Felon Friendly Jobs in South Dakota
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
South Dakota offers growing employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in meat processing, healthcare support, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality sectors driven by tourism. While South Dakota has NO statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, the South Dakota Division of Human Rights guidance classifies criminal history questions as "suspect" for discrimination when not substantially job-related, and new 2024 licensing reforms significantly expanded fair chance access to occupational licenses by prohibiting state licensing agencies from disqualifying applicants based on arrests, expunged records, or convictions that don't "directly relate" to the occupation. South Dakota's minimum wage is $11.50/hour effective January 2025, adjusted annually for inflation ($5.75/hour for tipped employees with tips bringing total to minimum wage). Major employers including Smithfield Foods (3,000+ employees in Sioux Falls), Sanford Health (14 hospitals, 200+ clinics statewide), Avera Health (8 hospitals, 100+ clinics), Walmart (20+ stores, 3,000+ employees), Amazon (Sioux Falls fulfillment center), and numerous hospitality businesses actively hire across Sioux Falls (195,000 metro), Rapid City (78,000), Aberdeen (28,000), Watertown (22,000), and resort areas (Black Hills, Deadwood). South Dakota's expungement laws (SDCL § 23A-3-27, § 23A-3-34) allow sealing of certain convictions and arrests after waiting periods, with automatic expungement of eligible lower-level offenses after 10 years if no subsequent offenses. The state's strong agricultural economy, tourism industry, and healthcare sector create accessible pathways to stable employment starting at $13-20/hour with advancement opportunities.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in South Dakota
Economic Overview
South Dakota's economy is anchored by agriculture and food processing (Smithfield Foods with 3,000+ employees in Sioux Falls, Tyson Foods, Dakota Provisions), healthcare (Sanford Health with 14 hospitals and 200+ clinics statewide, Avera Health with 8 hospitals and 100+ clinics, Monument Health in Black Hills), tourism and hospitality (particularly Black Hills region including Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Deadwood gaming), retail (Walmart with 20+ stores and 3,000+ employees, Target, Hy-Vee), financial services (Citibank and Wells Fargo call centers in Sioux Falls), and manufacturing (3M Brookings, Daktronics Brookings). With major population centers including Sioux Falls metro (195,000), Rapid City (78,000), Aberdeen (28,000), Watertown (22,000), Brookings (24,000), Mitchell (16,000), and Pierre (14,000—state capital), the state provides accessible employment pathways from meat processing and healthcare support to hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and construction. South Dakota's minimum wage ($11.50/hour for 2025, indexed to inflation) is typically exceeded by market forces driving most entry-level positions to $13-20/hour.
Record Clearing System
South Dakota's expungement statutes allow sealing of arrest records and certain convictions after waiting periods.
Arrest Record Expungement (SDCL § 23A-3-27): Can petition to seal arrest records if: (1) charges dismissed, not filed, or acquittal, (2) one year passed since arrest for misdemeanors or two years for felonies, (3) no pending charges. Process: file petition with circuit court, court reviews, hearing if contested. Sealed records not accessible to public.
Conviction Expungement (SDCL § 23A-3-34): Petty offenses, municipal violations, and Class 2 misdemeanors automatically expunged after 10 years if no subsequent convictions. For other eligible convictions: must wait varying periods (typically 5-10 years from sentence completion), pay all fines/fees/restitution, complete probation/parole, maintain clean record. Cannot expunge violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI (some exceptions after 10 years for first DUI).
Process: File petition with circuit court where conviction occurred, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: typically $100-200 in court fees. Timeline: 3-6 months. Expunged records sealed from public but accessible to law enforcement.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
NO Statewide Ban-the-Box: South Dakota does NOT have comprehensive ban-the-box law covering private employers. Private employers may ask about criminal history on applications.
Division of Human Rights Guidance: South Dakota Division of Human Rights publishes guidance classifying as "suspect" for discrimination any criminal history question not substantially related to job functions. This provides some protection but requires advocacy.
2024 Licensing Reforms: Significant reforms prohibit state licensing agencies from disqualifying applicants based on arrests, expunged records, or convictions that don't "directly relate" to occupation. This dramatically expanded access to licensed professions.
South Dakota follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides South Dakota employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in South Dakota
South Dakota minimum wage: $11.50/hour (2025), but competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $13-20/hour.
Meat Processing & Food Production
Smithfield Foods (Sioux Falls - 3,000+ employees) - One of South Dakota's largest private employers. Pork processing facility.
Production workers, sanitation, packaging, maintenance.
Pay: $15-20/hour production, $18-25/hour skilled maintenance. Health insurance, 401(k), education assistance. Multiple shifts including overnight differential. Physically demanding work. Individualized assessment typical due to labor demand.
Tyson Foods (Dakota City, NE - serves South Dakota region) - Beef processing.
Production, sanitation, packaging, maintenance.
Pay: $16-21/hour. Health insurance, retirement, union representation (UFCW) at some facilities. Physically demanding, frequent overtime.
Dakota Provisions (Huron) - Turkey processing.
Production workers, packaging.
Pay: $14-19/hour. Benefits included. Case-by-case hiring.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Sanford Health (14 hospitals, 200+ clinics statewide) - One of nation's largest rural healthcare systems. Major presence Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Bismarck region.
Environmental services, dietary, facilities, patient transport, laundry.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Case-by-case hiring for non-clinical positions. Health insurance, retirement, tuition assistance. Strong training programs.
Avera Health (8 hospitals, 100+ clinics, Sioux Falls headquarters) - Catholic healthcare system.
Housekeeping, food service, facilities maintenance, environmental services.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Individualized assessment for support positions. Health insurance, retirement, education benefits.
Monument Health (Rapid City regional system, Black Hills) - Major western South Dakota healthcare system.
Environmental services, food service, facilities, patient services.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Case-by-case for non-clinical roles. Benefits, education assistance.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart (20+ stores statewide - 3,000+ employees) - Major South Dakota employer. Distribution center Rapid City area.
Sales associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $13-16/hour retail, $17-21/hour distribution. Fair chance hiring, individualized assessment. Health coverage, 401(k), free college (Live Better U).
Target (Sioux Falls, Rapid City) - Retail chain.
Team members, sales floor, fulfillment, food service.
Pay: $15-17/hour. Fair chance employer, individualized assessment. 10% discount, tuition assistance $5,000/year.
Hy-Vee (Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Watertown, Yankton) - Regional Midwest grocery chain, employee-owned.
Cashiers, stockers, bakery, deli, meat department.
Pay: $12-17/hour. Employee stock ownership, health insurance, retirement. Individualized hiring.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Sioux Falls fulfillment center) - E-commerce fulfillment.
Fulfillment associates, sortation, warehouse.
Pay: $16-19/hour. Day-one health insurance, 401(k), education funding $5,250/year Career Choice. Fair chance hiring with individualized assessment. Multiple shifts.
Manufacturing
3M (Brookings facility) - Diversified manufacturing, major eastern South Dakota employer.
Production workers, quality technicians, maintenance.
Pay: $17-23/hour. Excellent benefits, tuition reimbursement, health insurance, retirement. Individualized hiring.
Daktronics (Brookings headquarters) - Electronic displays manufacturing, South Dakota-based company founded 1968, employee-owned (ESOP).
Production, assembly, quality control.
Pay: $15-21/hour. Employee stock ownership, health insurance, retirement. Case-by-case review.
Financial Services
Citibank (Sioux Falls major operations) - Financial services call center with thousands of employees.
Customer service, call center operations.
Pay: $15-20/hour. Health insurance, retirement, tuition assistance. Financial industry may have restrictions for fraud/theft offenses, case-by-case for others.
Wells Fargo (Sioux Falls operations) - Financial services.
Customer service, operations.
Pay: $16-21/hour. Benefits, advancement opportunities. Background screening varies by position.
Tourism & Hospitality
Hotels & Resorts (Black Hills, Deadwood, Sioux Falls) - Tourism industry employers.
Housekeeping, front desk, food service, maintenance.
Pay: $12-18/hour depending on position. Seasonal peaks summer (tourism) and winter (skiing). Deadwood gaming establishments provide year-round employment.
