Felon Friendly Jobs in District of Columbia
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
District of Columbia 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 $17.50 minimum wage and diverse economy—from technology and entertainment to logistics, tourism, and manufacturing—creates opportunities across all skill levels. Entry-level positions start at $17.50-18/hour, while CDL drivers, skilled trades, and tech roles reach $60,000-100,000+ annually. Strong worker rights and ban-the-box laws make District of Columbia exceptionally favorable for rebuilding careers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in District of Columbia
District of Columbia Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Staffing Agencies in District of Columbia That Work With Felons
Next Steps: Your District of Columbia Job Search Action Plan
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in District of Columbia
District of Columbia 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 federal government and international organizations, opportunities span technology giants in DMV region, entertainment in Washington DC, agricultural operations in the DC metro, massive logistics hubs in the DMV region, and tourism statewide. The state's $17.50 minimum wage (2024) and higher local minimums in Georgetown ($18.07), Washington DC ($17.50), and Capitol Hill ($17.50.85) provide living wages even for entry-level work.
District of Columbia's expungement processes are among the nation's most accessible, with automatic conviction relief under Clean Slate Act (2022), 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, District of Columbia provides genuine pathways to fresh starts
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in District of Columbia
District of Columbia's $17.50 minimum wage ensures entry-level positions provide livable income while building essential work history.
Warehouse & Fulfillment
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Facilities throughout District of Columbia including Baltimore MD, Springfield VA, and DC metro area. 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 - Rockville MD, College Park MD 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, Southeast DC, Shaw/U Street, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill.
UPS - Hub workers at District of Columbia facilities. Starting $18-21/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits including healthcare, pension, $25,000 tuition assistance. Largest hubs in Baltimore MD, Springfield VA, DC metro.
Food Service & Hospitality
Five Guys - District of Columbia chain. Associates: $18-25/hour with progression. Full benefits even part-time, 401(k), paid vacation, profit-sharing. Managers earn $150,000+. 350+ District of Columbia locations.
Chipotle - Crew members: $17.50-18/hour. Debt-free college through Guild Education partnership. Clear path to manager ($50,000-70,000). Quarterly bonuses and free food.
Starbucks - Baristas: $17.50-19/hour. Benefits at 20+ hours including healthcare, stock options, free college through ASU, free Spotify. Second-chance friendly hiring.
Smithsonian Institution - Museums and cultural sites. Museum retail, food service, facilities management: $18-24/hour. Federal contractor benefits. Largest museum complex in world.
MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD) - Casino resort just outside DC. Housekeeping, food service, dealers: $17-25/hour. Large employer with benefits. Case-by-case evaluation.
Hotel Chains - Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt hire housekeepers ($17-22/hour) and food service ($17.50-20/hour). Union positions (UNITE HERE) offer excellent wages and job security.
Retail
Howard University - Historic HBCU in DC. Facilities management, food service, campus support: $17-21/hour. Education benefits, stable employment. Fair-chance hiring for non-academic roles.
Costco Wholesale - Entry-level: $17-19/hour. Quick progression to $25-28/hour. Exceptional benefits, promotes from within. DC area stores.
Target - Team members: $17.50-18/hour. Education assistance, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits. 300+ District of Columbia stores.
Home Depot - Associates: $17.50-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement, stock purchase, advancement programs. Second-chance friendly.
Top 20 District of Columbia Employers Hiring Felons
These District of Columbia 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+ DC Locations)
Baristas: $17.50-19/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.
MedStar Health (DC-wide)
Environmental services: $18-22/hour
Food services: $17-21/hour
Medical assistants: $40,000-55,000
Fair-chance for non-clinical support.
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Children's National Hospital - DC's premier pediatric hospital.
Support services: $17-22/hour
Food service, environmental services, patient transport. Excellent benefits, stable employment.
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Five Guys (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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Wegmans Food Markets
Production: $18-22/hour
Route sales: $45,000-65,000
Northeast grocer with DC-area stores. Fair-chance hiring.
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Target Corporation (300+ Stores/DCs)
Team members: $17.50-18/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/Safeway (600+ Stores)
Clerks: $17.50-20/hour
Store managers: $80,000-120,000
UFCW union jobs. Individual assessment.
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Goodwill Industries (165+ Stores)
Retail: $17.50-18/hour
Managers: $45,000-70,000
Mission-driven second-chance employer with support services.
