Quick Answer

Yes, ABM Industries hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

With 140,000+ employees providing janitorial, maintenance, parking, and facility services nationwide, starting wages of $13–$18/ hour, diverse service lines from cleaning to HVAC, no licensing requirements for most positions, and advancement potential to supervisory or management roles earning $40,000–$70,000+/year, ABM offers one of the most accessible employment paths for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About ABM Industries

3. ABM Industries Hiring Policy

4. Available Jobs

5. Background Check

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About ABM Industries

ABM Industries (American Building Maintenance) is one of the largest facility services providers in the United States, employing more than 140,000 people nationwide.

The company delivers janitorial, engineering, maintenance, HVAC, electrical, parking, and security services to office buildings, hospitals, airports, schools, and manufacturing facilities.

For applicants with criminal records, ABM provides exceptional accessibility due to its no state licensing requirement for janitorial and maintenance jobs, constant staffing needs, and diverse service lines. Entry-level cleaning or maintenance roles allow employees to gain experience, earn promotions, and pursue technical training in skilled trades like HVAC or electrical systems.

ABM Industries Hiring Policy

ABM considers each applicant individually based on position type and client site requirements.

Approach:

• Case-by-case evaluation for all positions

• No state licensing required for janitorial or maintenance

• Individual assessment by hiring managers

• Client requirements may vary by facility

• Documented record of accessible hiring

What ABM Considers:

• Nature and timing of conviction

• Relevance to job duties

• Type of facility or client

• Work history and reliability

• Rehabilitation and professional growth

Most Accessible ABM Roles:

1. Janitor/Custodian – cleaning roles; no licensing; behind-the-scenes

2. Maintenance Technician – entry-level technical building maintenance

3. Parking Attendant – customer-facing but accessible

4. Engineering Technician – HVAC, electrical, plumbing (requires training)

Less Accessible Roles:

• Security positions (state guard licensing required; more restricted)

Available Jobs

Janitor / Custodian

($13–$17/ hour)

Performs cleaning, trash removal, and sanitation for offices and facilities. Most accessible position—no licensing or public interaction required.

Maintenance Technician

($16–$24/ hour)

Handles basic building maintenance, repairs, and preventive upkeep. Technical skills a plus; no licensing required.

HVAC Technician

($20–$32/ hour)

Maintains heating, ventilation, and cooling systems. Certification and experience increase pay potential.

Electrical / Plumbing Technician

($22–$35/ hour)

Specialized work on building systems; requires technical training or prior experience.

Parking Attendant

($13–$17/ hour)

Oversees parking operations and customer service at garages or lots.

Supervisor / Lead

($18–$26/ hour)

Supervises janitorial or maintenance crews, assigns tasks, and ensures quality control.

Facility Manager

($45,000–$75,000/year → $22–$36/ hour equivalent)

Manages all operations for client facilities, including maintenance and cleaning staff.

Career Paths:

• Janitorial Track: Janitor ($13–$17/hour) → Lead ($16–$20/hour) → Supervisor ($18–$26/hour) → Facility Manager ($22–$36/hour)

• Technical Track: Maintenance Tech ($16–$24/hour) → HVAC/Electrical/Plumbing ($20–$35/hour) → Chief Engineer ($55k–$85k)

ABM offers in-house technical training for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems—helping employees build valuable skilled trade credentials.

Background Check

• 7-year criminal history review

• Case-by-case evaluation

• No licensing for janitorial or maintenance (major advantage)

• Some client sites have additional requirements

• Drug testing required before employment

Application Tips

1. Start with janitorial roles. These positions have no licensing and are the easiest entry point.

   
   

2. Apply for overnight shifts. Offices and schools often need night cleaners.

   
   

3. Show reliability. Emphasize attendance and dependability.

   
   

4. Express technical interest. Mention a desire to learn HVAC, electrical, or maintenance skills.

   
   

5. Apply to multiple locations. ABM serves thousands of clients nationwide.

   
   

6. Demonstrate physical ability. Cleaning and maintenance require lifting and stamina.

   
   

7. Keep a professional appearance. Clean uniforms and presentation matter even in janitorial work.

   
   

8. Show long-term goals. Express interest in career growth toward facility management.

   
   

9. Be honest but brief about past convictions—focus on current strengths.

   
   

10. Follow up politely with hiring managers after submitting applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ABM hire someone with a felony?

Yes. ABM evaluates candidates individually and hires many people with prior convictions.

What’s the easiest position to get?

Janitor or Custodian—no licensing, behind-the-scenes cleaning work, and frequent openings.

Do janitorial or maintenance roles require a license?

No. Unlike security positions, these jobs have no state licensing barriers.

Does ABM train employees?

Yes. ABM provides training in building systems, HVAC, and maintenance for advancement.

How much do HVAC or skilled technicians earn?

Typically $20–$35/ hour, depending on certification and experience.

Can I work on probation or parole?

Yes, if approved by your probation officer and the client site allows it.

Are overnight shifts available?

Yes. Most janitorial teams work evening or overnight shifts (often 11 p.m.–7 a.m.).

Does ABM drug test?

Yes. A pre-employment drug test is standard for most roles.

How large is ABM?

Over 140,000 employees nationwide—one of the largest facility services companies in the U.S.

Is there room for promotion?

Yes. Many supervisors and managers started in janitorial or maintenance positions.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• C&W Services – National facilities provider with cleaning and maintenance jobs.

• ISS Facility Services – Global facilities management company with accessible janitorial roles.

• Aramark – Offers both food service and facilities management jobs.

• Sodexo – Provides custodial and maintenance services in schools and hospitals.

• Local janitorial companies – Often flexible and frequently hire second-chance applicants.

Final Thoughts

ABM Industries provides one of the most open and accessible employment pathways for people with felony convictions.

With 140,000+ employees, case-by-case hiring, and no licensing requirement for janitorial or maintenance work, ABM offers real opportunity for steady income and advancement. Employees can begin in cleaning or entry-level maintenance, gain technical training, and move into roles paying $20–$35/ hour or management earning $45,000–$75,000+ per year.

Apply directly at ABM.com/careers to explore available janitorial and maintenance openings near you.