Felon Friendly Jobs in Arizona
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Arizona offers exceptional second-chance employment opportunities, particularly in Phoenix’s massive warehousing and logistics sector, construction across the Sun Belt boom, and the hospitality industry serving millions of tourists annually. Major employers like Amazon, Walmart, Fry’s Food Stores, and countless construction companies actively hire individuals with criminal records. Arizona enacted ban-the-box legislation for public employers and some private contractors, and federal FCRA rules limit background checks to seven years for most positions. With starting wages ranging from $14-$18/hour for entry-level positions and $45,000-$75,000 annually for CDL drivers, skilled trades, and construction supervisors, Arizona’s rapid growth and business-friendly environment create abundant pathways to employment for those with criminal backgrounds.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO ARIZONA’S SECOND-CHANCE JOB MARKET
Arizona’s explosive growth creates extraordinary opportunities for individuals with criminal records seeking employment and fresh starts. The Grand Canyon State’s economy—driven by logistics, construction, healthcare, tourism, and technology—generates thousands of jobs monthly where employers prioritize current capability over past mistakes.
Phoenix’s position as a logistics hub serving the Southwest creates massive demand for warehouse workers, forklift operators, and truck drivers. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and hundreds of third-party logistics companies operate fulfillment and distribution centers throughout the Valley of the Sun. Starting wages of $16-$18/hour with benefits represent genuine opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives.
Arizona’s construction boom—fueled by population growth exceeding 100,000 annually—creates insatiable demand for laborers, equipment operators, and skilled tradespeople. Construction companies throughout Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff struggle to find workers, making criminal background secondary to reliability and work ethic. Starting wages of $16-$20/hour for laborers escalate quickly to $25-$35/hour for experienced workers and skilled trades.
The hospitality and tourism sector serving 45+ million annual visitors needs housekeepers, food service workers, and guest services staff at resorts throughout Scottsdale, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Tucson. Many hospitality employers prioritize customer service skills over criminal history, especially for back-of-house positions.
Arizona’s legal landscape supports reentry success. The state enacted ban-the-box legislation requiring public employers and many private contractors to delay criminal history questions until conditional job offers. Arizona also offers set-aside relief for many convictions, preventing them from appearing on most background checks. Combined with federal FCRA seven-year limitations, Arizona provides better legal protections than many states.
Phoenix’s emergence as a tech hub creates opportunities beyond traditional blue-collar work. Companies like Intel, American Express, and numerous startups increasingly embrace “skills-based hiring” that deemphasizes credentials including criminal background. While tech jobs require specific skills, coding bootcamps and certificate programs provide accessible pathways.
ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS THAT HIRE FELONS IN ARIZONA
Arizona’s diverse economy offers numerous entry points for individuals with criminal records, from massive warehouses to construction sites to hospitality operations.
WAREHOUSE & DISTRIBUTION
Amazon
Operates 10+ fulfillment and sortation centers across the Phoenix metro area including facilities in Goodyear, Phoenix, Tempe, and Tolleson. Starting pay ranges from $16-$18.50/hour with full benefits from day one including health insurance, 401(k), and tuition assistance. Amazon evaluates applications individually rather than implementing blanket felony bans. Positions include warehouse associates, sortation associates, and shift leads. Night and weekend shifts often pay $1-$2/hour additional differential.
Walmart Distribution Centers
In Casa Grande, Buckeye, and Apache Junction hire order fillers, forklift operators, and warehouse associates starting at $17-$20/hour. Walmart conducts background checks but evaluates applications case-by-case with focus on time since conviction and offense type. Strong internal promotion culture with clear pathways to supervisory roles paying $22-$28/hour.
Target Distribution Centers
In Phoenix operate similarly to Walmart with starting pay of $16.50-$19/hour for warehouse associates. Target evaluates criminal backgrounds individually and offers benefits from day one.
UPS
Hub operations in Phoenix and Tucson need package handlers starting at $15.50-$17/hour with union benefits and clear advancement to driver positions ($35-$40/hour) within 2-4 years. While UPS conducts background checks, they consider time since conviction and offense nature rather than automatic disqualification.
FedEx Ground
Contractors throughout Arizona hire warehouse workers and delivery drivers starting at $15-$17/hour. As independent contractors, FedEx Ground operators have hiring flexibility and often give second chances to motivated candidates.
