry Council
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Springfield, IL?
- Springfield offers opportunities in healthcare support, food service, retail (Walmart, Target, Kroger), construction, and some private-sector office work. The government-heavy economy means many positions have strict background requirements, but the private sector is more accessible.
- Does Springfield, IL have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. Illinois's statewide ban-the-box law applies to employers with 15+ employees in Springfield. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications.
- What staffing agencies in Springfield, IL hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Springfield include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark. Healthcare support and general labor placements are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Springfield, IL?
- Springfield follows Illinois's state minimum wage of $14.00 per hour. Healthcare and service jobs typically pay at or above minimum wage.
Related Resources
Company hiring guides
More resources
- ExpungementExpungement in Illinois→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →