Felon Friendly Jobs in Rhode Island
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Rhode Island offers significant employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in healthcare, retail, hospitality, warehousing, and manufacturing sectors. Rhode Island enacted COMPREHENSIVE ban-the-box legislation in 2014 covering BOTH private and public employers with four or more employees—one of nation's earliest and strongest ban-the-box laws. Rhode Island's minimum wage is $15.00/hour as of January 2025, with PLANNED INCREASES to $16.00 in January 2026 and $17.00 in January 2027—among highest state minimum wages. Rhode Island provides enhanced expungement opportunities for non-violent convictions: first-time misdemeanor offenders eligible after five years, first-time felony offenders after ten years. Strong reentry resources include OpenDoors Rhode Island (statewide reentry collaborative), netWORKri Centers (state workforce centers with locations statewide), and organizations like Amos House providing comprehensive support services. Major employers include Amazon (Johnston PVD2 facility—3.8 million sq ft opened November 2024, 1,500+ full-time workers, $17-18/hour), CVS Health (Rhode Island headquarters in Woonsocket), healthcare systems (Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan, Care New England), retail chains (Walmart, Target, Stop & Shop), hospitality employers throughout Providence and coastal areas, and numerous small businesses. Rhode Island's compact geography (smallest state by land area) means most employment opportunities within reasonable commuting distance from any residence, with public transit available through RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) serving Providence metro and statewide.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Rhode Island
Economic Overview
Rhode Island's economy anchored by healthcare (over 40,000 employees—one of state's biggest job creators), higher education (Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, University of Rhode Island), tourism (coastal economy), and increasingly warehousing and logistics provides substantial opportunities for individuals with criminal records. Major employers include healthcare systems (Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan, Care New England), CVS Health (Rhode Island headquarters in Woonsocket), universities, retail chains, and growing warehouse sector. Rhode Island's compact geography (smallest state by land area at just 1,214 square miles) means most employment within reasonable commuting distance from any residence. Major areas include Providence metro (state capital, 680,000 metro population—cultural and economic hub), Warwick (third-largest city with TF Green Airport), Cranston (second-largest city), Pawtucket (manufacturing history), and coastal tourism areas (Newport, Narragansett, South County).
Record Clearing System
Enhanced Expungement: Rhode Island provides expungement opportunities for non-violent convictions.
Eligibility:
First-time misdemeanor offenders: 5 years after completion
First-time felony offenders: 10 years after completion
Must complete all sentencing requirements
Cannot include violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI
What Expungement Means: Record sealed from public view. Can generally deny offense occurred for most purposes (with exceptions for law enforcement).
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: varies ($100-400 with fees). Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended but not required.
FREE Assistance: Rhode Island Legal Services (401-274-2652) provides FREE legal services for low-income Rhode Islanders including expungement assistance.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
STRONG Statewide Ban-the-Box (2014): Covers BOTH private and public employers with four or more employees—one of nation's earliest and strongest ban-the-box laws.
Coverage: Employers with 4+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Must wait until interview or conditional offer.
What This Means: Nearly all Rhode Island employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications. Can only inquire after interview or conditional offer.
Rhode Island follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Rhode Island employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Rhode Island
Rhode Island minimum wage: $15.00/hour (2025), increasing to $16.00 (2026) and $17.00 (2027)—among highest state minimums.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Johnston PVD2 facility - 1,500+ full-time workers) - 3.8 million sq ft facility at 2120 Hartford Avenue, opened November 2024.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $17-18/hour. Case-by-case evaluation. Benefits, shift differentials, advancement opportunities.
UPS (Rhode Island metro facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $17-20/hour with union benefits (Teamsters), tuition assistance, opportunities to advance to driver positions earning $30-42/hour.
FedEx (Rhode Island metro facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse, sorters.
Pay: $17-20/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Rhode Island Hospital and Lifespan System - Major Rhode Island healthcare employer.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.
Pay: $16-20/hour. Non-clinical support accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive benefits.
Care New England (Rhode Island healthcare system) - Multiple facilities.
Environmental services, food service, facilities.
Pay: $16-20/hour. Case-by-case for support positions. Benefits included.
Retail & Grocery
CVS Health (Woonsocket headquarters) - Rhode Island-based company, major employer.
Retail associates, pharmacy technicians (with training), distribution.
Pay: $15-19/hour retail, higher for pharmacy tech. Benefits, employee discounts. Rhode Island headquarters creates many opportunities.
Stop & Shop (Multiple Rhode Island locations) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers, stockers, department clerks.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Union representation (UFCW). Case-by-case evaluation.
Walmart (Rhode Island locations) - Retail chain.
Associates, cashiers, stockers.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Case-by-case evaluation, commonly hires entry-level. Benefits, advancement.
