Last Updated on: March 26, 2026

If you want more than low wage work, focus on careers that reward skill, consistency, and hands on ability. The best options are usually trades, repair work, utility work, selective trucking, digital skills, and simple service businesses you can grow yourself.

A felony can make some jobs harder. Licensing rules, employer policy, insurance rules, and customer trust can all matter. That is why this page focuses on jobs that are both realistic and worth pursuing.

Best High Paying Jobs for Felons at a Glance

Use this table to compare pay and training paths before you spend money on school or apply.

Read This Before You Pick a Career

Before you spend money on training, ask these questions:

• Does this job require a state license?
• Will the employer or its insurance company care about my record?
• Will I need access to schools, government sites, or other restricted places?
• Can I talk to employers first before paying for training?

This step matters. Some careers are open enough to pursue right away. Others can waste your time and money if you do not check the barrier first.

25 High Paying Jobs for Felons

1. Electrician

Electrician is one of the best long term trade paths on this list. It pays well, demand stays strong, and you can move up through apprenticeship and experience. This can work with a record because many smaller contractors care more about reliability, work ethic, and safety than a perfect background.

Best first move: Call apprenticeship programs, union halls, and local contractors before paying for school. Look for smaller, locally owned electrical contractors.

2. Plumber

Plumbing is another strong trade with real career upside. It can lead to steady work, better pay over time, and eventually independent work or your own business. It can be a good fit because it is skill based and often learned through apprenticeship.

Best first move: Ask local plumbing companies if they hire helpers or apprentices.

3. HVAC Technician

HVAC is a strong path for people who want repair work with steady demand. It combines hands on work, problem solving, and service calls. This can work with a record because employers often need people willing to learn and work hard.

Best first move: Reach out to local HVAC companies and ask if they train helpers.

4. Diesel Mechanic

Diesel mechanic is one of the best options for people who like engines, tools, and shop work. Truck shops and fleet repair operations always need people who can keep equipment running. This can work well with a record because many employers care most about skill and consistency.

The biggest barrier is employer policy.

Best first move: Look for helper, trainee, or entry level shop jobs.

5. Heavy Equipment Mechanic

This job can pay well and usually does not involve office work. If you like machines, field service, and repair work, it is a strong path. It can work with a record because construction and equipment companies often value ability over polish.

Best first move: Apply with equipment rental companies, contractors, and repair shops.

6. Industrial Maintenance Technician

Industrial maintenance can be one of the best hidden careers on this list. Plants and factories need workers who can keep machines running and fix problems fast. This can work with a record because employers in this space often care about attendance, safety, and skill.

Best first move: Search for maintenance trainee, machine mechanic, and plant maintenance jobs.

7. Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal work is a solid trade with room to grow. It can lead to good money over time and is often taught through apprenticeship. This can work with a record because the trade is practical and skill based.

Best first move: Contact local sheet metal contractors and training programs directly.

8. Machinist

Machinist can be a strong choice for people who like precision work and shop environments. It can lead to CNC work, setup roles, and better shop positions over time. This can work with a record because many shops focus on skill, trainability, and reliability.

Best first move: Search for CNC operator, machine operator, and machinist trainee openings.

9. Roofer

Roofing is one of the faster paths to decent money if you are physically tough and willing to work. It can also lead to crew leadership or your own business later. This can work with a record because smaller employers may be more flexible.

Best first move: Start local, learn fast, and build a reputation for showing up.

10. Solar Installer

Solar work can be a good path for people who want outdoor work and a growing field. It usually does not require a four year degree. This can work with a record because employers often need dependable field workers.

Best first move: Look for installer helper roles at local or regional solar companies.

11. Wind Turbine Technician

This is a more specialized path, but it can pay well and has strong growth. It is best for people comfortable with travel, heights, and technical field work. This can work with a record because skill and reliability matter.

Best first move: Research which programs and certificates employers actually value before paying for training.

12. Line Installer

Line installer is one of the highest paying nonoffice paths on this page. It is serious work with serious safety standards. This can work with a record in some cases because the path is skill based and often apprenticeship driven.

Best first move: Research local lineworker training and apprenticeship paths before spending money.

13. Web Developer (Caution)

Notice: AI is hitting this sector heavily.

