Felon Friendly Jobs in Indiana
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Indiana offers solid second-chance opportunities with Executive Order fair-chance hiring for state jobs, progressive expungement laws under IC 35-38-9, and a growing economy. Major employers like Amazon (15+ warehouses), Walmart, Cummins, Eli Lilly, and manufacturing companies actively hire people with criminal records. While Indiana doesn't have statewide private-sector Ban the Box, Indianapolis has local protections, and expungement is available for many misdemeanors after 5 years and felonies after 8 years.
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Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Indiana
Indiana is building a reputation as a felon-friendly state with strong manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare industries providing stable career opportunities for people with criminal records.
With major employers like Amazon operating 15+ fulfillment centers, Walmart's distribution network, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, engine manufacturer Cummins, and thriving automotive and RV manufacturing sectors, Indiana offers diverse job opportunities across the state.
Indiana's expungement laws under IC 35-38-9 (Indiana Second Chance Law) provide real opportunities for record relief. Misdemeanors can be sealed after 5 years, most Level 6 felonies after 8 years, with records segregated from public access. The state's $7.25 federal minimum wage means most employers pay $12-16+ to attract workers, with warehouse and manufacturing jobs often starting at $16-22/hour.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Indiana
Indiana's manufacturing and logistics strength means abundant warehouse and production jobs starting at $14-20/hour, well above the federal minimum wage.
Warehouse & Fulfillment
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - 15+ facilities across Indiana including Indianapolis (multiple locations), Plainfield, Whitestown, Jeffersonville. Warehouse associates: $16-21/hour. Same-day background checks for many roles. Benefits from day one including health insurance, 401(k), Career Choice tuition assistance.
Walmart Distribution Centers - Multiple Indiana distribution centers. Warehouse workers: $18-23/hour. Live Better U program offers tuition-free college degrees. Night/weekend differentials available.
Target Distribution Centers - Indianapolis area warehouses. Starting $16-19/hour. Benefits for part-time workers including 401(k) with company match.
FedEx Ground - Package handlers at Indianapolis hub and statewide facilities. Starting $17-21/hour. Flexible part-time schedules, tuition reimbursement, advancement to driver roles.
UPS - Indianapolis Worldport hub. Part-time package handlers $20/hour. Full-time drivers $24+/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance after 30 days.
Food Service
McDonald's - 250+ Indiana franchises. Crew members: $12-15/hour. Archways to Opportunity program offers free college tuition, GED assistance. Quick advancement to management ($30K-$45K).
Chipotle - Crew members: $13-16/hour. Debt-free college degrees through Guild Education (up to $5,250/year). Quarterly bonuses, meal benefits.
Starbucks - Baristas: $13-16/hour. Benefits at 20+ hours including health insurance, stock options, free ASU online degree. Partner discounts.
Cracker Barrel - Lebanon, TN headquarters with Indiana locations. Servers/kitchen staff: $11-14/hour plus tips. Meal discounts, flexible scheduling.
Olive Garden/Darden Restaurants - Servers and kitchen positions: $11-14/hour plus tips. Healthcare benefits, 401(k), education assistance.
Retail
Meijer - Major Midwest chain with 40+ Indiana stores. Team members: $14-17/hour. Union representation, excellent benefits, employee discounts.
Home Depot - Associates: $15-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000/year. Benefits after 90 days. Veteran hiring initiative includes second chances.
Lowe's - Starting $14-18/hour. Benefits package after 90 days, employee discounts, advancement opportunities.
Menards - Multiple Indiana stores. Team members: $14-17/hour. Employee stock ownership plan, good benefits.
Rural King - Farm and home store chain. Associates: $12-15/hour. Indiana-based company, family atmosphere.
Manufacturing
Subaru of Indiana Automotive - Lafayette plant. Production associates: $18-28/hour. Union jobs, excellent benefits, stable careers.
RV Manufacturers - Elkhart area (RV capital). Thor, Forest River, Jayco. Production workers: $16-24/hour. High demand for workers.
Steel Mills - Northwest Indiana (Gary, Hammond). ArcelorMittal, US Steel. Production jobs: $20-35/hour union wages.
