Felon Friendly Jobs in California
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
California leads the nation in second-chance employment with comprehensive Fair Chance Act protections, accessible expungement processes, and major employers actively hiring justice-impacted individuals. The state's $16 minimum wage and diverse economy—from technology and entertainment to logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing—creates opportunities across all skill levels. Entry-level positions start at $16-18/hour, while CDL drivers, skilled trades, and tech roles reach $60,000-100,000+ annually. Strong worker rights and ban-the-box laws make California exceptionally favorable for rebuilding careers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in California
California stands as the most progressive state for justice-impacted individuals seeking employment, offering unparalleled legal protections, comprehensive expungement opportunities, and a thriving economy with diverse job markets. The state's Fair Chance Act, one of the nation's strongest ban-the-box laws, prohibits employers with five or more employees from asking about criminal history until after a conditional job offer.
With the world's fifth-largest economy, opportunities span technology giants in Silicon Valley, entertainment in Los Angeles, agricultural operations in the Central Valley, massive logistics hubs in the Inland Empire, and tourism statewide. The state's $16 minimum wage (2024) and higher local minimums in San Francisco ($18.07), Los Angeles ($16.78), and San Diego ($16.85) provide living wages even for entry-level work.
California's expungement processes are among the nation's most accessible, with automatic conviction relief under AB 1076, expanded eligibility under Proposition 64 (marijuana convictions), and Proposition 47 (felony reductions). Combined with 7-year lookback limitations and prohibition on asking about sealed/expunged convictions, California provides genuine pathways to fresh starts.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in California
California's $16 minimum wage ensures entry-level positions provide livable income while building essential work history.
Warehouse & Fulfillment
Amazon Fulfillment Centers
Facilities throughout California including Ontario, Sacramento, Tracy, Stockton, Fresno. Fulfillment associates: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare, 401(k), education benefits up to $5,250 annually through Career Choice. Multiple shift options with overnight differential (+$1-2/hour).
Target Distribution Centers - Woodland, Shafter, Fontana locations. Warehouse workers: $17-20/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually. Strong internal promotion culture.
FedEx Ground - Package handlers statewide. Part-time starting $17-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement and promotion opportunities. Major facilities in LA, Oakland, Sacramento, San Jose, San Diego.
UPS - Hub workers at California facilities. Starting $18-21/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits including healthcare, pension, $25,000 tuition assistance. Largest hubs in LA, Ontario, Oakland.
Food Service & Hospitality
In-N-Out Burger - California chain. Associates: $18-25/hour with progression. Full benefits even part-time, 401(k), paid vacation, profit-sharing. Managers earn $150,000+. 350+ California locations.
Chipotle - Crew members: $16-18/hour. Debt-free college through Guild Education partnership. Clear path to manager ($50,000-70,000). Quarterly bonuses and free food.
Starbucks - Baristas: $16-19/hour. Benefits at 20+ hours including healthcare, stock options, free college through ASU, free Spotify. Second-chance friendly hiring.
Hotel Chains - Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt hire housekeepers ($17-22/hour) and food service ($16-20/hour). Union positions (UNITE HERE) offer excellent wages and job security.
Retail
Costco Wholesale - Entry-level: $17-19/hour. Quick progression to $25-28/hour. Exceptional benefits, promotes from within. 130+ California locations.
Target - Team members: $16-18/hour. Education assistance, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits. 300+ California stores.
Home Depot - Associates: $16-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement, stock purchase, advancement programs. Second-chance friendly.
Top 20 California Employers Hiring Felons
These California companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Amazon (Statewide) - 50+ facilities
Associates: $17-19/hour
Managers: $55,000-110,000
Day-one benefits. Evaluates convictions over 7 years old.
Starbucks (3,000+ CA Locations)
Baristas: $16-19/hour
Managers: $50,000-75,000
Benefits at 20+ hours including free college. Explicit fair-chance employer.
Costco Wholesale (130+ Warehouses)
Entry: $17-19/hour
Top-scale: $25-28/hour
Managers: $120,000-180,000
Industry-leading benefits. Individual assessment.
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Kaiser Permanente (Statewide)
Environmental services: $18-22/hour
Food services: $17-21/hour
Medical assistants: $40,000-55,000
Fair-chance for non-clinical support. SEIU-UHW union.
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In-N-Out Burger (350+ Locations)
Associates: $18-25/hour
Managers: $150,000-180,000
Exceptional benefits. Promotes from within. Known for second-chance hiring.
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Dave's Killer Bread (Ontario + Distribution)
Production: $18-22/hour
Route sales: $45,000-65,000
Founded by formerly incarcerated person. Explicit second-chance mission.
