Felon Friendly Jobs in Kansas
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Kansas offers moderate second-chance employment opportunities with ban-the-box protections for state government positions only and accessible expungement laws. The state's $7.25 minimum wage matches the federal floor, though most employers pay $12-17/hour due to market competition. Kansas's economy centers on aerospace manufacturing (Wichita), food processing, agriculture, and logistics—industries with strong demand for workers. Entry-level positions start at $12-17/hour, while CDL drivers, skilled trades, and manufacturing supervisors earn $45,000-80,000+ annually. Major employers like Koch Industries, Cargill, and Tyson Foods openly hire individuals with records.
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Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Kansas
Kansas presents a mixed but generally positive landscape for justice-impacted job seekers. While the state has ban-the-box protections only for state government positions via Executive Order 18-12 signed in 2018 (not private employers statewide), Kansas demonstrates commitment to second chances through accessible expungement laws and a strong employment rate for individuals with felony convictions. According to recent data, Kansas achieved a 64% employment rate for individuals with felony convictions in 2020—notably higher than the national average—indicating employer willingness to hire qualified candidates with criminal records.
Kansas's $7.25 minimum wage matches the federal floor and hasn't increased since 2009. However, market forces drive most entry-level employers to pay $12-17/hour due to competition, especially near state borders where neighboring Colorado ($14.81), Nebraska ($13.50), and Missouri ($13.75 as of January 2025) offer significantly higher minimum wages. This wage pressure benefits job seekers as employers must compete for talent.
Kansas expungement law (K.S.A. § 21-6614) offers accessible record-sealing options for most felonies. Unlike many states, Kansas allows expungement of many felony convictions after waiting periods: 3 years for lower-severity drug felonies and certain other offenses, and 5 years for more serious felonies. Misdemeanors may qualify after even shorter periods. However, serious offenses including murder, manslaughter, rape, most sexual offenses, and child abuse can never be expunged. Background checks in Kansas follow state-specific lookback rules: for jobs paying under $20,000 annually, criminal convictions older than 7 years cannot be reported per K.S.A. §50-704, but jobs paying $20,000+ have no lookback limit.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Kansas
While Kansas's minimum wage remains at $7.25, most entry-level employers pay $12-17/hour due to market competition and neighboring states' higher wages.
Food Processing & Agriculture
Tyson Foods - Major poultry processing facilities in Emporia, Holcomb. Production workers: $15-19/hour. Health benefits, 401(k), production bonuses. High turnover means frequent openings. One of Kansas's largest food processors with second-chance hiring policies.
Cargill Meat Solutions - Beef processing facility in Dodge City. Processing workers: $16-20/hour. Comprehensive benefits, shift differentials, referral bonuses. Strong demand for reliable workers. Union positions available.
National Beef Packing - Liberal and Dodge City facilities. Production workers: $15-19/hour. Benefits after 60 days, attendance bonuses. Growing company with expansion plans.
Seaboard Foods - Pork processing in Guymon area (Oklahoma border, serves Kansas workforce). Workers: $15-18/hour. Comprehensive benefits, stable family company culture.
Aerospace & Manufacturing (Wichita)
Spirit AeroSystems - Wichita's largest private employer. Entry-level manufacturing: $17-22/hour. Major Boeing supplier. Excellent benefits including tuition reimbursement, 401(k) match. Union positions (IAM) available. Career advancement opportunities in aerospace.
Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft) - Aircraft assembly in Wichita. Manufacturing associates: $16-21/hour. Comprehensive benefits, stable employment. World-renowned general aviation manufacturer.
Koch Industries Subsidiaries - Various manufacturing positions across Kansas. Entry-level: $15-20/hour. Koch explicitly states they are a 'Second Chance employer' in their hiring philosophy. Headquartered in Wichita with 120,000+ employees globally.
Warehouse & Distribution
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Edgerton (Kansas City metro area). Fulfillment associates: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare, education benefits up to $5,250 annually. Multiple shifts with differential pay. Fast hiring process.
Walmart Distribution Centers - Ottawa, Junction City. Warehouse workers: $18-22/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition assistance, advancement opportunities. Kansas's largest private employer with fair-chance evaluation policies.
FedEx Ground - Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka. Package handlers: $16-18/hour. Tuition reimbursement, advancement opportunities. Physical work with consistent hours.
UPS - Major hubs in Kansas City, Wichita. Package handlers: $16-19/hour. Union positions (Teamsters), excellent benefits after 9 months. Tuition reimbursement, career advancement.
Retail
Walmart - 80+ Kansas locations. Associates: $13-16/hour. Tuition assistance (Live Better U program), advancement opportunities, 401(k) match. Fair-chance evaluation policies at corporate level.
