Quick Answer

Yes, Labor Ready does hire people with felonies in 2025. As a staffing company specializing in same-day general labor and light industrial work, Labor Ready (now part of TrueBlue's PeopleReady brand) evaluates workers individually and is one of the most accessible options for people with criminal backgrounds. Day labor positions typically pay $12-$18 per hour with daily or weekly pay options.

General labor, warehouse, construction, and event work are highly accessible. Labor Ready exists specifically to provide flexible work opportunities, making them exceptionally open to hiring people with various felony convictions who can show up ready to work and demonstrate reliability.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Labor Ready

3. Does Labor Ready Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Labor Ready

5. Background Check Process

6. Best entry point

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Labor Ready

Labor Ready, now operating under TrueBlue's PeopleReady brand, is one of the largest providers of on-demand labor and staffing services in North America. They operate hundreds of branch offices across the United States, connecting workers with companies needing temporary labor for construction, warehousing, landscaping, events, and general labor jobs. They dispatch thousands of workers daily to various assignments.

For people with felonies, Labor Ready presents outstanding opportunities. This is one of the most accessible employment options available. Their business model focuses on providing workers immediately to companies needing labor—they care primarily about your ability to show up and work hard, not about perfect backgrounds. Many Labor Ready workers have criminal records.

Labor Ready offers same-day pay options at many locations, which is crucial if you need money immediately. You can work daily assignments without long-term commitments, or you can work consistently and build relationships with client companies that may lead to permanent employment.

The company understands their workforce includes people with barriers to traditional employment. They've built their entire business around providing opportunities to people who might struggle to get hired elsewhere. This makes them uniquely positioned to give you real chances regardless of your criminal history.

Does Labor Ready Hire People with Felonies?

Labor Ready does not have blanket bans on hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate workers individually based on the nature of work available and client company requirements. This case-by-case, assignment-by-assignment approach gives you excellent opportunities.

In practice, Labor Ready regularly hires people with all types of criminal backgrounds. The company exists specifically to provide flexible labor solutions, and they understand that many capable workers have criminal records. They focus on whether you can perform physical work reliably.

The type of conviction matters somewhat depending on specific job assignments. Drug convictions are extremely common among Labor Ready workers and rarely prevent you from getting work. Many people in recovery work successfully through Labor Ready. The company focuses on your current ability to work, not your past.

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you from Labor Ready work. Most assignments involve physical labor rather than customer interaction or vulnerable populations. Many people with violent convictions work regularly through Labor Ready.

Theft convictions are evaluated based on specific assignments. Some client companies may not want workers with theft backgrounds, but many general labor assignments remain available. Labor Ready will work to place you in appropriate assignments.

Sexual offenses are evaluated carefully and may limit some assignments, but don't necessarily prevent all work opportunities. Some construction sites or warehouses have restrictions, while others don't.

Time since conviction helps but matters less at Labor Ready than at most other employers. Even very recent convictions don't automatically prevent work. Labor Ready understands people need jobs immediately after incarceration.

The position matters—but Labor Ready primarily offers general labor, warehouse, construction, landscaping, and event work. These physical labor assignments focus on your ability to work hard, not your background. Some specialized assignments or client companies have specific requirements, but many assignments are accessible.

Location affects opportunities somewhat. Labor Ready branches in different areas have relationships with different client companies. Some clients are very flexible about backgrounds while others have restrictions. However, most branches can find you work regardless of your criminal history.

The bottom line is that Labor Ready is one of the most accessible employment options for people with felonies. If you can show up consistently, work hard physically, and follow instructions, you have excellent chances of getting work assignments regularly.

Available Jobs at Labor Ready

Labor Ready provides workers for various temporary assignments. Here are common job types:

General Labor

($12-$16/hour)

You'll perform various physical tasks like moving materials, loading/unloading trucks, cleaning, demolition work, and whatever clients need. No experience required. This is the most common and accessible assignment type. If you can do physical work, you can get these assignments regardless of your background.

Warehouse Worker

($13-$17/hour)

You'll pick orders, pack boxes, load trucks, organize inventory, and support warehouse operations. Physical work requiring lifting and organization. Very accessible for people with criminal backgrounds because the work is straightforward.

Construction Laborer

($14-$18/hour)

You'll assist construction crews, move materials, clean job sites, and perform general construction support. Physical outdoor work requiring stamina. Very common assignment type at Labor Ready. Many construction companies care only about your ability to work hard.

Landscaping Helper

($13-$16/hour)

You'll assist with mowing, trimming, planting, cleanup, and general landscaping tasks. Physical outdoor work in various weather. Good assignments for people who prefer working outside.

Event Staff

($12-$15/hour)

You'll set up and tear down events, move equipment, assist with concerts, sports events, festivals, and conventions. Physical work often with evening or weekend hours. Good if you prefer variety in work locations.