CONSTRUCTION
Arizona’s construction boom creates massive demand for laborers willing to work in extreme heat (summer temperatures exceed 110°F).
Sundt Construction, Hensel Phelps, and Kitchell
Are major Arizona general contractors that evaluate workers individually. Construction laborer positions start at $16-$19/hour with quick advancement to $20-$25/hour for skilled laborers. Many contractors prioritize reliability over background.
Residential construction companies
Throughout Phoenix and Tucson constantly need framers, roofers, concrete workers, and general laborers. Pay starts at $15-$18/hour with piece-rate opportunities allowing high earners to make $25-$30/hour. Smaller contractors often care more about work ethic than criminal history.
Landscaping companies
Need workers year-round (even in summer heat) with starting pay of $14-$17/hour. Many landscaping companies actively hire individuals with criminal records and provide training.
FOOD SERVICE & HOSPITALITY
McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s,
And other fast-food franchises across Arizona pay $13-$15/hour for crew members, with shift leaders earning $15-$17/hour. Franchise owners have hiring autonomy, and many explicitly welcome second-chance applicants.
Fry’s Food Stores (Kroger subsidiary)
Operates 100+ locations across Arizona with starting pay of $14-$16/hour for courtesy clerks and cashiers. Fry’s evaluates criminal backgrounds individually and employs many individuals with felony convictions. Union jobs with benefits and advancement opportunities.
Safeway/Albertsons
Stores throughout Arizona offer similar opportunities at $14-$16/hour with union representation and individualized background review.
Resort housekeeping and food service
Positions in Scottsdale, Sedona, Phoenix, and Tucson pay $14-$17/hour. Many resorts focus on reliability and customer service skills rather than criminal history, especially for back-of-house positions.
RETAIL
Goodwill Industries
Operates dozens of Arizona locations with explicit mission to employ individuals facing barriers including criminal records. Starting pay $13-$15/hour for retail associates, with supervisory positions at $16-$19/hour. Goodwill also provides job training and placement services.
Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar
Stores hire cashiers and stockers at $12-$14/hour. High turnover means these chains focus on availability rather than background.
DELIVERY & GIG WORK
DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart
Conduct background checks but may approve drivers with older non-violent felonies. Earnings vary widely but average $15-$22/hour during peak times in Phoenix metro. Excellent way to generate income while seeking traditional employment.
TOP 20 FELON-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERS IN ARIZONA
1. AMAZON (Phoenix metro, Tucson)
Industry: E-commerce fulfillment
Positions: Warehouse associates, sortation, shift leads
Pay Range: $16-$24/hour
10+ Arizona facilities with individualized background review. Day-one benefits including health insurance, 401(k), tuition assistance. Clear advancement pathways.
2. WALMART (Statewide)
Industry: Retail & distribution
Positions: Cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers, truck drivers
Pay Range: $15-$26/hour
Multiple distribution centers and 80+ stores. Case-by-case background evaluation. Strong promotion culture.
3. FRY’S FOOD STORES (Phoenix, Tucson areas)
Industry: Grocery retail
Positions: Courtesy clerks, cashiers, deli workers, stockers
Pay Range: $14-$19/hour
100+ locations across Arizona. Union jobs with individualized background review. Benefits and job security.
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4. TARGET (Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff)
Industry: Retail & distribution
Positions: Store associates, warehouse workers, distribution
Pay Range: $15-$20/hour
Multiple stores and distribution centers. Individual background evaluation and day-one benefits.
5. INTEL (Phoenix area)
Industry: Semiconductor manufacturing
Positions: Production technicians, facilities, cleanroom staff
Pay Range: $18-$28/hour
Arizona’s largest private employer. Some positions accessible to individuals with older non-violent convictions. Extensive training provided. Excellent benefits.
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6. BANNER HEALTH (Statewide)
Industry: Healthcare
Positions: Environmental services, food service, facilities, some patient care
Pay Range: $15-$22/hour
Arizona’s largest employer. Support service positions often accessible depending on conviction type and age. Patient care positions have stricter requirements.
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7. AMERICAN EXPRESS (Phoenix)
Industry: Financial services
Positions: Customer service, operations support, tech support
Pay Range: $17-$25/hour
Major Phoenix employer increasingly focused on skills-based hiring. Some positions accessible to individuals with older non-violent convictions. Remote work options available.
