Felon Friendly Jobs in Delaware
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Delaware offers exceptional second-chance employment opportunities driven by its strategic Mid-Atlantic location, no sales tax attracting major retailers and distribution centers, business-friendly environment hosting Fortune 500 corporations, and accessible pardon process. The state's concentration of financial services in Wilmington, massive logistics operations along I-95 corridor, beach tourism industry, and manufacturing sector create diverse opportunities. Entry-level positions start at $13.25/hour (state minimum), with skilled trades and specialized roles reaching $50,000-85,000+ annually. Delaware's compact size means all opportunities within 2-hour commute, and progressive policies including ban-the-box for state employment support workforce reentry.
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Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Delaware
Delaware's unique position as a corporate haven, Mid-Atlantic logistics hub, and coastal tourism destination creates substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals seeking to rebuild careers. The First State's business-friendly policies have attracted over 60% of Fortune 500 companies to incorporate here, while its strategic I-95 corridor location makes it a distribution powerhouse serving the densely populated Northeast corridor from Boston to Washington, DC.
Delaware's economy spans diverse sectors: financial services concentrated in Wilmington (credit card operations for major banks), massive distribution and logistics operations throughout New Castle County, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing (DuPont legacy), poultry processing in Sussex County, and robust beach tourism from Rehoboth to Fenwick Island. This diversity provides multiple entry points across skill levels and backgrounds.
The state's progressive approach to criminal justice includes accessible pardon procedures through the Delaware Board of Pardons, automatic expungement for certain convictions, and ban-the-box policies for state government positions. Delaware's compact size—just 96 miles from north to south—means every job opportunity is within reasonable commuting distance. The $13.25 minimum wage (2025) provides baseline income, with many warehouse and service positions paying $16-19/hour to compete for workers. Major employers including Amazon, Christiana Care Health System, Mountaire Farms, and numerous distribution centers actively hire individuals with criminal records for appropriate positions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Delaware
Delaware's $13.25 minimum wage provides baseline income, with competitive employers paying $16-19/hour for entry-level positions to attract workers in tight labor market.
Warehouse & Distribution
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in New Castle (PHL7), Middletown (PHL8), Wilmington area. Fulfillment associates: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare, 401(k), education benefits up to $5,250 annually. Multiple shifts with overnight differential.
Walmart Distribution Center - Smyrna mega-facility. Warehouse workers: $17-20/hour. Excellent benefits, profit-sharing, 401(k) match. Massive employer with constant hiring.
Target Distribution - Middletown facility. Workers: $16-19/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement. Strong promotion culture.
Chewy.com - Pet supply e-commerce. Multiple Delaware fulfillment centers. Associates: $16-18/hour. Benefits, employee discounts. Fast-growing company.
UPS Hub - New Castle facility. Package handlers: $17-19/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits including pension, healthcare, $25,000 tuition assistance.
Healthcare Support
Christiana Care Health System - Delaware's largest employer. Environmental services, food service, patient transport: $15-19/hour. Union (AFSCME) and non-union positions. Fair-chance for support roles.
Bayhealth Medical Center - Kent and Sussex county hospitals. Support services: $14-18/hour. Benefits for full-time. Dover and Milford locations.
Beebe Healthcare - Sussex County system. Non-clinical support: $14-17/hour. Beach area location. Seasonal surge during summer.
Food Service & Hospitality
Mountaire Farms - Poultry processing. Production workers: $14-17/hour. Major Sussex County employer. Benefits, overtime opportunities. Physical work.
Perdue Farms - Poultry processing. Similar to Mountaire. Georgetown operations. Starting $14-16/hour with shift differentials.
Beach Resort Hotels - Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany beaches. Housekeeping, food service, maintenance: $14-18/hour. Seasonal work May-September, some year-round.
Chipotle - Crew members: $14-16/hour. Free degrees through Guild Education. Management track. Multiple Delaware locations.
Wawa - Delaware-based convenience chain. Associates: $14-17/hour. Benefits even part-time. 40+ Delaware locations. Known for promoting from within.
Retail
Acme Markets - Dominant Delaware grocery. Clerks, stockers: $15-18/hour. Union positions (UFCW). 20+ stores statewide.
ShopRite - Grocery chain. Similar wages and benefits. Union (UFCW). Multiple locations.