Target (Rhode Island stores) - Retail chain.
Team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $15-19/hour. Reviews applicants individually. Benefits, educational assistance.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotels and Resorts (Providence, Newport, coastal areas) - Tourism industry employers.
Housekeeping, front desk, food service, maintenance.
Pay: $14-18/hour depending on position. Rhode Island's coastal tourism and Providence attractions create opportunities. Seasonal peaks but year-round employment.
Restaurants (Statewide) - Various chains and independents.
Cooks, dishwashers, servers, hosts.
Pay: $13-17/hour plus tips for servers. Flexible scheduling.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Amos House (Providence) - Nonprofit with reentry focus and comprehensive support services.
Various positions supporting justice-impacted individuals.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Wraparound services including housing, meals, job training.
Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island (Statewide) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance employment.
Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Job training, skill development, support services.
Top 20 Rhode Island Employers Hiring Felons
These Rhode Island companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Amazon (Johnston PVD2 - 1,500+ workers) - 3.8M sq ft facility opened Nov 2024.
Warehouse Associates: $17-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations: $70,000-100,000 Benefits, shift differentials, case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
CVS Health (Woonsocket HQ) - Rhode Island-based company, major employer.
Retail Associates: $15-19/hour Pharmacy Technicians: $17-23/hour Distribution: $16-21/hour Benefits, employee discounts, RI headquarters. Learn More
Rhode Island Hospital and Lifespan System - Major healthcare employer.
Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $15-19/hour Facilities: $17-22/hour Non-clinical support for older non-violent records. Learn More
Care New England (RI healthcare system) - Multiple facilities.
Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $15-19/hour Facilities: $17-22/hour Case-by-case for support, benefits. Learn More
Stop & Shop (Multiple RI locations) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers/Stockers: $15-18/hour Department Managers: $38,000-58,000 Store Managers: $65,000-90,000 UFCW union representation, case-by-case. Learn More
UPS (Rhode Island metro facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-20/hour Drivers: $30-42/hour Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Teamsters benefits, tuition assistance. Learn More
Target (Rhode Island stores) - Retail chain.
Team Members: $15-19/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Management: $55,000-80,000 Individualized review, benefits, tuition. Learn More
Walmart (Rhode Island locations) - Retail chain.
Associates: $15-18/hour Team Leads: $18-23/hour Management: $45,000-70,000 Case-by-case, commonly hires entry-level. Learn More
FedEx (Rhode Island metro facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-20/hour Drivers: $24-38/hour Operations: $55,000-80,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
Hospitality Employers (Providence, Newport, coastal) - Hotels, resorts, restaurants.
Housekeeping/Front Desk: $14-18/hour Food Service: $13-17/hour Management: $40,000-65,000 Tourism/hospitality sector, case-by-case. Learn More
Brown University (Providence) - Major employer, Ivy League institution.
Facilities/Custodial: $17-22/hour Food Service: $16-20/hour Grounds: $18-23/hour Support positions accessible, excellent benefits. Learn More
University of Rhode Island (Kingston) - State university.
Facilities/Custodial: $17-22/hour Food Service: $16-20/hour Grounds: $18-23/hour Support positions accessible, state employee benefits. Learn More
Amos House (Providence) - Nonprofit with reentry focus.
Various Positions: $14-17/hour Program Staff: $35,000-50,000 Management: $45,000-65,000 Comprehensive support for justice-impacted. Learn More
Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island (Statewide) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance.
Retail Associates: $13-16/hour Warehouse Workers: $14-17/hour Career Specialists: $35,000-50,000 Job training, support services. Learn More
Manufacturing Facilities (Statewide) - Various industries including jewelry, maritime.
Production Workers: $15-22/hour Skilled Trades: $50,000-75,000 Supervisors: $60,000-90,000 RI manufacturing sector, case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
Starbucks (Rhode Island locations) - 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
Home Depot (Rhode Island locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $15-19/hour Department Supervisors: $40,000-55,000 Store Management: $60,000-85,000 Known for second-chance, especially 7+ years. Learn More
Lowe's (Rhode Island locations) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $15-19/hour Specialists: $17-22/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
PeopleReady (Rhode Island offices) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $15-22/hour Warehouse: $16-23/hour Construction: $18-28/hour Daily pay via JobStack, commonly works with records. Learn More
Kelly Services (Rhode Island placements) - Staffing agency.
Office/Industrial: $15-24/hour Technical Positions: $20-35/hour Professional: $25-45/hour Individualized evaluation, diverse clients. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Rhode Island City
Providence (Pop. 680K metro)
State capital, cultural and economic hub. Healthcare, education, government, hospitality.