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8. USPS (Statewide)
Industry: Postal service
Positions: Mail handlers, clerks, carriers
Pay Range: $18-$24/hour
Federal employer with structured background review process. Many individuals with older convictions successfully employed. Excellent benefits and job security.
9. SWIFT TRANSPORTATION (Phoenix)
Industry: Trucking
Positions: CDL-A drivers, mechanics, yard workers
Pay Range: $50,000-$75,000/year
(drivers)Headquartered in Phoenix. Second-chance CDL training program. Reviews criminal history case-by-case with focus on driving record. One of the largest trucking companies in America.
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10. KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION (Phoenix)
Industry: Trucking
Positions: CDL drivers, owner-operators
Pay Range: $55,000-$80,000/year
Major Phoenix-based carrier. Evaluates drivers with criminal backgrounds over 7 years old individually. Paid training available.
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11. PETSMART (Phoenix HQ, statewide stores)
Industry: Pet retail
Positions: Store associates, pet trainers, grooming, distribution
Pay Range: $13-$18/hour
Headquartered in Phoenix with distribution and stores statewide. Individualized background review with focus on animal-related offenses only for certain positions.
12. SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET (Phoenix HQ, statewide)
Industry: Grocery retail
Positions: Clerks, stockers, prepared foods, distribution
Pay Range: $14-$19/hour
Headquartered in Phoenix. Case-by-case background evaluation. Distribution center in Phoenix offers higher wages.
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13. BASHAS’ FAMILY OF STORES (Statewide)
Industry: Grocery retail
Positions: Cashiers, stockers, deli, bakery
Pay Range: $13-$17/hour
Arizona-based grocery chain. Individualized hiring decisions. Community focus and long-term employees valued.
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14. HOME DEPOT (Statewide)
Industry: Home improvement retail
Positions: Sales associates, lot attendants, freight, cashiers
Pay Range: $15-$19/hour
50+ Arizona locations. Evaluates criminal backgrounds case-by-case. Advancement opportunities to department supervisor and beyond.
15. LOWE’S (Statewide)
Industry: Home improvement retail
Positions: Sales specialists, stockers, loaders, cashiers
Pay Range: $15-$19/hour
Multiple Arizona locations with individual background assessment. Structured training and advancement programs.
16. CARVANA (Phoenix area)
Industry: Online auto sales
Positions: Vehicle inspectors, photographers, logistics, customer service
Pay Range: $16-$22/hour
Tech-focused company with flexible hiring practices. Some positions accessible to individuals with older non-violent convictions.
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17. REPUBLIC SERVICES (Statewide)
Industry: Waste management
Positions: Truck drivers, sorters, equipment operators
Pay Range: $16-$26/hour
Waste collection and recycling services. CDL positions available. Background checks conducted but focus on driving record and safety.
18. WASTE MANAGEMENT (Statewide)
Industry: Waste services
Positions: Drivers, collection workers, sorters, mechanics
Pay Range: $17-$28/hour
Similar to Republic Services. CDL positions well-paying. Individual background evaluation.
19. CINTAS (Phoenix, Tucson)
Industry: Uniform services
Positions: Route drivers, production associates, customer service
Pay Range: $15-$22/hour
Fortune 500 company with documented second-chance hiring. Training provided with advancement opportunities.
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20. FEDEX FREIGHT (Phoenix, Tucson)
Industry: LTL trucking
Positions: Dock workers, drivers, warehouse
Pay Range: $18-$30/hour
Union positions with excellent benefits. Dock workers can advance to driver positions. Background checks but individual evaluation.
FELON-FRIENDLY JOBS BY MAJOR ARIZONA CITY
PHOENIX & METRO AREA (Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Chandler)
Phoenix metro contains 75% of Arizona’s population and offers the state’s most diverse opportunities.
Amazon Fulfillment Centers (Multiple locations): Warehouse associates $16-$18.50/hour with full benefits and individualized background review.
Walmart Distribution Centers (Buckeye, Apache Junction): Order fillers and warehouse workers $17-$20/hour with advancement opportunities.
Intel (Chandler, Ocotillo): Production technicians and facilities positions $18-$28/hour for those with clean or older records.
Sky Harbor Airport contractors: Food service, janitorial, and ground services $14-$19/hour through various contractors.
Construction companies (Valley-wide): Laborers starting $16-$19/hour with quick advancement for reliable workers.
