As you may already know there are not as many careers for felons as you like but there are still a number of options. Many careers for felons have the opportunity for advancement, raises and the potential to move or transfer within the company you choose to work for.
Careers For Felons
Many felons become discouraged when applying for jobs because they are turned down time after time. There are several reasons that this happens; the most common reason is because you are applying to the wrong type of companies. Some companies will simply not consider a felon for a job or a career in that particular position. Below we will give you a list and information on which industries offer careers for felons most often.
1) Truck Driving Career
There are a ton of truck driving companies out there that will hire felons depending on what the type of felony and the length of time since the conviction. This can be a fairly high paying career with good benefits. Most truck drivers earn about $800 dollars per week and have very secure jobs. The downside to trucking is the amount of time that you will spend away from home. All in all this is a great career for felons.
We have several pages dedicated to getting a job as a truck driver.
2) Construction Companies
Construction is a great sector to work in if you are a felon looking for a career. Many construction companies are small and have many different positions. This will allow you to actually talk to the owner and show him your worth and skills. This is much better than dealing with a person that sits in a Human Resources office all day that has no clue about who you are.
The other great part about working in construction is that it allows you to learn a particular trade while earning money. This can allow you to possibly start your own business in the future if you so choose to. Remember to not just think about construction in general but all the trades and companies within that industry.
Some trades within the construction industry:
- Tile
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Pipe Fitting
- Carpet
- HVAC
- Roofing
These are only a few of the niche industries within the construction trade. Roofing companies are almost always looking for people that are willing to work hard whether they are a felon or not. The great thing about construction is that you will get regular raises and move up if you put your time in. Learn more about construction jobs here.
3) Landscaping
This can be another great career choice for felons for several reasons. Like construction most landscape companies are small businesses which is a great thing because you will be able to talk directly with the owner. This will give you a huge advantage; the other reason it is a great career path for felons is because it is something you can do yourself with little to no training.
Even if you do not have anyone willing to hire you, you can always cut grass for customers. You can have flyers printed out and distributed for almost no cost. Offer a first time mow for a super low cost of about 10 dollars. If you do a great job most people will have you come back then you can charge them $15 or $20 dollars a mow. If you mow 5 yards a day, 5 days a week you will be making $500 a week minus costs, which are very minimal.
4) Fast Food Restaurants
Not really one of the best high paying careers for felons but it is still a job that will pay you. Many people will make a blanket statement about a particular chain saying that they will not hire felons but most of the time this is not true.
The vast majority of fast food chains are franchises. This means that each restaurant or small group of restaurants are owned by individuals rather than corporations. With that being said you may find a fast food restaurant that hires felons on one side of town while the same brand on the other side of town does not. There is some room for advancement in these types of jobs but it can take awhile to move up. Remember that some restaurants may be felon friendly while others are not so apply to everyone possible.
Restaurants that may hire felons:
5) Drilling and Oil Companies
There are many small drilling companies out there that will hire felons. This can be one of the better careers for felons because of the high pay. The down side is that it is dirty hard work and you have to live in the right area to find a job doing this type of work.
This is the best list of land drilling companies.
6) Newspaper Contractor
Most large newspapers contract out their delivery to individuals. For the most part the day of paperboys is over. These jobs start very early in the morning (about 3 AM). You go to the newspaper printing house, pick up about 400 papers and deliver them to houses that are on your list. The pay is typically only about 200 dollars a week but most do not do a background check or anything. The other downside is that this is a seven day a week job and Sunday papers are very bulky and heavy.
Indeed is a great place to search for newspaper delivery contractor jobs.
7) Temp Agencies
Temp agencies can be a great option for felons to find a career. Why? Because temp agencies work with a large number and a wide variety of different employers. This means that there is a good chance that the temp agency may have a employer that does not require a background check. Some jobs may not be the best but it is possible to find a good career through a temp agency. See our list of felon friendly temp agencies here.
8) Work from Home/Online Careers
There are a number of real jobs that can be worked from the comfort of your home. We have an entire page dedicated to legit online careers for felons.
9) Self Employment
Becoming self employed and having your own business doesn’t have to be expensive. We have many low cost start up ideas, some even won’t cost you a penny.
- Freelancing – Upwork connects freelance workers with employers, NO background checks!
- Self Employment Ideas – See a list of ideas and low cost start ups.
