Felon Friendly Jobs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals across healthcare, retail, warehousing, food service, and manufacturing sectors. Minnesota's minimum wage is $11.13/hour as of January 1, 2025 (increasing to $11.41 on January 1, 2026), with Minneapolis and St. Paul having HIGHER city minimum wages of $15.97/hour (increasing to $16.37 in both cities in 2026). Minnesota's STRONG ban-the-box law (Minnesota Statute § 364.021, effective 2014 for private employers) prohibits ALL employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications—employers must wait until after interview or conditional job offer. Minnesota's Clean Slate Law (effective January 2025) provides AUTOMATIC expungement for eligible non-convictions, most misdemeanors, and many non-violent felonies after waiting periods WITHOUT petition required—records automatically disappear. Major employers including Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers including Shakopee MSP1 with 1,500 employees, Lakeville MSP6, Eagan, Brooklyn Park), Target (Minnesota headquarters, 40,000+ employees), Mayo Clinic (76,000 employees headquartered in Rochester—world-renowned healthcare), M Health Fairview (34,000 employees with 10-12 hospitals), Starbucks (Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory), UPS, Best Buy (Minnesota headquarters), and numerous healthcare systems maintain substantial workforces and practice fair-chance hiring. Entry-level positions typically start at $15-19/hour in warehousing and retail (higher in Minneapolis/St. Paul at $15.97-16.37 minimum), with healthcare support positions offering $16-20/hour. Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis-St. Paul, 3.7 million population) offers most extensive employment opportunities, reentry resources, and comprehensive public transit access (Metro Transit light rail and bus system).

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Minnesota

2. Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Minnesota

3. Top 20 Minnesota Employers Hiring Felons

4. Felon-Friendly Jobs by Minnesota City

5. Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Minnesota

6. Minnesota Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

7. Additional Minnesota Resources

8. Staffing Agencies in Minnesota That Work With Felons

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Next Steps: Your Minnesota Job Search Action Plan

11. DISCLAIMER

Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Minnesota

Economic Overview

Minnesota has strong and diverse economy with employment opportunities across healthcare (Mayo Clinic with 76,000 employees, M Health Fairview with 34,000 employees, CentraCare, Allina Health), retail (Target headquarters with 40,000+ employees, Best Buy headquarters), manufacturing, technology, and agriculture sectors. Labor force includes approximately 3 million workers with unemployment around 3.0% (as of late 2024). Major metropolitan areas include Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul, 3.7 million population—state's economic hub with comprehensive Metro Transit light rail and bus system), Rochester (home to Mayo Clinic, 220,000 metro), Duluth (289,000 metro—shipping port), St. Cloud (200,000 metro), and Bloomington (home to Mall of America). Minnesota's ban-the-box law and Clean Slate automatic expungement create substantial opportunities for individuals with criminal records.

Record Clearing System

Clean Slate Law (Effective January 2025): AUTOMATIC expungement for eligible records WITHOUT petition required.

Automatic Expungement Timeline:

• Non-convictions (dismissals, acquittals): Immediately eligible

• Most misdemeanors: Automatically expunged after 3 years

• Many non-violent felonies: Automatically expunged after 7 years

• Records automatically disappear from background checks

What This Means: Eligible records sealed WITHOUT filing petition. Records automatically removed after waiting periods. Can legally deny offense occurred.

Manual Petition (For Non-Eligible or to Expedite): Can still petition for expungement of non-automatic eligible records. Must file with court, prosecutor review, hearing if contested, judge decision. Cost: varies ($300-600 with fees). Timeline: 4-8 months.

Eligibility: Clean Slate automatic applies to most misdemeanors and many non-violent felonies. Cannot expunge: certain violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI (most cases).

FREE Assistance: Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (218-726-4800) and Minnesota Legal Services Coalition provide FREE legal services including expungement assistance.

Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws

STRONG Statewide Ban-the-Box: Minnesota Statute § 364.021 (effective 2014 for private employers) prohibits ALL employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications. Must wait until after interview or conditional job offer.

Coverage: All Minnesota employers, public and private. One of strongest ban-the-box laws in nation.

What This Means: NO employer can ask about criminal history on applications. Can only inquire after interview or conditional offer. Employers must conduct individualized assessment considering: (1) nature and gravity of offense, (2) time passed since conviction, (3) nature of job sought.

Minneapolis and St. Paul Additional Protections: Higher minimum wages ($15.97/hour, increasing to $16.37 in 2026) and strong enforcement of fair-chance hiring.

Minnesota follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Minnesota employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.

Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Minnesota

Minnesota minimum wage: $11.13/hour (2025), $11.41/hour (2026). Minneapolis and St. Paul: $15.97/hour (2025), $16.37/hour (2026).

Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)

Mayo Clinic (Rochester - 76,000 employees) - World-renowned healthcare, headquartered in Rochester.

Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities maintenance.

Pay: $16-20/hour. Support roles accessible to individuals with older, non-violent convictions. Comprehensive benefits. Evaluates individually.

M Health Fairview (34,000 employees, 10-12 hospitals) - Major Minnesota healthcare system.

Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.

Pay: $16-20/hour. Non-clinical support accessible depending on conviction history. Benefits included.

CentraCare (Central Minnesota) - Healthcare system.

Environmental services, food service, facilities.

Pay: $16-19/hour. Case-by-case for support positions. Comprehensive benefits.

Allina Health (Twin Cities and greater Minnesota) - Healthcare system.

Environmental services, food service, facilities, patient transport.

Pay: $16-20/hour. Support positions accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records.

Warehouse & Logistics

Amazon (Multiple Minnesota fulfillment centers) - Shakopee MSP1 (800K sq ft, 1,500 employees), Lakeville MSP6 (750K sq ft), Eagan, Brooklyn Park, delivery stations.

Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.

Pay: $18-23/hour. Fair-chance hiring focusing on qualifications. Full benefits from day one including healthcare, 401(k), Career Choice education funding. Immediate hiring, flexible scheduling.

UPS (Major Twin Cities sorting facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.

Package handlers, warehouse workers.

Pay: $18-21/hour with Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance, opportunities to advance to driver positions earning $30-42/hour.

FedEx (Facilities throughout Minnesota) - Package delivery and logistics.

Package handlers, warehouse positions.

Pay: $17-20/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities.

Retail & Grocery

Target (Minnesota headquarters - 40,000+ employees) - Major Minnesota employer headquartered in Minneapolis.

Store team members, fulfillment, sales floor, warehouse.

Pay: $15-19/hour (higher in Minneapolis at $15.97+ minimum). Benefits, educational assistance, advancement opportunities. Reviews applicants individually.

Best Buy (Minnesota headquarters) - Electronics retail headquartered in Richfield.

Sales associates, warehouse, Geek Squad.

Pay: $15-19/hour. Benefits, employee discounts, advancement. Evaluates applicants case-by-case.

Cub Foods (Minnesota-based, Supervalu subsidiary) - Grocery retail.

Cashiers, stockers, department workers.

Pay: $14-17/hour. Union representation (UFCW) at some locations. Case-by-case evaluation.

Lunds & Byerlys (Twin Cities upscale grocery) - Minnesota-based grocery chain.

Cashiers, stockers, prepared foods.

Pay: $15-18/hour. Employee-focused company, individualized hiring.

Food Service & Hospitality

Starbucks (Locations throughout Minnesota) - Coffee chain, Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.

Baristas, shift supervisors.

Pay: $15-18/hour (higher in Minneapolis). Commitment to second-chance hiring. Benefits including healthcare, stock options, tuition coverage through Arizona State University. Case-by-case evaluation.

McDonald's (Many franchise locations statewide) - Quick-service restaurants.

Crew members, cooks, cashiers.

