Felon Friendly Jobs in Missouri
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Missouri offers strong second-chance employment opportunities through diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, retail, and agriculture. The state's $12.30 minimum wage (2025) ranks above federal levels with scheduled increases to $15.00 by 2027. Major employers like Amazon, Walmart, General Motors, Ford, Boeing, and BJC HealthCare actively hire justice-impacted individuals through individualized assessments. Missouri's 2023 Clean Slate Act provides automatic expungement for eligible offenses after seven years, and the state's ban-the-box law applies to government employers. Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas anchor robust job markets with exceptional opportunities.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Missouri
Missouri's central location and diverse economy create exceptional opportunities for justice-impacted job seekers across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and service industries. The state's two major metropolitan areas—Kansas City (population 2.1 million metro) and St. Louis (2.8 million metro)—host Fortune 500 headquarters, major distribution hubs, automotive manufacturing, aerospace production, and comprehensive healthcare systems. Missouri's $12.30/hour minimum wage (effective January 1, 2025) exceeds the federal rate and increases to $15.00 by 2027, while most major employers pay $15-20/hour for entry-level positions.
Missouri's Clean Slate Act, effective January 1, 2023, provides automatic expungement for eligible offenses after completing sentences and seven-year waiting periods. The law applies to most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, excluding violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes against children. Unlike states requiring petition filing, Missouri's system automatically seals eligible records once criteria are met. Missouri's ban-the-box law, enacted in 2016, prohibits state agencies and their contractors from asking about criminal history on initial applications or during preliminary interviews.
The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Missouri employers up to $2,400 per qualified ex-felon hired, creating financial incentives for second-chance employment. Missouri Job Centers—the state's comprehensive workforce development system with 50+ locations statewide—provide free job placement services, skills training, resume assistance, interview coaching, and direct connections to employers actively hiring.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Missouri
Missouri's minimum wage stands at $12.30 per hour as of January 1, 2025, with scheduled increases reaching $13.75 by 2026 and $15.00 by 2027. Major employers typically pay $15-20/hour for warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing positions due to competitive labor markets.
Warehouse & Distribution
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in Kansas City (MKC4, MKC6, MKC7), St. Louis (STL8, STL4), Columbia. Fulfillment associates: $17-22/hour with shift differentials. Background checks with individualized review. Day-one healthcare, Career Choice education program ($5,250/year), 401(k). amazon.jobs
Walmart Distribution Centers - Multiple Missouri facilities including Hermitage, Republic. Warehouse associates: $18-23/hour. 7-year background lookback with case-by-case evaluation. Comprehensive benefits, Live Better U education. walmart.com/careers
Target Distribution Centers - Kansas City and other Missouri facilities. Warehouse associates: $17-21/hour. Individualized background assessment. Benefits, education assistance, clear advancement. target.com/careers
FedEx Ground - Facilities throughout Missouri. Package handlers: $16-20/hour. Most non-violent offenses after 3-5 years. Tuition assistance. fedex.com/careers
UPS - Missouri facilities. Package handlers: $17-22/hour. Union positions with excellent benefits. $25,000 education assistance. Advancement to driver positions ($40+/hour). upsjobs.com
Manufacturing & Production
General Motors - Wentzville Assembly Plant. Production technicians: $18-26/hour. Individualized assessments, most non-violent felonies after 7 years. Union (UAW) positions with excellent benefits, profit sharing. gm.com/careers
Ford Motor Company - Kansas City Assembly Plant. Production workers: $18-25/hour. Individualized review. UAW union representation, comprehensive benefits, profit sharing. ford.com/careers
Boeing - St. Louis facility (defense, space, security). Production workers: $19-28/hour. Most non-violent felonies after 7-10 years. Excellent benefits, education assistance. boeing.com/careers
Automotive Suppliers - Companies like Magna, Lear Corporation, Aptiv, BorgWarner. Production workers: $16-22/hour. Most non-violent offenses after 5-7 years. Benefits vary by company.