TUCSON
Arizona’s second-largest city offers opportunities in aerospace, military support, tourism, and traditional retail/logistics.
Amazon Fulfillment Center: Warehouse positions $16-$18/hour with standard Amazon benefits and hiring practices.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense: Some support and facilities positions may be accessible depending on conviction type, though many require security clearances. Pay $18-$30/hour for accessible positions.
Davis-Monthan AFB contractors: Food service, janitorial, and base support through contractors at $15-$20/hour. Background requirements vary by contract.
Fry’s Food Stores (Multiple locations): Retail positions $14-$16/hour with union representation.
Tucson resorts and hotels: Housekeeping and food service $14-$17/hour with focus on reliability over background.
FLAGSTAFF
Northern Arizona’s mountain town offers tourism, education support, and retail opportunities.
Target: Retail and backroom positions $15-$17/hour with individualized background review.
Ski resorts (Arizona Snowbowl): Seasonal positions October-April in food service, lift operations, facilities at $14-$17/hour.
Hotel/motel chains: Housekeeping and front desk $13-$16/hour serving I-40 and Grand Canyon tourists.
Northern Arizona University contractors: Food service and facilities positions $14-$17/hour through contractors like Aramark and Sodexo.
Construction companies: Summer season laborers $16-$20/hour for commercial and residential projects.
MESA
Arizona’s third-largest city is part of Phoenix metro but warrants separate mention for concentration of opportunities.
Boeing (formerly MD Helicopters): Some production and facilities positions accessible depending on background. Pay $18-$26/hour.
Banner Health Desert Medical Center: Environmental services and food service positions $15-$19/hour with case-by-case review.
Fry’s and Safeway (Multiple locations): Retail positions $14-$16/hour.
Amazon Sortation Center: Package handlers $16-$17/hour with flexible schedules.
Local staffing agencies: Express Employment, Aerotek, and others place workers in manufacturing and warehouse positions $15-$20/hour.
YUMA
Border city with agriculture-based economy offers unique seasonal opportunities.
Agricultural operations: Seasonal field work and packing houses $14-$17/hour during harvest (November-April). Many ag employers prioritize work ethic over background.
Walmart Distribution Center: Warehouse workers $17-$19/hour with year-round employment.
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma contractors: Food service and facilities positions $15-$19/hour through base contractors.
Fry’s Food Stores: Retail positions $13-$15/hour (lower than Phoenix due to cost of living).
Trucking companies: Border proximity creates demand for CDL drivers and warehouse workers $18-$25/hour.
HIGHEST-PAYING JOBS FOR FELONS IN ARIZONA
CDL TRUCKING ($50,000-$80,000/year)
Arizona’s position as a Southwest logistics hub creates massive demand for truck drivers. Phoenix-based carriers including Swift Transportation and Knight Transportation both offer second-chance CDL training programs.
Local/regional CDL-A drivers earn $55,000-$65,000 annually with home time most nights. Over-the-road drivers earn $60,000-$80,000. Most companies require felony convictions to be at least 5-7 years old and evaluate applications individually, with driving record mattering more than criminal record.
Waste Management and Republic Services also hire CDL drivers for residential and commercial routes at $50,000-$70,000 annually with home daily.
SKILLED CONSTRUCTION TRADES ($45,000-$80,000/year)
Arizona’s construction boom creates desperate need for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other skilled tradespeople. Journeyman electricians earn $28-$38/hour ($58,000-$79,000 annually), with apprentices starting at $17-$22/hour.
HVAC technicians are particularly in demand due to Arizona’s climate. Journeymen earn $25-$35/hour ($52,000-$73,000 annually). Many employers care more about technical ability than criminal background once you’re certified.
Union apprenticeships (IBEW Local 640 for electricians, UA Local 469 for plumbers/pipefitters) provide earn-while-you-learn training and may accept applicants with criminal records depending on conviction type and demonstration of rehabilitation.
SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING ($40,000-$75,000/year)
Intel’s massive Arizona presence (12,000+ employees) and TSMC’s new $40 billion fabrication plants create thousands of production technician and facilities positions.
Starting pay for production technicians ranges from $18-$22/hour ($37,000-$46,000 annually) with extensive overtime pushing earnings to $50,000-$60,000.