Pay: $13-16/hour ($15.97+ in Minneapolis/St. Paul). Many franchisees practice fair-chance hiring. Flexible scheduling, advancement to management.

Manufacturing

3M (Multiple Minnesota facilities, Maplewood headquarters) - Diversified manufacturing, major Minnesota employer.

Production workers, quality technicians, maintenance.

Pay: $18-25/hour. Excellent benefits, tuition reimbursement. Individualized hiring assessment.

General Mills (Minneapolis headquarters) - Food manufacturing.

Production workers, packaging, quality control.

Pay: $17-23/hour. Benefits, advancement. Case-by-case evaluation.

Nonprofit & Social Services

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (Statewide) - Nonprofit specifically focused on second-chance employment.

Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.

Pay: $13-16/hour. Job training, skill development, wraparound support services for justice-impacted individuals.

Top 20 Minnesota Employers Hiring Felons

These Minnesota companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.

1. Target (Minnesota HQ - 40,000+ employees) - Major Minnesota employer headquartered in Minneapolis.

   Store Team Members: $15-19/hour Team Leaders: $45,000-65,000 Management: $60,000-90,000 Individualized review, benefits, tuition assistance. Learn More

2. Mayo Clinic (Rochester - 76,000 employees) - World-renowned healthcare, Minnesota headquarters.

   Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $16-19/hour Facilities: $17-22/hour Support for older non-violent records, comprehensive benefits. Learn More
   

3. Amazon (Multiple MN fulfillment centers) - Shakopee MSP1 (1,500 employees), Lakeville, Eagan, Brooklyn Park.

   Warehouse Associates: $18-23/hour Shift Managers: $55,000-75,000 Operations Managers: $75,000-105,000 Day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring, Career Choice. Learn More
   

4. M Health Fairview (34,000 employees, 10-12 hospitals) - Major Minnesota healthcare system.

   Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $16-19/hour Patient Transport: $16-20/hour Non-clinical support accessible, benefits. Learn More
   

5. Best Buy (Minnesota HQ) - Electronics retail headquartered in Richfield.

   Sales Associates: $15-19/hour Geek Squad: $18-25/hour Management: $50,000-80,000 Case-by-case evaluation, employee discounts. Learn More
   

6. Starbucks (Locations throughout Minnesota) - Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.

   Baristas: $15-18/hour Shift Supervisors: $18-22/hour Store Managers: $55,000-75,000 Second-chance commitment, tuition coverage. Learn More
   

7. UPS (Major Twin Cities sorting facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.

   Package Handlers: $18-21/hour Drivers: $30-42/hour Supervisors: $65,000-90,000 Teamsters benefits, tuition assistance, advancement. Learn More
   

8. 3M (Multiple MN facilities, Maplewood HQ) - Diversified manufacturing, major Minnesota employer.

   Production Workers: $18-25/hour Skilled Technical: $55,000-80,000 Supervisors: $70,000-100,000 Excellent benefits, tuition reimbursement, individualized hiring. Learn More
   

9. CentraCare (Central Minnesota) - Healthcare system.

   Environmental Services: $16-19/hour Food Service: $15-18/hour Facilities: $17-22/hour Case-by-case for support, comprehensive benefits. Learn More
   

10. General Mills (Minneapolis HQ) - Food manufacturing.

    Production Workers: $17-23/hour Quality Control: $45,000-65,000 Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Benefits, advancement, case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
    

11. Allina Health (Twin Cities and greater Minnesota) - Healthcare system.

    Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $16-19/hour Facilities: $17-22/hour Support for older non-violent records. Learn More
    

12. FedEx (Facilities throughout Minnesota) - Package delivery, logistics.

    Package Handlers: $17-20/hour Drivers: $24-38/hour Operations: $55,000-80,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
    

13. Cub Foods (Minnesota-based, Supervalu) - Grocery retail.

    Cashiers/Stockers: $14-17/hour Department Managers: $38,000-55,000 Store Managers: $65,000-90,000 Union representation (UFCW) some locations, case-by-case. Learn More
    

14. Lunds & Byerlys (Twin Cities upscale grocery) - Minnesota-based chain.

    Cashiers/Stockers: $15-18/hour Department Leads: $40,000-58,000 Store Managers: $70,000-95,000 Employee-focused, individualized hiring. Learn More
    

15. Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (Statewide) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance.