Rhode Island Hospital/Lifespan - $16-20/hour
Brown University - $17-22/hour
State government - varies
Hospitality/restaurants - $14-18/hour
Retail chains - $15-19/hour
Warwick (Third-largest city, TF Green Airport)
Retail, hospitality, airport support, healthcare.
TF Green Airport support - varies
Retail chains - $15-18/hour
Healthcare facilities - $16-20/hour
Hospitality - $14-18/hour
Warehousing - $16-20/hour
Cranston (Second-largest city)
Manufacturing, retail, healthcare.
Manufacturing facilities - $15-22/hour
Retail chains - $15-18/hour
Healthcare facilities - $16-20/hour
Warehousing - $16-20/hour
Pawtucket (Manufacturing history)
Manufacturing, retail, warehousing.
Manufacturing facilities - $15-22/hour
Retail chains - $15-18/hour
Warehousing - $16-20/hour
Newport and Coastal Areas
Tourism, hospitality, maritime.
Hotels/resorts - $14-18/hour
Restaurants - $13-17/hour plus tips
Retail - $15-18/hour
Maritime support - varies
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Rhode Island
Package Delivery Advancement
Start: UPS Package Handler - $17-20/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 - $55,000-75,000 annually. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.
Local Delivery - $45,000-65,000.
Skilled Construction Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $55,000-80,000. Union apprenticeships available.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $52,000-75,000.
HVAC Technician - Entry: $18-24/hour. Experienced: $48,000-68,000.
Welder - Industrial, maritime: $45,000-70,000.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $16-20/hour at Rhode Island Hospital or Care New England.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $45,000-60,000. Programs at Community College of Rhode Island.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $55,000-70,000.
Manufacturing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $15-22/hour at Rhode Island manufacturing facilities.
Advance to Skilled Trades - Maintenance, quality control: $50,000-75,000.
Supervisors - $60,000-90,000.
Rhode Island Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Rhode Island offers enhanced expungement and comprehensive workforce support.
Expungement and Record Clearing
Enhanced Expungement: First-time misdemeanor offenders eligible after 5 years, first-time felony offenders after 10 years.
Eligibility: Must complete all sentencing requirements. Cannot include violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI.
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: $100-400 with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended.
FREE Assistance: Rhode Island Legal Services (401-274-2652 or rils.org) provides FREE legal services for low-income Rhode Islanders including expungement.
Ban-the-Box Protections
STRONG Statewide Ban-the-Box (2014): Covers BOTH private and public employers with 4+ employees. Cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications—must wait until interview or conditional offer.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Rhode Island employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
State Workforce Development
netWORKri Centers (Statewide) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (401) 462-8000 | dlt.ri.gov/workforce
Locations: Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and statewide.
Reentry Organizations
OpenDoors Rhode Island - Statewide reentry collaborative connecting justice-impacted individuals to services.
Contact: opendoorsri.org
Amos House (Providence) - Comprehensive support including housing, meals, job training, case management.
Contact: (401) 272-0220 | amoshouse.org
Additional Rhode Island Resources
Training & Education
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) - Workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC with financial aid.
Housing Assistance
Rhode Island Housing - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (401) 457-1234 | rhodeislandhousing.org
Transportation Support
RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) - Bus service statewide. Reduced fare programs.
Contact: (401) 781-9400 | ripta.com
Staffing Agencies in Rhode Island That Work With Felons
PeopleReady - Rhode Island offices. Daily pay via JobStack. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $15-28/hour. Commonly works with records, immediate placement.
Kelly Services - Rhode Island placements. Office, industrial, technical. Pay: $15-35/hour. Individualized evaluation.
Express Employment Professionals - Rhode Island franchises. Skilled trades, professional, industrial. Pay: $15-32/hour. Varies by franchise.
Manpower - Providence, Warwick areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Pay: $15-24/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Rhode Island have a ban-the-box law?
YES—one of nation's STRONGEST. Rhode Island enacted comprehensive ban-the-box in 2014 covering BOTH private and public employers with 4 or more employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications—must wait until interview or conditional offer. One of earliest and strongest ban-the-box laws in nation.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island provides enhanced expungement: first-time misdemeanor offenders eligible after 5 years, first-time felony offenders after 10 years. Must complete all sentencing requirements. Cannot include violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI. Contact Rhode Island Legal Services (FREE: 401-274-2652) for assistance.
Q3: What is Rhode Island's minimum wage?
$15.00/hour (January 2025), with PLANNED INCREASES to $16.00 (January 2026) and $17.00 (January 2027)—among highest state minimum wages in nation.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. However, expungement seals records from public view.
Q5: What companies in Rhode Island hire felons?
