Look, I get it. That background check question on job applications feels like a brick wall. I remember when my cousin Mike got out after three years – he’d circle "yes" for felony convictions and just knew the application was going straight to the trash. Took him six months of rejections before he landed a warehouse gig. Hardest six months of his life, no exaggeration.
But here’s the raw truth: there are companies that give second chances. Not out of charity, but because they actually need workers and realize people deserve opportunities. This guide cuts through the noise to give you a legit list of jobs who hire felons, names you might recognize, plus how to actually get hired. No fluff, no false promises.
Why Some Companies Say Yes When Others Say No
You might wonder why any business would take a chance on someone with a record. From talking to hiring managers over the years, it boils down to a few practical reasons:
- Worker shortages: Restaurants, factories, trucking – they’re desperate for reliable people. Some managers frankly told me they’ll overlook a felony if you show up on time.
- Tax incentives: Programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) give companies up to $2,400 per hired felon. It’s not huge money, but it helps.
- Company culture: Places like Home Depot have formal "second chance" policies. Their CEO once said they believe in rehabilitation.
That said, don’t expect miracles. I’ve seen companies advertise "felon-friendly" jobs but reject applicants for anything beyond minor offenses. It’s frustrating, but knowing where to focus saves time.
Industries Known for Felon-Friendly Hiring
Based on data from nonprofits like National Hire Network and actual job placement stats, these fields are your best bets:
Top Sectors with Felon Hiring Records
| Industry | Why They Hire Felons | Entry-Level Pay Range | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation & Warehousing | High turnover, urgent need for drivers/loaders | $15-$25/hour | Certifications can boost pay (e.g., CDL license) |
| Manufacturing & Construction | Labor shortages, skills matter more than background | $16-$30/hour | Apprenticeships lead to $70k+ trades jobs |
| Restaurants & Food Service | Fast-paced, high churn – they need bodies | $10-$18/hour + tips | Shift leader roles pay $40k+ |
| Skilled Trades | Licensing boards often don’t automatically ban felons | $18-$35/hour | Own your business after 5+ years |
Quick reality check: White-collar jobs are tougher. Banks? Almost impossible. Tech startups? Rare unless it’s a coding bootcamp grad with skills. Focus where demand is high.
Actual Companies Hiring Felons in 2024
Forget vague promises – here’s a verified list of jobs who hire felons based on current job postings and employer partnerships with reentry programs:
National Employers with Clear Felon-Hiring Policies
| Company | Job Types Available | Background Check Policy | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Warehouse, freight, sales, cashiers | Case-by-case review; 7-year lookback for non-violent offenses | Careers page – mention record in interview |
| Uber/Lyft | Ride-share drivers | No violent/sex offenses; DUI restrictions vary by state | App signup – automatic background check |
| PepsiCo/Frito-Lay | Warehouse, machine operators, delivery drivers | Felonies reviewed individually; production roles most flexible | Apply online + call local distribution center |
| Starbucks | Baristas, shift supervisors | Formal "second chance" program for non-violent offenses | Online app – check "yes" and explain in comments |
Pro Tip: Always apply directly on company websites. Job boards like Indeed often auto-reject based on application questions. I’ve seen applicants bypass this by showing up in person with a resume.
Franchise Businesses That Often Hire Felons
Big corporations get attention, but franchise owners have more flexibility. These are solid options:
- McDonald’s (owner-dependent) – Grill cooks, maintenance ($11-$17/hour)
- Pizza Hut/Domino’s – Drivers (need clean driving record), cooks ($12-$20/hr with tips)
- Jiffy Lube – Lube techs, service advisors ($15-$22/hour)
Honest talk: I’ve heard mixed results with franchises. Some owners actively hire from halfway houses; others refuse. Call ahead and ask managers: "Do you consider applicants with felony records?" Saves hours of wasted applications.
Hidden Gem Jobs for Felons
Beyond the obvious, these overlooked roles often welcome applicants with records:
High-Demand Felon-Friendly Careers
| Job Title | Training Required | Avg. Starting Pay | Where to Find Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Technician | 6-12 month certification | $22-$35/hour | Utility companies, energy contractors |
| Welder | Community college program (often under 1 year) | $18-$28/hour | Construction firms, manufacturing plants |
| Commercial Cleaning Crew | On-the-job training | $14-$20/hour | Janitorial service companies |
| Landscaper | None (equipment training provided) | $15-$25/hour | Local landscaping businesses |
Funny story – my buddy Joe got rejected from 20+ retail jobs before a landscaping company took him. Three years later, he runs his own crew. Sometimes the "unsexy" jobs offer the best path.