Top 20 Indiana Employers Hiring Felons
These companies have documented second-chance hiring programs, fair-chance policies, or demonstrated openness to hiring individuals with criminal records:
Amazon - 15+ fulfillment centers across Indiana.
Warehouse associates: $16-21/hour.
Same-day background checks common. Benefits from day 1: health, 401(k), Career Choice tuition. Major hubs in Indianapolis, Plainfield, Whitestown, Jeffersonville.
Walmart - 90+ stores, multiple distribution centers.
Distribution: $18-23/hour.
Retail: $13-16/hour.
Live Better U tuition-free college. Healthcare from day 1, 401(k) match.
Eli Lilly - Pharmaceutical headquarters in Indianapolis.
Manufacturing jobs: $18-30/hour depending on role.
Excellent benefits, stable healthcare industry, advancement opportunities.
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Cummins - Engine manufacturer, Columbus headquarters.
Production jobs: $18-28/hour.
Union positions available, comprehensive benefits, Indiana institution.
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Subaru of Indiana Automotive - Lafayette plant.
Production associates: $18-28/hour.
United Auto Workers union, excellent benefits, environmentally focused company.
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Meijer - Major Midwest chain, 40+ Indiana stores.
Team members: $14-17/hour.
Union representation (UFCW), comprehensive benefits, employee discounts.
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FedEx Ground - Indianapolis hub, statewide facilities.
Package handlers: $17-21/hour.
Driver opportunities: $50K+ annually.
Tuition reimbursement, part-time flexibility.
UPS - Indianapolis Worldport, statewide presence.
Part-time: $20/hour.
Full-time drivers: $24-38/hour.
Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance.
RV Manufacturers (Thor, Forest River, Jayco) - Elkhart area—RV capital of world.
Production workers: $16-24/hour.
High demand, overtime common, stable industry.
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Target
Team members: $15-19/hour.
Benefits for part-time (20+ hours), 401(k) match, education assistance. Multiple Indiana locations.
Home Depot
Associates: $15-19/hour.
Tuition reimbursement $5,000/year.
Benefits after 90 days. Veteran hiring includes second chances.
Lowe's - Similar to Home Depot.
$14-18/hour.
Benefits after 90 days, advancement to specialist roles, employee discounts.
Steel Mills (ArcelorMittal, US Steel) - Northwest Indiana.
Production: $20-35/hour union wages.
United Steelworkers benefits, pension, stable careers.
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Community Health Network - Hospital system. Support staff:
food service, environmental services, patient transport. $14-18/hour.
Healthcare benefits, stable industry.
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IU Health - Hospital network.
Similar support roles. $14-18/hour.
Indiana's largest employer, multiple locations, advancement paths.
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McDonald's - 250+ franchises statewide.
Crew: $12-15/hour.
Archways education program, rapid advancement to management ($30K-45K).
Chipotle
Crew: $13-16/hour.
Debt-free college through Guild Education ($5,250/year).
Quarterly bonuses, promotion culture.
Menards - Home improvement chain.
$14-17/hour.
Employee stock ownership, family-owned, stable employment.
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Staffing Agencies (PeopleReady, Spherion, Manpower) - Same-day placement possible. Construction, warehouse, manufacturing. Daily pay options, no resume required.
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Starbucks
Baristas: $13-16/hour.
Benefits at 20+ hours: health, stock, free ASU degree. Inclusive culture values second chances.
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Indiana City
Indianapolis
Indiana's capital and largest city. Fair-chance protections for city contractors. Major employment hub.
