Finding felon friendly jobs in Kansas can feel overwhelming, especially when many job applications ask about criminal history. I have spent countless hours researching Kansas employers, hiring trends, workforce programs, and reentry opportunities to create this updated 2026 guide. The good news is that Kansas offers many second-chance employment opportunities for people who are ready to rebuild their lives and return to the workforce.

Many employers across Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, Dodge City, Garden City, and other Kansas communities are increasingly focused on skills, work ethic, and reliability rather than solely on a person’s past mistakes. While some industries have restrictions, thousands of jobs remain available for individuals with felony records.

This guide covers jobs for felons in Kansas, companies that may hire people with criminal records, high-paying career options, staffing agencies, reentry resources, and practical job-search strategies.

Why Kansas Is a Good State for Second-Chance Employment

Kansas has a strong labor market in industries such as:

• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Transportation
• Warehousing
• Construction
• Skilled Trades
• Food Processing
• Logistics
• Hospitality

Many employers struggle to find reliable workers and are willing to consider qualified applicants with criminal records.

Benefits of seeking employment in Kansas include:

• Growing warehouse and distribution sectors
• Strong trucking industry
• Manufacturing opportunities in Wichita
• Agricultural jobs throughout rural Kansas
• Workforce development programs
• Reentry assistance resources
• Fair chance hiring initiatives

101+ Felon Friendly Jobs in Kansas

Below are some of the most common felon-friendly work opportunities available across Kansas.

Warehouse Jobs for Felons in Kansas

1. Warehouse Associate
2. Order Picker
3. Forklift Operator
4. Shipping Clerk
5. Receiving Clerk
6. Inventory Assistant
7. Distribution Center Worker
8. Package Sorter
9. Loader
10. Unloader

Manufacturing Jobs in Kansas

11. Production Worker
12. Assembly Line Worker
13. Machine Operator
14. Quality Control Inspector
15. Fabrication Assistant
16. Packaging Technician
17. Production Helper
18. Factory Laborer
19. Equipment Operator
20. Industrial Cleaner

Construction Jobs for Felons

21. Construction Laborer
22. Carpenter Helper
23. Roofing Assistant
24. Drywall Installer
25. Concrete Worker
26. Painter
27. Flooring Installer
28. Fence Installer
29. Demolition Worker
30. Site Cleanup Worker

Truck Driving Jobs Kansas

31. CDL Driver
32. Delivery Driver
33. Route Driver
34. Freight Handler
35. Logistics Assistant
36. Yard Driver
37. Transportation Coordinator
38. Truck Loader
39. Dispatch Assistant
40. Fleet Maintenance Helper

Skilled Trade Jobs Kansas

41. Welder
42. HVAC Technician Helper
43. Electrician Apprentice
44. Plumbing Apprentice
45. Industrial Maintenance Technician
46. Sheet Metal Worker
47. Equipment Repair Technician
48. Diesel Mechanic
49. Pipefitter Helper
50. Millwright Assistant

Agriculture & Food Processing

51. Farm Worker
52. Livestock Handler
53. Grain Elevator Worker
54. Food Production Worker
55. Meat Processing Worker
56. Packaging Operator
57. Agricultural Equipment Operator
58. Irrigation Technician
59. Produce Sorter
60. Feed Mill Worker

Retail Positions

61. Stock Clerk
62. Store Associate
63. Cashier
64. Inventory Specialist
65. Merchandising Assistant
66. Garden Center Associate
67. Warehouse Retail Associate
68. Customer Service Representative
69. Retail Loader
70. Delivery Assistant

Food Service & Hospitality

71. Dishwasher
72. Prep Cook
73. Line Cook
74. Kitchen Helper
75. Housekeeper
76. Hotel Maintenance Worker
77. Laundry Attendant
78. Catering Assistant
79. Banquet Setup Worker
80. Groundskeeper

Entry-Level Jobs for Felons

81. General Laborer
82. Janitor
83. Custodian
84. Recycling Worker
85. Mover
86. Security Monitor
87. Car Wash Attendant
88. Landscaping Worker
89. Pest Control Assistant
90. Parking Lot Attendant

Remote Jobs for Felons

91. Data Entry Clerk
92. Virtual Assistant
93. Customer Support Representative
94. Appointment Setter
95. Online Chat Agent
96. Freelance Writer
97. Social Media Assistant
98. Content Moderator
99. Online Sales Representative
100. Transcriptionist

Additional Opportunities

101. Call Center Agent
102. Maintenance Worker
103. Grounds Maintenance Technician
104. Warehouse Supervisor
105. Logistics Coordinator

Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Kansas

Many people leaving incarceration worry that they lack experience. Fortunately, several entry-level felon friendly jobs in Kansas require little or no previous experience.