Healthcare Support
BJC HealthCare - St. Louis-based health system (14 hospitals). Environmental services, dietary, transport: $14-19/hour. Most non-violent offenses after 7 years. bjc.org/careers
Mercy Health System - Statewide healthcare system. Housekeeping, food service, transport: $14-19/hour. Healthcare background standards apply. mercy.net/careers
CoxHealth - Springfield-based health system. Environmental services, nutrition: $13-18/hour. Most non-violent offenses after 7 years. coxhealth.com/careers
SSM Health - Multi-state system with Missouri facilities. Housekeeping, dietary, transport: $14-18/hour. Healthcare standards. ssmhealth.com/careers
Retail & Grocery
Walmart - Supercenters statewide. Stockers, cashiers, associates: $14-18/hour. 7-year lookback, individualized evaluation. Healthcare, 401(k), Live Better U education. walmart.com/careers
Target - Stores throughout Missouri. Store associates: $15-19/hour. Case-by-case review, most non-violent after 5 years. Benefits, education assistance. target.com/careers
Home Depot - Multiple Missouri locations. Lot associates, freight, customer service: $15-19/hour. Case-by-case review. Success Sharing bonuses, healthcare. careers.homedepot.com
Aldi - Grocery stores expanding in Missouri. Store associates: $16-20/hour. Warehouse: $19-24/hour. Competitive wages, fair-chance hiring. aldi.us/careers
Food Service & Hospitality
McDonald's - Franchises throughout Missouri. Crew members: $12-16/hour. Archways to Opportunity education program. Fast advancement. mcdonalds.com/careers
Chipotle - Multiple Missouri locations. Line cooks, service crew: $14-18/hour. Known second-chance employer. chipotle.com/careers
Panera Bread - Missouri-based company. Line cooks, cashiers, bakers: $13-17/hour. Second-chance policies. panerabread.com/careers
Top 20 Missouri Employers Hiring Felons
Missouri's major employers span automotive, aerospace, healthcare, logistics, retail, and food manufacturing. These 20 companies represent the most accessible hiring options for justice-impacted individuals.
Amazon (Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia) - Multiple fulfillment centers.
Associates: $17-22/hour Managers: $55,000-110,000 Individualized background review.
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Walmart (Statewide) - Distribution centers and 250+ stores.
Associates: $14-23/hour Managers: $65,000-110,000 7-year lookback.
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General Motors (Wentzville) - Assembly plant producing trucks and vans.
Production: $18-26/hour Skilled trades: $52,000-73,000 UAW union.
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Ford Motor Company (Kansas City) - Assembly plant.
Production: $18-25/hour Skilled trades: $52,000-75,000 UAW union.
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BJC HealthCare (St. Louis) - 14-hospital health system.
Support roles: $14-19/hour Supervisors: $45,000-65,000 Most non-violent after 7 years.
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Mercy Health (Statewide) - Multi-facility healthcare system.
Support roles: $14-19/hour Department managers: $45,000-70,000 Healthcare standards.
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Boeing (St. Louis) - Defense, space, security facility.
Production: $19-28/hour Skilled positions: $55,000-85,000 Most non-violent after 7-10 years.
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Target Corporation (Statewide) - Distribution and retail.
Associates: $15-21/hour Managers: $65,000-100,000 Non-violent after 5 years.
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FedEx Ground (Statewide) - Package handling facilities.
Handlers: $16-20/hour Drivers: $50,000-70,000 Most offenses after 3-5 years.
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UPS (Major Facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.
Handlers: $17-22/hour Drivers: $85,000-95,000 Union benefits.
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Home Depot (Multiple Locations) - Home improvement retail.
Associates: $15-19/hour Managers: $60,000-95,000 Case-by-case review.
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CoxHealth (Springfield) - Healthcare system.
Support roles: $13-18/hour Department leads: $40,000-60,000 Most non-violent after 7 years.
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SSM Health (Multi-State) - Healthcare facilities in Missouri.
Support roles: $14-18/hour Supervisors: $45,000-65,000 Healthcare standards.
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Lowe's (Missouri Stores) - Home improvement retail.
Associates: $15-19/hour Managers: $55,000-90,000 Similar to Home Depot.
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Chipotle (Multiple Locations) - Fast-casual dining.
Crew: $14-18/hour Managers: $50,000-70,000 Known second-chance employer.
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Aldi (Stores & Warehouse) - Grocery chain.
Store associates: $16-20/hour Warehouse: $19-24/hour Fair-chance hiring.
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Panera Bread (Missouri-Based) - Fast-casual dining chain.
Associates: $13-17/hour Managers: $45,000-65,000 Second-chance policies.
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Bass Pro Shops (Springfield HQ) - Outdoor retail.
Retail: $13-17/hour Management: $40,000-65,000 Flexible hiring.
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Goodwill Industries (Statewide) - Mission-driven employer.
Retail: $12-15/hour Managers: $40,000-60,000 Explicitly serves justice-impacted.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Missouri City
Missouri's employment concentrates in distinct metros. Each offers unique opportunities based on dominant industries.
