Felon Friendly Jobs in Utah
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Utah offers strong second-chance employment opportunities with comprehensive ban-the-box law (Utah Code § 34-52-201, enacted 2017) for public employers prohibiting criminal history inquiries until after initial interview or conditional offer, and revolutionary Clean Slate automatic expungement (Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 40a) providing automatic sealing of most misdemeanor convictions after 5-7 years and certain dismissals/acquittals—over 74,000 records expunged through Salt Lake City police alone by August 2024. Major employers including Intermountain Health (68,000+ employees), University of Utah Health (5,000+ healthcare professionals), Walmart (40+ stores), Amazon, and numerous ski resorts actively hire across Salt Lake City (pop. 200,000), Provo (pop. 115,000), West Valley City (pop. 140,000), Ogden (pop. 87,000), and St. George (pop. 95,000). Utah's minimum wage is $7.25/hour (federal minimum) but competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $14-20/hour with comprehensive benefits in the Wasatch Front corridor. The state's tourism industry (ski resorts, national parks), healthcare expansion, and technology sector create diverse opportunities from warehouse and healthcare support to hospitality and construction trades with clear advancement paths to $40,000-80,000+ careers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Utah
Economic Overview
Utah's economy is shaped by healthcare (Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health), technology (Silicon Slopes tech corridor), tourism (ski resorts, national parks), manufacturing (aerospace, food processing), and logistics, creating diverse employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. With major population centers including Salt Lake City (pop. 200,000), West Valley City (pop. 140,000), Provo (pop. 115,000), St. George (pop. 95,000), and Ogden (pop. 87,000), the state provides accessible employment pathways from entry-level retail and warehouse positions to skilled healthcare and hospitality roles. Utah's strong economic growth (consistently among nation's fastest-growing states) creates hiring demand that works in favor of second-chance job seekers. The state's tourism industry—particularly ski resorts (Park City, Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley) and national park regions (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches)—creates year-round and seasonal employment. Healthcare expansion drives non-clinical support job growth at major systems statewide.
Record Clearing System
Utah enacted revolutionary Clean Slate automatic expungement law (Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 40a) providing automatic sealing of most misdemeanor convictions after 5-7 years and certain dismissals/acquittals without requiring petition or fees. Over 74,000 records expunged through Salt Lake City police alone by August 2024. Automatic expungement happens without action from individual—state reviews records and seals automatically when eligible. This makes Utah one of the most progressive states for record relief.
For felony expungement (not automatic), individuals can petition after waiting periods: Class A and B felonies after 7 years, Class C felonies after 5 years from completion of sentence. Must pay all fines/fees/restitution, complete probation/parole, maintain clean record during waiting period. Process involves filing petition with court, prosecutor review, judge decision. Cost: typically $135 court filing fee. Timeline: 3-6 months. Sealed records not accessible to most employers. Individuals can legally deny sealed convictions for most employment purposes.
Certain offenses cannot be expunged including violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI with injury, child abuse. Capital felonies and first-degree felonies with mandatory life sentences also ineligible.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
Utah enacted comprehensive ban-the-box law in 2017 (Utah Code § 34-52-201) covering public employers and government agencies. Public employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications and must wait until after initial interview or conditional job offer. This is among the nation's more protective public sector ban-the-box policies. Private employers NOT covered by ban-the-box and can ask about criminal history on applications, but many large employers voluntarily practice fair-chance hiring.
Utah follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions can be reported indefinitely. Clean Slate automatic expungement removes eligible records from background checks automatically. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Utah employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Utah
Utah minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal minimum), but competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $14-20/hour in major cities.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Intermountain Health (Statewide) - Healthcare system with 68,000+ total employees, 34 hospitals, 400+ clinics across multiple states with significant Utah presence.
Environmental services (housekeeping), food service, facilities maintenance, patient transport, laundry services.
Pay: $14-19/hour. Case-by-case hiring for support roles. Comprehensive benefits, tuition assistance through PEAK program, career advancement.
University of Utah Hospital (Salt Lake City) - Academic medical center with 5,000+ healthcare professionals in five hospitals.