    Retail Associates: $13-16/hour Warehouse Workers: $14-17/hour Career Specialists: $38,000-55,000 Job training, wraparound support for justice-impacted. Learn More
    

16. McDonald's (Many MN franchise locations) - Quick-service restaurants.

    Crew Members: $13-16/hour Shift Managers: $16-20/hour General Managers: $42,000-58,000 Many franchisees fair-chance, varies by location. Learn More
    

17. PeopleReady (Offices throughout Minnesota) - Staffing agency with daily pay.

    General Labor: $15-22/hour Warehouse: $16-23/hour Construction: $18-28/hour Same-day pay via JobStack, commonly works with records. Learn More

18. Kelly Services (Statewide placements) - Staffing agency.

    Office/Industrial: $15-24/hour Technical Positions: $20-35/hour Professional: $25-45/hour Individualized evaluation, diverse clients. Learn More
    

19. Manpower (Offices throughout Minnesota) - Staffing agency.

    Manufacturing/Warehouse: $16-24/hour Office Support: $15-22/hour Skilled Trades: $20-32/hour Temp-to-perm common, works with various backgrounds. Learn More
    

20. Chipotle (Locations throughout Minnesota) - Fast-casual restaurants.

    Crew Members: $14-17/hour Kitchen Managers: $50,000-70,000 General Managers: $60,000-85,000 Debt-free degrees, advancement, fair-chance reputation. Learn More

Felon-Friendly Jobs by Minnesota City

Minneapolis-St. Paul (Pop. 3.7M metro)

Twin Cities metro, state's economic hub. Comprehensive Metro Transit light rail and bus. Higher minimum wage $15.97/hour (2025).

• Target (HQ, 40,000+) - $15-19/hour

• Best Buy (HQ) - $15-19/hour

• Amazon/UPS/FedEx - $17-23/hour

• Healthcare systems - $16-20/hour

• Retail chains - $15-19/hour

Rochester (Pop. 220K metro)

Home to Mayo Clinic. Healthcare, technology, education.

• Mayo Clinic (76,000) - $16-20/hour

• IBM - varies

• Healthcare support - $16-20/hour

• Retail chains - $14-17/hour

• Food service - $13-16/hour

Duluth (Pop. 289K metro)

Shipping port, tourism, healthcare, education.

• Healthcare systems - $15-19/hour

• Port operations - $17-25/hour

• Tourism/hospitality - $13-17/hour

• Retail chains - $14-17/hour

• Manufacturing - $16-22/hour

St. Cloud (Pop. 200K metro)

Manufacturing, healthcare, retail.

• CentraCare - $16-19/hour

• Manufacturing facilities - $16-23/hour

• Retail chains - $14-17/hour

• Warehousing - $15-20/hour

• Food service - $13-16/hour

Bloomington (Mall of America location)

Retail, hospitality, corporate headquarters.

• Mall of America employers - $14-18/hour

• Hotels/restaurants - $13-17/hour

• Retail chains - $15-18/hour

• Corporate support - varies

• Warehousing - $16-21/hour

Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Minnesota

While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Minnesota.

Package Delivery Advancement

Start: UPS Package Handler - $18-21/hour with Teamsters union benefits.

Advance to UPS Driver - $30-42/hour ($62,000-87,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits, pension. Home daily.

Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)

Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - $60,000-85,000 annually. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.

Local Delivery - $50,000-70,000.

Manufacturing Advancement

Start: 3M or General Mills Production - $17-25/hour with excellent benefits.

