Felon Friendly Jobs in Colorado
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Colorado offers strong second-chance employment opportunities across booming industries including technology, cannabis, outdoor recreation, healthcare, and logistics. The state's progressive marijuana legalization has opened thousands of jobs in cannabis cultivation and retail that actively hire individuals with felony records. Denver's thriving economy, combined with growing cities like Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins, creates diverse opportunities. Entry-level positions start at $14.42/hour (state minimum), with skilled trades and specialized roles reaching $50,000-100,000+ annually. Colorado's 'ban-the-box' law for state employment and accessible record sealing process support workforce reentry.
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Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Colorado
Colorado's diverse and rapidly growing economy creates exceptional opportunities for justice-impacted individuals seeking meaningful employment. The state's progressive approach to criminal justice reform, including marijuana legalization and record sealing legislation, has opened pathways previously unavailable in most states. Denver's position as a major tech hub, combined with thriving industries in outdoor recreation, renewable energy, cannabis, healthcare, and logistics, provides multiple entry points across skill levels.
The Front Range corridor—stretching from Fort Collins through Denver/Aurora to Colorado Springs and Pueblo—contains over 85% of the state's population and employment opportunities. This concentration creates competition for workers, benefiting job seekers with criminal records as employers increasingly adopt fair-chance hiring practices. Colorado's unemployment rate consistently runs below the national average, creating favorable conditions for those rebuilding careers.
Colorado's 'ban-the-box' law for state government positions removes initial barriers to public sector employment, while the state's participation in the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program incentivizes private employers to hire individuals with felony convictions. The state's relatively high cost of living (particularly in Denver metro) is offset by higher wages, with entry-level positions starting at $14.42/hour minimum wage and many employers paying $16-20/hour for warehouse and service positions. Record sealing under Colorado Revised Statutes provides accessible pathways to clearing eligible convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Colorado
Colorado's minimum wage of $14.42/hour (2025) ensures entry-level positions provide livable income while building work history essential for career advancement.
Warehouse & Distribution
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in Thornton (DEN2), Aurora (DEN3, DEN9), Colorado Springs. 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 Center - Pueblo facility. Warehouse workers: $16-19/hour. Comprehensive benefits, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement. Strong promotion from within culture.
FedEx Ground - Package handlers in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins. Part-time starting $15-17/hour. Tuition reimbursement program. Promotion opportunities to supervisory roles.
UPS - Hub workers at Denver facility. Starting $17-19/hour with annual raises. Excellent Teamsters union benefits including healthcare, pension, up to $25,000 tuition assistance.
Cannabis Industry
Cultivation Facilities - Growers, trimmers, packagers throughout Colorado. Starting: $15-18/hour. Many facilities explicitly hire individuals with non-violent felonies. Companies like LivWell, The Clinic, Native Roots hire across the state.
Dispensary Associates - Budtenders and customer service in retail shops. Pay: $15-18/hour plus tips. Hundreds of dispensaries statewide. Colorado marijuana laws allow individuals with felony convictions to work in cannabis (with some restrictions).
Production/Manufacturing - Edibles production, concentrate manufacturing, packaging. Pay: $16-20/hour. Growing industry with constant hiring. Companies like Wana Brands and Dixie Elixirs operate large Colorado facilities.
Food Service & Hospitality
Chipotle - Founded in Denver. Crew members: $15-17/hour. Debt-free degrees through Guild Education. Path to management ($50,000-70,000). Many Colorado locations.
Qdoba - Colorado-based Mexican chain. Team members: $14-16/hour. Flexible scheduling, meal discounts. Advancement opportunities.
Ski Resort Food Service - Vail Resorts, Aspen Skiing Company hire kitchen staff, dishwashers, servers. Pay: $16-20/hour. Employee ski passes major perk. Seasonal work October-April.
Hotels/Casinos - Housekeeping, food service at Denver hotels and mountain resorts. Starting: $15-18/hour. Benefits for full-time. High turnover means constant openings.