Moving Helper

($14-$17/hour)

You'll help moving companies load and unload trucks, carry furniture, and assist with relocations. Very physical work requiring strength and care with belongings. Good pay for physical work.

Production Worker

($13-$16/hour)

You'll work in manufacturing facilities on production lines, assembly, or packaging. Repetitive physical work. Good assignments if you prefer indoor factory work.

Cleanup Crew

($12-$15/hour)

You'll clean construction sites, buildings, or properties. Physical work requiring thoroughness. Very accessible for people with various backgrounds because it's straightforward work.

Best entry point

General Labor assignments offer the easiest entry. Show up at a Labor Ready branch, fill out basic paperwork, and you can potentially work that same day. No experience required. Once you prove reliability, you'll get called for better assignments and may develop relationships with client companies leading to permanent employment or consistent work.

Background Check Process

Understanding Labor Ready's approach to backgrounds helps you know what to expect.

Labor Ready's background check process differs from traditional employers. They may conduct basic background checks, but their approach is much more flexible. The process varies by location and specific client company requirements.

For many general labor assignments, Labor Ready conducts minimal or no background checks initially. They want to get you working quickly. Some client companies require background checks before sending workers, while others don't. Labor Ready handles this on an assignment-by-assignment basis.

When background checks are conducted, they typically look back seven years. However, many assignments don't require extensive checks. Labor Ready focuses more on your availability and work ethic than deep background screening.

The process is usually very quick—often 1-3 days if required at all for specific assignments. Many workers start same-day without any background check. Drug testing policies vary significantly by client company—some require testing while many don't. You'll be told if a specific assignment requires testing.

If something appears on a background check that prevents you from working for one specific client company, Labor Ready will simply place you with different clients who don't have those restrictions. This flexibility is a major advantage.

Labor Ready operates in all states and follows local laws including ban-the-box regulations where applicable. Their model naturally aligns with fair chance hiring because they need workers immediately.

The key difference from traditional employment is that Labor Ready evaluates you assignment-by-assignment rather than making one hiring decision. Even if one client company won't accept you due to your background, many others will.

Application Tips

1. Visit Labor Ready branches in person. While they have online options, walking into a branch is the fastest way to get registered and potentially work same-day. Find your nearest branch at peopleready.com.

   
   

2. Bring required documents: valid ID, Social Security card or birth certificate. Having proper documentation ready speeds up registration. Some branches may have additional requirements.

   
   

3. Arrive early in the morning (6am-7am). This is when most assignments are dispatched. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you get sent out to work that day.

   
   

4. Be honest about your criminal background if asked. Labor Ready is more flexible than most employers. Honesty helps them place you in appropriate assignments. Hiding your background can create problems later.

   
   

5. Dress for physical work. Wear work boots, jeans or work pants, and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring work gloves. Looking ready to work increases your chances of being sent out.

   
   

6. Show up consistently. The key to success at Labor Ready is reliability. Show up every day ready to work. Consistent workers get called first for the best assignments.

   
   

7. Work hard and follow instructions on every assignment. Client companies often request specific workers again. If you work hard, you'll get called back repeatedly and may be offered permanent positions.

   
   

8. Accept any assignment offered initially. Don't be picky when starting. Take whatever work is available to prove yourself. You can be more selective once you're established.

   
   

9. Sign up for daily pay options if available. Many branches offer JobStack app with same-day payment options. This gets money in your hands immediately after working.

   
   

10. Build relationships with branch staff. Being friendly and professional with Labor Ready staff gets you remembered for good assignments. They dispatch workers they trust to their best clients.

    
    

11. Ask about longer-term assignments. Some clients need workers for weeks or months. Once you prove yourself, express interest in longer assignments that provide more stability.

    
    

12. Be ready for any type of work. Don't turn down assignments because they don't sound appealing. All work pays, and every assignment builds your reputation.

    
    

13. Communicate transportation reliability. If you have dependable transportation or live near the branch, mention this. Many assignments are last-minute and require getting to various locations.

    
    

14. Learn from experienced workers. Talk to other Labor Ready workers about which assignments are best, which clients treat workers well, and how to maximize your opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at Labor Ready?

Drug convictions are extremely common among Labor Ready workers and rarely prevent you from getting assignments. Labor Ready understands many workers are in recovery and focuses on your current ability to work. Some client companies require drug testing while many don't—you'll be told if a specific assignment requires testing. Be honest about your conviction if asked. The company cares more about whether you'll show up and work hard than about your past drug issues. Many people with recent drug felonies work successfully through Labor Ready while maintaining their recovery.

Does Labor Ready do drug testing?

Drug testing policies vary significantly at Labor Ready. The company itself may conduct minimal testing, but specific client companies often have their own requirements. Some assignments require pre-assignment drug tests while many don't. You'll be informed before being sent to any assignment that requires testing. This flexibility means that even if you can't pass drug tests currently, many assignments remain available. However, to maximize your opportunities, being able to pass drug tests opens up more work options.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Labor Ready?