Advance to Skilled Technical - Quality technicians, maintenance: $55,000-85,000. Internal training and advancement.

Manufacturing Supervisors - $70,000-105,000.

Skilled Construction Trades

Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $60,000-90,000. Union apprenticeships through IBEW.

Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $55,000-85,000. Union apprenticeships through UA.

HVAC Technician - Minnesota's extreme climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $18-24/hour. Experienced: $50,000-72,000.

Welder - Industrial, construction: $48,000-75,000.

Healthcare Career Advancement

Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $16-20/hour at Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview, Allina. Use tuition assistance.

Surgical Technologist - With training: $48,000-65,000. Programs at Minnesota technical colleges.

Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $58,000-75,000.

Radiologic Technologist - With training: $55,000-72,000.

Minnesota Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

Minnesota offers Clean Slate automatic expungement and comprehensive workforce development support.

Expungement and Record Clearing

Clean Slate Law (Effective January 2025): AUTOMATIC expungement for eligible records WITHOUT petition.

Automatic Timeline:

• Non-convictions: Immediately eligible

• Most misdemeanors: 3 years automatically

• Many non-violent felonies: 7 years automatically

• Records automatically disappear

Manual Petition: Can still petition for non-automatic eligible records or to expedite. File with court, prosecutor review, hearing if contested, judge decision. Cost: $300-600 with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months.

Eligibility: Clean Slate automatic applies to most misdemeanors and many non-violent felonies. Cannot expunge: certain violent crimes, sex offenses, most DUI.

FREE Assistance:

• Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota: (218) 726-4800

• Minnesota Legal Services Coalition: mnlegalservices.org

• Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid: (320) 253-0121

Ban-the-Box Protections

STRONG Statewide Ban-the-Box: Minnesota Statute § 364.021 (effective 2014 for private employers) prohibits ALL employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications. Must wait until after interview or conditional job offer.

Coverage: All Minnesota employers, public and private.

Minneapolis and St. Paul: Higher minimum wages ($15.97/hour in 2025, $16.37 in 2026) and strong fair-chance enforcement.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Federal WOTC provides Minnesota employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.

State Workforce Development

Minnesota CareerForce (Statewide network) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.

Contact: (651) 259-7114 | mn.gov/deed/careerforce

Locations: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and throughout state.

Reentry Organizations

Minnesota Department of Corrections - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.

Contact: (651) 361-7200 | mn.gov/doc

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota - Career centers with wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals.

Contact: (651) 379-5800 | goodwilleasterseals.org

Additional Minnesota Resources

Training & Education

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) - 30 community/technical colleges and 7 state universities offering workforce training with financial aid.

Minnesota Apprenticeship Programs - Registered apprenticeships in construction trades, manufacturing.

Housing Assistance

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency - Rental assistance programs.

Contact: (651) 296-7608 | mnhousing.gov

Legal Aid

Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota - FREE civil legal services including expungement.

Contact: (218) 726-4800 | lasnem.org

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid - FREE services.

Contact: (320) 253-0121 | mylegalaid.org

Transportation Support

Metro Transit (Twin Cities) - Comprehensive light rail and bus system. Reduced fare programs.

Contact: (612) 373-3333 | metrotransit.org

Rochester Public Transit - Bus service.

Duluth Transit Authority - Public transit.

Staffing Agencies in Minnesota That Work With Felons

PeopleReady - Multiple Minnesota offices. Daily pay via JobStack. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $15-28/hour. Commonly works with records, immediate placement.

Kelly Services - Statewide. Office, industrial, technical. Pay: $15-35/hour. Individualized evaluation, diverse clients.

Manpower - Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Pay: $16-32/hour. Temp-to-perm common.

Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Minnesota franchises. Skilled trades, professional, industrial. Pay: $16-35/hour. Varies by franchise.

Aerotek - Twin Cities area. Technical, engineering, skilled trades. Pay: $18-40/hour. Individualized assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Minnesota have a ban-the-box law?

