Felon Friendly Jobs in Iowa
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Iowa offers second-chance employment opportunities with limited ban-the-box protections (only Des Moines and Waterloo have local ordinances for private employers) but solid record relief through misdemeanor expungement after 8 years. The state's minimum wage remains at $7.25/hour (federal minimum, unchanged since 2008), though market pressures push entry-level wages to $11-16/hour in major cities. Major population centers including Des Moines (pop. 215,000), Cedar Rapids (pop. 137,000), Davenport (pop. 101,000), Sioux City (pop. 85,000), and Iowa City (pop. 75,000) provide diverse opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and logistics sectors. While Iowa lacks statewide ban-the-box for private employers, the state's tight labor market creates hiring demand, and misdemeanor expungement law (Iowa Code § 901C.3, enacted 2019) allows one-time expungement after 8 years for most misdemeanors. Entry-level positions typically start at $11-16/hour with clear advancement paths to $40,000-70,000+ careers in trucking, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Iowa
Economic Overview
Iowa's economy is shaped by agriculture, manufacturing, insurance/financial services, and healthcare, creating diverse employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. With major population centers including Des Moines (pop. 215,000), Cedar Rapids (pop. 137,000), Davenport (pop. 101,000), Sioux City (pop. 85,000), Iowa City (pop. 75,000), and Waterloo (pop. 67,000), the state provides accessible employment pathways from entry-level retail and warehouse positions to skilled manufacturing and agricultural roles. Iowa's agricultural heritage creates strong demand for food processing workers, while companies like John Deere, Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace), Principal Financial, and major meat processing plants employ thousands statewide. The state's tight labor market (unemployment consistently below national average) works in favor of second-chance job seekers despite limited ban-the-box protections.
Record Clearing System
Iowa enacted misdemeanor expungement law in 2019 (Iowa Code § 901C.3), allowing individuals to expunge ONE misdemeanor conviction in their lifetime after 8 years. This was Iowa's first true expungement option beyond public intoxication and underage drinking offenses. Felony convictions CANNOT be expunged in Iowa—only sealed in limited circumstances. For misdemeanor expungement eligibility: must wait 8 years after conviction date, pay all court costs/fees/fines/restitution, have no pending criminal charges, have not previously been granted more than one deferred judgment. Over 25 types of misdemeanors are ineligible including DUI, weapons offenses, sex offenses, stalking, harassment, assault, and domestic abuse charges.
Non-conviction records (acquittals, dismissals) can be expunged after 180 days automatically. Public intoxication and underage alcohol consumption convictions can be expunged after 2 years if no other convictions during that period. Process requires filing "Application to Expunge Court Record" with the court where convicted, typically costs $50-150 in court fees. Timeline: 3-6 months typically. Expunged records are sealed from public access but remain available to law enforcement with court order. Individuals can legally deny expunged convictions occurred for most employment purposes.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
Iowa does NOT have statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. However, two cities have enacted local ordinances: Des Moines (effective November 15, 2021) prohibits employers from asking about criminal history until after conditional job offer. Waterloo's ban-the-box ordinance (2019) requires employers to wait until after conditional offer to inquire about criminal history, but was partially struck down by Iowa Supreme Court in 2021—the timing restriction was upheld but substantive restrictions on use of criminal history were invalidated.
Iowa follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely. This makes expungement especially valuable. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Iowa employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Iowa
Iowa minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal minimum, unchanged since 2008), but market pressures mean most entry-level positions in major cities pay $11-16/hour.
Food Processing & Manufacturing
Tyson Foods (Multiple Iowa locations) - Major meat processing employer with plants in Waterloo, Storm Lake, Council Bluffs, and other cities.
Production workers, line workers, sanitation, packaging, warehouse, maintenance support.
Pay: $13-18/hour with shift differentials. Case-by-case hiring, physically demanding work.
JBS USA (Marshalltown, Ottumwa) - Pork processing facilities.
Production workers, trim line, packaging, sanitation, warehouse.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Fair-chance evaluation, urgent hiring needs.