Retail
King Soopers/Kroger - Dominant grocery chain. Clerks, stockers: $15-18/hour. Union positions (UFCW) with benefits. 150+ Colorado locations.
Target - Team members: $15-17/hour. Education assistance, 401(k) match. 40+ Colorado stores.
Home Depot/Lowe's - Associates: $15-18/hour. Tuition reimbursement, advancement programs. Multiple locations statewide.
Top 20 Colorado Employers Hiring Felons
These Colorado companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through fair hiring practices or explicit policies.
Amazon (Denver Metro, Colorado Springs) - Multiple fulfillment centers.
Associates: $17-19/hour
Managers: $55,000-85,000.
Day-one benefits. Evaluates convictions over 7 years old.
King Soopers/Kroger (Statewide) - 150+ stores.
Clerks: $15-18/hour
Managers: $45,000-75,000
UFCW union. Individual assessment of criminal history.
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Chipotle (Statewide) - Headquartered in Newport Beach but founded in Denver.
Crew: $15-17/hour
Managers: $50,000-70,000
Free degrees, fair-chance hiring.
Lockheed Martin (Denver/Littleton) - Defense contractor.
Manufacturing: $18-25/hour
Engineers: $75,000-120,000
Security clearance required for some roles, but support positions accessible with felonies.
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Ball Corporation (Broomfield) - Aerospace and beverage packaging.
Production: $18-24/hour
Engineers: $70,000-110,000
Case-by-case evaluation for manufacturing roles.
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Vail Resorts (Mountain Towns) - Ski resort operator.
Lift operators, food service, housekeeping: $16-20/hour.
Employee ski passes. Seasonal work with housing assistance available.
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UCHealth (Statewide) - Healthcare system.
Environmental services, food service: $16-20/hour
Patient transport: $17-21/hour
Fair-chance for non-clinical support roles.
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Denver International Airport Services - Various contractors.
Baggage handlers, ramp agents, food service: $16-22/hour
Badge requirements may limit some positions.
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LivWell Enlightened Health (Statewide) - Cannabis cultivation and retail chain.
Cultivation: $15-19/hour
Budtenders: $15-17/hour
Explicit second-chance hiring for cannabis roles.
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Native Roots (Denver Metro) - Large cannabis dispensary chain.
Retail and cultivation positions. Pay: $15-19/hour.
Fair-chance employer in cannabis sector.
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Wana Brands (Boulder) - Cannabis edibles manufacturer.
Production workers: $16-20/hour.
Fast-growing company. Hires individuals with criminal records.
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Coors Brewing Company (Golden) - Beer manufacturer.
Production: $20-28/hour.
Maintenance: $55,000-80,000.
Union positions (Teamsters). Individual assessment.
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Waste Management Colorado - Waste collection.
Drivers: $50,000-70,000.
Helpers: $16-20/hour.
Union benefits. Second-chance friendly.
Republic Services Colorado - Waste/recycling services. Similar to WM.
Drivers: $45,000-65,000.
CDL training available. Fair-chance evaluation.
Goodwill Industries Colorado - Non-profit retail and services.
Associates: $15-17/hour.
Job training programs. Mission-driven second-chance employer.
Safeway (Statewide) - Grocery chain.
Clerks: $15-19/hour. Union (UFCW).
Store managers: $70,000-100,000.
Individual hiring assessment.
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Sprouts Farmers Market (Denver Metro) - Natural foods grocer.
Team members: $15-18/hour.
Department managers: $40,000-60,000.
Fair-chance hiring practices.
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Sysco Foods Denver - Food distribution.
Warehouse: $17-22/hour.
Delivery drivers: $60,000-80,000.
CDL training available. Case-by-case evaluation.
ABM Industries Colorado - Facility services.
Custodians: $15-18/hour.
Supervisors: $40,000-60,000.
High volume hiring means frequent opportunities.
Xcel Energy (Denver) - Utility company.