YES—one of nation's STRONGEST. Minnesota Statute § 364.021 (effective 2014 for private employers) prohibits ALL employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications. Must wait until after interview or conditional job offer. Covers all Minnesota employers, public and private. Minneapolis and St. Paul have additional protections including higher minimum wages ($15.97/hour in 2025).

Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Minnesota?

Yes—Minnesota's Clean Slate Law (effective January 2025) provides AUTOMATIC expungement for eligible records WITHOUT petition. Most misdemeanors automatically expunged after 3 years, many non-violent felonies after 7 years. Records automatically disappear. Can still petition manually for non-automatic eligible records. Cannot expunge: certain violent crimes, sex offenses, most DUI. Contact Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (FREE: 218-726-4800) for assistance.

Q3: What is Minnesota's minimum wage?

State minimum: $11.13/hour (2025), $11.41/hour (2026). Minneapolis and St. Paul HIGHER: $15.97/hour (2025), $16.37/hour (2026). Market competition drives most entry-level positions to $15-19/hour in Twin Cities.

Q4: How far back do background checks go in Minnesota?

Minnesota follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. However, Clean Slate automatic expungement means eligible records disappear after 3 years (misdemeanors) or 7 years (non-violent felonies).

Q5: What companies in Minnesota hire felons?

Target (Minnesota HQ, 40,000+ employees, $15-19/hour), Mayo Clinic (76,000 employees, $16-20/hour support), Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers, $18-23/hour), M Health Fairview (34,000 employees), Best Buy (Minnesota HQ), UPS ($18-21/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Starbucks (Fair Chance Pledge), 3M, General Mills, and many others. See Top 20 list. Minnesota ban-the-box means NO applications can ask about criminal history.

Q6: Can I work at Target or Best Buy with a felony in Minnesota?

Yes, with individualized review. Target (Minnesota headquarters, 40,000+ employees) and Best Buy (Minnesota headquarters in Richfield) both evaluate applicants case-by-case. Starting pay: $15-19/hour with benefits, educational assistance, advancement opportunities. Minnesota's ban-the-box law means they CANNOT ask on initial applications. Apply at target.com/careers and bestbuy.com/careers.

Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Minnesota?

Generally yes. UPS offers proven path: start package handler ($18-21/hour with Teamsters benefits), advance to driver ($30-42/hour, $62,000-87,000 annually). Long-haul/regional carriers pay $60,000-85,000. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required. Minnesota technical colleges offer CDL training programs.

Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Minnesota?

UPS drivers ($62,000-87,000 after starting package handler $18-21/hour), CDL truck drivers ($60,000-85,000), electricians ($60,000-90,000), plumbers ($55,000-85,000), HVAC techs ($50,000-72,000), manufacturing skilled technical at 3M/General Mills ($55,000-85,000), welders ($48,000-75,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $48,000-65,000, respiratory therapy $58,000-75,000, radiologic tech $55,000-72,000), manufacturing supervisors ($70,000-105,000).

Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Minnesota job applications?

Minnesota's STRONG ban-the-box law means ALL employers CANNOT ask about criminal history on initial applications. You don't need to disclose unless asked later (after interview or conditional offer). If asked later, answer truthfully—lying results in termination. Check Clean Slate automatic expungement eligibility—records disappear after 3 years (misdemeanors) or 7 years (non-violent felonies) WITHOUT petition. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit).

Q10: Are there free job training programs in Minnesota for people with felonies?

Yes. Minnesota CareerForce (651-259-7114) offers free training referrals. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) provide workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers (Mayo Clinic, 3M, Target, Best Buy) provide tuition assistance. Minnesota Apprenticeship Programs offer paid training in construction and manufacturing trades. Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota provides job training and wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals.