Seaboard Foods (Guymon area facilities) - Pork production.
Production workers, packaging, quality control, sanitation.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case review.
Cargill (Various Iowa locations) - Agricultural processing and manufacturing.
Production workers, warehouse, packaging, quality control, maintenance support.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Individual assessment.
Manufacturing
John Deere (Waterloo, Ankeny, Davenport, Dubuque) - Agricultural and construction equipment manufacturing.
Production assemblers, material handlers, warehouse workers, painters, welders (with experience).
Pay: $16-24/hour with excellent benefits. Union shop (UAW). Background checks but case-by-case after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.
Collins Aerospace (Cedar Rapids) - Aviation systems and components.
Production assemblers, material handlers, warehouse, facilities.
Pay: $15-20/hour. Background checks required but case-by-case evaluation.
Pella Corporation (Pella) - Window and door manufacturing.
Production workers, assembly, warehouse, material handlers.
Pay: $14-19/hour. Strong benefits. Case-by-case hiring.
Winnebago Industries (Forest City) - RV and motorhome manufacturing.
Production workers, assembly line, material handlers, finishing.
Pay: $14-19/hour. Fair-chance evaluation.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Bondurant near Des Moines) - Fulfillment center.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $15-18/hour plus benefits from day one. 7-year lookback, case-by-case.
Target Distribution Centers (Cedar Falls) - Regional distribution.
Warehouse workers, material handlers, order pickers, loaders.
Pay: $15-19/hour. Fair-chance employer.
Walmart Distribution Centers (Multiple locations) - Large distribution presence.
Warehouse workers, order fillers, loaders, forklift operators.
Pay: $16-21/hour. Reviews records after 7 years.
FedEx Ground (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids) - Package handling and distribution.
Package handlers, sorters, loaders, warehouse workers.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Individual assessment.
Healthcare & Support Services
UnityPoint Health (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo) - Major Iowa healthcare system.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities maintenance, laundry.
Pay: $12-16/hour. Case-by-case for support positions.
MercyOne (Des Moines, Dubuque, Waterloo, Sioux City) - Healthcare network.
Housekeeping, dietary aides, patient transport, facilities, environmental services.
Pay: $12-16/hour. Individual assessment for non-clinical support.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (Iowa City) - Academic medical center.
Support services, housekeeping, dietary, facilities, patient transport.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case review.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart (Statewide - 60+ locations) - Extensive Iowa presence.
Stockers, cashiers, overnight crew, online order fulfillment, garden center, maintenance.
Pay: $12-15/hour. Fair-chance hiring, individual assessment.
Hy-Vee (Iowa-based grocery chain, 240+ stores) - Regional grocery leader headquartered in Iowa.
Stockers, cashiers, deli, bakery, produce, meat department, customer service.
Pay: $11-15/hour. Strong employee culture. Case-by-case hiring.
Target (Major cities) - Retail stores across Iowa.
Store associates, warehouse, fulfillment, overnight stocking, backroom.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Fair-chance employer.
Fareway Stores (Iowa-based chain) - Iowa grocery chain.
Stockers, meat cutters, cashiers, produce clerks.
Pay: $11-14/hour. Employee-owned, local hiring.
Home Depot (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport) - Home improvement retail.
Lot associates, freight team, garden, receiving, customer service.
Pay: $12-16/hour. 7-year lookback policy.
Hospitality & Food Service
Casey's General Stores (Iowa headquarters) - Convenience store chain based in Ankeny.
Store clerks, kitchen staff, shift leaders, assistant managers.
Pay: $11-15/hour. Iowa-based company, fair-chance hiring reputation.
Restaurants & Fast Food - McDonald's, Subway, Burger King, Taco Bell, local chains.
Crew members, cooks, cashiers, shift leaders.
Pay: $10-14/hour. Policies vary by franchisee, many hire second-chance.
Construction & Trades
Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small to medium contractors.
General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, material handlers, equipment operators.
Pay: $13-20/hour depending on experience and trade.
Top 20 Iowa Employers Hiring Felons
These Iowa companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Walmart (Statewide - 60+ locations) - Extensive Iowa retail and distribution presence.