Restaurants (Statewide) - Various chains and independents.
Cooks, dishwashers, servers, hosts.
Pay: $11-16/hour plus tips for servers. Flexible scheduling.
Construction & Trades
Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small to medium contractors.
General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, equipment operators.
Pay: $15-22/hour depending on experience. Higher demand April-November construction season.
Top 20 South Dakota Employers Hiring Felons
These South Dakota companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Smithfield Foods (Sioux Falls - 3,000+ employees) - Pork processing, one of South Dakota's largest private employers.
Production Workers: $15-20/hour Skilled Maintenance: $18-25/hour Lead Positions: $45,000-65,000 Individualized assessment, multiple shifts, benefits. Learn More
Sanford Health (14 hospitals, 200+ clinics statewide) - One of nation's largest rural healthcare systems.
Environmental Services: $13-18/hour Dietary: $13-17/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Case-by-case for support, tuition assistance. Learn More
Avera Health (8 hospitals, 100+ clinics, Sioux Falls HQ) - Catholic healthcare system.
Housekeeping: $13-18/hour Food Service: $13-17/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Individualized assessment for support. Learn More
Walmart (20+ stores statewide - 3,000+ employees) - Retail and distribution.
Store Associates: $13-16/hour Distribution Workers: $17-21/hour Department Managers: $40,000-65,000 Fair chance hiring, free college program. Learn More
Amazon (Sioux Falls fulfillment center) - E-commerce fulfillment.
Fulfillment Associates: $16-19/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, fair chance hiring, education funding. Learn More
Monument Health (Rapid City regional system, Black Hills) - Western South Dakota healthcare.
Environmental Services: $13-18/hour Food Service: $13-17/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Case-by-case for non-clinical. Learn More
Target (Sioux Falls, Rapid City) - Retail chain.
Team Members: $15-17/hour Team Leaders: $22-27/hour Management: $50,000-80,000 Fair chance employer, tuition assistance. Learn More
3M (Brookings facility) - Diversified manufacturing, major eastern SD employer.
Production Workers: $17-23/hour Skilled Technical: $50,000-70,000 Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Excellent benefits, individualized hiring. Learn More
Daktronics (Brookings HQ) - Electronic displays, SD-based since 1968, employee-owned.
Production/Assembly: $15-21/hour Technical Positions: $45,000-65,000 Engineering: $60,000-90,000 Employee stock ownership (ESOP), case-by-case. Learn More
Tyson Foods (Dakota City, NE - serves SD region) - Beef processing.
Production Workers: $16-21/hour Maintenance: $50,000-70,000 Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Union representation (UFCW), case-by-case. Learn More
Hy-Vee (Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Watertown, Yankton) - Regional grocery, employee-owned.
Cashiers/Stockers: $12-17/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Store Managers: $60,000-85,000 Employee ownership, individualized hiring. Learn More
Citibank (Sioux Falls major operations) - Financial services call center.
Customer Service: $15-20/hour Team Leads: $40,000-60,000 Operations Management: $60,000-85,000 Thousands of employees, case-by-case for non-fraud/theft. Learn More
Wells Fargo (Sioux Falls operations) - Financial services.
Customer Service: $16-21/hour Operations: $40,000-65,000 Management: $65,000-95,000 Benefits, screening varies by position. Learn More
Dakota Provisions (Huron) - Turkey processing.
Production Workers: $14-19/hour Maintenance: $45,000-65,000 Supervisors: $50,000-70,000 Benefits, case-by-case hiring. Learn More
Black Hills Corporation (Rapid City) - Utilities provider.
Customer Service: $15-20/hour Technical Positions: $50,000-75,000 Management: $70,000-100,000 Stable employer, individualized assessment. Learn More
Deadwood Gaming Establishments (Various casinos) - Gaming and hospitality.
Dealers: $12-18/hour plus tips Food Service: $11-16/hour plus tips Housekeeping: $13-17/hour Year-round employment, varying policies. Learn More
Holiday Inn/Best Western (Multiple SD locations) - Hotel chains.
Housekeeping: $12-16/hour Front Desk: $13-18/hour Maintenance: $15-20/hour Tourism industry, seasonal peaks. Learn More
Express Employment (Statewide locations) - Staffing agency.