Environmental services, food service, facilities, patient transport, laundry.
Pay: $14-19/hour. Individualized assessment for support positions. Benefits include health coverage, retirement, tuition assistance.
MountainStar Healthcare (Multiple Utah facilities) - Hospital system including Jordan Valley Medical Center, Lone Peak Hospital, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center.
Support services: environmental services, food service, facilities.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Individualized hiring assessment.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Salt Lake City) - Fulfillment centers expanding across Utah.
Fulfillment associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Day-one benefits including healthcare, 401(k), education funding through Career Choice program. Fair chance hiring with individualized assessment.
Walmart Distribution Centers (Statewide) - Distribution centers serving 40+ Utah stores.
Distribution center workers, order fillers, loaders, forklift operators.
Pay: $16-21/hour. Health coverage, 401(k) match, stock purchase, free college through Live Better U. Overtime frequently available.
Target Distribution Centers (Utah operations) - Supporting Target's 25+ Utah stores.
Warehouse workers, order pickers, material handlers.
Pay: $16-20/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition assistance, 10% employee discount, career development.
UPS (Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden) - Union logistics positions with Teamsters.
Package handlers, warehouse workers, loaders.
Pay: $16-22/hour. Drivers earn $80,000-100,000+ with overtime. Union pension, tuition aid, outstanding benefits.
FedEx Ground (Statewide operations) - Package handling and delivery.
Package handlers, sorters, loaders, warehouse workers.
Pay: $15-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement, advancement to driver positions.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart (40+ stores statewide) - Extensive Utah presence.
Stockers, cashiers, overnight crew, online order fulfillment, maintenance.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Fair chance hiring. Health coverage, 401(k), free college, advancement opportunities.
Smith's Food and Drug (Kroger) - (Dozens of Utah stores) - Regional headquarters in Salt Lake City.
Cashiers, stockers, deli, bakery, produce, warehouse.
Pay: $13-20/hour. Union representation (UFCW) at most locations. Benefits include health insurance, pension contributions.
Target (25+ Utah stores) - Retail stores across Utah.
Store team members, fulfillment, overnight stocking, backroom.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Fair chance employer with individualized assessment.
Costco (Multiple Utah warehouses) - Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Ogden, St. George locations.
Warehouse workers, cashiers, stockers, food service.
Pay: $16-18/hour starting with industry-leading benefits. Known for promoting from within.
Home Depot (15+ Utah locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales associates, lot attendants, freight team, pro desk positions.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Benefits for full-time, employee discount, advancement.
Lowe's (10+ Utah stores) - Home improvement retail.
Associates, freight team, customer service.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Benefits, employee discount, internal promotion.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotel Housekeeping (Statewide) - Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, independent properties.
Room attendants, laundry staff, public area cleaners.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Ski resort hotels in Park City, Alta, Deer Valley; Salt Lake City convention hotels; St. George resort properties.
Park City Mountain Resort (Vail Resorts) - Largest ski resort in U.S. by skiable acreage.
Lift operators, ticket sales, food service, facilities, snow removal.
Pay: $14-20/hour seasonal. Employee ski passes often included. Case-by-case hiring.
Deer Valley Resort (Park City area) - Premium ski resort.
Food service, lift operations, guest services, facilities.
Pay: $15-22/hour seasonal. Employee benefits include ski passes.
Restaurants (Statewide) - McDonald's (100+ locations), Olive Garden, Applebee's, Texas Roadhouse, local chains.
Cooks, dishwashers, servers, hosts.
Pay: $12-17/hour plus tips for servers. Flexible scheduling, advancement opportunities.
Manufacturing & Production
L3Harris Technologies (Weber County) - Aerospace and defense manufacturing supporting Hill Air Force Base.
Production and technical workers, assembly.
Pay: $17-25/hour. Requires U.S. citizenship for many positions. Case-by-case background review.
Northrop Grumman (Clearfield/Roy area) - Major Hill Air Force Base contractor.
Production workers, assemblers.
Pay: $18-26/hour. Security clearance requirements vary by position.
Food Manufacturing (Various Utah facilities) - Food production facilities throughout state.