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Target Corporation (300+ Stores/DCs)
Team members: $16-18/hour
Directors: $75,000-125,000
Fair-chance hiring. Education benefits, 401(k) match.
PepsiCo/Frito-Lay (Statewide)
Warehouse: $18-22/hour
Route sales: $50,000-75,000
Mechanics: $60,000-85,000
Second-chance with structured evaluation.
Safeway/Albertsons (600+ Stores)
Clerks: $16-20/hour
Store managers: $80,000-120,000
UFCW union jobs. Individual assessment.
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Goodwill Industries (165+ Stores)
Retail: $16-18/hour
Managers: $45,000-70,000
Mission-driven second-chance employer with support services.
Tesla (Fremont/Lathrop)
Production: $20-26/hour
Skilled trades: $60,000-90,000
Engineers: $90,000-150,000
Fair-chance for manufacturing.
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UPS (Statewide)
Package handlers: $18-21/hour
Drivers: $80,000-100,000
Teamsters union. Promotes from within. Hubs in Ontario, Oakland, Sacramento.
Waste Management (Statewide)
Drivers: $55,000-75,000
Helpers: $18-22/hour
Mechanics: $60,000-85,000
Union benefits. Case-by-case evaluation.
Republic Services (Statewide) - Similar to WM.
Drivers: $50,000-70,000
Maintenance: $55,000-80,000
CDL training available. Fair-chance hiring.
HomeGoods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls (Statewide)
Associates: $16-17/hour
Store managers: $55,000-85,000
Fast-paced retail with growth. Fair hiring.
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ABM Industries (Statewide)
Custodians: $16-19/hour
Supervisors: $45,000-65,000
Facility services. High turnover means frequent openings.
Penske Truck Leasing (Statewide)
Diesel techs: $55,000-80,000
Drivers: $50,000-70,000
CDL training programs. Case-by-case evaluation.
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Aramark (Statewide)
Food service: $16-19/hour
Cooks: $18-22/hour
Managers: $45,000-70,000
Stadiums, hospitals, universities. Fair-chance.
RNDC (Statewide) - Wine/spirits distributor.
Warehouse: $18-22/hour
Drivers: $55,000-75,000
Sales: $50,000-90,000
Fair-chance for distribution.
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Southern California Edison (SoCal) - Utility company.
Meter readers: $45,000-60,000
Customer service: $40,000-55,000
Lineworkers: $80,000-120,000
Fair-chance for non-safety-sensitive roles.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by California City
These five metro areas offer the most opportunities for justice-impacted individuals in California.
Los Angeles/Long Beach
Nation's second-largest metro. Diverse opportunities across entertainment, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, service industries.
Amazon LA Basin Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
Kaiser Permanente LA Medical Center - $18-22/hour
LAX Airport Services - $17-25/hour
Goodwill Southern California - $16-19/hour
Port of LA/Long Beach Logistics - $18-24/hour
San Francisco Bay Area
Technology hub with highest California wages. Strong labor protections. High cost offset by premium pay.
Costco Bay Area - $19-21/hour (higher regional scale)
Tesla Fremont Factory - $22-26/hour
SFO Airport Services - $19-28/hour union wages
Safeway/Albertsons NorCal - $18-22/hour union
UPS Oakland Hub - $21-23/hour
San Diego
Military, tourism, biotech. Lower cost than LA/SF with solid wages. Border logistics opportunities.
Amazon San Diego - $17-19/hour
Sharp HealthCare - $17-21/hour
Qualcomm Contract Services - $17-22/hour
San Diego Zoo/Safari Park - $16-19/hour
Target San Diego Distribution - $18-20/hour
Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario)
West Coast logistics capital. Massive warehouse hub. Lower housing costs with high-paying warehouse jobs.
Amazon Ontario Complex - $17-19/hour
Target Fontana DC - $18-20/hour
UPS Ontario Hub - $18-21/hour
Prologis/NorthPoint Warehouses - $17-22/hour
Dave's Killer Bread Ontario - $18-22/hour
Sacramento
State capital. Government, healthcare, education, distribution. Lower cost than coastal metros with solid wages.
Amazon Sacramento (SMF1, SMF3) - $17-19/hour
UC Davis Medical Center - $18-22/hour
Raley's Supermarkets - $17-20/hour
State of California Agencies - $16-22/hour (ban-the-box)
Target Woodland Distribution - $18-20/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in California
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in California.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
California's massive logistics industry creates exceptional CDL opportunities. Companies provide free training with work commitments.
UPS Package Delivery - Start as package handler ($18-21/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $95,000-105,000 annually. Full Teamsters benefits including pension. Guaranteed 40 hours weekly.
Sysco Foods - Delivery drivers: $70,000-90,000. Paid training for CDL. Union and non-union positions depending on location. Consistent local routes, home daily.