Target - 15+ Kansas stores including Wichita, Overland Park, Topeka. Team members: $15-17/hour. Education benefits, 401(k) match, comprehensive health insurance. Ban-the-box policies at corporate level.
Dillons (Kroger) - 60+ Kansas locations. Retail clerks: $13-16/hour. Union positions (UFCW) with strong benefits. Kansas's largest grocery chain. Advancement to management possible.
Home Depot - Wichita, Overland Park, Topeka, Lawrence. Associates: $14-17/hour. Tuition reimbursement, stock purchase, strong training programs. Second-chance friendly with individualized assessments.
Food Service & Hospitality
McDonald's - 150+ Kansas locations. Crew members: $12-15/hour. Archways to Opportunity education program (high school completion, college tuition assistance). Fast advancement for strong performers.
Pizza Hut - Headquarters in Wichita with 100+ Kansas locations. Team members: $12-15/hour plus tips (delivery). Flexible scheduling, advancement opportunities. Kansas-based company.
Applebee's/IHOP - Dine Brands restaurants across Kansas. Servers, cooks, dishwashers: $12-16/hour. Flexible hours, tip income for servers. Generally second-chance friendly.
Top 20 Kansas Employers Hiring Felons
These Kansas companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Koch Industries (Wichita HQ) - Explicitly identifies as 'Second Chance employer' in hiring philosophy. 120,000+ employees globally. Multiple subsidiaries across Kansas.
Entry-level: $15-22/hour Managers: $55,000-110,000 Koch explicitly states second-chance commitment.
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Spirit AeroSystems (Wichita) - Wichita's largest private employer with 9,000+ Kansas employees.
Entry-level: $17-22/hour Managers: $65,000-120,000 Aerospace manufacturing.
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Walmart (Statewide) - 80+ Kansas locations. Kansas's largest private employer.
Associates: $13-16/hour Managers: $70,000-120,000
Corporate fair-chance policies.
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Tyson Foods (Emporia, Holcomb) - Major poultry processing facilities.
Production: $15-19/hour Supervisors: $50,000-75,000 Second-chance hiring policies.
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Cargill (Dodge City) - Beef processing facility.
Processing: $16-20/hour Management: $60,000-95,000 Committed to hiring with records.
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Amazon (Edgerton) - Fulfillment center in Kansas City metro.
Associates: $17-19/hour Managers: $55,000-110,000 Fair-chance employer.
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Target Corporation (15+ Stores) - Multiple Kansas locations.
Team members: $15-17/hour Managers: $65,000-100,000 Ban-the-box policies.
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Goodwill Industries (Western MO & Eastern KS) - Explicitly serves justice-impacted individuals.
Retail: $12-15/hour Managers: $45,000-70,000 Re-entry services program.
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Textron Aviation (Wichita) - Cessna and Beechcraft manufacturing.
Manufacturing: $16-21/hour Engineers: $75,000-130,000 World-renowned manufacturer.
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National Beef Packing (Liberal, Dodge City) - Processing facilities.
Production: $15-19/hour Supervisors: $55,000-80,000 Growing company.
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UPS (Kansas City, Wichita) - Major hubs.
Package handlers: $16-19/hour Drivers: $80,000-100,000 Union positions.
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FedEx Ground (Multiple Locations) - Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka.
Package handlers: $16-18/hour Drivers: $50,000-70,000 Tuition reimbursement.
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Seaboard Foods (Oklahoma border) - Pork processing.
Production: $15-18/hour Management: $55,000-85,000 Family company culture.
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Home Depot (Multiple Locations) - Kansas stores.
Associates: $14-17/hour Managers: $60,000-95,000 Individualized assessments.
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Dillons (Kroger) (60+ Stores) - Kansas grocery chain.
Clerks: $13-16/hour Managers: $55,000-85,000 Union positions (UFCW).
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McDonald's (150+ Locations) - Franchise locations.
Crew: $12-15/hour Managers: $40,000-65,000 Education programs.
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Pizza Hut (100+ Locations) - Kansas-based company headquartered in Wichita.
Team members: $12-15/hour Managers: $40,000-60,000 Flexible scheduling.
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Waste Management (Statewide) - Sanitation services.
Drivers: $50,000-70,000 Mechanics: $55,000-80,000 Case-by-case evaluation.
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Republic Services (Statewide) - Waste services.
Drivers: $48,000-68,000 Maintenance: $50,000-75,000 CDL training available.
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ABM Industries (Statewide) - Facility services.
Custodians: $12-16/hour Supervisors: $40,000-60,000 High turnover means openings.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Kansas City
Kansas's major cities offer diverse employment opportunities across different industries.
Wichita
As the 'Air Capital of the World,' Wichita offers the best opportunities in Kansas for justice-impacted job seekers, especially in aerospace manufacturing.