Store Associates: $12-15/hour Distribution Workers: $16-21/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Fair-chance hiring, reviews records after 7 years. Learn More
John Deere (Waterloo, Ankeny, Davenport, Dubuque) - Agricultural and construction equipment manufacturing.
Production Assemblers: $16-24/hour Material Handlers: $15-20/hour Warehouse Workers: $15-19/hour Union shop (UAW), case-by-case after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Learn More
Tyson Foods (Multiple locations) - Major meat processing employer statewide.
Production Workers: $13-18/hour Line Workers: $13-17/hour Sanitation: $13-16/hour Case-by-case hiring, physically demanding, urgent hiring needs. Learn More
Amazon (Bondurant near Des Moines) - Fulfillment center.
Warehouse Associates: $15-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 7-year lookback, case-by-case, day-one benefits. Learn More
Hy-Vee (Iowa-based, 240+ stores) - Regional grocery chain headquartered in Iowa.
Stockers: $11-15/hour Cashiers: $11-14/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Strong employee culture, case-by-case hiring. Learn More
Target (Major cities plus Cedar Falls distribution) - Retail and distribution.
Store Team Members: $13-17/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Fair-chance employer. Learn More
UnityPoint Health (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo) - Major Iowa healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $12-16/hour Food Service: $12-15/hour Patient Transport: $13-16/hour Case-by-case for support positions. Learn More
JBS USA (Marshalltown, Ottumwa) - Pork processing facilities.
Production Workers: $13-17/hour Trim Line: $13-16/hour Packaging: $13-17/hour Fair-chance evaluation, urgent hiring needs. Learn More
Collins Aerospace (Cedar Rapids) - Aviation systems manufacturing.
Production Assemblers: $15-20/hour Material Handlers: $14-18/hour Warehouse: $14-18/hour Background checks but case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
MercyOne (Des Moines, Dubuque, Waterloo, Sioux City) - Healthcare network.
Housekeeping: $12-16/hour Dietary Aides: $12-15/hour Facilities: $13-17/hour Individual assessment for non-clinical support. Learn More
Pella Corporation (Pella) - Window and door manufacturing.
Production Workers: $14-19/hour Assembly: $14-18/hour Material Handlers: $13-17/hour Strong benefits, case-by-case hiring. Learn More
FedEx Ground (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids) - Package handling and distribution.
Package Handlers: $14-17/hour Drivers: $45,000-65,000 Operations Managers: $55,000-75,000 Individual assessment. Learn More
Home Depot (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport) - Home improvement retail.
Lot Associates: $12-16/hour Freight Team: $13-17/hour Department Supervisors: $35,000-50,000 7-year lookback policy. Learn More
Casey's General Stores (Iowa headquarters - Ankeny) - Convenience store chain.
Store Clerks: $11-15/hour Kitchen Staff: $11-14/hour Shift Leaders: $13-17/hour Iowa-based company, fair-chance hiring reputation. Learn More
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (Iowa City) - Academic medical center.
Support Services: $13-17/hour Housekeeping: $12-16/hour Dietary: $12-16/hour Case-by-case review. Learn More
Winnebago Industries (Forest City) - RV and motorhome manufacturing.
Production Workers: $14-19/hour Assembly Line: $14-18/hour Finishing: $15-19/hour Fair-chance evaluation. Learn More
Cargill (Various Iowa locations) - Agricultural processing and manufacturing.
Production Workers: $13-17/hour Warehouse: $13-17/hour Quality Control: $14-18/hour Individual assessment. Learn More
Fareway Stores (Iowa-based chain) - Employee-owned Iowa grocery chain.
Stockers: $11-14/hour Meat Cutters: $13-17/hour Cashiers: $11-13/hour Employee-owned, local hiring decisions. Learn More
Seaboard Foods (Iowa facilities) - Pork production.
Production Workers: $13-17/hour Packaging: $13-16/hour Quality Control: $14-18/hour Case-by-case review. Learn More
Goodwill Industries Iowa - Mission-driven organization.