Kansas City Metro
Major Employers: Amazon (MKC4, MKC6, MKC7), Walmart Distribution, Ford Assembly, Target Distribution, healthcare systems
Entry-Level Focus: Warehouse associates ($17-23/hour), automotive production ($18-25/hour), healthcare support ($13-18/hour)
St. Louis Metro
Major Employers: Amazon (STL8, STL4), BJC HealthCare, Boeing, General Motors Wentzville, Mercy Health
Entry-Level Focus: Warehouse ($17-22/hour), healthcare support ($14-19/hour), aerospace production ($19-28/hour)
Springfield
Major Employers: CoxHealth, Mercy Springfield, Bass Pro Shops, Walmart, manufacturing companies
Entry-Level Focus: Healthcare support ($13-18/hour), retail ($13-17/hour), manufacturing ($14-20/hour)
Columbia
Major Employers: Amazon fulfillment, University of Missouri, MU Health Care, Shelter Insurance
Entry-Level Focus: Warehouse ($17-22/hour), university support ($13-18/hour), healthcare ($13-18/hour)
Jefferson City
Major Employers: State Government, St. Mary's Health Center, manufacturing, distribution centers
Entry-Level Focus: State government ($13-18/hour, ban-the-box applies), healthcare support, manufacturing
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Missouri
Missouri offers middle-class earning potential through automotive manufacturing, skilled trades, CDL trucking, and specialized positions.
CDL & Transportation ($55,000-$95,000+)
Truck drivers: Swift, Schneider, Werner hire after 3-7 years. Entry: $55,000-75,000/year. UPS driver progression from warehouse to driver: $85,000-95,000/year with union benefits.
Automotive Manufacturing ($50,000-$75,000+)
Skilled roles at GM, Ford. Maintenance technicians, quality engineers: $52,000-75,000/year. Advance from production floor with company-provided training.
Skilled Trades ($45,000-$80,000+)
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC, welders: $45,000-80,000/year. Apprenticeships through unions or community colleges. Training 3-5 years with immediate pay.
Aerospace ($55,000-$85,000)
Boeing skilled positions: maintenance, quality, specialized assembly. $55,000-85,000/year. Most non-violent after 7-10 years.
Healthcare & Manufacturing Supervisory ($45,000-$65,000)
LPN positions: $45,000-55,000/year (12-18 months training). Production supervisors, quality managers: $45,000-65,000/year. Advance from floor 2-4 years.
Missouri Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Missouri Job Centers - 50+ locations statewide providing free employment services including job search assistance, resume writing, skills training, employer connections, and WIOA funding. Find locations: jobs.mo.gov or call 573-751-3215.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri - Free legal aid for expungement and employment rights. (314) 534-4200
Legal Aid of Western Missouri - Free legal assistance for Kansas City metro area. (816) 474-6750
Missouri Public Defender - Expungement assistance. (844) 898-4346
Missouri Department of Corrections Reentry Programs - Pre-release employment prep, community work centers. doc.mo.gov
Additional Missouri Resources
Understanding Missouri Background Checks
Missouri follows federal FCRA seven-year rule for third-party screening companies. Most convictions older than seven years don't appear on standard checks (except positions paying $75,000+/year). Missouri court records remain public permanently, but Clean Slate Act automatically seals eligible records after seven years.
Missouri Clean Slate Act
Missouri's Clean Slate Act (effective January 1, 2023) automatically expunges eligible misdemeanors and non-violent felonies seven years after sentence completion. No petition required—the system handles it automatically. Excludes violent crimes, sex offenses, crimes against children. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140)
Missouri Ban-the-Box Law
Missouri's 2016 ban-the-box law prohibits state agencies and their contractors from asking about criminal history on initial applications. Kansas City and St. Louis have local ordinances providing additional protections for private employers within city limits.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Missouri employers up to $2,400 per qualified ex-felon hired. Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances. Administered through Missouri Job Centers.
Staffing Agencies in Missouri That Work With Felons
Staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm conversions.
PeopleReady - Statewide locations. Daily labor, construction, warehouse. $12-20/hour. Daily pay. peopleready.com
Manpower - Major metros. Industrial, warehouse, clerical. $13-22/hour. manpower.com
Express Employment Professionals - Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield. Industrial, trades, office. $12-24/hour. expresspros.com
Kelly Services - Multiple locations. Industrial, office, technical. $13-23/hour. kellyservices.com
Aerotek - Major metros. Skilled trades, industrial. $15-26/hour. aerotek.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Missouri have a ban-the-box law?
Yes, Missouri's 2016 ban-the-box law prohibits state agencies and their contractors from asking about criminal history on initial applications. Applies to state government and contractors but not private employers without state contracts. Kansas City and St. Louis have local ordinances providing additional protections.
Q2: What is Missouri's minimum wage in 2025?
Missouri's minimum wage is $12.30 per hour as of January 1, 2025, with scheduled increases to $13.75 (2026) and $15.00 (2027). Most major employers pay $15-20/hour for entry-level warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing due to competitive markets.
Q3: Can I get a job with a felony in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri employers across industries hire individuals with felonies. Amazon, Walmart, GM, Ford, Boeing, BJC HealthCare, and Mercy conduct individualized assessments. Most focus on non-violent felonies after 3-7 years depending on employer. Missouri's Clean Slate Act automatically expunges eligible offenses after seven years.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Missouri?