Amazon - Multiple fulfillment centers in metro area
Eli Lilly - Pharmaceutical headquarters—manufacturing and support roles
FedEx - Major Indianapolis hub with package handling and driving
Community Health/IU Health - Hospital support staff, food service, environmental
Meijer - Multiple stores with union representation
Fort Wayne
General Motors - Truck assembly plant, UAW union jobs
Steel Dynamics - Steel manufacturing, good wages
Amazon - Fulfillment center
Walmart - Distribution center and stores
Parkview Health - Hospital support positions
Evansville
Toyota - Engine and transmission plant, union manufacturing
Amazon - Fulfillment center hiring warehouse associates
Alcoa - Aluminum production, industrial jobs
Berry Global - Plastics manufacturing
Deaconess Health System - Healthcare support roles
South Bend/Elkhart
RV Manufacturers - Thor, Forest River, Jayco—high demand for production workers
Amazon - Distribution center
Honeywell - Aerospace manufacturing
Beacon Health - Hospital support positions
AM General - Military vehicle production
Lafayette/West Lafayette
Subaru of Indiana Automotive - Major auto plant, union jobs
Caterpillar - Heavy equipment manufacturing
Purdue University - Facilities, food service, custodial positions
Wabash National - Trailer manufacturing
Alcoa - Aluminum production
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Indiana
CDL Truck Driving
Indiana's crossroads location makes it a major trucking hub. Many companies offer paid CDL training.
Schneider National - Regional/OTR routes. $55K-70K annually. Paid training, home weekly options.
Roehl Transport - Based in Wisconsin, major Indiana hiring. $50K-70K. CDL training provided.
Celadon/Quality Carriers - Indianapolis-based. $55K-75K. Tanker and dry van positions.
C.R. England - Teams $120K+, solo $60K-80K. Company training available.
Prime Inc - $60K-80K annually. Paid training, newer equipment.
Skilled Trades
Union Electrician - IBEW apprenticeship. Journeyman: $30-48/hour ($60K-100K/year). 4-5 year paid apprenticeship.
Union Plumber - Plumbers & Pipefitters. Journeyman: $28-45/hour ($55K-90K/year). Training programs available.
HVAC Technician - $22-38/hour ($45K-75K/year). Ivy Tech Community College offers training, often WIOA funded.
Welder - $20-35/hour ($40K-70K/year). High demand in manufacturing. Ivy Tech certifications.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Operating Engineers. $25-42/hour ($50K-85K/year). Union apprenticeship.
Manufacturing
Auto Manufacturing (Subaru, GM, Toyota) - Union production $18-32/hour ($40K-70K/year). UAW benefits, overtime common.
Steel Mills (ArcelorMittal, US Steel) - United Steelworkers. $20-38/hour ($45K-80K/year). Pension, excellent benefits.
RV Manufacturing - Elkhart area. $16-28/hour ($35K-60K/year). High demand, overtime boosts earnings.
Pharmaceutical (Eli Lilly, others) - Manufacturing roles $18-32/hour. Clean environment, stable industry.
Food Processing - Statewide plants. $15-25/hour ($32K-50K/year). Overtime common, steady work.
Indiana Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Expungement & Record Sealing
Indiana's Second Chance Law (IC 35-38-9) allows sealing of certain criminal records. Note: Indiana "seals" rather than "expunges"—records are segregated from public access but not destroyed.
Eligible Records:
Arrests without conviction - Eligible after 1 year (can file earlier with prosecutor consent)
Misdemeanors - Eligible 5 years after conviction (or reduced Class D/Level 6 felonies)
Level 6 felonies (Class D felonies) - Eligible 8 years after conviction
More serious felonies - Eligible 8-10 years after conviction OR 3 years after sentence completion (whichever is later), requires prosecutor consent
Deferred judgments - Automatically sealed upon successful completion
Sealed records will not appear on most background checks. However, major felonies marked "expunged" rather than sealed—still visible but marked as such.
How to Apply for Expungement:
Get background check from Indiana State Police to see your record
Determine eligibility—time requirements strict in Indiana
File petition in county where conviction occurred
Filing fee approximately $156 (fee waivers available for indigent)
Serve prosecutor who has 30 days to respond
Court hearing scheduled, judge decides based on rehabilitation evidence
If granted, records sealed and agencies notified
IMPORTANT: You can only petition once per lifetime in Indiana (except for arrests without conviction). Choose wisely which convictions to include. Consult attorney for best results.
FREE LEGAL HELP: Indiana Legal Services (indianalegalservices.org), neighborhood legal clinics, IU McKinney School of Law clinic, attorney referrals from Indiana State Bar.