Web development is one of the best high ceiling options if you can build real skills. It can lead to freelance work, contract work, agency work, or your own client base. This can work with a record because clients and employers often care more about your portfolio than your background.

Best first move: Learn the basics and build projects you can actually show people.

14. Industrial Electrical and Electronics Repair

This path is strong for people who like troubleshooting and technical repair work. It can lead to specialized jobs with better pay. This can work with a record because the skill set is valuable and harder to replace.

Best first move: Look at plant maintenance, controls support, and industrial repair roles.

15. Truck Driver, But Only After a Prehire

Truck driving can still be a good option for some people with a record, but do not pay for CDL school blindly. This field can be blocked by offense type, company policy, time since conviction, and insurance rules.

Best first move: Get a prehire letter or direct confirmation from employers before paying for training.

16. Lawn Care Business

Lawn care is one of the best self employment options because it is simple to understand, can start small, and can grow into a strong local business. This works with a record because you are building your own customer base.

Best first move: Start with mowing, trimming, cleanup, and seasonal services.

17. Pressure Washing Business

Pressure washing is a strong low cost business idea that can turn into recurring residential and commercial work. This works with a record because customers care about results and professionalism.

Best first move: Start small, price carefully, and build proof of work.

18. Cleaning Business

Cleaning is one of the simplest businesses to start and can become steady repeat income if you do good work.

This works with a record because you are not waiting on a hiring manager.

The main barrier is trust, punctuality, and presentation.

Best first move: Focus on simple repeat jobs and build reviews fast.

19. Junk Removal Business

Junk removal can become a strong income stream if you are dependable and willing to do hard work. This works with a record because customers care about speed and whether the job gets done.

Best first move: Start with small cleanouts and reinvest into better equipment.

20. Handyman Business

A handyman business can be a great choice if you already have repair skills and want independence. This works with a record because you control your own work.

Best first move: Stay with small repairs unless you are properly licensed for more.

21. Freelance Digital Work

Freelance writing, design, video editing, support work, and other digital skills can become solid income if you are good at what you do. This can work with a record because clients often focus on output, communication, and proof of skill.

Best first move: Pick one skill, build samples, and start pitching small jobs.

22. Landscaping

Landscaping may not sound glamorous, but it can become good money, especially if you grow into commercial work, hardscaping, or your own business. This can work with a record because it is practical, visible work.

Best first move: Start local and learn which services bring repeat work.

23. Carpentry

Carpentry is still one of the best hands on career paths. It can lead to framing, finish work, remodeling, and eventually independent jobs. This can work with a record because skill matters.

Best first move: Look for helper roles with small contractors and remodeling crews.

24. Masonry

Masonry is physically demanding, but it can become a stable skilled trade with solid pay once you know what you are doing.

This can work with a record because it is hard work that many employers struggle to fill.

The main barrier is the physical demand.

Best first move: Start with a local crew and learn fast.

25. Appliance Repair

Appliance repair is worth considering because it mixes troubleshooting, customer service, and repeat demand. This can work with a record because smaller shops and independent work are both possible.

Best first move: Look at local repair shops and training options that employers actually recognize.

Programs That Can Help You Get Hired

American Job Centers

American Job Centers can help with job search, training options, and local employment support.

Federal Bonding Program

This program can help reduce employer fear by offering a no cost bond for eligible job seekers.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

Some employers may benefit from this tax credit when hiring someone with a qualifying background.

Reentry Employment Opportunities

This program supports employment services for justice involved adults and young people.

Final Verdict

The best high paying jobs for felons are not fantasy jobs. They are practical careers with one of three strengths:

• They are skill based
• They can be learned without a four year degree
• They can grow into your own business

If you want the smartest path, focus first on trades, repair work, utility work, selective trucking, or self employment. That is where the best mix of realism and income usually shows up.

Disclaimer

Hiring policies, licensing rules, insurance requirements, and access rules vary by employer, state, and jobsite. Information on this page is for general education only and is not legal advice or a guarantee of employment.

Internal Links to Add

• Temp Agencies That Hire Felons
• Truck Driver Career Info
• Jobs for Felons
• Reentry Program Directory
• Background Check Laws Overview
• Felony Expungement and Sealing