Waste Management/Republic - Refuse truck drivers: $55,000-75,000. CDL training provided. Union positions with strong benefits. Physical work but excellent job security.
Port Drayage (LA/Long Beach) - Container hauling: $60,000-90,000. High demand, challenging work. Some companies hire owner-operators, others hire drivers. Clean Truck Programs improving wages and conditions.
Skilled Trades
Union Electrician - IBEW apprenticeships throughout California. Apprentices start $50,000-60,000. Journeyman electricians: $80,000-110,000 (higher in Bay Area/LA). Four-year paid apprenticeship.
Plumber/Pipefitter - UA union apprenticeships. Apprentices: $45,000-55,000. Journeymen: $70,000-100,000. Commercial/industrial pays more than residential. Strong demand statewide.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work in California climate. Experienced techs: $60,000-85,000. Commercial HVAC pays premium. EPA certification required. Community college training available.
Welding - Industrial welders: $50,000-75,000. Specialized (underwater, aerospace): $70,000-100,000+. Certifications through community colleges. Strong demand in manufacturing, construction, aerospace.
Solar Installation - Growing California industry. Installers: $45,000-65,000. Lead installers: $60,000-80,000. NABCEP certification valuable. Less stringent background requirements than traditional trades.
Technology & IT
Help Desk Technician - Entry IT support: $45,000-60,000 (higher in tech hubs). CompTIA A+ certification key. Bay Area pays $55,000-70,000. Remote positions increasingly common.
Network Technician - Installing/maintaining networks: $55,000-75,000. CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA certification. Growing demand with datacenter expansion.
Data Center Technician - Server maintenance: $50,000-70,000. On-the-job training common. 24/7 operations mean shift work. Major datacenters in Silicon Valley, LA, Sacramento.
Coding Bootcamp Graduate - Junior developers: $60,000-90,000. Bootcamps like App Academy (SF) have income-share agreements (pay after employed). Fair-chance friendly tech sector in Bay Area.
California Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
California offers the nation's most comprehensive support for justice-impacted job seekers through progressive laws and accessible expungement.
Expungement and Record Dismissal in California
California Penal Code Section 1203.4 allows dismissal of convictions for individuals who completed probation successfully. This doesn't erase the conviction but changes status to 'dismissed,' significantly improving employment prospects.
Eligibility:
Successfully completed probation (or obtained early termination)
Paid all fines, fees, and restitution
Not currently charged with, on probation for, or serving sentence for another offense
Most misdemeanors and felonies eligible (certain serious/violent crimes excluded)
Automatic Relief (AB 1076): California automatically dismisses eligible convictions if 4 years have passed since completion of sentence with no new convictions. Check with DOJ to verify if yours qualify for automatic relief.
Prop 47 (Felony Reduction): Many non-violent felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors, then dismissed. Particularly valuable for drug possession and theft under $950.
Effect: Dismissed convictions cannot be used to deny most private employment. Employers cannot ask about dismissed convictions. Still visible to licensing boards, law enforcement, and certain government positions.
Fair Chance Act (Ban-the-Box)
California's Fair Chance Act is among the nation's strongest. Applies to employers with 5+ employees (most businesses).
Key Protections:
Cannot ask about criminal history on applications
Cannot inquire until after conditional job offer
Must conduct individualized assessment if considering denial
Must provide written notice and opportunity to respond before final decision
Cannot ask about or consider arrests without conviction, referrals to diversion, sealed/expunged/dismissed convictions
7-Year Lookback Rule
California Labor Code 432.7 prohibits employers from asking about or using:
Arrests not resulting in conviction
Referrals to diversion programs
Convictions that have been sealed, expunged, or dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4
Marijuana convictions more than 2 years old (with exceptions)
Criminal history information older than 7 years (from date of disposition, release, or parole—whichever is most recent)
Important: Unlike federal FCRA, California's 7-year rule applies to convictions, not just arrests. This is significant protection for older convictions.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides California employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances.
Additional California Resources
America's Job Centers of California - Free employment services, resume help, training referrals. No discrimination based on criminal record. Locations statewide.
California Department of Rehabilitation - Vocational services for eligible individuals. Job placement assistance and training funding.
Root & Rebound - Legal nonprofit providing reentry resources, expungement clinics, and employment rights information.
The Felony Project - Oakland-based organization offering expungement services and legal support.
Homeboy Industries (Los Angeles) - Employment social enterprise providing jobs, training, and wraparound services.
Staffing Agencies in California That Work With Felons
California staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Locations throughout California. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Explicit second-chance focus.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Same-day pay options. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing. Many California offices.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing - Multiple California locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Temp-to-hire common.
Adecco - Statewide presence. Wide industry range. Fair-chance evaluation.