Experienced technicians and process engineers earn $25-$35/hour ($52,000-$73,000 annually). While not all positions are accessible to individuals with criminal records, many production and facilities roles evaluate applicants individually, especially for older non-violent convictions. Intel provides extensive paid training.
CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION ($50,000-$75,000/year)
Starting as a construction laborer at $16-$19/hour can lead to foreman and superintendent positions earning $25-$35/hour ($52,000-$73,000 annually) within 3-5 years. These advancement positions require leadership and organizational skills rather than advanced education.
Many individuals with criminal records have successfully progressed from laborer to supervisor by demonstrating reliability, learning quickly, and developing crew management skills.
WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT ($45,000-$65,000/year)
Starting as a warehouse associate at $16-$18/hour can lead to lead, supervisor, and manager positions earning $22-$30/hour ($46,000-$62,000 annually) within 2-4 years. Amazon, Walmart, and other major logistics companies promote heavily from within.
These positions require operational knowledge and leadership ability rather than college degrees, making them accessible advancement pathways for individuals with criminal records who prove themselves in entry-level roles.
ARIZONA STATE RESOURCES AND LEGAL RIGHTS
ARIZONA BAN-THE-BOX (PUBLIC EMPLOYERS)
Arizona enacted ban-the-box legislation requiring public employers (state agencies, cities, counties) and some private contractors to delay criminal history inquiries until conditional job offers. This prevents automatic screening based solely on criminal record checkboxes.
While private employers remain free to ask about criminal history on applications, many Arizona companies have voluntarily adopted ban-the-box policies due to labor shortage and evolving best practices.
SET-ASIDE OF JUDGMENT
Arizona offers set-aside relief that prevents convictions from appearing on most background checks and restores many civil rights. Unlike expungement, set-aside doesn’t seal the record but provides similar practical benefits for employment.
Eligibility requires completing all sentence terms including probation and restitution. Most convictions qualify immediately upon completion, though some serious felonies require waiting periods. Application process involves filing a petition with the sentencing court.
Successfully set-aside convictions allow you to legally state you haven’t been convicted for most employment purposes (exceptions include law enforcement, education, healthcare licensing).
FEDERAL FCRA 7-YEAR RULE
The Fair Credit Reporting Act prohibits background check companies from reporting non-conviction arrests older than seven years and limits conviction reporting to seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually.
For most Arizona entry-level and mid-level positions ($35,000-$65,000), convictions over seven years old won’t appear on standard background checks. Employers conducting direct court searches or filling positions over $75,000 may still find older convictions.
WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides tax credits ($2,400-$9,600 per employee) to employers hiring individuals with felony convictions. Arizona’s tight labor market makes employers particularly receptive to WOTC benefits. Staffing agencies often handle WOTC paperwork and actively recruit eligible individuals because tax credits improve their margins.
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
Arizona’s workforce system operates ARIZONA@WORK centers in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, and other communities. These centers provide free job search assistance, resume help, and connections to training programs.
Services include computer access for applications, workshops on interviewing and resumes, and connections to employers specifically seeking candidates with barriers to employment.
FAIR CHANCE HIRING INITIATIVES
Several Phoenix-area employers including American Express, Intel, and others have signed Fair Chance pledges to evaluate candidates individually rather than blanket bans based on criminal records. While not legally binding, these commitments signal willingness to hire qualified individuals with criminal backgrounds.
STAFFING AGENCIES THAT WORK WITH FELONS IN ARIZONA
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS (Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, multiple locations)
Specializes in light industrial, warehouse, and administrative placements. Express evaluates candidates individually and actively works with second-chance job seekers. Pay ranges from $14-$20/hour depending on assignment, with many temp-to-hire opportunities. Multiple valley offices provide convenient access.
AEROTEK (Phoenix metro, Tucson)
Focuses on skilled trades, manufacturing, and technical positions. Aerotek conducts individualized background assessments and has placed many workers with felony convictions in Arizona positions. Pay ranges from $16-$28/hour depending on skills and position type.
PEOPLEREADY (Statewide)
Provides same-day pay opportunities for light industrial, construction, and warehouse work. PeopleReady is particularly accessible for individuals with criminal records, though pay rates ($13-$17/hour) tend toward the lower end. Excellent option for immediate income while seeking permanent employment.