Retail: $10-13/hour Production: $11-14/hour Managers: $30,000-45,000 Explicit second-chance employer with training. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Iowa City
Des Moines (Pop. 215,000)
State capital with most diverse job market. Insurance, finance, government, healthcare, logistics sectors. Ban-the-box ordinance protects private employment.
Amazon Bondurant - $15-18/hour
UnityPoint Health - $12-16/hour
MercyOne Des Moines - $12-16/hour
Walmart/Target - $12-17/hour
Hy-Vee headquarters - $11-15/hour
Cedar Rapids (Pop. 137,000)
Manufacturing hub with Collins Aerospace, Quaker Oats, General Mills. Second-largest city.
Collins Aerospace - $15-20/hour
UnityPoint Health - $12-16/hour
Quaker Oats - $14-18/hour
Walmart/Target - $12-17/hour
Hy-Vee - $11-15/hour
Davenport (Pop. 101,000)
Quad Cities area. Manufacturing, healthcare, logistics. John Deere presence.
John Deere - $16-24/hour
Genesis Health System - $12-16/hour
Walmart Distribution - $16-21/hour
Retail & Grocery - $11-15/hour
Construction - $13-20/hour
Sioux City (Pop. 85,000)
Western Iowa hub. Agriculture, food processing, healthcare.
Tyson Foods - $13-18/hour
MercyOne Sioux City - $12-16/hour
Retail & Grocery - $11-15/hour
Manufacturing - $13-18/hour
Healthcare Support - $12-16/hour
Iowa City (Pop. 75,000)
University town. University of Iowa, healthcare, education sectors.
UI Hospitals & Clinics - $13-17/hour
University Support Services - $12-18/hour
Retail & Hospitality - $11-15/hour
Healthcare Facilities - $12-16/hour
Construction - $13-20/hour
Waterloo (Pop. 67,000)
Manufacturing center. John Deere, Tyson Foods. Ban-the-box ordinance (timing restrictions upheld).
John Deere - $16-24/hour
Tyson Foods - $13-18/hour
UnityPoint Health - $12-16/hour
Retail & Grocery - $11-15/hour
Manufacturing - $13-19/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Iowa
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Iowa.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Iowa's central location and agricultural economy create strong CDL demand.
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Interstate and regional routes: $50,000-70,000 annually. Many Iowa-based carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically).
Agricultural Hauling - Grain, livestock transport: $45,000-65,000. Seasonal peaks during harvest. Home frequently, Iowa-based routes.
Food Processing Transport - Tyson, JBS, Cargill logistics: $50,000-70,000. Consistent work, strong demand.
Local Delivery / LTL Freight - Home daily positions: $45,000-65,000. Physical work, consistent schedules.
Manufacturing & Production
John Deere Skilled Positions - After starting as production worker ($16-24/hour), advance to skilled trades. Experienced welders, machinists, maintenance: $50,000-75,000. Union shop (UAW) with excellent benefits and job security.
Collins Aerospace Experienced Production - Aviation systems manufacturing. Experienced assemblers, inspectors: $40,000-60,000. Strong benefits, stable employment.
Pella Corporation Skilled Trades - Window/door manufacturing skilled positions: $45,000-65,000. Welders, installers, maintenance techs.
Food Processing Supervision - Tyson, JBS, Seaboard shift supervisors and leads: $40,000-60,000. Promote from production floor after demonstrating reliability.
Skilled Trades
Welder - Industrial, agricultural equipment, construction: $40,000-60,000. Strong demand in manufacturing sector. Community college programs available.
Electrician - Commercial/industrial electricians: $45,000-70,000. Limited union presence but strong demand. IBEW Local 405 (Cedar Rapids) offers apprenticeships.
HVAC Technician - Extreme Iowa climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $15-20/hour. Experienced: $40,000-60,000. EPA certification required.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction, agriculture: $40,000-65,000. Strong demand especially during construction season.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial and industrial: $45,000-70,000. Apprenticeship programs available through community colleges.
Agriculture
Farm Equipment Mechanic - Servicing John Deere and other agricultural equipment: $40,000-60,000. Strong demand during planting and harvest seasons.