Production workers, processing, packaging, quality control.
Pay: $14-19/hour.
Construction & Trades
Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small to medium contractors.
General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, equipment operators.
Pay: $14-22/hour depending on experience and trade.
Top 20 Utah Employers Hiring Felons
These Utah companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Intermountain Health (Statewide) - Healthcare system with 68,000+ total employees, 34 hospitals, 400+ clinics.
Environmental Services: $14-19/hour
Food Service: $14-18/hour
Facilities Maintenance: $16-23/hour
Case-by-case hiring for support roles, comprehensive benefits.
Learn More
University of Utah Hospital (Salt Lake City) - Academic medical center with 5,000+ healthcare professionals in five hospitals.
Environmental Services: $14-19/hour
Food Service: $13-18/hour Patient
Transport: $14-18/hour
Individualized assessment for support positions.
Learn More
Walmart (40+ stores and distribution statewide) - Extensive Utah presence.
Store Associates: $14-17/hour Distribution Workers: $16-21/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Fair chance hiring, comprehensive benefits. Learn More
Amazon (Salt Lake City) - Fulfillment centers expanding across Utah.
Fulfillment Associates: $15-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, fair chance hiring. Learn More
Target (25+ stores and distribution) - Retail and distribution across Utah.
Store Team Members: $15-18/hour Distribution Workers: $16-20/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Fair chance employer, tuition assistance. Learn More
UPS (Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden) - Union logistics with Teamsters.
Package Handlers: $16-22/hour Drivers: $80,000-100,000+ Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Outstanding union benefits, career advancement. Learn More
Smith's Food and Drug/Kroger (Dozens of stores) - Regional headquarters Salt Lake City.
Cashiers/Stockers: $13-18/hour Warehouse Workers: $15-20/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Union representation (UFCW), pension, benefits. Learn More
Home Depot (15+ Utah locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $14-18/hour Freight Team: $15-19/hour Department Supervisors: $35,000-50,000 Benefits, employee discount, advancement. Learn More
Costco (Multiple Utah warehouses) - Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Ogden, St. George.
Warehouse Workers: $16-18/hour starting Department Managers: $45,000-65,000 Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Industry-leading benefits, promote from within. Learn More
MountainStar Healthcare (Multiple facilities) - Jordan Valley Medical Center, Lone Peak Hospital, Salt Lake Regional.
Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Food Service: $13-17/hour Facilities: $15-19/hour Individualized hiring assessment. Learn More
FedEx Ground (Statewide operations) - Package handling and delivery.
Package Handlers: $15-19/hour Drivers: $45,000-65,000 Operations Managers: $55,000-75,000 Tuition reimbursement, advancement opportunities. Learn More
Lowe's (10+ Utah stores) - Home improvement retail.
Store Associates: $14-18/hour Warehouse Workers: $15-19/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Benefits, internal promotion. Learn More
Marriott Hotels (Multiple Utah properties) - Salt Lake City and Park City locations.
Housekeeping: $13-18/hour Food Service: $13-17/hour Front Desk: $14-19/hour Benefits for full-time positions. Learn More
Park City Mountain Resort (Vail Resorts) - Largest ski resort in U.S.
Lift Operators: $14-18/hour Food Service: $13-17/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Employee ski passes, seasonal and year-round. Learn More
Deer Valley Resort (Park City) - Premium ski resort.
Food Service: $15-22/hour Lift Operations: $15-20/hour Guest Services: $14-19/hour Employee ski passes, high service standards. Learn More
McDonald's (100+ Utah locations) - Extensive franchise presence.
Crew Members: $12-15/hour Shift Managers: $15-19/hour General Managers: $40,000-55,000 Franchisee hiring varies, many second-chance. Learn More
L3Harris Technologies (Weber County) - Aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Production Workers: $17-25/hour Technical Workers: $20-30/hour Engineers: $70,000-100,000 U.S. citizenship required, case-by-case review. Learn More
Northrop Grumman (Clearfield/Roy) - Hill Air Force Base contractor.