Amazon (Johnston PVD2, 1,500+ workers, $17-18/hour), CVS Health (Rhode Island HQ, $15-19/hour), Rhode Island Hospital and Lifespan ($16-20/hour support), Care New England, Stop & Shop (UFCW union, $15-18/hour), UPS ($17-20/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Target, Walmart, and many others. See Top 20 list. Rhode Island's ban-the-box means nearly NO employers can ask on initial applications.
Q6: Can I work at CVS Health with a felony in Rhode Island?
Yes, with case-by-case evaluation. CVS Health (Rhode Island headquarters in Woonsocket, $15-19/hour retail, higher for pharmacy tech) is major Rhode Island employer. Rhode Island's ban-the-box law means they cannot ask on initial applications. Apply at jobs.cvshealth.com.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Rhode Island?
Generally yes. UPS offers path from package handler ($17-20/hour) to driver ($30-42/hour, $62,000-87,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits. Long-haul/regional carriers pay $55,000-75,000. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required. Community College of Rhode Island offers CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Rhode Island?
UPS drivers ($62,000-87,000 after starting package handler $17-20/hour), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-75,000), electricians ($55,000-80,000), plumbers ($52,000-75,000), HVAC techs ($48,000-68,000), welders ($45,000-70,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $45,000-60,000, respiratory therapy $55,000-70,000), manufacturing skilled trades/supervisors ($50,000-90,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Rhode Island job applications?
Rhode Island's STRONG ban-the-box law means employers with 4+ employees 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 expungement eligibility (5 years first-time misdemeanors, 10 years first-time felonies). Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, WOTC ($2,400 tax credit).
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Rhode Island for people with felonies?
Yes. netWORKri Centers (401-462-8000) offer free training referrals. Community College of Rhode Island provides workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers provide training. OpenDoors Rhode Island connects to reentry services. Amos House provides comprehensive support including job training.
Next Steps: Your Rhode Island Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check Expungement Eligibility and File
Rhode Island provides enhanced expungement: first-time misdemeanor offenders after 5 years, first-time felony offenders after 10 years. Contact Rhode Island Legal Services (FREE: 401-274-2652) to determine eligibility and file petition. Cost: $100-400 with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months. Getting record expunged dramatically improves prospects under Rhode Island's strong ban-the-box law. Don't wait—check eligibility immediately.
Step 2: Register with netWORKri Centers and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with netWORKri Centers (401-462-8000) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Locations in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, 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), Express Employment (skilled trades focus), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at Amazon Johnston, CVS Health, and major employers.
Step 3: Target Rhode Island's Accessible Employers
Apply to: Amazon Johnston PVD2 (1,500+ workers, $17-18/hour, 3.8M sq ft opened Nov 2024), CVS Health (Rhode Island HQ, $15-19/hour), Rhode Island Hospital and Lifespan ($16-20/hour support for older non-violent records), Care New England, Stop & Shop ($15-18/hour UFCW union), UPS ($17-20/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Target, Walmart, Brown University and URI (support positions $17-22/hour), Amos House (comprehensive reentry support), hospitality employers in Providence and coastal areas. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly. Rhode Island's ban-the-box means nearly NO employers can ask on applications—major advantage.
Step 4: Leverage Rhode Island's STRONG Ban-the-Box and Minimum Wage Protections
Rhode Island has one of nation's strongest combinations: (1) Employers with 4+ employees (nearly all employers) CANNOT ask about criminal history on initial applications since 2014, (2) Minimum wage $15/hour (2025) rising to $16 (2026) and $17 (2027)—among highest in nation. 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 expungement if eligible or completed. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit). Develop 3-5 professional references. Rhode Island's compact geography means everything accessible via RIPTA public transit.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Rhode Island's Growing Economy
UPS package handler ($17-20/hour Teamsters) is proven path to driver earning $62,000-87,000 annually. CDL training at Community College of Rhode Island leads to $55,000-75,000 trucking careers. Electrician and plumber union apprenticeships lead to $52,000-80,000. Healthcare support at Rhode Island Hospital ($16-20/hour) advances to surgical tech ($45,000-60,000) or respiratory therapy ($55,000-70,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $48,000-68,000. Welding programs lead to $45,000-70,000. Manufacturing production ($15-22/hour) advances to skilled trades ($50,000-75,000) and supervisors ($60,000-90,000). Persist through rejections—Rhode Island's strong ban-the-box law (since 2014), rising minimum wage, enhanced expungement, and compact geography 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 Rhode Island's ban-the-box law (2014, employers with 4+ employees), enhanced expungement opportunities (5 years first-time misdemeanors, 10 years first-time felonies), and minimum wage increases ($16 in 2026, $17 in 2027) is general in nature. Expungement eligibility can be complex—consult with Rhode Island employment attorney or Rhode Island Legal Services (FREE: 401-274-2652) 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.