Food Processing & Agriculture

Kansas is one of America’s leading agricultural states. Food processing plants and agricultural employers frequently hire workers for:

• Packaging
• Production
• Equipment operation
• Livestock handling
• Warehouse support

Aerospace & Manufacturing (Wichita)

Wichita is known as the “Air Capital of the World.” Manufacturing companies regularly hire for:

• Production positions
• Assembly roles
• Machine operation
• Quality control
• Material handling

Warehouse & Distribution

Warehouse jobs remain among the most accessible opportunities for individuals with felony records.

Common positions include:

• Forklift operator
• Shipping clerk
• Package handler
• Inventory associate
• Warehouse associate

Retail

Retail employers often hire candidates based on current qualifications and work history.

Available positions include:

• Stocking
• Merchandising
• Customer service
• Inventory management

Food Service & Hospitality

Restaurants and hotels frequently provide second-chance employment opportunities.

Examples include:

• Dishwasher
• Cook
• Housekeeper
• Maintenance worker
• Catering assistant

Top 20 Kansas Employers That May Hire Felons

Hiring policies change frequently, and employment is never guaranteed. However, many job seekers have reported opportunities with companies in industries known for second-chance hiring.

1. Tyson Foods
2. Cargill
3. JBS USA
4. Koch Industries
5. Spirit AeroSystems
6. Amazon
7. FedEx
8. UPS
9. PepsiCo
10. Coca-Cola Consolidated
11. Walmart
12. Target
13. Home Depot
14. Lowe’s
15. Dollar General
16. Sysco
17. Performance Food Group
18. Schneider National
19. Swift Transportation
20. CRST

Always verify current hiring policies before applying.

Felon-Friendly Jobs by Kansas City

Wichita

Popular industries include:

• Aerospace manufacturing
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• Hospitality
• Food production

Job seekers often find opportunities in:

• Production plants
• Distribution centers
• Logistics companies
• Construction firms

Kansas City Metro

Kansas City offers:

• Transportation jobs
• Warehouse jobs
• Retail employment
• Skilled trades
• CDL opportunities

Topeka

Growing sectors include:

• Government support services
• Manufacturing
• Distribution
• Healthcare support

Dodge City & Garden City

These communities offer opportunities in:

• Agriculture
• Meat processing
• Transportation
• Equipment operation

Emporia

Job seekers commonly find openings in:

• Warehousing
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Hospitality

Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Kansas

CDL & Transportation ($45,000-$100,000+)

Truck driving continues to be one of the highest-paying career paths for many individuals with felony records.

Potential roles:

• Regional Driver
• OTR Driver
• Local CDL Driver
• Freight Transport Driver

Skilled Trades ($40,000-$85,000+)

Trade careers often reward experience and certifications.

Examples:

• Welder
• Electrician
• HVAC Technician
• Plumber
• Diesel Mechanic

Manufacturing & Production ($35,000-$75,000+)

Experienced workers can earn strong wages in:

• Aerospace manufacturing
• Production supervision
• Machine operation
• Industrial maintenance

Healthcare Support ($30,000-$55,000)

Certain healthcare support positions may be available depending on the offense and licensing requirements.

Examples include:

• Medical equipment cleaning
• Dietary services
• Maintenance support
• Patient transport roles

Kansas Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

Several programs help individuals find employment after incarceration.

Kansas Workforce Centers

Workforce centers provide:

• Resume assistance
• Job placement support
• Career counseling
• Training opportunities

Kansas Reentry Programs

Reentry organizations often offer:

• Employment preparation
• Interview coaching
• Housing referrals
• Community support

Job Training Programs Kansas

Training programs may help individuals earn certifications in:

• Welding
• CDL driving
• HVAC
• Manufacturing
• Construction

Additional Kansas Resources

Understanding Kansas Background Checks

Most employers conduct background screenings before making hiring decisions.