Production Workers: $18-26/hour Assemblers: $18-24/hour Technicians: $22-32/hour Security clearance requirements vary. Learn More
Associated Food Stores (Utah-based) - Grocery cooperative with warehouse and distribution.
Warehouse Workers: $15-19/hour Distribution: $16-20/hour Supervisors: $40,000-60,000 Regional employer, stable employment. Learn More
SkyWest Airlines (St. George headquarters, SLC hub) - Regional airline.
Ramp Agents: $15-20/hour Customer Service: $14-18/hour Ground Crew: $15-19/hour Aviation industry, FAA/TSA requirements for some positions. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Utah City
Salt Lake City (Pop. 200,000)
State capital with most diverse job market. Healthcare, technology, finance, government, tourism sectors.
Intermountain Health - $14-19/hour
University of Utah Hospital - $14-19/hour
Amazon fulfillment - $15-18/hour
Walmart/Target - $14-20/hour
UPS - $16-22/hour
West Valley City (Pop. 140,000)
Suburb with warehousing and retail. Adjacent to Salt Lake City job market.
Distribution Centers - $15-21/hour
Retail Chains - $13-18/hour
Manufacturing - $14-20/hour
Healthcare Support - $14-18/hour
Construction - $14-22/hour
Provo (Pop. 115,000)
University town (BYU). Technology, education, healthcare sectors.
Healthcare Facilities - $13-18/hour
Retail & Hospitality - $12-17/hour
University Support - $13-19/hour
Tech Companies (some) - $15-25/hour
Construction - $14-20/hour
Ogden (Pop. 87,000)
Northern Utah hub. Manufacturing (aerospace), healthcare, outdoor recreation.
Hill AFB Contractors - $17-26/hour
Healthcare Facilities - $13-18/hour
Retail & Grocery - $13-17/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Ski Resort Access - $14-20/hour
St. George (Pop. 95,000)
Southern Utah hub near Zion National Park. Tourism, healthcare, retirement community services.
Healthcare (growing sector) - $13-18/hour
Hospitality/Tourism - $12-17/hour
Retail & Grocery - $12-16/hour
Construction (booming) - $15-22/hour
SkyWest Airlines - $15-20/hour
Park City (Pop. 8,500, but major employment hub)
Premier ski resort town. Hospitality, tourism, high-end retail.
Park City Mountain Resort - $14-20/hour
Deer Valley Resort - $15-22/hour
Hotels & Lodging - $13-20/hour
Restaurants - $12-18/hour plus tips
Retail - $13-18/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Utah
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Utah.
UPS Driver Positions
Package Delivery Drivers - Start as package handler ($16-22/hour), progress to driver through union seniority. Top-rate drivers: $80,000-100,000+ annually with overtime. Full Teamsters benefits including pension, healthcare, tuition aid. This is Utah's most accessible path to six-figure income for justice-impacted individuals.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Interstate and regional routes: $55,000-80,000 annually. Utah's central western location creates strong demand. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically).
Local Delivery / LTL Freight - Home daily positions with companies like FedEx Freight, XPO: $50,000-70,000. Physical work, consistent schedules.
Specialized Hauling - Tanker, flatbed, hazmat endorsements: $60,000-85,000. Higher pay for specialized skills.
Skilled Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial electricians: $50,000-80,000. IBEW union representation in Utah provides apprenticeships and strong wages. Journeymen earn premium rates.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial and industrial: $50,000-75,000. Strong demand in Utah's growing construction sector. Apprenticeship programs available.
HVAC Technician - Utah's extreme temperature variations (hot summers, cold winters) create year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $50,000-70,000. EPA certification required.
Welder - Industrial, construction, aerospace: $45,000-70,000. Strong demand at Hill Air Force Base contractors and manufacturing sector. Certification programs at technical colleges.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction equipment operation: $45,000-70,000. Utah's construction boom creates consistent demand.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Starting Path: Environmental Services/Food Service - $14-19/hour at Intermountain Health or University of Utah Hospital. Use tuition assistance programs to earn certifications.
Surgical Technologist - With training/certification: $45,000-60,000. Two-year programs at community colleges. Many hospitals hire from internal support staff.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $55,000-75,000. Career advancement from healthcare support using tuition programs.