Christiana Mall Retailers - Major shopping center (no sales tax advantage). Various stores hiring: $13-16/hour. Apple Store, Target, Nordstrom, many more.
Home Depot/Lowe's - Associates: $15-17/hour. Tuition reimbursement, advancement. Multiple Delaware locations.
Top 20 Delaware Employers Hiring Felons
These Delaware companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented fair hiring practices.
Amazon (New Castle, Middletown, Wilmington)
Associates: $17-19/hour
Managers: $55,000-85,000
Day-one benefits. Evaluates convictions over 7 years.
Christiana Care Health System (Statewide)
Support services: $15-19/hour
RNs: $65,000-90,000
Delaware's largest employer. Fair-chance for non-clinical.
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Walmart Distribution Smyrna
Warehouse: $17-20/hour
Supervisors: $50,000-75,000
Massive facility with excellent benefits.
Mountaire Farms (Millsboro)
Poultry processing: $14-17/hour
Plant managers: $60,000-90,000
Major Sussex employer.
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Perdue Farms (Georgetown) - Similar to Mountaire.
Production: $14-16/hour
Maintenance: $20-28/hour.
Target (Middletown DC + Stores)
Team members: $15-17/hour
Distribution center and retail. Fair-chance hiring.
Chewy.com (Multiple Facilities)
Fulfillment associates: $16-18/hour
Fast-growing pet supply company. Good benefits.
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JPMorgan Chase (Wilmington) - Credit card operations
Customer service: $16-20/hour
Operations: $18-25/hour
Case-by-case for non-financial crimes.
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Bank of America (Wilmington) - Similar operations to Chase. Credit card center. Fair evaluation for appropriate roles.
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Capital One (Wilmington) - Credit card operations.
Customer service and back-office: $17-22/hour.
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DuPont/Chemours (Wilmington) - Chemical manufacturing.
Operators: $22-32/hour
Engineers: $75,000-110,000
Legacy Delaware employer.
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AstraZeneca (Wilmington) - Pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Lab techs: $45,000-65,000
Production: $20-28/hour.
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Wawa (Statewide) - 40+ Delaware stores.
Associates: $14-17/hour
Store managers: $50,000-75,000
Delaware-based company.
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Bayhealth Medical Center (Dover, Milford)
Support services: $14-18/hour
Major Kent County employer.
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Beebe Healthcare (Lewes)
Support roles: $14-17/hour
Sussex County healthcare system.
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Dover Downs Casino
Gaming, hospitality, food service: $14-19/hour
State gaming commission background checks.
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Delaware Park Casino - Similar to Dover Downs. Wilmington location. Various positions.
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Acme Markets (Statewide) - 20+ stores.
Clerks: $15-18/hour. Union (UFCW)
Store managers: $55,000-80,000.
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Goodwill Industries Delaware
Retail: $14-16/hour
Mission-driven second-chance employer with support services.
Delaware State Government - Various agencies.
Support positions: $14-20/hour
Ban-the-box for state jobs.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Delaware City
Delaware's three counties create distinct job markets—New Castle (north) for logistics and corporate, Kent (central) for state government and distribution, Sussex (south) for agriculture and tourism.
Wilmington (New Castle County)
State's largest city. Corporate headquarters, financial services, healthcare, distribution.
JPMorgan Chase/Bank of America - $16-25/hour
Christiana Care - $15-19/hour support
Amazon New Castle - $17-19/hour
DuPont/Chemours - $22-32/hour
AstraZeneca - $20-28/hour production
Newark
College town (University of Delaware), Christiana Mall shopping district, distribution.
Christiana Mall Retailers - $13-17/hour
Christiana Hospital - $15-19/hour
University of Delaware Support - $14-18/hour
Acme Markets - $15-18/hour
Wawa Stores - $14-17/hour
Dover (Kent County)
State capital. Government, Air Force base, distribution, manufacturing.
Delaware State Government - $14-20/hour (ban-the-box)
Dover Air Force Base Contractors - $15-22/hour various
Bayhealth Dover - $14-18/hour
Dover Downs Casino - $14-19/hour
Kraft Heinz Dover - $18-25/hour production
Middletown/Smyrna
Fastest-growing area. Major distribution hub with massive warehouses.