You don't need to wait at all. Labor Ready is designed to help people get work immediately, including those recently released from incarceration. Many branches specifically work with reentry programs and understand people need jobs right away. Even if your conviction was last week, you can register and potentially work the same day. Labor Ready is one of the best options for people who need income immediately after conviction or release. Just show up ready to work.

Can I work at Labor Ready while on probation or parole?

Yes, absolutely. Labor Ready is ideal for people on supervision because they can accommodate check-in schedules and provide flexible daily work. Many probation and parole officers specifically recommend Labor Ready because it provides immediate employment verification and flexible scheduling. Be upfront with both Labor Ready and your supervision officer about your situation. Some branches even have direct relationships with reentry programs and work cooperatively with the justice system. The daily or weekly work structure fits well with supervision requirements.

Will violent felonies prevent me from getting work?

Violent felonies don't automatically prevent Labor Ready work. Most assignments involve physical labor on construction sites, warehouses, or moving jobs where your criminal history matters less than your ability to work safely and follow instructions. Some client companies have restrictions about violent convictions while many don't. Labor Ready will work to place you in appropriate assignments. Be honest about your conviction—they can't help you if they don't know. Many people with violent felonies work regularly through Labor Ready in general labor and construction assignments.

What if I have theft convictions?

Theft convictions may limit some assignments but don't prevent all work. Some client companies (especially retail or warehouses with high-value inventory) won't accept workers with theft backgrounds. However, many construction, landscaping, and general labor assignments remain available. Labor Ready will place you where appropriate. Be honest about your theft conviction so they don't send you to clients who won't accept you. Many workers with theft convictions find plenty of work through general labor, moving, event setup, and construction assignments.

Can I get permanent employment through Labor Ready?

Yes, many Labor Ready workers transition to permanent employment with client companies. This is actually one of the best pathways to stable employment for people with felonies. Work consistently through Labor Ready, prove your reliability and work ethic, and client companies often request you repeatedly. After working for a client regularly, they may offer you permanent employment directly. This "temp-to-hire" pathway lets you prove yourself before companies commit to hiring you, which can overcome concerns about your background. Many people have used Labor Ready as a stepping stone to permanent jobs.

What if I don't have transportation?

Lack of transportation is a challenge at Labor Ready because assignments are at various locations throughout the area. However, some branches are near public transportation hubs and offer assignments accessible by bus or train. Some workers coordinate rides with other Labor Ready workers. Be honest about your transportation situation—branches may have assignments within walking distance or accessible by public transit. Having reliable transportation dramatically increases your opportunities, but some work is still possible without a car if you're near a well-located branch.

What should I do if one assignment doesn't work out?

If a particular assignment doesn't work out for any reason, just return to the Labor Ready branch and they'll work to place you somewhere else. Unlike traditional employment where one bad experience can mean losing your job, Labor Ready's model gives you ongoing chances. Even if you don't fit well with one client company, many other assignments are available. The key is learning from each experience and continuously showing up ready to work. Your overall pattern of reliability matters more than any single assignment.

How quickly can I start making money?

Potentially the same day you register. Many Labor Ready branches dispatch workers same-day for immediate assignments. If you arrive early morning with proper documentation, you could be working within hours and get paid that evening through daily pay options at many locations. This immediate income is one of the biggest advantages of Labor Ready for people with felonies who need money urgently. Traditional jobs take weeks from application to first paycheck—Labor Ready can put money in your pocket today.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Labor Ready doesn't work out or you want to explore similar temporary staffing options, consider these companies:

PeopleReady: This is actually the current brand name for Labor Ready, owned by TrueBlue. They operate the same way and are very accessible to people with felonies.

Kelly Services: General staffing company that hires people with criminal backgrounds for various temporary assignments.

Manpower: Large staffing firm placing workers in industrial, clerical, and technical positions. They work with people who have felonies.

Trillium Staffing: Staffing agency specializing in industrial and manufacturing placements. Known for giving chances to people with criminal backgrounds.

Express Employment Professionals: Staffing company with offices nationwide that hires people with felonies for various temporary and temp-to-hire positions.

Final Thoughts

Labor Ready (now PeopleReady) offers exceptional opportunities for people with felony convictions who need work immediately. Their business model is built around providing fast access to employment for those who might face barriers elsewhere. Same-day work, daily pay options, and minimal entry requirements make them one of the best options for people with criminal records.

Take action today: Visit your nearest PeopleReady branch early in the morning with proper ID and Social Security documentation. Dress ready to work, be honest about your background, and accept any assignments offered. Show up consistently and work hard—many people with felonies have used PeopleReady to regain financial stability and transition to permanent employment.

Start here: Visit peopleready.com/careers to find locations and apply online if needed, then follow up in person to maximize your chances.