Rochester, Minnesota

Approximately 115,000 people make their home in Rochester, Minnesota in 2017. Having this many citizens, the city typically offers numerous jobs in a wide variety of areas. Finding work is challenging enough for most people, but it is even more of an obstacle for someone with a felony conviction because of limited opportunities and lower priority due to their criminal record.

Some larger employers in Rochester can be found below, including expectations and important information when applying for these jobs with a felony conviction. Following that are some job possibilities in the Rochester area that, according to our research, might be willing to hire felons.

Make sure you read this entire page for your best chance at being successful in your job search.

Mayo Clinic: When looking for work, many people think of the health field because of the opportunity to assist those with medical difficulties. Most of these jobs will go to the section of the public with a clear record. Any type of involvement with the criminal justice system, particularly a felony offense, will make it extremely difficult to be hired here. This is because of state licensing and certification typically denied to felons. A few support positions may be possible. Our research indicates that this is probably not a successful place to look.

IBM: As a major corporation in the computer industry, they frequently hire qualified individuals throughout their departments with various educational and work backgrounds. Most of these opportunities will go to people with a clean record. While it will be difficult to find employment here, there may be some opportunity. According to our research, it does appear that IBM hires felons. This does not indicate that they will hire all felons, but they may be willing to consider those who are serious about reentry into society and finding gainful employment to support themselves and their families.  This may be a place to apply.

Rochester Public Schools: The field of education is always hiring qualified individuals for a variety of teaching and related positions. These opportunities will almost always go to those with a clean record.  Any type of involvement with the criminal justice system, especially a felony record, will make it extremely difficult to find employment here. This is because of state certification requirements along with major concerns regarding safety and security relating to minors. Our research indicates that this is probably not a good place to find work.

City of Rochester: Government positions, even at the city level, are numerous in various departments and for people with different backgrounds and work histories. Most of these choices will go to individuals with a spotless record. A felony offense will cause major limitations in finding work here. Our research indicates that it is possible to find employment with the city, depending on the results of the background check along with the particular felony offense, its seriousness, and when it occurred.  This may be a place to look.

Olmsted Medical Center: Jobs in the health field are inviting for many wanting to help people with medical issues. These jobs will almost always go to the general public with a spotless record first because of not having any criminal record. A felony offense will make it extremely difficult to be hired here because many health positions require state licensing or certification typically denied to felons. 

Olmsted County: Government at the county level provides many possibilities for work in different departments and for people with various levels of skill and work background. These opportunities tend to go to those with a clean record. A felony conviction will cause major difficulties in finding work here. However, our research indicates that there may be some chance for employment for those who are willing to persevere through the background check process. It will depend on the felony offense, when it occurred, and its seriousness. This may be a place to apply.

McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing: This company manufactures trucks for commercial uses. They hire many individuals with various skill sets and work backgrounds. Most of these opportunities will go to those with a clean record. Any type of involvement with the criminal justice system, especially a felony offense, will make it extremely difficult to be hired here. Some suggest possibly being able to work here with a misdemeanor. 

Charter Communications: As a major company in the communications industry, many job opportunities are frequently available with most of these options going to people with a clear record. It will be extremely difficult to be hired here with any type of involvement with the criminal justice system. Based on our research, it does not seem that Charter Communications hires felons. 

Crenlo: This company manufactures cab enclosure products. They frequently hire qualified individuals in different departments and with various levels of skill and training. Most of these opportunities will go to individuals with a clear record. A felony offense will make it extremely difficult to be hired here, according to our research. Some indicate possibly being able to work here with a misdemeanor.  

Seneca Foods: As a company in the food distribution field, they hire many individuals who have different backgrounds, skill sets, and levels of training. Many opportunities exist for positions for people who have a spotless record. Any type of involvement with the criminal justice system, especially a felony offense, can make it extremely difficult to find work here. Our research indicates that it may be possible to work here with a misdemeanor. This may not be a good place to apply.

Benchmark Electronics: As a company in the electronics manufacturing industry, they have a lot of jobs available for qualified individuals. Being qualified typically means having no criminal record. A felony offense will make it extremely difficult to be hired here, according to our research. Some indicate possibly being able to work here with a misdemeanor.