Felony Friendly Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Tucson is a more affordable alternative to Phoenix with a growing economy. Healthcare (Banner Health, University of Arizona Medical Center) is the largest employer. The military presence at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base creates civilian support jobs. Arizona's $14.70/hr minimum wage applies. The mining industry in southern Arizona provides well-paying industrial jobs.
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Top Employers in Tucson That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Tucson, AZ 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.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
Best Industries in Tucson for People With Records
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Education (University of Arizona)
- ✓Military (Davis-Monthan AFB)
- ✓Mining
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Tucson That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Tucson metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Labor Finders
- Adecco
Arizona Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Arizona does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Tucson passed a ban-the-box ordinance for city employment.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Arizona lacks statewide fair chance legislation for private employers. Tucson's ban-the-box applies to city positions. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$14.70/hr (Arizona state minimum)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Tucson
- 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 Tucson
- Arizona@Work — Pima County
- Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona
- Primavera Foundation
- Our Family Services
- Pima County Reentry Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Tucson?
- Tucson offers opportunities in healthcare support, logistics (Amazon, UPS), construction, food service, and mining-related industries. The University of Arizona campus also generates food service, facilities, and support jobs. Mining operations in the southern Arizona region provide industrial employment.
- Does Tucson have ban-the-box laws?
- Arizona does not have a statewide ban-the-box for private employers. Tucson has a ban-the-box ordinance for city government employment. Private employers can ask about criminal history. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- Is Tucson affordable?
- Yes. Tucson is significantly more affordable than Phoenix and most other metro areas. Housing costs are well below the national average. Arizona's $14.70/hr minimum wage and the moderate cost of living make Tucson one of the more affordable cities in the Southwest for people starting over.
- What staffing agencies in Tucson hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Tucson that work with people with records include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Labor Finders, and Adecco.
Related Resources
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