Walmart Distribution Smyrna - $17-20/hour
Amazon Middletown - $17-19/hour
Target Distribution - $16-19/hour
Chewy Fulfillment - $16-18/hour
Various Logistics Companies - $15-20/hour
Sussex County (Georgetown, Milford, Rehoboth)
Agriculture, poultry processing, beach tourism. More affordable than north.
Mountaire Farms Millsboro - $14-17/hour
Perdue Farms Georgetown - $14-16/hour
Beach Resort Hotels - $14-18/hour seasonal
Beebe Healthcare Lewes - $14-17/hour
Retail/Food Service - $13-16/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Delaware
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Delaware.
Skilled Trades & Manufacturing
Union Electrician (IBEW) - Delaware apprenticeships. Apprentices: $38,000-48,000. Journeyman electricians: $65,000-85,000. IBEW Local 313 (Wilmington) offers four-year paid apprenticeship.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Union apprenticeships. Journeymen: $60,000-80,000. Strong demand in Delaware's aging infrastructure and new construction.
Industrial Maintenance Technician - Chemical plants, food processing: $50,000-75,000. Strong mechanical/electrical skills valuable. Delaware Technical Community College offers training.
Chemical Plant Operator - DuPont/Chemours operations: $55,000-80,000. Requires training but excellent wages. Legacy Delaware industry.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work. Experienced techs: $45,000-70,000. EPA certification required. Delaware Tech offers programs.
Transportation & CDL
CDL Class A Drivers - Local delivery routes serving Northeast corridor: $55,000-75,000. OTR: $50,000-70,000. Delaware's I-95 corridor position creates strong demand.
Waste Management Drivers - Refuse collection: $45,000-65,000. Union benefits. Physical work but stable employment with benefits.
Port of Wilmington Operations - Longshoremen, equipment operators: $50,000-85,000. ILA union. Competitive but excellent pay once in.
Healthcare & Technical
LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse) - After obtaining license: $48,000-62,000. Delaware nursing programs evaluate applicants with records individually. 12-18 month training.
Pharmacy Technician - With certification: $35,000-48,000. Delaware Tech offers programs. CVS, Walgreens, hospitals hire.
IT Help Desk/Support - Entry IT: $38,000-52,000. CompTIA A+ certification key. Financial services and healthcare in Wilmington hire heavily.
Warehouse Advancement
Warehouse Supervisors - After proving yourself: $45,000-65,000. Amazon, Walmart, Target promote from within. Start as associate, advance to team lead, then supervisor over 2-3 years.
Delaware Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Delaware offers progressive support for justice-impacted job seekers through accessible pardon process and automatic expungement provisions.
Pardons and Expungement in Delaware
Delaware Board of Pardons grants pardons restoring rights and facilitating employment. Automatic expungement available for certain convictions.
Pardon Eligibility: Generally 3-5 years after sentence completion. Applies to misdemeanors and felonies.
Automatic Expungement: Delaware automatically expunges certain convictions after waiting periods—some misdemeanors after 3 years, some felonies after 7 years.
Petition Expungement: Can petition for expungement of eligible convictions through Superior Court.
Effect: Pardoned/expunged convictions generally cannot be used to deny private employment. Public records no longer show expunged convictions.
Ban-the-Box (State Employment)
Delaware law prohibits state government from asking about criminal history on initial applications (ban-the-box). Applies to state positions only—private employers not covered by state law.
7-Year FCRA Rule
Federal FCRA limits reporting of arrests to 7 years, but convictions can be reported indefinitely. Jobs over $75,000 exempt from 7-year rule. Delaware provides no additional state protections beyond federal FCRA, making expungement particularly valuable.
Additional Resources
• Delaware Department of Labor - American Job Centers - Free employment services. Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown locations.
• Delaware Technical Community College - Workforce training programs. Financial aid available. Multiple campuses statewide.
• Goodwill Industries of Delaware - Job training, placement, and support services for individuals with barriers.
• Community Legal Aid Society - Free legal assistance including expungement help for low-income individuals.
• Delaware Reentry Coalition - Support services, housing assistance, employment connections for formerly incarcerated.
Staffing Agencies in Delaware That Work With Felons
Delaware staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Wilmington, Dover offices. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Known for second-chance focus.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Delaware locations. Same-day pay. General labor, warehouse. Case-by-case evaluation.