KELLY SERVICES (Phoenix, Tucson)
Offers industrial, office, and technical staffing. Kelly Services evaluates criminal backgrounds case-by-case and works with major Arizona employers. Pay varies widely from $14-$26/hour depending on position type and skills.
ELWOOD STAFFING (Phoenix metro)
Strong connections to manufacturing and distribution employers. Elwood has documented second-chance hiring practices and provides pathways to permanent employment. Pay typically ranges from $15-$19/hour with benefits for long-term assignments.
ADECCO (Phoenix metro, Tucson)
Places workers in manufacturing, logistics, and clerical positions. Adecco considers candidates with criminal backgrounds and offers online applications for convenience. Pay ranges from $14-$21/hour with temp-to-permanent opportunities common.
MANPOWER (Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff)
Focuses on industrial and administrative placements. Manpower evaluates work history and skills alongside background checks, providing opportunities for qualified candidates with criminal records. Pay typically $14-$22/hour depending on assignment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Does Arizona have ban-the-box laws?
Yes, Arizona enacted ban-the-box legislation for public employers (state agencies, cities, counties) and some private contractors, requiring them to delay criminal history inquiries until conditional job offers. Private employers not under contract with government entities remain free to ask about criminal history on initial applications. However, many major Arizona employers including Intel, American Express, and others have voluntarily adopted ban-the-box policies. Focus on companies known for second-chance hiring rather than relying solely on legal protections.
2. What disqualifies you from getting a job in Arizona?
No single factor automatically disqualifies you from all Arizona employment. However, violent felonies, sex offenses, and recent convictions (within 3-5 years) present the most significant barriers. Positions requiring professional licenses (nursing, teaching, financial services), security clearances, or working with vulnerable populations face stricter restrictions. Arizona’s rapid growth and labor shortage mean many employers prioritize current capability over past mistakes. Honesty about your conviction and demonstrating rehabilitation significantly improve your chances.
3. How much do felon-friendly jobs pay in Arizona?
Entry-level warehouse and retail positions pay $14-$18/hour ($29,000-$37,000 annually). Construction laborers start at $16-$19/hour ($33,000-$40,000 annually) with quick advancement. CDL truck drivers earn $50,000-$80,000/year. Skilled trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) pay $45,000-$80,000/year once certified. Distribution center supervisors and warehouse managers earn $45,000-$65,000/year. Semiconductor manufacturing technicians earn $40,000-$75,000/year. Arizona wages are 5-15% below national average but cost of living (except housing) is also lower.
4. Can I get my felony set aside in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona offers set-aside relief that prevents convictions from appearing on most background checks and restores civil rights. Eligibility requires completing all sentence terms including probation, parole, and restitution. Most convictions qualify immediately upon completion, though some serious felonies require waiting periods. Set-aside doesn’t seal the record like expungement but provides similar practical benefits for employment. You can legally state you haven’t been convicted for most purposes (except law enforcement, education, healthcare licensing). Arizona courts provide petition forms online, and many people successfully navigate the process without an attorney.
5. Will Amazon hire felons in Arizona?
Yes, Amazon operates 10+ Arizona fulfillment and sortation centers and evaluates applications individually rather than blanket bans on felony convictions. Factors including time since conviction, nature of offense, and job duties influence decisions. Starting pay ranges from $16-$18.50/hour with full benefits from day one including health insurance, 401(k), and tuition assistance. Amazon is one of Arizona’s largest employers of individuals with criminal records. Multiple facilities across Phoenix metro provide numerous opportunities.
6. What companies hire felons in Phoenix?
Major Phoenix employers hiring individuals with criminal records include Amazon (10+ warehouses), Walmart (distribution centers and stores), Intel (semiconductor manufacturing), Fry’s Food Stores (100+ locations), Target (stores and distribution), Swift Transportation (trucking), American Express (customer service and operations), Banner Health (environmental services and food service), and hundreds of construction and landscaping companies. Phoenix’s rapid growth creates constant demand for workers, making criminal background secondary to reliability.
7. Do trucking companies hire felons in Arizona?
Yes, many Arizona trucking companies including Swift Transportation (Phoenix headquarters), Knight Transportation, Schneider, Werner, and regional carriers hire drivers with felony convictions. Most require convictions to be at least 5-7 years old and evaluate applications individually. Your driving record matters more than criminal record for most carriers. Many companies offer paid CDL training programs. Arizona drivers earn $50,000-$80,000 annually depending on route type (local/regional/OTR). Waste Management and Republic Services also hire CDL drivers for residential and commercial routes.