Customer service: $40,000-55,000.
Field technicians: $55,000-80,000.
Fair-chance for non-safety-sensitive positions.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Colorado City
Colorado's Front Range corridor contains most employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.
Denver
State's largest city and economic hub. Diverse industries including tech, cannabis, healthcare, hospitality, logistics.
Amazon Thornton Fulfillment (DEN2) - $17-19/hour
Denver International Airport Services - $16-22/hour
UCHealth University Hospital - $16-20/hour support roles
Cannabis Cultivation Facilities - $15-19/hour
King Soopers Stores - $15-18/hour
Colorado Springs
Second-largest city. Military presence, tourism, manufacturing. Lower cost of living than Denver with solid wages.
Amazon Colorado Springs Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
UCHealth Memorial Hospital - $16-20/hour
Intel Semiconductor Manufacturing - $18-25/hour
Broadmoor Hotel - $15-20/hour hospitality
King Soopers/Safeway - $15-18/hour
Aurora
Third-largest city, Denver suburb. Major Amazon presence, healthcare, diverse manufacturing.
Amazon Aurora Fulfillment Centers - $17-19/hour
UCHealth University Hospital Aurora - $16-20/hour
Raytheon Technologies - $20-30/hour manufacturing
Gaylord Rockies Resort - $15-19/hour hospitality
Cannabis Dispensaries - $15-17/hour
Fort Collins
College town, brewing industry, tech sector. Lower cost than Denver, vibrant economy.
New Belgium Brewing - $18-24/hour production
Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins - $20-28/hour
Hewlett Packard Enterprise - $18-25/hour various roles
Banner Health Medical Center - $16-20/hour
King Soopers/Natural Grocers - $15-18/hour
Pueblo
Southern Colorado hub. Manufacturing, distribution, agriculture. Most affordable Front Range city.
Target Distribution Center - $16-19/hour
EVRAZ Steel Mill - $22-32/hour union
St. Mary-Corwin Hospital - $15-19/hour
Vestas Wind Turbine Manufacturing - $18-25/hour
King Soopers/Walmart - $15-17/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Colorado
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability in Colorado's high-cost environment.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
Colorado's mountain terrain and distribution needs create strong CDL demand. Many companies provide free training.
Sysco Foods Denver - Delivery drivers: $60,000-80,000. Local routes, home daily. Paid CDL training. Union and non-union positions.
Werner Enterprises - Colorado-based carrier. OTR drivers: $55,000-75,000. Regional: $60,000-80,000. Company-paid CDL training at Denver facility.
Waste Management/Republic - Refuse truck drivers: $50,000-70,000. CDL training provided. Union benefits. Physical but stable work.
Coors Brewing Delivery - Beer delivery drivers: $55,000-75,000. Teamsters union. Excellent benefits. Home nightly.
Skilled Trades
Union Electrician (IBEW) - Colorado apprenticeships. Apprentices start $40,000-50,000. Journeyman electricians: $65,000-95,000. Four-year paid apprenticeship. Denver/Colorado Springs locals.
Plumber/Pipefitter (UA) - Union apprenticeships. Apprentices: $38,000-48,000. Journeymen: $60,000-85,000. Strong demand in growing Front Range.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work (heating/cooling extremes). Experienced techs: $50,000-75,000. EPA certification required. Community college training available.
Welding - Industrial/construction welders: $45,000-70,000. Aerospace welding (Lockheed, Ball): $55,000-85,000. Certifications through Colorado community colleges.
Wind Turbine Technician - Growing renewable energy sector. Techs: $50,000-70,000. Training programs at Colorado community colleges. Eastern plains wind farms hiring.
Cannabis Industry Management
Cultivation Manager - Oversee growing operations: $55,000-85,000. Start as grower ($15-18/hour), advance through experience. Large facilities throughout state.
Extraction Technician - Concentrate manufacturing: $40,000-60,000. Technical role with chemistry knowledge valuable. Growing specialty within cannabis.