I’m a felon from a moderately serious/stupid thing I did 16 years ago. No one got hurt though and I got a very lenient sentence because I was only 18 and had no prior record. Acted as the lookout for a robbery to look cool for terrible friends. Got a year of house arrest and probabation. No prison time. But…a nasty felony on my record. I ended finishing college, but no one in my field would hire me. In fact, no decent job or anyone who did background checks would hire me….and I’m awesome at interviews. It just statistically, because I’m a felon I am more likely to cause any business who hires me revinue loss than a non felon. I get it. So…what do I do? Stop being so nice and honest. It’s a cut throat world. Lie. Find places that do not do background checks at the bottom, omit my education so it doesn’t look fishy, and then move up from the bottom. Fast food is a good place to do this. They only do background checks when hiring someone in as a manager. Not when someone moves up within the store. I’m a general manager now awaiting the assistant district manager to retire and then I’ll be making good money. I’m clever and don’t have any tattoos and quickly got away from questionable people after I got in trouble. The funny thing is, I will only hire felons if they blow me away with a good attitude and can provide a good reference. I tried giving them a shot in the past, but they always stole, came in on drugs, got into fights, and just randomly quit after a few days. This was like 10 different people. So the statistics are true. I think prison really messes people up as well. But I am living proof that people can catch a felony, and turn it around and be awesome at life…even if they have to lie just a little bit. But it’s rare. Alot of the time it seems people run into the same situation and instead of simply lying on a stupid application they say ‘this is crap’ and go rob a bank or sell drugs instead. There is hope, unless you are just a bad person to the core. Some people simply can’t change because they don’t truely want to.
I couldn’t agree more with “thatsa secret” post. Unfortunately, most felons are criminals to the core. I amone of those exceptions to the rule. Kind of funny, I also am a tattoo less kiss ass at work. The shining brown nose manager. I picked up several youthful non violent felonies some 28 years ago, never served a night in jail, had a few words with God, and turned my life around. My old circle of teenage friends can be found in prison, drug rehabs, and many graveyards. But, not me. You’ll find this secondary degree holding thug working in middle management at a fortune 50 company. Anyone reading is probably mumbling B.S. right now but it’s not. My secret? I started with my company before the internet was developed as a janitor. You guessed it, no or one poor background check to get in the door. But I have had checks since then. One can do ok out there you just have to be smart enough to sidestep the landmine otherwise you will get your legs blown off.
Not to be pessimistic but it does not work the same way all the time. Twenty years ago I was wrongfully convicted of a 3rd degree felony, I was working at the same company when this happened, however, since they knew me, knew my character, and knew that I was a person with ethics and high morals, I continued with the same company for 24 years. Surprise, 24 years later, I was terminated by the new CEO, who stated I was a liability to the company and the company was in violation of Federal Regulation. Obviously this new CEO is not up to date on Federal Regulation. I was never in jail, the judge discharged the charges by the jury and gave me probation, something that is uncommon for a 3rd degree felony. Two years later after I completed probation, he gave me judicial clemency, I did not even petition for this, yet the judge knew that I was not guilty. After 24 years, or 20 years after my conviction, same employer, I no longer have a job. What opportunities exist out there, if I lost my job of 24 years?
I really hope for your sake that no one ever finds out you lied on your application. I’ve known a few people who got into a company that way and years later after several promotions and raises, someone found out about their felony and they were fired. It didn’t matter that they had been a great employee and had never been in any trouble at work and no more run ins with the law, they tried to say it wasn’t because of the felony it was because he lied. Technically it is illegal to deny employment specifically because of a felony, (unless your crime can be linked to your job, ie. a pedophile at a daycare or a person convicted of bank robbery trying to be a bank teller) not that employers don’t do it all the time, but in most cases they either don’t know they’re not supposed to deny someone based on a felony or they will come up with another excuse to protect themselves, hence claiming they fired my friend for lying and not because of his record.
I know in becoming a felon I made the choice to make my life harder, but in the end felons should be a part of the EOE act. Depending on the nature of the crime of course (ie: A pedophile can’t work at a daycare). But every felon should at least be considered for work. Because for someone trying to do the right thing. Not having a job can send you right back the down the wrong path. We all have to survive and bills don’t pay them selves, soo to cut back on crime they should make it at least possible for a felon to be in any career. There should be no jobs that say no felons at all.
Chris…. What is the EOE act??? I’m a felon and I have a degree in aircraft but it dont do any good. I have 4 years in airframe work and I cant be nothing more then a painter for a school. I make 295 a week with 2 kids and wife. I need help.
I’ve never had any run-ins with the law, but I just came across this site and wanted to say that I feel for you guys and I admire your efforts to find good work. It’s insane that they make it so hard for you guys to find a good job. Society should make it *easy*, not hard, for folks to find work after they’ve served their time. (Society should also not force anyone to do a ton of time for a relatively small offense, the way it does all the time now.) I am not the only one who feels this way — millions of other Americans sympathize with you guys, and are always rooting for you, whether you know it or not.
Nick-
You sound like an awesome person! It’s nice to know that there are some people that realize people can change their lives around. Thank you for being open minded and non judgmental. The fact that you took the time to write that for complete strangers to read, says a lot about you. Those simple words will brighten a lot of peoples’ day!