Livestock Manager - Large-scale hog or cattle operations: $40,000-65,000. Experience with animals required, housing often provided.
Iowa Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Iowa offers limited but important record relief options and employment support for justice-impacted individuals.
Misdemeanor Expungement in Iowa
Iowa Code § 901C.3 (enacted 2019) allows ONE misdemeanor expungement in a person's lifetime.
Eligibility:
Must wait 8 years after conviction date
Pay all court costs, fees, fines, restitution in full
Have no pending criminal charges
Have not previously received more than one deferred judgment
Can expunge multiple misdemeanors if they arose from same incident
Cannot Be Expunged: Over 25 types including DUI/OWI, weapons offenses, sex offenses, stalking, harassment, certain assaults, domestic abuse, operating without license.
Special 2-Year Expungement: Public intoxication (Iowa Code § 123.46) and underage alcohol consumption (Iowa Code § 123.47) can be expunged after 2 years if no other convictions during that period.
Non-Conviction Records: Acquittals and dismissals automatically eligible for expungement after 180 days.
Felony Convictions: CANNOT be expunged in Iowa, only sealed in very limited circumstances.
Process: File "Application to Expunge Court Record" with court where convicted. Forms available at iowacourts.gov. Cost: typically $50-150 in court fees. Timeline: 3-6 months.
Effect: Expunged records sealed from public access, removed from Iowa DCI criminal history files. Remain available to law enforcement with court order. Can legally deny conviction for most employment purposes.
Ban-the-Box Protections
Des Moines (effective November 15, 2021): Prohibits employers from asking about criminal history until after conditional job offer. Applies to employers within Des Moines city limits.
Waterloo (2019, partially upheld 2021): Employers must wait until after conditional offer to inquire about criminal history. Iowa Supreme Court upheld timing restriction but struck down substantive use restrictions.
NO Statewide Ban-the-Box: Iowa does not have statewide ban-the-box law for private employers.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Iowa employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.
State Workforce Development
IowaWORKS - Statewide network of workforce centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and employer connections.
Contact: 1-866-924-4692 | iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/iowaworks-centers
Locations: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
Iowa Department of Corrections - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance, transitional services.
Contact: (515) 725-5701 | doc.iowa.gov
Goodwill Industries of the Heartland (Iowa locations) - Employment services, job training, placement assistance.
Contact: (515) 244-4344 (Des Moines) | giheartland.org
Catholic Charities (Multiple Iowa locations) - Case management, employment assistance, support services for returning citizens.
Additional Iowa Resources
Training & Education
Iowa Community Colleges - 15 community colleges statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC, electrical programs with financial aid. Des Moines Area, Kirkwood (Cedar Rapids), Hawkeye (Waterloo), Indian Hills, Iowa Western.
Iowa Apprenticeship Program - Registered apprenticeships in construction trades, manufacturing, healthcare. Paid training while working.
Housing Assistance
Iowa Finance Authority - Rental assistance programs for low-income individuals.
Contact: (515) 725-4900 | iowafinance.com
Shelter House (Iowa City) - Emergency and transitional housing.
Emergency Residence Project (Cedar Rapids) - Housing and support services.
Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid - FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income Iowans.
Contact: 1-800-532-1275 | iowalegalaid.org
County Attorneys - Can provide information on expungement process in each county.
Transportation Support
DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) - Reduced fare programs for low-income riders.
Cedar Rapids Transit - Affordable public transportation options.
Davenport Citibus - Public transit with reduced fares available.
Staffing Agencies in Iowa That Work With Felons
Iowa staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities especially in manufacturing and warehouse sectors.
Express Employment Professionals - Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, skilled trades, food processing. Pay: $12-20/hour. Fair-chance hiring.
Manpower - Major presence in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities. Manufacturing, logistics, industrial positions. Pay: $12-18/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Kelly Services - Des Moines, Cedar Rapids locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative, industrial. Pay: $12-18/hour. Benefits for temps.