Fair Chance Hiring Protections
Indiana has limited but growing fair-chance protections:
Executive Order 17-06 (2017): State of Indiana executive branch agencies cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications
Indianapolis Fair Chance Ordinance: City contractors delayed background inquiry until after first interview
No statewide private-sector Ban the Box law (unlike neighboring Illinois)
Federal contractors must follow Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (2019)
EEOC guidance applies statewide—employers should use individualized assessment
FCRA 7-year lookback: Most convictions not reported after 7 years (doesn't apply to jobs $75K+)
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Employers can claim up to $9,600 federal tax credit per qualified hire. Tell employers you may qualify!
You may qualify if you're:
Ex-felons hired within 1 year of release or conviction
SNAP recipients
TANF recipients
Veterans
Vocational rehabilitation referrals
Job Training & Placement Programs
Indiana offers FREE state-funded employment resources:
WorkOne Centers - 50+ locations statewide offering: resume assistance, interview coaching, job search help, skills assessments, training referrals, connections to WIOA funding. Find nearest: workone.in.gov
Indiana INvets - Veteran reentry services—employment, housing, benefits navigation
RecycleForce - Indianapolis-based social enterprise providing jobs in electronics recycling specifically for justice-involved individuals
Goodwill Industries - Job training and placement throughout Indiana
Community Action agencies - Local agencies offering employment services county-by-county
Catholic Charities - Indianapolis and regional offices—employment assistance, case management
Wheeler Mission - Indianapolis homeless services including employment programs
Free College & Career Training
Indiana provides excellent education opportunities:
Ivy Tech Community College - Statewide community college system. Tuition ~$150/credit hour. Financial aid covers most costs for low-income students. Certificates in welding, HVAC, manufacturing, CDL, healthcare.
WIOA Funding - Through WorkOne Centers for approved training. Can cover tuition, books, supplies, transportation for career training programs.
Next Level Jobs - Indiana program offering free training for high-demand jobs. Pre-approved certificate programs at Ivy Tech and other providers.
Apprenticeships - Earn while you learn. IBEW (electricians), Operating Engineers, Plumbers & Pipefitters offer paid apprenticeships reaching $25-45/hour as journeyman.
Staffing Agencies in Indiana That Work With Felons
Staffing agencies offer fastest path to employment. Many provide same-day placement.
PeopleReady (Labor Ready) - Multiple Indiana locations including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville. Daily pay via JobStack app. Construction, warehouse, manufacturing. Same-day work common. peopleready.com
Spherion - Office, industrial, professional staffing throughout Indiana. Temp-to-hire placements. Skills training available.
Manpower - Temp-to-hire and direct hire. Office, industrial, professional roles. Resume assistance provided.
Express Employment Professionals - Locally-owned franchises in multiple Indiana cities. Light industrial, skilled trades, office positions.
Kelly Services - Light industrial, office, IT positions. Temp and temp-to-hire throughout Indiana.
Randstad - Office and industrial placements. Multiple offices, temp-to-hire focus.
Aerotek - Technical and industrial staffing. Manufacturing, logistics, engineering roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What jobs can I NOT get with a felony in Indiana?
Restrictions exist for: law enforcement and corrections, education positions working with children, some healthcare roles (nursing, pharmacy) depending on offense, financial services for fraud/theft convictions, security positions. However, many professions have waiver processes. Contact Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (in.gov/pla) for specific occupational questions.
Q2: How long do background checks go back in Indiana?
Under Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), most employers can only see convictions from past 7 years (does NOT apply to jobs paying $75,000+). Indiana State Police maintains criminal history, and many counties have online court records going back further. Once background check is lawful, all convictions may be visible unless sealed under IC 35-38-9.
Q3: Will Amazon hire me with a felony in Indiana?
Yes! Amazon has 15+ Indiana facilities and routinely hires people with records. Background checks conducted but case-by-case evaluation. Same-day offers common. Disqualifying: recent violent crimes, sex offenses, theft for certain positions. Drug offenses usually acceptable after time passes. Starting $16-21/hour with benefits day 1.
Q4: Does Indiana have Ban the Box?