Common factors employers evaluate include:

• Nature of the offense
• Time since conviction
• Job relevance
• Employment history
• Rehabilitation efforts

Kansas Ban-the-Box Law

Kansas has implemented fair-chance hiring practices in certain public employment settings. These policies help qualified applicants reach later stages of the hiring process before criminal history is reviewed.

7-Year Lookback Rule

Many people ask whether Kansas follows a seven-year rule.

While certain consumer reporting limitations may apply in specific situations, felony convictions can often remain visible on background checks for longer periods depending on the employer, screening provider, and position.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit encourages employers to hire individuals facing barriers to employment, including some formerly incarcerated workers.

This incentive can make second-chance hiring more attractive to employers.

Staffing Agencies in Kansas That Work With Felons

Staffing agencies can be one of the fastest ways to find employment.

Benefits include:

• Faster hiring
• Temporary-to-permanent positions
• Less experience required
• Access to multiple employers

Industries commonly served:

• Manufacturing
• Warehousing
• Construction
• Logistics
• General labor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you work for the state of Kansas with a felony?

Yes. Certain state positions may be available depending on the offense, rehabilitation history, and job requirements. Some positions may have legal restrictions.

What jobs hire felons in Wichita, KS?

Manufacturing, warehouse, construction, food processing, transportation, landscaping, hospitality, and general labor jobs are among the most common options.

How long are you a felon in Kansas?

A felony conviction remains part of your criminal record unless it qualifies for expungement under Kansas law.

How far back can employers check criminal background in Kansas?

Background check practices vary by employer, industry, and screening company. Certain convictions may remain visible beyond seven years.

What companies hire felons in Kansas?

Many manufacturing, warehouse, logistics, food production, transportation, and construction employers consider applicants with felony records.

Where hires convicted felons?

Warehouse companies, trucking firms, staffing agencies, manufacturers, restaurants, and agricultural employers frequently provide second-chance opportunities.

What felonies cannot be expunged in Kansas?

Eligibility depends on the offense, waiting period, and current Kansas law. Consult a qualified attorney or legal aid organization for guidance.

What benefits can felons get?

Eligible individuals may receive employment assistance, workforce training, housing support, educational opportunities, and other reentry services.

What is the Sunshine Law in Kansas?

The Kansas Open Records Act is often referred to as a sunshine law because it promotes public access to government records and transparency.

Entry Level Felon Friendly Jobs in Kansas

If you are just starting over, focus on positions that emphasize reliability and willingness to work:

• Warehouse Associate
• General Laborer
• Dishwasher
• Stock Clerk
• Landscaping Worker
• Production Worker
• Package Handler
• Construction Helper
• Farm Worker
• Janitor

These jobs often provide valuable experience that can lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Tips for Getting Hired With a Felony Record in Kansas

Based on my research and conversations with successful job seekers, these strategies consistently improve hiring outcomes:

1. Be honest about your record when required.
2. Focus on skills and certifications.
3. Obtain a CDL or trade certification.
4. Use staffing agencies.
5. Build a strong resume.
6. Practice interviewing.
7. Apply consistently.
8. Follow up after interviews.
9. Highlight rehabilitation and growth.
10. Network with local employers.

Next Steps: Your Kansas Job Search Action Plan

If you’re serious about finding felon friendly jobs in Kansas in 2026, start with industries that actively need workers. Warehousing, manufacturing, trucking, construction, food processing, and skilled trades continue to offer some of the best second-chance employment opportunities.

Begin by creating a professional resume, registering with workforce centers, applying through staffing agencies, and targeting employers known for fair chance hiring. Every successful career starts with one application, and many Kansas employers are willing to give motivated individuals an opportunity to prove themselves.

The job market is constantly evolving, but one thing remains true: your past does not have to define your future. With persistence, preparation, and the right strategy, you can find meaningful employment and build a stable career in Kansas.

DISCLAIMER

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and reflects employment trends and publicly available information as of 2026. Hiring policies, background check practices, and legal requirements can change at any time. Inclusion of a company or employer does not guarantee employment. Applicants should verify all hiring policies directly with employers and seek legal advice regarding criminal records, expungements, or employment rights when necessary.