8. Can felons work at Intel in Arizona?
Yes, some Intel positions are accessible to individuals with criminal records, particularly production technicians, facilities workers, and cleanroom staff. Intel conducts background checks and evaluates applications individually, with focus on time since conviction, offense nature, and job requirements. Security-clearance positions and certain sensitive roles may exclude some convictions. Starting pay for accessible positions ranges from $18-$28/hour with extensive benefits. Intel provides paid training and is Arizona’s largest private employer with 12,000+ workers across multiple Valley facilities.
9. What jobs can’t felons get in Arizona?
Arizona law restricts employment for individuals with certain convictions in licensed professions including nursing (with exceptions for older convictions after board review), K-12 teaching, childcare (for certain offenses), financial services, and positions requiring state professional licenses on case-by-case basis. Federal law prohibits firearm-related employment. Security-clearance positions for defense/aerospace work exclude most felony convictions. However, the vast majority of Arizona’s jobs in warehousing, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and trucking remain accessible to individuals with criminal records.
10. How long until a felony doesn’t show up on a background check in Arizona?
Under federal FCRA rules, background check companies cannot report non-conviction arrests older than seven years and must limit conviction reporting to seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually. For most Arizona jobs ($35,000-$65,000), convictions over seven years old won’t appear on standard background checks. However, employers conducting direct court record searches or filling positions over $75,000 can discover older convictions. Arizona’s set-aside process can remove convictions from most background checks immediately upon completion of sentence (no waiting period for most offenses).
YOUR NEXT STEPS TO EMPLOYMENT IN ARIZONA
STEP 1: Target Phoenix Metro (TODAY)
Phoenix offers 10x more opportunities than other Arizona cities. If relocating is possible, prioritize Phoenix metro (including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale). Even from Tucson or Flagstaff, consider temporary relocation for initial employment, then determine long-term location once established.
STEP 2: Apply to Warehouses First (THIS WEEK)
Distribution centers pay more ($16-$20/hour) than retail ($13-$16/hour) and often have more flexible background policies. Apply to Amazon, Walmart, Target, and FedEx facilities before considering lower-paying retail. Submit 10-15 warehouse applications during early morning hours (3am-6am) for maximum visibility.
STEP 3: Register with Three Staffing Agencies (THIS WEEK)
Visit Express Employment Professionals, Aerotek, and PeopleReady offices. Bring two IDs and Social Security card. Staffing agencies provide fastest path to income and many assignments become permanent. Visit your assigned agencies weekly to demonstrate availability and interest.
STEP 4: Consider CDL Training (THIS MONTH)
If you have a clean driving record, CDL training offers fastest path to $50,000+ income. Swift Transportation and Knight Transportation (both Phoenix-based) offer paid training. Community colleges also provide CDL programs. Arizona’s trucking industry desperately needs drivers and actively recruits individuals with criminal backgrounds.
STEP 5: Pursue Set-Aside (IF ELIGIBLE)
If you’ve completed all sentence terms including probation and restitution, research Arizona’s set-aside process. Most convictions qualify immediately. Arizona courts provide petition forms online at azcourts.gov. Even if you find employment first, clearing your record expands future opportunities and restores civil rights including voting.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Arizona Courts: azcourts.gov
ARIZONA@WORK Centers: arizonaatwork.com
Arizona Department of Economic Security: des.az.gov
Community Legal Services: clsaz.org (free legal assistance)
ACLU of Arizona: acluaz.org (criminal justice reform resources)
Southern Arizona Legal Aid: sazlegalaid.org
DISCLAIMERS
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Arizona. Information is current as of November 2025 but subject to change. Hiring policies vary by company, location, and time. Always verify current practices directly with employers.
This guide does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Eligibility for set-aside, employment restrictions, and other legal matters depend on individual circumstances.
Product purchases (Resume Kit, Set-Aside Guide) are digital downloads with 30-day money-back guarantees. Free newsletter subscription can be canceled anytime.
Employment outcomes vary based on numerous factors including offense type, time since conviction, job market conditions, individual qualifications, and application strategy.
Fair use disclaimer: Company names and trademarks are referenced for informational purposes only. No endorsement or affiliation is implied.
© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.