Missouri follows federal FCRA seven-year rule for third-party screening. Most convictions older than seven years don't appear on standard checks (except positions paying $75,000+/year). Missouri court records remain public, but Clean Slate Act automatically seals eligible records after seven years.
Q5: Can I get my record expunged in Missouri?
Yes, through Clean Slate Act automatic expungement (eligible misdemeanors and non-violent felonies automatically sealed seven years after sentence completion) or traditional expungement petitions. Legal assistance available through Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (314-534-4200) or Legal Aid of Western Missouri (816-474-6750).
Q6: What companies in Missouri hire felons?
Major Missouri employers include Amazon, Walmart, General Motors, Ford, Boeing, BJC HealthCare, Mercy Health, Target, FedEx, UPS, Home Depot, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Bass Pro Shops, and thousands more. Most evaluate backgrounds individually, accepting non-violent felonies after 3-7 years.
Q7: Should I disclose my criminal record on job applications?
Answer honestly based on what's asked. Lying constitutes grounds for termination. If application doesn't ask, don't volunteer. Expunged records under Clean Slate Act need not be disclosed to most employers. Be honest but brief during interviews.
Q8: What are the best entry-level jobs for felons in Missouri?
Best opportunities: Amazon fulfillment ($17-22/hour, same-day offers), GM/Ford automotive ($18-26/hour, UAW benefits), Walmart distribution ($18-23/hour), healthcare support ($13-19/hour), warehouse staffing agencies ($13-20/hour with immediate work).
Q9: What are the highest-paying jobs for felons in Missouri?
CDL truck drivers ($55,000-95,000), automotive manufacturing skilled trades ($52,000-75,000), union electricians/plumbers ($45,000-80,000), Boeing aerospace positions ($55,000-85,000), manufacturing supervisors ($45,000-65,000).
Q10: Are there programs to help felons get jobs in Missouri?
Yes: Missouri Job Centers (50+ locations, jobs.mo.gov), Work Opportunity Tax Credit ($2,400 for employers), Federal Bonding Program, MO Dept of Corrections reentry programs, legal aid for expungement, community college workforce training with financial aid.
Next Steps: Your Missouri Job Search Action Plan
Successfully navigating Missouri's job market with a criminal record requires strategic action and persistence. Follow this five-step plan for securing employment and building stability.
Step 1: Verify Your Record and Expungement Status
Obtain your Missouri criminal history from State Highway Patrol (dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cjis, $20 fee) to know what appears on background checks. Check if your offenses qualify for Clean Slate automatic expungement (seven years after sentence completion for eligible non-violent offenses). Contact Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (314-534-4200) or Legal Aid of Western Missouri (816-474-6750) for free consultations. Understanding your current record status helps you know what employers will see.
Step 2: Register with Missouri Job Centers and Staffing Agencies
Visit nearest Missouri Job Center in person (jobs.mo.gov, 573-751-3215). Register for services, ask about reentry specialists and employers hiring justice-impacted individuals. Job Centers provide training funding through WIOA, resume assistance, and direct employer connections. Simultaneously register with 3-5 staffing agencies (PeopleReady, Manpower, Express Employment, Kelly Services) in person. Be honest about background. Staffing provides immediate income and temp-to-perm opportunities.
Step 3: Build Resume and Application Strategy
Create skills-focused resume emphasizing capabilities over chronological gaps. Include training, certifications, substantial work experience including from incarceration. Research Missouri's felon-friendly employers (Amazon, Walmart, GM, Ford, BJC HealthCare, Mercy, Boeing) and their background policies. Prepare brief, honest explanation of conviction focusing on rehabilitation. Prepare references including reentry counselors, probation officers, community members.
Step 4: Apply Strategically and Persistently
Apply to 10-15 positions weekly focusing on known felon-friendly employers. Prioritize: Amazon fulfillment centers, Walmart distribution, automotive manufacturing (GM, Ford), healthcare support roles, warehouse staffing. Apply directly on company career websites. Be completely honest on applications. Missouri's $12.30+ minimum wage and manufacturing/distribution wages ($17-26/hour) support stability. Track applications systematically.
Step 5: Succeed, Stabilize, and Advance
Once employed, prioritize reliability: perfect attendance, positive attitude, exceed expectations. After 3-6 months strong performance, discuss advancement—GM, Ford, Amazon, BJC HealthCare promote from within to roles paying $20-30/hour. Consider training for higher earnings: community college welding, HVAC, truck driving, industrial maintenance programs (6-24 months, financial aid available). Your first job is the foundation—advancement comes through performance and strategic career moves.
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 Missouri's Clean Slate Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140) and ban-the-box law is general in nature. Consult with Missouri employment attorney or legal aid for specific legal advice about your situation.
© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.