Booz Allen Hamilton (Tysons Corner, VA/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. DC metro facilities.
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: $17.50-17/hour
Store managers: $55,000-85,000
Fast-paced retail with growth. Fair hiring.
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ABM Industries (Statewide)
Custodians: $17.50-19/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: $17.50-19/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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Felon-Friendly Jobs by District of Columbia City
These DC neighborhood clusters offer the most opportunities for justice-impacted individuals in District of Columbia.
Washington DC/Northeast DC
Nation's second-largest metro. Diverse opportunities across entertainment, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, service industries.
Amazon Downtown/Capitol Hill area Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
MedStar Health LA Medical Center - $18-22/hour
Reagan National Airport Services - $17-25/hour
Goodwill Southern District of Columbia - $17.50-19/hour
Port of Baltimore/Northeast DC Logistics - $18-24/hour
Georgetown DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia)
Technology hub with highest District of Columbia wages. Strong labor protections. High cost offset by premium pay.
Costco DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) - $19-21/hour (higher regional scale)
Booz Allen Hamilton Tysons Corner, VA Factory - $22-26/hour
Reagan National Airport Services - $19-28/hour union wages
Safeway/Safeway Greater Washington - $18-22/hour union
UPS Southeast DC Hub - $21-23/hour
Capitol Hill
Military, tourism, biotech. Lower cost than LA/SF with solid wages. Border logistics opportunities.
Amazon Capitol Hill - $17-19/hour
MedStar Washington Hospital Center - $17-21/hour
SAIC Contract Services - $17-22/hour
Capitol Hill Zoo/Safari Park - $17.50-19/hour
Target Capitol Hill Distribution - $18-20/hour
DMV Suburbs (Arlington VA, Bethesda MD, Silver Spring MD)
West Coast logistics capital. Massive warehouse hub. Lower housing costs with high-paying warehouse jobs.
Amazon Baltimore Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
Target Rockville, MD DC - $18-20/hour
UPS Springfield VA Hub - $18-21/hour
Prologis/NorthPoint Warehouses - $17-22/hour
Wegmans Distribution - $18-22/hour
Shaw/U Street
State capital. Government, healthcare, education, distribution. Lower cost than coastal metros with solid wages.
Amazon Shaw/U Street (SMF1, SMF3) - $17-19/hour
University of Maryland Medical Center - $18-22/hour
Giant Food Supermarkets - $17-20/hour
State of District of Columbia Agencies - $17.50-22/hour (ban-the-box)
Target College Park Distribution - $18-20/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in District of Columbia
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in District of Columbia.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
District of Columbia'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 of Baltimore and DMV last-mile delivery - 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 Local 26) - Covers DC, MD, VA. Apprentices start $45,000-55,000. Journeyman electricians: $75,000-100,000. Four-year paid apprenticeship. Excellent benefits.
Union Plumber/Pipefitter (UA Local 602) - DC/MD plumbers and steamfitters. Apprentices: $45,000-55,000. Journeyman: $80,000-110,000. Five-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 District of Columbia 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, defense contracting): $70,000-100,000+. Certifications through community colleges. Strong demand in manufacturing, construction, defense contracting.
Solar Installation - Growing District of Columbia 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. DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) pays $55,000-70,000. Remote positions increasingly common.
Network Technician - Installing/maintaining networks: $55,000-75,000. CompTIA Network+ or General Dynamics 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 DMV region, LA, Shaw/U Street.
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 DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia).
District of Columbia Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
District of Columbia offers the nation's most comprehensive support for justice-impacted job seekers through progressive laws and accessible expungement.
Record Sealing in District of Columbia
D.C. Code § 16-801 et seq. allows sealing of criminal records. The Clean Slate Act (2022) provides automatic sealing for eligible convictions. Record sealing removes convictions from public view, significantly improving employment prospects.
Eligibility:
Successfully completed sentence including probation/parole
Paid all fines, fees, and restitution
Waiting period elapsed (2 years for misdemeanors, 8 years for eligible felonies)
Not currently charged with or serving sentence for another offense
Clean Slate Act (Automatic Sealing): DC automatically seals eligible misdemeanor convictions after 2 years and certain felonies after 8 years. No petition required - D.C. Superior Court processes automatically.