Dispensary Manager - Retail management: $45,000-70,000. Start as budtender, advance to management. Sales skills important.
Colorado Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Colorado offers progressive support for justice-impacted job seekers through accessible record sealing and workforce programs.
Record Sealing in Colorado
Colorado allows sealing of criminal records under CRS 24-72-702 through 24-72-710. Sealed records hidden from most employers' background checks.
Eligibility:
Most misdemeanors: Immediately after case completion
Drug felonies: 3 years after case completion
Level 3 & 4 felonies: 5 years after case completion
Other felonies: 7-10 years depending on class
Violent crimes, sex offenses have restrictions or are ineligible
Marijuana Convictions: Many marijuana convictions now eligible for sealing regardless of timeframes due to legalization. Petition through court where convicted.
Effect: Sealed records cannot be disclosed by CBI to most employers. Law enforcement, courts, and certain regulated professions may still access. Lawful to state you have not been convicted for sealed offenses.
Ban-the-Box in Colorado
Colorado's 'Chance to Compete Act' prohibits state agencies and contractors from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications. Applies to state government positions only—private employers not covered by state law.
However, some Colorado municipalities (Denver, Boulder) have local ban-the-box ordinances covering private employers within city limits. Check local requirements.
FCRA 7-Year Rule & Colorado Law
Under federal FCRA, consumer reporting agencies cannot report arrests older than 7 years. However, convictions can be reported indefinitely. Colorado provides no additional state-level protections beyond federal FCRA. Jobs paying over $75,000 exempt from 7-year rule entirely.
This makes record sealing particularly valuable since most felony convictions will appear on background checks regardless of age without sealing.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Colorado employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions (hired within 1 year of conviction/release). Inform potential employers of eligibility.
Additional Colorado Resources
Colorado Workforce Centers - Free employment services statewide. Resume help, interview prep, job matching, training referrals. No discrimination based on criminal record.
Division of Criminal Justice Reentry Programs - Support services for individuals leaving incarceration. Employment assistance, housing help, benefits enrollment.
Goodwill Industries Colorado - Job training, placement, and employment for individuals with barriers. Multiple locations statewide.
Colorado Legal Services - Free legal assistance for low-income individuals including record sealing help. Clinics throughout state.
Prison Fellowship Colorado - Faith-based reentry support. Mentoring, employment connections, life skills.
Staffing Agencies in Colorado That Work With Felons
Colorado staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins locations. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Known for second-chance focus.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Multiple Colorado offices. Same-day pay. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing. Case-by-case evaluation.
Express Employment Professionals - Denver metro and statewide. Light industrial, administrative, skilled trades. Works with WOTC. Individual assessment.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing - Denver and Colorado Springs. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Temp-to-hire common. Fair-chance evaluation.
Kelly Services - Colorado presence. Office, industrial, technical staffing. Corporate fair-chance policy with individualized assessment.
Adecco Staffing - Denver metro locations. Wide industry range. Benefits available. Reviews criminal history in context of job requirements.
Aerotek - Denver and Colorado Springs. Light industrial, skilled trades, professional. Large aerospace/manufacturing placements in Colorado. Fair-chance hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in Colorado?
Colorado follows federal FCRA rules: arrests without conviction limited to 7 years, but convictions can be reported indefinitely. Exception for jobs paying over $75,000 annually. Record sealing provides best protection.
Q2: Does Colorado have a ban-the-box law?
Colorado's Chance to Compete Act applies to state government positions only. Some cities (Denver, Boulder) have local ordinances covering private employers. Check local requirements.
Q3: Can I get my felony sealed in Colorado?
Yes. Most felonies can be sealed after waiting periods (3-10 years depending on classification). Drug felonies: 3 years. Level 3/4 felonies: 5 years. Marijuana convictions often eligible immediately due to legalization. Violent crimes have restrictions.
Q4: What companies in Colorado hire felons?