Medical Imaging Technician - With training: $50,000-70,000. Technical colleges offer programs.
Manufacturing & Aerospace
L3Harris/Northrop Grumman Production - Start $17-26/hour. Advance to skilled positions: $50,000-75,000. Hill Air Force Base contractors offer stable aerospace careers with benefits.
Production Supervisors - After starting in manufacturing, advance to supervision: $45,000-65,000. Promote from production floor.
Ski Resort Management Track
Start: Lift Operator/Food Service - $14-20/hour seasonal. Work multiple seasons, demonstrate reliability.
Advance to Supervisor - Department supervisors: $40,000-60,000. Year-round positions available at larger resorts.
Resort Operations Management - With experience: $55,000-85,000. Career path at Vail Resorts (Park City), Deer Valley, Alta, Snowbird.
Utah Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Utah offers revolutionary automatic expungement and strong employment support for justice-impacted individuals.
Clean Slate Automatic Expungement
Utah enacted Clean Slate automatic expungement law (Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 40a) providing automatic sealing of most misdemeanor convictions after 5-7 years and certain dismissals/acquittals without requiring petition or fees.
How It Works: State automatically reviews records and seals eligible convictions. Over 74,000 records expunged through Salt Lake City police alone by August 2024. No action required from individual for automatic expungement.
Eligible for Automatic Sealing:
Most misdemeanor convictions after 5-7 years
Dismissed charges after waiting period
Acquittals after waiting period
Timeline: Automatic—no petition needed for eligible offenses.
Effect: Sealed records not accessible to most employers. Individuals can legally deny sealed convictions.
Petition-Based Felony Expungement
For felony convictions not covered by automatic Clean Slate:
Eligibility and Waiting Periods:
Class A and B felonies: 7 years after sentence completion
Class C felonies: 5 years after sentence completion
Must pay all fines, fees, restitution
Complete probation/parole
Maintain clean record during waiting period
Cannot Be Expunged: Violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI with injury, child abuse, capital felonies, first-degree felonies with mandatory life sentences.
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, judge decision. Cost: typically $135 court filing fee. Timeline: 3-6 months.
Contact for Assistance: Utah Legal Services (FREE for low-income): 1-800-662-4245 or utahlegalservices.org
Ban-the-Box Protections
Coverage (Utah Code § 34-52-201): Public employers and government agencies only.
What It Means: Public employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Must wait until after initial interview or conditional job offer. This is among nation's more protective public sector ban-the-box policies.
Private Employers: NOT covered by ban-the-box. Can ask about criminal history on applications, but many large employers voluntarily practice fair-chance hiring.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Utah employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.
State Workforce Development
Utah Department of Workforce Services - Statewide network of employment centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and employer connections.
Contact: 1-866-435-7414 | jobs.utah.gov
Locations: Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
Utah Department of Corrections - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance, transitional services.
Contact: (801) 545-5500 | corrections.utah.gov
The Road Home (Salt Lake City) - Emergency shelter, case management, employment assistance.
Contact: (801) 359-4142 | theroadhome.org
Volunteers of America Utah - Reentry programs, employment services, housing assistance.
Contact: (801) 736-0260 | voaut.org
Additional Utah Resources
Training & Education
Salt Lake Community College - Workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC programs with financial aid.
Bridgerland Technical College (Logan) - Technical training, welding, electrical, HVAC, CDL programs.
Davis Technical College (Kaysville) - Manufacturing, construction, healthcare training.
Mountainland Technical College (Lehi) - Skilled trades, welding, electrical, construction programs.
Housing Assistance
Utah Housing Corporation - Rental assistance programs for low-income individuals.
Contact: 1-800-284-6950 | utahhousingcorp.org
The Road Home - Emergency and transitional housing in Salt Lake City.
Volunteers of America Utah - Housing assistance programs.
Legal Aid
Utah Legal Services - FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income Utahns.
Contact: 1-800-662-4245 | utahlegalservices.org
Utah State Courts - Self-Help Center - Resources for expungement petitions.