Staffmark - Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo. Manufacturing, warehouse, production. Pay: $12-19/hour. Quick placement.
Aerotek - Des Moines, Cedar Rapids metro. Manufacturing, skilled trades, industrial. Pay: $13-22/hour. Focuses on manufacturing sector.
PeopleReady - Multiple Iowa locations. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, construction, food processing. Pay: $11-17/hour. Second-chance focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Iowa have a ban-the-box law?
Not statewide for private employers. Only Des Moines (effective November 15, 2021) and Waterloo (2019) have local ban-the-box ordinances prohibiting employers from asking about criminal history until after conditional job offer. These ordinances only apply within city limits. Most Iowa employers CAN ask about criminal history on applications, but many larger employers voluntarily practice fair-chance hiring.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Iowa?
Limited expungement available. Iowa Code § 901C.3 allows ONE misdemeanor expungement in lifetime after 8 years if you've paid all fines/fees, have no pending charges, and haven't had more than one deferred judgment. Over 25 types of misdemeanors are ineligible including DUI, weapons, sex offenses, assault, domestic abuse. Public intoxication and underage drinking can be expunged after 2 years. Non-convictions (acquittals, dismissals) can be expunged after 180 days. FELONY CONVICTIONS CANNOT BE EXPUNGED. Contact Iowa Legal Aid (FREE: 1-800-532-1275) for assistance.
Q3: What is Iowa's minimum wage?
Iowa minimum wage is $7.25/hour (federal minimum, unchanged since 2008). Iowa has NOT raised minimum wage in 16+ years, making it tied for lowest nationally. However, market pressures mean most entry-level positions in major cities pay $11-16/hour. Tipped workers: $4.35/hour cash wage plus tips (must total at least $7.25/hour).
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Iowa?
Iowa follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions can be reported indefinitely. Expunged records should not appear on standard background checks. This makes expungement valuable despite limited eligibility.
Q5: What companies in Iowa hire felons?
Major employers include Walmart, John Deere, Tyson Foods, Amazon, Hy-Vee, Target, UnityPoint Health, JBS USA, Collins Aerospace, MercyOne, Pella Corporation, and many others. See Top 20 list for details. Iowa's tight labor market creates hiring demand. John Deere and Collins Aerospace hire case-by-case after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Food processing (Tyson, JBS) has urgent hiring needs.
Q6: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Iowa?
Yes. Amazon has fulfillment center in Bondurant (near Des Moines). They conduct 7-year lookback checks and evaluate case-by-case. Starting pay: $15-18/hour with day-one benefits. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Iowa?
Yes. Many Iowa trucking companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically). Earnings: $45,000-70,000. Iowa's agricultural economy creates strong demand for grain and livestock haulers. Community colleges offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Iowa?
CDL truck drivers ($45,000-70,000), John Deere skilled trades ($50,000-75,000), welders ($40,000-60,000), electricians ($45,000-70,000), HVAC techs ($40,000-60,000), food processing supervisors ($40,000-60,000), Collins Aerospace experienced production ($40,000-60,000), plumbers ($45,000-70,000), farm equipment mechanics ($40,000-60,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Iowa job applications?
Iowa has NO statewide ban-the-box for private employers, so most can ask about criminal history on applications. In Des Moines and Waterloo, employers cannot ask until after conditional offer. Outside these cities, if asked on application, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Get your misdemeanor expunged if eligible (one-time opportunity after 8 years)—then you can legally deny it. For felonies, answer honestly if asked and emphasize time passed, rehabilitation, and clean record since release.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Iowa for people with felonies?
Yes. IowaWORKS offers free training referrals. Iowa's 15 community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid (Des Moines Area, Kirkwood, Hawkeye, Indian Hills, Iowa Western). Some employers (John Deere, Collins Aerospace, Pella) provide on-the-job training. Iowa Apprenticeship Program offers paid training in construction and manufacturing trades. Goodwill Industries provides employment training and placement assistance.