Partial protections only. Executive Order 17-06 covers STATE government jobs—agencies can't ask on applications. Indianapolis has protections for city contractors. However, Indiana has NO statewide Ban the Box for private employers (unlike neighboring Illinois). Private employers can ask about criminal history on applications.
Q5: How much do warehouse jobs pay in Indiana?
Warehouse pay competitive despite lower cost of living: Entry-level: $14-17/hour; Amazon: $16-21/hour; Walmart distribution: $18-23/hour; FedEx Ground: $17-21/hour; UPS part-time: $20/hour, full-time drivers $24-38/hour; Manufacturing warehouse: $16-22/hour.
Q6: Can I get my felony expunged in Indiana?
Indiana "seals" rather than expunges. Eligibility: Misdemeanors after 5 years, Level 6 felonies after 8 years, more serious felonies 8-10 years OR 3 years after sentence (whichever later). Major felonies marked "expunged" but still visible. CRITICAL: You can only petition ONCE per lifetime—choose carefully. Consult attorney. Check indianalegalservices.org for free legal aid.
Q7: What's the minimum wage in Indiana?
Indiana uses federal minimum: $7.25/hour. However, actual starting wages much higher due to labor market: Warehouse/manufacturing: $14-20/hour; Retail: $12-16/hour; Food service: $11-15/hour plus tips; Healthcare support: $14-18/hour. Even entry-level jobs pay well above minimum.
Q8: Where can I get free job training in Indiana?
Multiple free resources: WorkOne Centers (50+ locations): FREE resume help, interview prep, job referrals, training connections (workone.in.gov); Ivy Tech Community College: ~$150/credit (Pell Grants cover for low-income); Next Level Jobs: Indiana program offering free training for high-demand jobs; WIOA funding: Through WorkOne for approved training; Apprenticeships: PAID training in electrical, plumbing, operating engineers—earn while learning.
Q9: Will Walmart hire felons in Indiana?
Yes! Walmart has 90+ Indiana stores and multiple distribution centers. Retail: $13-16/hour. Distribution: $18-23/hour. Background checks conducted but individualized assessment. Non-violent offenses after time usually acceptable. Live Better U program offers free college tuition. Apply online at careers.walmart.com.
Q10: What should I say about my felony in an Indiana interview?
Indiana has limited protections: State government jobs: Can't ask on application but can ask during interview; Private employers: Can ask on application or anytime; Indianapolis contractors: Can't ask until after first interview. When asked: Be honest but brief; Focus on personal growth and lessons learned; Emphasize skills and reliability; Mention certificates, training completed; Have references ready; Show you understand employer concerns and address them directly. Practice 30-second explanation.
Next Steps: Your Indiana Job Search Action Plan
Follow this proven 5-step sequence:
Step 1: Get Your Background Check: Order Indiana criminal history from Indiana State Police to see exactly what employers see. Know before you apply. Check for errors and dispute if needed.
Step 2: Register with WorkOne: Visit workone.in.gov and find your nearest center. Free services: resume help, interview coaching, job referrals, training connections. WorkOne has relationships with major employers for direct referrals.
Step 3: Apply to High-Success Employers: Target companies in this guide: Amazon (15+ locations), Walmart (90+ stores), Subaru (Lafayette), RV manufacturers (Elkhart), Meijer (40+ stores). Use staffing agencies for fastest placement—PeopleReady offers same-day work with daily pay.
Step 4: Check Expungement Eligibility: Under IC 35-38-9, many records eligible for sealing: misdemeanors after 5 years, Level 6 felonies after 8 years. IMPORTANT: You can only petition once—consult attorney. Free legal aid: indianalegalservices.org.
Step 5: Pursue Free Training: Don't settle for minimum wage. Next Level Jobs program offers free training. Ivy Tech Community College certificates (~$150/credit, Pell Grant covered). Union apprenticeships pay while training. Start working entry-level, begin training immediately for $20-40/hour careers.
Indiana's strong manufacturing economy, growing logistics sector, and accessible training programs provide real opportunities for career rebuilding. Take the first step today.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and individual 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 Indiana's expungement law (IC 35-38-9) is general in nature—consult with an Indiana employment attorney or legal aid organization 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.