Felony Friendly Jobs in Syracuse, NY
Syracuse is a mid-sized central New York city with a healthcare-driven economy, supported by Syracuse University and a growing technology sector (Micron Technology is building a massive semiconductor fab nearby). Manufacturing and logistics remain important. New York State's ban-the-box law and Article 23-A provide strong protections. The Micron project will create thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs over the coming years. The cost of living is very affordable.
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Top Employers in Syracuse That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Syracuse, NY 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.
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.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
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 Syracuse for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Education (Syracuse University)
- ✓Manufacturing
- ✓Logistics
- ✓Technology
Staffing Agencies in Syracuse That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Syracuse metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Manpower
- Express Employment Professionals
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Staffmark
New York Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
New York State has Article 23-A and a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers with 15+ employees (effective 2020). Syracuse follows the state law.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
New York State prohibits employers with 15+ employees from asking about criminal history on job applications. Article 23-A requires individualized assessment.
Minimum Wage
$15.50/hr (New York State minimum for upstate — effective 2026)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Syracuse
- 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 Syracuse
- CNY Works
- Goodwill Industries of Central New York
- Center for Community Alternatives
- Syracuse Model Neighborhood Corporation
- Onondaga County Reentry Task Force
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Syracuse?
- Syracuse offers opportunities in construction (Micron semiconductor project driving massive demand), healthcare support, manufacturing, warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), and food service. The Micron project is transforming the local job market.
- Does Syracuse have ban-the-box laws?
- Yes. New York State's ban-the-box law applies to employers with 15+ employees. Article 23-A requires individualized assessment. Syracuse employers must follow all state protections.
- What staffing agencies in Syracuse hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Syracuse include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark. Construction and manufacturing staffing is increasingly active.
- What is the minimum wage in Syracuse?
- Syracuse follows New York State's upstate minimum wage of $15.50 per hour. Construction and manufacturing jobs often start well above minimum wage.
Related Resources
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