Warehouse/Manufacturing: $13-22/hour General Labor: $12-20/hour Construction: $15-24/hour Temp-to-perm, second-chance focus. Learn More
PeopleReady (SD locations) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $12-22/hour Warehouse: $13-20/hour Construction: $15-24/hour Daily/weekly pay, immediate placement. Learn More
McDonald's (Multiple SD locations) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew Members: $11-14/hour Shift Managers: $15-19/hour General Managers: $40,000-55,000 Franchisee hiring varies, many second-chance. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by South Dakota City
Sioux Falls (Pop. 195,000 metro)
South Dakota's largest city. Healthcare, financial services, retail, meat processing. Strongest economy statewide.
Smithfield Foods (3,000) - $15-20/hour
Sanford Health - $13-18/hour
Avera Health (HQ) - $13-18/hour
Citibank/Wells Fargo - $15-21/hour
Walmart/Target/Amazon - $13-21/hour
Rapid City (Pop. 78,000)
Western SD hub, Black Hills gateway. Tourism, healthcare, retail, military (Ellsworth AFB).
Monument Health - $13-18/hour
Tourism/hospitality - $12-18/hour
Walmart distribution - $17-21/hour
Retail chains - $13-17/hour
Construction - $15-22/hour
Aberdeen (Pop. 28,000)
Northern SD hub. Healthcare, agriculture, retail.
Sanford Aberdeen - $13-18/hour
Hy-Vee - $12-17/hour
Retail chains - $12-16/hour
Healthcare facilities - $13-18/hour
Manufacturing - $14-20/hour
Watertown (Pop. 22,000)
Eastern SD. Manufacturing, healthcare, retail.
Manufacturing facilities - $14-21/hour
Healthcare - $13-18/hour
Hy-Vee - $12-17/hour
Retail chains - $12-16/hour
Construction - $15-20/hour
Brookings (Pop. 24,000)
College town (SD State University). Manufacturing, education.
3M - $17-23/hour
Daktronics (HQ) - $15-21/hour
Healthcare facilities - $13-18/hour
Retail - $12-16/hour
University support - varies
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in South Dakota
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in South Dakota.
Meat Processing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $15-21/hour at Smithfield, Tyson, Dakota Provisions. Physically demanding but accessible.
Advance to Skilled Positions - Maintenance technician, quality assurance: $45,000-70,000. Internal training programs.
Supervisors - Production supervisors: $50,000-75,000. Promote from production floor.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Interstate and regional routes: $55,000-75,000 annually. South Dakota's agricultural economy creates strong demand. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.
Local Delivery - Home daily positions: $45,000-60,000.
Skilled Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $50,000-75,000. Apprenticeship programs available.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $48,000-70,000. Strong demand in construction.
HVAC Technician - South Dakota's extreme climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $45,000-65,000.
Welder - Industrial, construction: $45,000-70,000. Certification programs at technical institutes.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $13-18/hour at Sanford, Avera, Monument. Use tuition assistance.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $45,000-60,000. Programs at technical institutes.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $55,000-70,000.
Manufacturing Skilled Positions
3M/Daktronics Advancement - Start production $15-23/hour. Advance to skilled technical: $50,000-75,000.
South Dakota Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
South Dakota offers expungement options and workforce development support for justice-impacted individuals.
Expungement and Record Sealing
Arrest Record Expungement (SDCL § 23A-3-27): Can petition if charges dismissed/not filed/acquittal after 1 year (misdemeanors) or 2 years (felonies) with no pending charges.
Conviction Expungement (SDCL § 23A-3-34):
Petty offenses, municipal violations, Class 2 misdemeanors: automatic after 10 years if no subsequent convictions
Other eligible convictions: petition after 5-10 years from sentence completion
Must pay all fines/fees/restitution, complete probation/parole, maintain clean record
Cannot expunge violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI (some exceptions after 10 years for first DUI)
Process: File petition with circuit court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: typically $100-200. Timeline: 3-6 months. Expunged records sealed from public.