Contact: utcourts.gov/selfhelp
Transportation Support
UTA (Utah Transit Authority) - Public transit serving Wasatch Front. Reduced fare programs available.
Contact: rideuta.com
Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden - Public transit with affordable options.
Staffing Agencies in Utah That Work With Felons
Utah staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities especially in warehouse, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
Your Employment Solutions (YES) - Multiple Utah locations. Warehouse, manufacturing, construction placements. Pay: $14-22/hour. Second-chance focus, quick placement.
Spherion - Salt Lake City, Provo locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative, industrial. Pay: $14-20/hour. Fair-chance hiring.
All Trades Staffing - Statewide presence. Construction, manufacturing, warehouse positions. Pay: $15-22/hour. Works with justice-impacted candidates.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Utah locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, skilled trades. Pay: $14-21/hour. Fair-chance evaluation.
Manpower - Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden. Manufacturing, logistics, industrial positions. Pay: $14-19/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Kelly Services - Utah metro areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative. Pay: $13-19/hour. Benefits for temps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Utah have a ban-the-box law?
Yes, for public employers only. Utah Code § 34-52-201 (enacted 2017) prohibits public employers and government agencies from asking about criminal history on initial applications. They must wait until after initial interview or conditional job offer. This is among nation's more protective public sector policies. Private employers are NOT covered and can ask about criminal history on applications, though many voluntarily practice fair-chance hiring.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Utah?
Yes! Utah has revolutionary Clean Slate automatic expungement (Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 40a) that automatically seals most misdemeanor convictions after 5-7 years and certain dismissals/acquittals—no petition or fees required. Over 74,000 records expunged through Salt Lake City police alone by August 2024. For felony convictions, petition-based expungement available after waiting periods (Class A/B felonies after 7 years, Class C felonies after 5 years from sentence completion). Contact Utah Legal Services (FREE: 1-800-662-4245) for assistance.
Q3: What is Utah's minimum wage?
Utah minimum wage is $7.25/hour (federal minimum). However, competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $14-20/hour in major cities along Wasatch Front. Healthcare and warehouse positions typically start $14-21/hour.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Utah?
Utah follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions can be reported indefinitely. Clean Slate automatic expungement removes eligible misdemeanors from background checks after 5-7 years automatically. Sealed/expunged records should not appear on standard employment checks.
Q5: What companies in Utah hire felons?
Major employers include Intermountain Health (68,000+ employees), University of Utah Health (5,000+ healthcare professionals), Walmart (40+ stores), Amazon, UPS, Smith's/Kroger, Target, Home Depot, Costco, ski resorts (Park City, Deer Valley), and many others. See Top 20 list for details. Healthcare systems hire case-by-case for non-clinical support. Hill Air Force Base contractors hire for production positions.
Q6: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Utah?
Yes. Amazon has fulfillment centers in Salt Lake City. They conduct individualized assessments and use fair-chance hiring practices. Starting pay: $15-18/hour with day-one benefits including healthcare, 401(k), and education funding. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Utah?
Yes. Many Utah trucking companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically). Earnings: $55,000-85,000. Salt Lake Community College and Bridgerland Technical College offer CDL training programs.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Utah?
UPS drivers ($80,000-100,000+), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-85,000), electricians ($50,000-80,000), plumbers ($50,000-75,000), HVAC techs ($50,000-70,000), Hill AFB contractor skilled positions ($50,000-75,000), welders ($45,000-70,000), healthcare advancement positions (surgical tech $45,000-60,000, respiratory therapy $55,000-75,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Utah job applications?
For public sector jobs (state agencies, universities, municipalities), ban-the-box protections mean they cannot ask on initial applications. For private employers, if asked on application, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Check if you're eligible for Clean Slate automatic expungement (misdemeanors after 5-7 years)—if sealed, you can legally deny it. For unsealed convictions, answer honestly if asked and emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Utah for people with felonies?
Yes. Utah Department of Workforce Services offers free training referrals. Technical colleges (Salt Lake Community College, Bridgerland, Davis, Mountainland) provide workforce programs with financial aid. Intermountain Health and University of Utah Hospital offer tuition assistance (PEAK program) to employees. Some employers (UPS, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman) provide on-the-job training. Utah apprenticeship programs available in construction and manufacturing trades.