Major Colorado employers include Amazon, King Soopers, Chipotle, Vail Resorts, UCHealth, cannabis companies (LivWell, Native Roots, Wana), Lockheed Martin, Ball Corporation, Waste Management, Target, Goodwill, and many more. Warehousing, cannabis, hospitality, and healthcare most accessible.
Q5: Can I work in the cannabis industry with a felony in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado marijuana laws allow individuals with felony convictions to work in cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and retail (with some restrictions). Many facilities explicitly hire justice-impacted individuals. Non-violent felonies most accepted. Start at $15-18/hour.
Q6: Will Amazon hire me with a felony in Colorado?
Yes. Amazon has multiple Colorado fulfillment centers (Thornton, Aurora, Colorado Springs). Evaluates convictions over 7 years old. Warehouse positions most accessible. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Colorado?
Yes. Many Colorado companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5 years old. Sysco, Werner, Waste Management, Republic, Coors actively hire. Earnings: $50,000-80,000. Free CDL training often available.
Q8: What are the highest-paying jobs for felons in Colorado?
CDL drivers ($50,000-80,000), union electricians ($65,000-95,000), plumbers ($60,000-85,000), HVAC techs ($50,000-75,000), welders ($45,000-70,000), cannabis cultivation managers ($55,000-85,000), wind turbine techs ($50,000-70,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Colorado job applications?
If application asks about criminal history, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. If application doesn't ask (ban-the-box), not required to volunteer. Be prepared to discuss honestly during interviews, focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Colorado for people with felonies?
Yes. Colorado Workforce Centers offer free training referrals. Community colleges provide workforce development with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training. CDL training free through employers like Werner and Sysco with work commitment. Goodwill Industries provides job training.
Next Steps: Your Colorado Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed for Colorado justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Assess Your Record and Sealing Eligibility
Obtain Colorado criminal record from Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Review for accuracy. Determine record sealing eligibility—many felonies qualify after 3-10 years. Marijuana convictions often eligible immediately. Consider timing of sealing petition versus immediate job search needs. Research WOTC eligibility (hired within 1 year of conviction/release). Understanding what appears on background checks allows you to prepare appropriate explanations and target suitable employers.
Step 2: Target Felon-Friendly Industries and Employers
Focus applications on industries documented in this guide: warehousing (Amazon, Target), cannabis cultivation/retail, food service (Chipotle, King Soopers), hospitality (Vail Resorts, hotels), healthcare support (UCHealth), waste management, manufacturing. Make list of 15-20 target employers based on your location and skills. Research each company's hiring process. Prioritize larger employers with structured HR and documented fair-chance programs. Consider unique Colorado opportunities like cannabis industry.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials
Create professional resume highlighting skills, experience, accomplishments. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any training/education 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. Consider getting letters of recommendation from parole officers, counselors, recent employers if available.
Step 4: Apply Strategically and Persistently
Submit applications simultaneously to multiple employers—plan for 10-15 applications weekly minimum. Apply directly through company websites when possible. Visit employers in person for warehouse, cannabis, manufacturing, food service where showing initiative matters. Register with Colorado Workforce Centers for free job search assistance and access to WOTC-seeking employers. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies that work with justice-impacted individuals. Leverage Colorado's cannabis industry—unique opportunity. Be prepared for rejection but maintain persistence—securing employment typically requires dozens of applications.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews and Background Checks
Practice answering questions about criminal record with honesty and confidence. Focus on what you've learned, rehabilitation steps, commitment to building stable future. Prepare specific examples of reliability, problem-solving, work ethic from any context (volunteer work, personal projects, prior employment). Research company and role thoroughly. For positions requiring background checks, be proactive—disclose record when appropriate and provide context. Have documentation ready if needed (certificates, letters of recommendation, parole officer contact). Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If criminal history becomes issue, emphasize time passed, lessons learned, skills gained.
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 record sealing procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Colorado's record sealing laws and employment regulations is general in nature. Consult with Colorado 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.