Express Employment Professionals - Wilmington area. Light industrial, administrative, skilled trades. Works with WOTC.
Kelly Services - Delaware presence. Office, industrial, technical. Corporate fair-chance policy.
Manpower - Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Benefits available for temps. Delaware operations.
Adecco Staffing - Wilmington area. Wide industry range. Reviews criminal history in context.
Randstad - Delaware offices. Manufacturing, warehouse, logistics. Fair-chance evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in Delaware?
Delaware follows federal FCRA: arrests without conviction limited to 7 years, but convictions can be reported indefinitely. Jobs over $75,000 exempt from 7-year rule. Expungement provides best protection.
Q2: Does Delaware have a ban-the-box law?
Delaware's ban-the-box applies to state government positions only. Private employers not covered by state law. Some positions may have additional protections.
Q3: Can I get a pardon or expungement in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware Board of Pardons grants pardons 3-5 years after sentence completion. Automatic expungement available for certain convictions. Petition expungement through Superior Court for eligible cases.
Q4: What companies in Delaware hire felons?
Major employers include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Chewy, Christiana Care, Mountaire Farms, Perdue, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wawa, Goodwill, and many more. Warehousing, healthcare support, food processing, retail most accessible.
Q5: Will Amazon hire me with a felony in Delaware?
Yes. Amazon has multiple Delaware fulfillment centers (New Castle, Middletown, Wilmington area). Evaluates convictions over 7 years old. Warehouse positions most accessible. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q6: Can I work in poultry processing with a felony?
Yes. Mountaire Farms (Millsboro) and Perdue Farms (Georgetown) are major Sussex County employers actively hiring individuals with criminal records. Production work: $14-17/hour. Physical but steady employment with benefits and overtime.
Q7: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Delaware?
Union electricians ($65,000-85,000), plumbers ($60,000-80,000), chemical plant operators ($55,000-80,000), CDL drivers ($50,000-75,000), LPN nurses ($48,000-62,000), industrial maintenance techs ($50,000-75,000), warehouse supervisors ($45,000-65,000).
Q8: Can I get CDL with a felony in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware allows CDL for individuals with felonies. Certain convictions (DUI, violent crimes) may create restrictions. Many Delaware companies hire CDL drivers with records: waste management, delivery, logistics serving Northeast corridor.
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Delaware job applications?
If application asks about criminal history, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. State government positions have ban-the-box. Private employers may ask. Be prepared to discuss honestly, focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned. Expunged convictions don't require disclosure.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Delaware for felons?
Yes. American Job Centers offer free training referrals. Delaware Technical Community College provides workforce development with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training. Goodwill Industries provides job training and placement services.
Next Steps: Your Delaware Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed for Delaware justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Assess Your Record and Expungement Eligibility
Obtain Delaware criminal record from State Bureau of Identification. Review for accuracy. Determine pardon eligibility (generally 3-5 years after sentence completion). Check if convictions qualify for automatic expungement. Consider petition expungement for eligible cases. 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 Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus on documented fair-chance employers: warehousing/distribution (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Chewy), healthcare support (Christiana Care, Bayhealth), food processing (Mountaire, Perdue), retail (Wawa, Acme), hospitality (beach resorts, casinos). Make list of 15-20 target employers based on location and skills. Research each company's hiring process. Prioritize larger employers with structured HR. Delaware's compact size means all opportunities within 2-hour commute.
Step 3: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create professional resume highlighting skills, experience, accomplishments. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any training/education completed. 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.
Step 4: Apply Strategically and Leverage Resources
Submit 10-15 applications weekly minimum. Apply directly through company websites when possible. Register with American Job Centers (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown) for free job search assistance. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in industrial/warehouse work. Visit employers in person for warehouse, food processing, hospitality where showing initiative matters. Mention WOTC eligibility to employers to increase hiring appeal. Persist through rejections—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. Research company and role thoroughly. For positions requiring background checks, be proactive—disclose record when appropriate and provide context. Have documentation ready if needed. Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If criminal history becomes issue, emphasize time passed, lessons learned, skills gained. Delaware's automatic expungement and pardon options provide pathways to clear records over time.
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 pardon/expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Delaware's employment laws and record relief is general in nature. Consult with Delaware employment attorney or legal aid for specific legal advice about your situation.
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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.