Next Steps: Your Utah Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Utah justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Check Clean Slate Eligibility and Start Expungement Process
Utah's revolutionary Clean Slate automatic expungement has cleared over 74,000 records through Salt Lake City police alone—check if your misdemeanor is eligible for automatic sealing after 5-7 years at NO COST. Visit Utah State Courts website (utcourts.gov) or contact Utah Legal Services (FREE: 1-800-662-4245) to determine eligibility. For felony expungement (not automatic), determine if you're eligible: Class A/B felonies after 7 years, Class C felonies after 5 years from sentence completion. Must pay all fines/fees, complete probation/parole, maintain clean record. File petition with court (typically $135 fee). Timeline 3-6 months. Getting record sealed FIRST dramatically increases opportunities and wages. Clean Slate is automatic for eligible misdemeanors—no action needed. Don't wait—start process immediately if petition required.
Step 2: Register with Utah Department of Workforce Services and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with Utah Department of Workforce Services (1-866-435-7414) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Offices in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: Your Employment Solutions (YES) (second-chance focus, same/next-day placement), All Trades Staffing (construction/manufacturing specialists), Spherion (temp-to-hire focus), Express Employment (manufacturing connections), Manpower (industrial positions). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $14-22/hour with temp-to-perm potential at major Utah employers. Show up on time and work hard—conversion rates to permanent positions are good in Utah's tight labor market.
Step 3: Target Utah's High-Demand Employers and Second-Chance Sectors
Apply to major fair-chance employers: Intermountain Health and University of Utah Hospital (68,000+ and 5,000+ employees, $14-19/hour for support positions with tuition assistance), Amazon ($15-18/hour, day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring), Walmart (40+ stores plus distribution, $14-21/hour), UPS ($16-22/hour with path to $80,000-100,000 driver positions), Smith's/Kroger (UFCW union representation, $13-20/hour). Ski resorts for seasonal work (Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Alta, Snowbird, $14-22/hour with employee passes). Healthcare support provides most accessible entry at major systems statewide. Hill Air Force Base contractors (L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, $17-26/hour) for manufacturing. Focus on public sector jobs where ban-the-box applies (state agencies, universities, municipalities). Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.
Step 4: Leverage Utah's Ban-the-Box Protections and Prepare Application Strategy
For public sector jobs (state agencies, universities, municipalities), Utah's ban-the-box law means they cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications—focus on qualifications without mentioning record. They can only ask after initial interview or conditional offer. For private employers (most can ask on applications), create resume highlighting skills and work history. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. If criminal history question appears on private employer application, answer truthfully but briefly. Prepare 30-60 second explanation of criminal record for interviews—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently. Emphasize Clean Slate eligibility if applicable—"my record will be automatically sealed under Utah's Clean Slate law" or "I've petitioned for expungement."
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers and Long-Term Advancement
Utah offers pathways to $50,000-100,000+ careers. UPS package handler ($16-22/hour) is proven path to driver earning $80,000-100,000+ with Teamsters—this is Utah's most accessible six-figure career. CDL training at Salt Lake Community College or Bridgerland Technical College leads to $55,000-85,000 trucking careers. Start in healthcare support at Intermountain Health or University of Utah Hospital ($14-19/hour) and use tuition assistance (PEAK program) to earn certifications for surgical tech ($45,000-60,000) or respiratory therapy ($55,000-75,000). IBEW electrician apprenticeships lead to $50,000-80,000 careers. HVAC certification programs at technical colleges lead to $50,000-70,000. Hill Air Force Base contractors start production at $17-26/hour with paths to $50,000-75,000 skilled positions. Mention WOTC eligibility ($2,400 federal tax credit) to employers. Persist through rejections—Utah's tight labor market and revolutionary Clean Slate law 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 Utah's Clean Slate automatic expungement law (Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 40a), ban-the-box law (Utah Code § 34-52-201), and felony expungement procedures is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Utah employment attorney or Utah Legal Services (FREE: 1-800-662-4245) 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.