Manpower - Major California presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Benefits available for temps.
Workforce Solutions - California staffing agency specializing in warehouse and logistics placement.
Hallmark Staffing - Multiple California locations. Light industrial and clerical. Quick placement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in California?
California law limits background checks to 7 years from date of disposition, release, or parole (whichever is most recent). This applies to both convictions and arrests. Exceptions exist for positions paying over $125,000 annually and certain regulated industries.
Q2: Does California have a ban-the-box law?
Yes. California's Fair Chance Act prohibits employers with 5+ employees from asking about criminal history on applications or inquiring until after a conditional job offer. It's one of the nation's strongest protections.
Q3: Can I get my felony expunged in California?
California doesn't 'expunge' but allows dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. After completing probation successfully, most misdemeanors and felonies can be dismissed. Automatic relief (AB 1076) dismisses eligible convictions 4 years after sentence completion. Prop 47 allows many felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors.
Q4: What companies in California hire felons?
Major California employers include Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, Target, In-N-Out Burger, Kaiser Permanente, Tesla, UPS, Waste Management, Goodwill, and thousands more. California's Fair Chance Act requires most employers to evaluate candidates before considering criminal history.
Q5: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in California?
Yes. Amazon has 50+ California facilities and evaluates convictions over 7 years old. Warehouse positions are most accessible. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q6: What is California's minimum wage?
$16/hour statewide (2024), but many cities higher: San Francisco ($18.07), Los Angeles ($16.78), San Diego ($16.85), Oakland ($16.50). Fast food workers: $20/hour minimum.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in California?
Yes. Many California companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. UPS, Sysco, Waste Management, and port drayage companies actively hire. Earnings: $55,000-100,000+.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in California?
CDL drivers ($60,000-100,000), union electricians ($80,000-110,000), plumbers ($70,000-100,000), HVAC techs ($60,000-85,000), welders ($50,000-75,000), IT professionals ($45,000-75,000), production supervisors ($55,000-80,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on California job applications?
Under Fair Chance Act, most California employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications. If asked illegally, you can decline to answer. Once lawfully asked (after conditional offer), answer truthfully—lying can result in termination.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in California for people with felonies?
Yes. America's Job Centers offer free training referrals. California community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training. CalWORKs provides job training for eligible individuals. California Department of Rehabilitation offers vocational services.
Next Steps: Your California Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for California justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Understand Your Rights Under Fair Chance Act
California's Fair Chance Act protects you from early screening. Employers with 5+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on applications or until after conditional offer. Know your rights—if asked illegally, you can decline. Once lawfully asked (after offer), be honest. Obtain your background check from California DOJ to see exactly what employers see. Determine expungement eligibility—many convictions qualify for dismissal under PC 1203.4 or automatic relief under AB 1076.
Step 2: Target Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus applications on industries with established second-chance hiring: warehousing/logistics (Amazon, Target, UPS), food service (In-N-Out, Starbucks, Chipotle), retail (Costco, Target, Home Depot), waste management, transportation. Make a list of 15-20 employers from this guide based on your location. Prioritize large companies with structured HR processes that follow Fair Chance Act. Apply to multiple positions simultaneously—plan 10-15 applications weekly.
Step 3: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create polished resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and experience. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any education/training completed during incarceration. Prepare brief (30-60 second) explanation of criminal record focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned—practice until comfortable. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Under Fair Chance Act, you'll only discuss criminal history after conditional offer, so don't preemptively disclose on applications.
Step 4: Leverage California Resources and Apply Strategically
Register with America's Job Centers of California for free resume help, interview prep, and employer connections. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in warehouse/industrial work (PeopleReady, Labor Ready, Remedy). Apply directly through company websites when possible. Visit employers in person for warehouse, manufacturing, food service roles—showing initiative matters. Mention WOTC eligibility to employers to increase attractiveness. Persist through rejections—securing employment typically requires dozens of applications.
Step 5: Ace Interviews and Handle Background Checks Professionally
Research company and position thoroughly. Practice answering questions about criminal record with honesty and confidence—focus on growth, rehabilitation, commitment to stability. Prepare examples of reliability, problem-solving, work ethic from any context. Under Fair Chance Act, criminal history discussion comes after conditional offer. When it arises, provide context, demonstrate rehabilitation, emphasize time passed and lessons learned. Have documentation ready if needed (certificates, letters of recommendation, parole officer contact). Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If denied based on criminal history, employer must provide individualized assessment and opportunity to respond—use this chance to advocate for yourself.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current practices directly with employers. Company inclusion does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about California's Fair Chance Act and expungement laws is general in nature. Consult with California employment attorney or legal aid for specific legal advice about your situation.
© 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.