Felony Friendly Jobs in Wichita, KS
Wichita is the 'Air Capital of the World,' with major aerospace manufacturers like Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Bombardier/Learjet. While many aerospace positions require background clearance, the supply chain and support industries hire more broadly. Healthcare, food processing, and logistics round out the economy. The cost of living is very low, making it one of the most affordable metros in the country for people starting over.
Last updated:
Top Employers in Wichita That Hire People With Records
These companies have locations in or near Wichita, KS 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.
Amazon hires people with felony records for most warehouse and delivery roles. Background checks are individualized.
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.
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.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Best Industries in Wichita for People With Records
- ✓Aerospace manufacturing
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Agriculture & food processing
- ✓Oil & gas
- ✓Logistics
Staffing Agencies in Wichita That Work With People With Records
Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Wichita metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Kelly Services
- Adecco
- Staffmark
Kansas Employment Laws for People With Records
Ban the Box Status
Kansas does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Wichita does not have a local ban-the-box ordinance.
Fair Chance Hiring Law
Kansas does not have a statewide fair chance hiring law for private employers. Federal EEOC guidelines apply.
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr (federal minimum — Kansas minimum matches federal)
Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Wichita
- 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 Wichita
- KANSASWORKS — Wichita
- Goodwill Industries of Kansas
- Wichita Reentry Coalition
- Breakthrough Club of Greater Wichita
- Kansas Department of Corrections Reentry Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best felony friendly jobs in Wichita?
- Wichita offers opportunities in manufacturing (aerospace supply chain), food processing, warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), construction, retail (Walmart, Target, Kroger), and oil field services. Staffing agencies are a major pathway into manufacturing.
- Does Wichita have ban-the-box laws?
- No. Kansas does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Wichita does not have a local ordinance. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.
- What staffing agencies in Wichita hire felons?
- Staffing agencies in Wichita include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark. Aerospace manufacturing and food processing placements are common.
- What is the minimum wage in Wichita?
- The minimum wage in Wichita is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Aerospace manufacturing and industrial jobs typically start at $15-$22 per hour.
Related Resources
More resources
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Wichita, KS→
- ExpungementExpungement in Kansas→
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go? →
- EducationCDL training programs →
- EducationTrade schools for felons →