Major Employers: Spirit AeroSystems (9,000+ employees), Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, Airbus, Bombardier, Learjet
Entry-Level Focus: Manufacturing associates ($17-22/hour), warehouse workers, retail, food service
Skilled Trades: Aircraft mechanics (A&P license, $55,000-85,000), welders, machinists
Kansas City Metro
Strong logistics and distribution sector with Amazon's major fulfillment center in Edgerton.
Major Employers: Amazon, UPS, FedEx, Walmart Distribution, Target Distribution
Entry-Level Focus: Warehouse associates ($16-22/hour), package handlers, retail
Transportation: CDL drivers ($55,000-80,000), delivery drivers
Topeka
State capital with government, healthcare, and distribution opportunities.
Major Employers: Stormont Vail Health, Frito-Lay, Goodyear Tire, Payless ShoeSource
Entry-Level Focus: Manufacturing, healthcare support, warehouse
Dodge City & Garden City
Food processing hub with abundant opportunities for physical labor.
Major Employers: Cargill, National Beef Packing, Tyson Foods
Entry-Level Focus: Processing workers ($15-20/hour), high demand
Emporia
Major food processing center with consistent hiring needs.
Major Employers: Tyson Foods (poultry processing)
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Kansas
These positions offer the strongest earning potential for justice-impacted individuals willing to pursue training and certification.
CDL & Transportation ($45,000-$100,000+)
Truck drivers: UPS, Sysco, Walmart, FedEx, Waste Management. Entry: $45,000-65,000. Experienced: $65,000-100,000. Many companies offer paid CDL training.
Skilled Trades ($40,000-$85,000+)
Electricians (union IBEW): $50,000-85,000. Plumbers: $45,000-75,000. HVAC technicians: $40,000-70,000. Welders: $40,000-65,000. Aircraft mechanics (A&P): $55,000-85,000 in Wichita.
Manufacturing & Production ($35,000-$75,000+)
Aerospace manufacturing: Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation. Production supervisors: $55,000-80,000. Senior technicians: $45,000-75,000. Quality inspectors: $40,000-65,000.
Healthcare Support ($30,000-$55,000)
Medical assistants: $35,000-50,000. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA): $30,000-42,000. Phlebotomists: $32,000-45,000. Pharmacy technicians: $33,000-48,000.
Kansas Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
KANSASWORKS Centers - State workforce centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, training referrals. Multiple locations statewide. www.kansasworks.com
Kansas Department of Corrections Re-Entry Program - Comprehensive reentry services including job placement assistance, life skills training, and employer connections. www.doc.ks.gov/reentry
Goodwill Industries Re-Entry Services - Job training, placement services, and wraparound support specifically for justice-impacted individuals. Free forklift certification for eligible candidates. mokangoodwill.org
Kansas Legal Services - Free legal aid for low-income Kansans including expungement assistance and employment rights. www.kansaslegalservices.org
KC Crime Commission Second Chance - Kansas City organization providing job coaching, interview preparation, and employer connections for individuals with criminal backgrounds. Job Club meets regularly. (816) 474-7676
Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas - Wichita-area workforce development with specialized services for justice-impacted job seekers. Training programs for high-demand careers.
Additional Kansas Resources
Understanding Kansas Background Checks
Kansas has specific lookback rules: For jobs paying under $20,000 annually, criminal convictions older than 7 years cannot be reported per K.S.A. §50-704. For jobs paying $20,000 or more per year, there is no lookback limit. Once a record is expunged, it cannot be reported and employers are prohibited from inquiring about it.
Kansas Ban-the-Box Law
Executive Order 18-12 (signed May 2018) prohibits Kansas state government agencies from asking about criminal history during the initial application stage. However, this does not apply to private employers in Kansas. Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas City, Kansas) requires employers with 6+ employees to wait until after an interview to inquire about criminal history.
7-Year Lookback Rule
Kansas law (K.S.A. §50-704) limits reporting for positions paying under $20,000 annually. Criminal convictions older than 7 years cannot be reported for these positions. Jobs paying $20,000+ have no lookback limit under Kansas law. Federal FCRA may provide additional protections.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Kansas employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions (40% of up to $6,000 in first-year wages). Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances. In 2019, Kansas issued 8,299 WOTC certifications.
Staffing Agencies in Kansas That Work With Felons
Kansas staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Locations throughout Kansas. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Explicit second-chance focus.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Kansas offices. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Temp-to-hire common. Strong track record placing justice-impacted workers.
Kelly Services - Statewide presence. Wide industry range. Fair-chance evaluation. Long-established staffing company.
Manpower - Major Kansas presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Benefits available for temps. Global staffing leader.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Same-day pay options. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing. Many Kansas offices. Quick placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Kansas have a ban-the-box law?