Next Steps: Your Minnesota Job Search Action Plan

Step 1: Check Clean Slate Automatic Expungement Eligibility

Minnesota's Clean Slate Law (effective January 2025) provides AUTOMATIC expungement WITHOUT petition for most misdemeanors after 3 years and many non-violent felonies after 7 years. Records automatically disappear from background checks. Check eligibility by contacting Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (FREE: 218-726-4800) or Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (320-253-0121). If eligible and waiting period passed, records should already be sealed. If not yet eligible, calculate when automatic sealing will occur. Can still petition manually for non-automatic eligible records or to expedite. Getting records sealed dramatically improves prospects. Don't wait—check status immediately.

Step 2: Register with Minnesota CareerForce and Multiple Staffing Agencies

Register with Minnesota CareerForce (651-259-7114) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: PeopleReady (daily pay via JobStack, general labor/warehouse/construction $15-28/hour), Kelly Services (office/industrial/technical $15-35/hour), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists $16-32/hour), Express Employment (skilled trades focus), Aerotek (technical/engineering focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at Target, 3M, Amazon, and major employers. Minnesota's ban-the-box means agencies CANNOT ask on applications.

Step 3: Target Minnesota's Accessible Employers

Apply to: Target (Minnesota headquarters, 40,000+ employees, $15-19/hour with benefits and tuition), Amazon fulfillment centers (Shakopee MSP1 with 1,500 employees, Lakeville, Eagan, Brooklyn Park—$18-23/hour day-one benefits), Best Buy (Minnesota headquarters, $15-19/hour), Mayo Clinic (Rochester, 76,000 employees, $16-20/hour support for older non-violent records), M Health Fairview (34,000 employees, $16-20/hour support), UPS ($18-21/hour package handler with path to $30-42/hour driver), Starbucks (Fair Chance Pledge, $15-18/hour with tuition), 3M ($18-25/hour production with excellent benefits), General Mills, Allina Health, CentraCare. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers. Minnesota's ban-the-box means NO applications can ask about criminal history—major advantage.

Step 4: Leverage Minnesota's STRONG Ban-the-Box and Clean Slate Laws

Minnesota has one of nation's strongest combinations: (1) ALL employers CANNOT ask about criminal history on applications (ban-the-box), (2) Clean Slate provides AUTOMATIC expungement after 3 years (misdemeanors) or 7 years (non-violent felonies). This is MAJOR advantage. Create strong resume highlighting skills and work history. You DON'T need to disclose criminal history on any application. If asked later (after interview/conditional offer), prepare 30-60 second explanation—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Emphasize Clean Slate automatic expungement if eligible. Mention WOTC ($2,400 federal tax credit). Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable if asked about record. Minneapolis and St. Paul have higher minimum wages ($15.97/hour in 2025).

Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Minnesota's Strong Economy

UPS package handler ($18-21/hour with Teamsters benefits) is proven path to driver earning $62,000-87,000 annually—most accessible high-wage career. Start manufacturing at 3M or General Mills ($17-25/hour with excellent benefits) and advance to skilled technical earning $55,000-85,000. CDL training at Minnesota technical colleges leads to $60,000-85,000 trucking careers. IBEW electrician apprenticeships lead to $60,000-90,000, UA plumbers to $55,000-85,000. Healthcare support at Mayo Clinic or M Health Fairview ($16-20/hour) with tuition assistance advances to surgical tech ($48,000-65,000), respiratory therapy ($58,000-75,000), or radiologic tech ($55,000-72,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $50,000-72,000 (Minnesota extreme climate creates demand). Welding programs at technical colleges lead to $48,000-75,000. Persist through rejections—Minnesota's strong ban-the-box law, Clean Slate automatic expungement, and robust economy (Target HQ, Best Buy HQ, Mayo Clinic, 3M) create real opportunities.

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 Minnesota's ban-the-box law (Minnesota Statute § 364.021), Clean Slate Law (effective January 2025), and minimum wage increases is general in nature. Clean Slate automatic expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Minnesota employment attorney or Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (FREE: 218-726-4800) for specific legal advice about your situation.

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