Next Steps: Your Iowa Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Iowa justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Determine Expungement Eligibility and Start Process if Qualified
Check if you're eligible for Iowa's one-time misdemeanor expungement (Iowa Code § 901C.3): requires 8 years since conviction, all fines/fees paid, no pending charges, not more than one prior deferred judgment. Over 25 misdemeanor types are ineligible (DUI, weapons, sex offenses, assault, domestic abuse). If eligible, this is your ONLY lifetime opportunity—download "Application to Expunge Court Record" from iowacourts.gov. File with court where convicted (typically $50-150 fees). Timeline 3-6 months. Public intoxication or underage drinking eligible after just 2 years. Contact Iowa Legal Aid for FREE assistance: 1-800-532-1275 or iowalegalaid.org. Expungement removes record from public access—you can legally deny conviction for most employment. Felonies cannot be expunged in Iowa. Don't wait—start process immediately if eligible.
Step 2: Register with IowaWORKS and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with IowaWORKS (1-866-924-4692) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Centers in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: Express Employment (strong manufacturing connections with John Deere, Tyson, JBS), PeopleReady (daily pay, immediate placement), Manpower (temp-to-perm focus), Staffmark (food processing specialists), Aerotek (skilled trades focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $12-20/hour with temp-to-perm potential. Show up on time and work hard—Iowa manufacturers commonly convert temps to permanent after 60-90 days with higher pay and benefits.
Step 3: Target Iowa's High-Demand Employers and Sectors
Apply to major fair-chance employers: Walmart (60+ locations, $12-21/hour including distribution centers), John Deere (Waterloo, Ankeny, Davenport, Dubuque, $16-24/hour, union shop, case-by-case after 5-7 years), Amazon Bondurant ($15-18/hour, 7-year lookback), Hy-Vee (Iowa-based, 240+ stores, $11-15/hour with strong culture). Food processing for immediate opportunities despite challenging work: Tyson Foods (multiple locations, $13-18/hour), JBS USA ($13-17/hour), Seaboard Foods ($13-17/hour)—all have urgent hiring needs. Healthcare support: UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, UI Hospitals ($12-17/hour for environmental services, food service). Manufacturing: Collins Aerospace ($15-20/hour), Pella Corporation ($14-19/hour), Winnebago ($14-19/hour). Focus job search in Des Moines or Waterloo for ban-the-box protections. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.
Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy for Limited Ban-the-Box Environment
Since Iowa lacks statewide ban-the-box for private employers, most can ask about criminal history on applications (exception: Des Moines and Waterloo have local ordinances). Create resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and work history. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. For applications asking about criminal history, answer truthfully but briefly—check box if required. Prepare 30-60 second explanation of criminal record for interviews—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability, any job training or education completed. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently. Emphasize Iowa's tight labor market creating hiring demand—employers need workers. If you expunged a misdemeanor, you can legally deny it occurred for most employment.
Step 5: Pursue Training for Long-Term Career Advancement
Iowa offers pathways to $45,000-75,000 careers. Consider CDL training at community colleges (Des Moines Area, Kirkwood, Hawkeye, Indian Hills)—leads to $45,000-70,000 trucking careers with Iowa's strong agricultural and food processing sectors. John Deere ($16-24/hour starting) provides internal training for skilled trades positions reaching $50,000-75,000 with UAW union protection—this is Iowa's best long-term manufacturing career path. Welding and HVAC programs at Iowa community colleges with financial aid lead to $40,000-60,000 careers. Start in food processing (Tyson, JBS at $13-18/hour) and demonstrate reliability to advance to supervision ($40,000-60,000) within 2-3 years. Mention WOTC eligibility ($2,400 federal tax credit) to employers. Apply to registered apprenticeships through Iowa Apprenticeship Program. Persist through rejections—Iowa's labor shortage means opportunities exist for those willing to work hard.
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 Iowa's expungement law (Iowa Code § 901C.3), Des Moines ban-the-box ordinance, and Waterloo ban-the-box ordinance is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Iowa employment attorney or Iowa Legal Aid (FREE: 1-800-532-1275) for specific legal advice about your situation. The one-time lifetime expungement limit means strategic planning may be needed if multiple convictions exist.
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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.