FREE Assistance: East River Legal Services (1-800-952-3015) and Dakota Plains Legal Services (1-877-213-4673) provide FREE civil legal services for low-income South Dakotans.
Employment Discrimination Protection
Division of Human Rights Guidance: South Dakota Division of Human Rights classifies criminal history questions as "suspect" for discrimination unless substantially job-related. This provides protection but requires advocacy.
2024 Licensing Reforms: State licensing agencies cannot disqualify based on arrests, expunged records, or convictions not "directly related" to occupation.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides South Dakota employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.
State Workforce Development
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation - Job Service - Statewide network providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (605) 626-2452 | dlr.sd.gov
Locations: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Mitchell, Pierre, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
South Dakota Department of Corrections - Reentry Programs - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (605) 773-3478 | doc.sd.gov
Additional South Dakota Resources
Training & Education
Southeast Technical Institute (Sioux Falls) - Workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC with financial aid.
Lake Area Technical Institute (Watertown) - Technical training, manufacturing, healthcare programs.
Western Dakota Technical College (Rapid City) - Construction, trades, healthcare training.
Housing Assistance
South Dakota Housing Development Authority - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (605) 773-3181 | sdhda.org
Legal Aid
East River Legal Services - FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income eastern South Dakota residents.
Contact: 1-800-952-3015 | erlservices.org
Dakota Plains Legal Services - FREE services for western South Dakota.
Contact: 1-877-213-4673 | dpls.org
Transportation Support
Sioux Area Metro (SAM) - Public transit in Sioux Falls. Reduced fare programs.
Rapid Transit System - Public transit in Rapid City.
Limited Rural Transit - Personal vehicle often necessary outside major cities.
Staffing Agencies in South Dakota That Work With Felons
Express Employment Professionals - Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, construction. Pay: $13-24/hour. Second-chance focus.
PeopleReady - Sioux Falls, Rapid City. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $12-24/hour. Immediate placement, second-chance friendly.
Manpower - Sioux Falls, Rapid City areas. Manufacturing, logistics. Pay: $13-20/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Adecco - Sioux Falls area. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative. Pay: $13-20/hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does South Dakota have a ban-the-box law?
NO statewide ban-the-box for private employers. However, South Dakota Division of Human Rights guidance classifies criminal history questions as "suspect" for discrimination unless substantially job-related. This provides some protection but requires advocacy. 2024 licensing reforms prohibit agencies from denying based on convictions not "directly related" to occupation.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in South Dakota?
Yes. SDCL § 23A-3-27 allows expungement of arrest records after 1-2 years if charges dismissed/not filed/acquittal. SDCL § 23A-3-34 provides automatic expungement of Class 2 misdemeanors/petty offenses/municipal violations after 10 years if no subsequent convictions. Other eligible convictions can be petitioned after 5-10 years. Cannot expunge violent felonies, sex offenses, most DUIs. Contact East River Legal Services (FREE: 1-800-952-3015) or Dakota Plains (1-877-213-4673).
Q3: What is South Dakota's minimum wage?
$11.50/hour for 2025 ($5.75/hour for tipped employees with tips bringing total to minimum), indexed to inflation annually. However, competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $13-20/hour.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in South Dakota?
South Dakota follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. Expunged records sealed from public.
Q5: What companies in South Dakota hire felons?
Smithfield Foods (3,000 employees), Sanford Health (14 hospitals, 200+ clinics), Avera Health (8 hospitals, 100+ clinics), Walmart (20+ stores, 3,000+ employees), Amazon, Monument Health, 3M, Daktronics, Tyson Foods, and many others. See Top 20 list.
Q6: Can I work at Smithfield with a felony in South Dakota?
Yes. Smithfield Foods Sioux Falls (3,000+ employees) conducts individualized assessment typical in meat processing due to labor demand. Starting pay: $15-20/hour production. Physically demanding but accessible. Apply at smithfieldfoods.com/careers.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in South Dakota?
Generally yes. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years). Earnings: $55,000-75,000. Southeast Technical Institute and Lake Area Technical Institute offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in South Dakota?
