Jobs for Felons in Washington (2026) — Employers, Staffing Agencies & Reentry Programs

Washington Fair Chance Act (2018 HB 1298; RCW 49.94) — employers cannot ask about criminal history until determining an applicant is otherwise qualified, and job ads cannot exclude people with records; Seattle and Spokane add local ordinances.

Effective July 1, 2026, strengthened Fair Chance Act rules require all criminal-history inquiries to wait until after a conditional offer, mandate an individualized assessment with a 'legitimate business reason' for any denial, hold the position open 2 business days, and extend protections to promotions and internal role changes.

No matter what the law says, the practical rule everywhere is the same: employers may consider a record, but they cannot have a blanket no-felons policy. Under EEOC guidance, an employer must look at the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and whether it relates to the job. If you were rejected solely because of a record, you can file a free complaint with the EEOC or your state civil rights agency.

1. Lead with the tax credit and the bond. When the application asks about your record and you get to an interview, be direct: "I have a record from a few years ago. If it matters to your hiring decision, you qualify for a $2,400 Work Opportunity Tax Credit and a free federal bond for my first six months." Employers rarely know these exist — being the candidate who does makes you the low-risk hire.

2. Start with temp, convert to permanent.Temp-to-hire lets an employer see your work ethic before they see your paperwork. Roughly 30–40% of temp placements convert. Accept the first assignment even if it's not ideal — recent work history is the asset that unlocks everything else.

3. Know what Washington employers can ask. Washington restricts when private employers can ask about criminal history — the box can't appear on the initial application. Answer honestly when asked — lying on an application is itself a firing offense and reads worse than most convictions.

4. Check whether your record can be cleared. A pardon or expungement changes the job search completely. Read our Washington expungement guide and Washington pardon guide.

5. Get the interview in person when you can.Records screened by software reject; records evaluated by a human who has met you often don't. Walk in, apply in person for local and service jobs, and ask for the manager. It's the oldest advice there is because it works.