Fair Criminal Record Screening Amendment Act: Nation's strongest ban-the-box law. Most DC employers (11+ employees) cannot ask about criminal history until after conditional job offers. Strict guidelines on how convictions can be considered.
Effect: Sealed records removed from public databases. Employers cannot access sealed records. You may lawfully state you have not been convicted. Still visible to law enforcement and certain government security clearances.
Fair Chance Act (Ban-the-Box)
District of Columbia's Fair Chance Act is among the nation's strongest. Applies to employers with 11+ employees.
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
District of Columbia Fair Chance Act 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 D.C. Code § 16-801 et seq.
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, District of Columbia'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 District of Columbia employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances.
Additional District of Columbia Resources
MORCA (Mayor's Office on Returning Citizen Affairs) - Primary DC government office for reentry support. Employment assistance, benefits navigation, community resources.
CSOSA (Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency) - Federal agency providing supervision and reentry services. Job training, education, substance abuse treatment.
Project Empowerment - DC government program. Workforce development, subsidized employment, case management for returning citizens.
DC Central Kitchen - Social enterprise providing culinary training, job placement, supportive services. Fair-chance employer.
DOES American Job Centers - DC Department of Employment Services. Free resume help, job search assistance, training referrals.
Goodwill of Greater Washington - Job training, placement services, career counseling. Multiple DC locations. Fair-chance mission.
OHR (Office of Human Rights) - Enforces Fair Chance Act. File complaints about discriminatory hiring. Free legal consultations.
Staffing Agencies in District of Columbia That Work With Felons
District of Columbia staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Locations throughout District of Columbia. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Explicit second-chance focus.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Same-day pay options. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing. Many District of Columbia offices.
Remedy Capital Oneligent Staffing - Multiple District of Columbia locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Temp-to-hire common.
Adecco - Statewide presence. Wide industry range. Fair-chance evaluation.
Manpower - Major District of Columbia presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Benefits available for temps.
Workforce Solutions - District of Columbia staffing agency specializing in warehouse and logistics placement.
Hallmark Staffing - Multiple District of Columbia locations. Light industrial and clerical. Quick placement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia have a ban-the-box law?
Yes. District of Columbia's Fair Chance Act prohibits employers with 11+ 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 District of Columbia?
District of Columbia doesn't 'expunge' but allows dismissal under D.C. Code § 16-801 et seq.. After completing probation successfully, most misdemeanors and felonies can be dismissed. Automatic relief (Clean Slate Act (2022)) dismisses eligible convictions 4 years after sentence completion. Clean Slate Act allows many felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors.
Q4: What companies in District of Columbia hire felons?
Major District of Columbia employers include Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, Target, Five Guys, MedStar Health, Booz Allen Hamilton, UPS, Waste Management, Goodwill, and thousands more. District of Columbia's Fair Chance Act requires most employers to evaluate candidates before considering criminal history.
Q5: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in District of Columbia?
Yes. Amazon has 50+ District of Columbia facilities and evaluates convictions over 7 years old. Warehouse positions are most accessible. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q6: What is District of Columbia's minimum wage?
$17.50/hour statewide (2024), but many cities higher: Georgetown ($18.07), Washington DC ($17.50), Capitol Hill ($17.50.85), Southeast DC ($17.50). Fast food workers: $20/hour minimum.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in District of Columbia?
Yes. Many District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
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 District of Columbia job applications?
Under Fair Chance Act, most District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia for people with felonies?
Yes. America's Job Centers offer free training referrals. District of Columbia community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training. TANF provides job training for eligible individuals. District of Columbia Department of Rehabilitation offers vocational services.
Next Steps: Your District of Columbia Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for District of Columbia justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Understand Your Rights Under Fair Chance Act
District of Columbia's Fair Chance Act protects you from early screening. Employers with 11+ 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 D.C. Superior Court to see exactly what employers see. Determine record sealing eligibility—many convictions qualify for automatic sealing under Clean Slate Act (2022) or petition-based sealing under D.C. Code § 16-801.
Step 2: Target Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus applications on industries with established second-chance hiring: warehousing/logistics (Amazon, Target, UPS), food service (Ben's Chili Bowl, 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 District of Columbia Resources and Apply Strategically
Register with America's Job Centers of District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia's Fair Chance Act and expungement laws is general in nature. Consult with District of Columbia 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.