CDL truck drivers ($55,000-75,000), meat processing skilled positions ($45,000-70,000), electricians ($50,000-75,000), plumbers ($48,000-70,000), HVAC techs ($45,000-65,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $45,000-60,000, respiratory therapy $55,000-70,000), manufacturing skilled technical ($50,000-75,000), welders ($45,000-70,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on South Dakota job applications?
South Dakota has NO ban-the-box for private employers—most can ask on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying discovered later results in termination. Division of Human Rights guidance provides some protection if question not job-related. If eligible for expungement (automatic after 10 years for Class 2 misdemeanors if clean), sealed records won't appear. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit).
Q10: Are there free job training programs in South Dakota for people with felonies?
Yes. South Dakota Department of Labor Job Service (605-626-2452) offers free training referrals. Technical institutes (Southeast, Lake Area, Western Dakota) provide workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers (Sanford, Avera, 3M) provide tuition assistance. Apprenticeship programs available in construction trades.
Next Steps: Your South Dakota Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check Expungement Eligibility and Start Process
South Dakota provides automatic expungement of Class 2 misdemeanors/petty offenses/municipal violations after 10 years if no subsequent convictions (SDCL § 23A-3-34)—check if eligible. For other convictions, can petition after 5-10 years from sentence completion. Arrest records can be expunged after 1-2 years if charges dismissed. Contact East River Legal Services (FREE: 1-800-952-3015) or Dakota Plains Legal Services (1-877-213-4673) to determine eligibility and file petition. Cost: typically $100-200. Timeline: 3-6 months. Getting record sealed FIRST improves prospects. Don't wait—start process immediately if eligible.
Step 2: Register with Job Service and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with South Dakota Department of Labor Job Service (605-626-2452) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Offices in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies: Express Employment (manufacturing/warehouse connections), PeopleReady (daily pay, immediate placement), Manpower (temp-to-perm), Adecco (manufacturing focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $13-24/hour with temp-to-perm potential at Smithfield, 3M, Daktronics, and major employers.
Step 3: Target South Dakota's Accessible Employers
Apply to: Smithfield Foods Sioux Falls (3,000 employees, $15-20/hour, individualized assessment due to labor demand), Sanford Health and Avera Health ($13-18/hour support with tuition assistance, case-by-case hiring), Amazon Sioux Falls ($16-19/hour, day-one benefits, fair-chance), Walmart (20+ stores, $13-16/hour retail, $17-21/hour distribution, 3,000+ employees), 3M and Daktronics Brookings ($15-23/hour, employee ownership benefits), Monument Health Rapid City ($13-18/hour support), Target (Sioux Falls/Rapid City, $15-17/hour, fair-chance), Citibank/Wells Fargo ($15-21/hour for non-fraud/theft convictions). Apply to 10-15 positions weekly.
Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy and Leverage Protections
South Dakota has NO ban-the-box for private employers—most can ask on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying results in termination. Division of Human Rights guidance classifies criminal history questions as "suspect" unless job-related—use this when advocating. 2024 licensing reforms prevent agencies from denying based on convictions not "directly related"—opens doors to licensed trades. Prepare 30-60 second explanation—focus on rehabilitation, time passed, clean record. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit). Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers
Start meat processing at Smithfield ($15-20/hour) or Tyson ($16-21/hour) and advance to maintenance ($45,000-70,000)—most accessible entry. CDL training at technical institutes leads to $55,000-75,000 trucking. Start healthcare support at Sanford/Avera ($13-18/hour) and use tuition assistance for surgical tech ($45,000-60,000) or respiratory therapy ($55,000-70,000). Electrician/plumber apprenticeships lead to $48,000-75,000. HVAC certification leads to $45,000-65,000 (SD's extreme climate creates demand). 3M/Daktronics production ($15-23/hour) advances to skilled technical ($50,000-75,000). Persist through rejections—SD's tight labor market and expungement options create 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 South Dakota's expungement laws (SDCL § 23A-3-27, § 23A-3-34), Division of Human Rights guidance, and 2024 licensing reforms is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with South Dakota employment attorney or East River Legal Services/Dakota Plains Legal Services (FREE: 1-800-952-3015 / 1-877-213-4673) 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.