Kansas has limited ban-the-box protections. Executive Order 18-12 (signed May 2018) prohibits Kansas state government agencies from asking about criminal history during the initial application stage. However, this does not apply to private employers in Kansas. The only Kansas location with private-sector ban-the-box is Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas City, Kansas).
Q2: Can felons get their records expunged in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas allows expungement of many felony convictions. Most felonies can be expunged after a 3-5 year waiting period following completion of sentence. Lower-severity drug felonies may qualify after 3 years, while more serious felonies typically require 5 years. However, certain serious offenses can never be expunged, including murder, manslaughter, rape, most sexual offenses, and child abuse.
Q3: How far back do background checks go in Kansas?
Kansas has specific lookback rules: For jobs paying under $20,000 per year, criminal convictions older than 7 years cannot be reported (K.S.A. §50-704). For jobs paying $20,000 or more per year, there is no lookback limit. Once a record is expunged in Kansas, it cannot be reported and employers are prohibited from inquiring about it.
Q4: What companies in Kansas hire felons?
Major Kansas employers include Koch Industries, Spirit AeroSystems, Walmart, Tyson Foods, Cargill, Amazon, Target, Goodwill, UPS, FedEx, National Beef Packing, and thousands more. Koch Industries explicitly identifies as a 'Second Chance employer.
Q5: What is Kansas's minimum wage?
Kansas minimum wage is $7.25 per hour (matching federal minimum), unchanged since 2009. However, market competition means most entry-level employers pay significantly more—typically $12-17/hour—especially near state borders where neighboring states have higher minimum wages.
Q6: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Kansas?
Yes, but with restrictions. Felons can obtain a CDL in Kansas, but certain convictions disqualify drivers from interstate commerce. Many trucking companies hire drivers with felonies over 5-7 years old. Local/regional routes may be more accessible than long-haul. CDL training programs are available through Kansas Workforce Centers.
Q7: What are the highest-paying jobs for felons in Kansas?
CDL drivers ($55,000-100,000), aircraft mechanics ($55,000-85,000), union electricians ($50,000-85,000), plumbers ($45,000-75,000), HVAC technicians ($40,000-70,000), welders ($40,000-65,000), production supervisors ($55,000-80,000).
Q8: Should I disclose my felony on Kansas job applications?
Kansas does not have statewide ban-the-box for private employers, so they can ask about criminal history on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying can result in termination. For state government positions, agencies cannot ask until after initial screening per Executive Order 18-12.
Q9: Are there work restrictions for felons in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas prohibits individuals with certain felony convictions from specific occupations. Restricted fields include healthcare involving direct patient care, childcare and education, law enforcement and security, positions requiring professional licenses, financial services, and certain transportation positions requiring security clearances.
Q10: Does Wichita have good job opportunities for felons?
Yes, Wichita offers excellent opportunities for justice-impacted job seekers. As the 'Air Capital of the World,' Wichita has a strong aerospace manufacturing sector (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation) that pays well ($17-22/hour entry-level). Koch Industries is headquartered in Wichita and explicitly identifies as a 'Second Chance employer.' The city has relatively low cost of living and diverse industries.
Next Steps: Your Kansas Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Kansas justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Understand Your Rights and Assess Expungement Eligibility
Kansas does not have statewide ban-the-box protections for private employers, but state government positions are covered by Executive Order 18-12. If your conviction is over 3-5 years old (depending on severity), check if you qualify for expungement under K.S.A. § 21-6614. Visit the Kansas Judicial Council website for forms and instructions, or contact Kansas Legal Services for free eligibility assessments. Expungement significantly improves employment prospects by removing public record access.
Step 2: Target Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus applications on industries with established second-chance hiring: aerospace manufacturing (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation in Wichita), food processing (Tyson Foods, Cargill, National Beef), warehousing/logistics (Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx), retail (Target, Home Depot, Dillons), and waste management. Prioritize Koch Industries (explicitly 'Second Chance employer'), Goodwill, and companies with structured HR processes. Make a list of 15-20 employers from this guide based on your location and apply to multiple positions simultaneously—plan 10-15 applications weekly.
Step 3: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create a polished resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and experience. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any education/training completed during incarceration. Prepare a brief (30-60 second) explanation of your criminal record focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned—practice until comfortable. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Since Kansas allows employers to ask about criminal history on applications, be prepared to address it honestly if asked.
Step 4: Leverage Kansas Resources and Apply Strategically
Register with KANSASWORKS centers (www.kansasworks.com) for free resume help, interview prep, and employer connections. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in warehouse/industrial work (PeopleReady, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services). 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. Connect with Kansas Department of Corrections Re-Entry Program or Goodwill Re-Entry Services for direct employer relationships.
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. When criminal history 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, understand your rights and consider requesting reconsideration with additional context.
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 Kansas's Executive Order 18-12 and expungement laws (K.S.A. § 21-6614) is general in nature. Consult with Kansas 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.