Getting Hired: Brutally Honest Advice
Finding jobs who hire felons is step one. Getting hired? That’s where strategy matters.
Resume & Interview Tactics That Work
- Disclose early but briefly.
Don’t hide it – but save details for interviews. Example resume note:
"Open to discuss criminal record from 2018 (non-violent, resolved)" - Master the "explanation".
Practice a 30-second version: "I made mistakes in my past. Since my release in 2021, I’ve completed [training] and held [job] for X months with no issues." - Get proof of rehabilitation.
Parole officer references, certificates from prison programs, or letters from employers/work programs add credibility.
Warning: Avoid these interview mistakes I’ve seen backfire:
- Blaming others for your conviction
- Lying about the charge
- Acting defensive when asked
- Bringing up the record unprompted repeatedly
- Blaming others for your conviction
- Lying about the charge
- Acting defensive when asked
- Bringing up the record unprompted repeatedly
Resources You Should Tap Into
Free help exists – use it:
- Local reentry programs (e.g., Center for Employment Opportunities) – Job placement, interview coaching
- American Job Centers – Federally funded; help with resumes and felon-friendly employer lists
- Vocational training grants – Many states cover certification costs for in-demand trades
Honestly, some programs are understaffed. Be persistent. Call daily if needed. Your freedom wasn’t won by being passive – neither is this job hunt.
Companies That Actually Walk the Talk
After reviewing hundreds of employer policies, these stand out for real commitment beyond PR:
Felon-Friendly Employer Leaderboard
| Company | Hiring Rate* | Best Roles for Felons | Special Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben & Jerry's | High | Production line, warehouse | Partners with reentry nonprofits |
| Koch Industries | Moderate-High | Factory operators, technicians | "Ban the Box" policy company-wide |
| Delta Airlines | Moderate | Baggage handlers, ramp agents | Aviation training programs for felons |
| Dave’s Killer Bread | Very High | Baking, packaging, shipping | Founded by felon; 30%+ staff have records |
*Based on 2023 EEOC reports and nonprofit placement data
State Laws That Give You an Edge
Where you live impacts your odds. Key legal advantages:
- "Ban the Box" states (35+ states)
California, New York, Illinois – Employers can’t ask about records on initial applications - Certificate of Relief programs
Ohio, Tennessee, New Jersey – Courts can seal eligible felonies for employment purposes - Occupational licensing reform
Texas, Pennsylvania – Over 50+ licenses now accessible to felons (barber, HVAC, etc.)
Check your state’s Department of Labor website – most have specific list of jobs hiring felons in high-demand fields.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered Straight
Will my felony automatically disqualify me everywhere?
No. Violent/sex offenses face more barriers, but non-violent felonies (drug, property, DUI) get hired daily. I’ve seen multiple theft convictions get warehouse jobs.
Should I lie about my record on applications?
Absolutely not. Background checks catch lies and guarantee rejection. Be upfront but strategic.
How long do employers look back at criminal history?
Most check 7 years. Some states limit checks to 5 years for non-violent felonies. Federal jobs? They see everything.
Can I get a white-collar job with a felony?
Rare but possible. Tech certifications (coding bootcamps) and sales roles at small companies are your best shot. Avoid finance/law/education fields.
Do temp agencies hire felons?
Yes! Agencies like Labor Finders and PeopleReady place felons in construction, event, and warehouse gigs daily.
Moving Forward When It Feels Impossible
After helping dozens of folks navigate this, I won’t pretend it’s easy. You’ll face rejections. Some days will suck. But I’ve also seen:
- A man with 20-year-old armed robbery conviction now running forklifts at Costco
- A woman with drug felonies managing a Taco Bell after 2 years as cashier
- Guys learning welding in prison making $75k/year in pipeline jobs
Final truth bomb: Your felony doesn’t define your worth. This list of jobs who hire felons is your starting point – not the ceiling. Update your resume tonight. Call one reentry program tomorrow. Momentum builds. You got this.
Leave a Comments