Nick,
Came across your comment .Great to hear that from a individuals who hasn’t been on the opposite side of the fence.I am a felon and know how hard it is to get a job took me almost 6 months.It is also difficult to find somewhere to live because alot of apartments won’t allow felons to reside at a handful of places.It can really be hard for some and may even cause those who get discouraged easy to fall back into trouble.I definitely think they should make it more accessible and acceptable when finding jobs/apartments .I was lucky enough to have my mother help me when I got out when I was 23 I’m 30 now living by myself and working full time .not the greatest job and not where I want to be.Im always looking for better opportunitys.I think that is why I google “good paying jobs for felons” .I think the key for any felon is to keep moving forward.My advice to anybody with a criminal background.Do your best .Work when you can .Tell your friends you can’t go out.Build a foundation for yourself.Dont be afraid to ask for help and talk to people.The more people you meet the better chance you have of finding your niche.Fill out applications follow up and don’t get discouraged.Its not the end of the road.Its ok to fall just make sure to get back up and build a better foundation for yourself,your future and family.
Thank u for your support. Most Every day people don’t consider the fact that because you’ve been labeled a felon does not mean that you have committed any sort of heinous crime nor does it mean that u are someone that Society should fear. It could just mean that you made a mistake and your mistake exceeds a certain dollar amount, or it could mean that you are a recovering addict that who in his past got arrested. There are so many people out there with this label of a felon are unable to get jobs that will Systane one person let alone the family. My felony is over 10 years old and still I am denied jobs that I’m qualified for. Not only have I serve my debt to society but I am continuing to pay on a daily basis. How am I supposed to Move on from my past and become a better person if I am continuously denied gainful employment our judicial system our government for that matter needs to be dismantled and rebuilt reconstructing the constitution so that all people have equal opportunity when it comes to jobs. I don’t get me wrong I don’t think a Child molester should be allowed to work in a daycare but if I stole three pairs of pants and they total over $1000 I should not be denied a job 10 years later.
Unfortunately, this country is about deterance. The criminal justice system wants to make sure you don’t commit another crime by baring any felon from housing, employment, and education. There are some educational institutions that will NOT allow felons enrolled in their school which I have experienced. I wish I could leave this country.
Yeah man thank you its hard but you live n learn how the system is
I and many other’s really appreciate that…
much respect dude!
For all you felons with a knack for sales, great customer service experience, and a passion to learn about new things I have several positions open for Telemarketers. ( 6 Openings Currently) I too am a former felon who had just as much trouble finding a job, so if we talk some and you really are looking to change your future in a legit way, I can offer you a work from home position. (Position will require great internet connection, a newer computer (Windows 7 or Above or Mac OSX To Run Our Software Kit). We have contracts to sell products for multiple companies and there is a base pay ($350-$600/week) + commissions/bonuses.
If interested email [email protected] with your resume and some information about your sales background / experience. Also if you can share me some information about your criminal history ( I do request to run a background check just to confirm, there are certain crimes I would like to stay away from in all honesty, but non-violent felons will have no issues)
Again, that email is jakesellsfast[at]gmail.com . Thanks.
Just got hired at Ruby Tuesday’s. Been in and out since 2005. Never give up just keep good vibes…
It’s all about your attitude how u speak , dress , act and skills. Took a class in prison on job interviews. Any questions hmu good luck Sarah
Hi Sarah my name is jodei need someone to talk to in regards of finding a job maybe u can help. Thanks
Hi. My name is Cat. I’m serving a long probation which will end in two felonies. Just like a lot of people, I wasn’t planning this. If I could do high school graduation speeches, I would say, if you are shy, nice and people take advantage of that, find new people or keep to yourself. One thing I have found really disturbing about a portion of the human race is how much they seem to enjoy kicking your mopes when you are down. I owned several businesses, have a college degree and the life took a turn where I got a head injury, mom died and so on… But I never tried one did hurt another person ever. Much to my disgust, I had refused to lie to mislead anything truthful under oath but the officer (female) had no such boundaries. Tough luck. Anyway, my point is that I’ve called a lot of places from “weekend yoga retreat” to “facialist, massage therapist” and even volunteer jobs and had the people who answered the phone enjoy telling me how I would never have ever worth in that field. I kept on trying and getting dejected and finally told my PO about these responses as I had been accused by my crappy lawyer of “not even trying”. My PO got mad for instead of at my when I told him these stories. He said, “I have people working and training in all of those places right now!” I think it can sometimes be just the power tripping the person on the other end of the phone decides to make their happy bed of cruelty that day. Anyway, I’m still new and because the police were aware that I’d been previously diagnoses with PTSD and TBI and that they knew that night that I had been choked out by the man in my life who then called on me… I panicked, ran, but no one died and I never lied. I have dreams of getting grant money for more shelters and more books for people to read when they are too scared to to right. I hope someday that there will be much better ways to join society and not just as the most boring level. I think people should be given a chance to get a job that they can be challenged and excel at.
YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON WITH A HUGE HEART
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry you have to go through this. I really feel as if things will turn around for you very soon. Good luck.
Would like to let everyone know that I was convicted of Distribution of meth and 12 years later i am currently on a criminal mischief case. Currently I am on parole but i spent my prison sentence changing my life. I am at a half way house and I just got hired at a Hospital. I am very shocked but I worked hard and I have an annoyingly upbeat attitude and it paid off with a career. There is hope for us keep at it everyone.
That is wonderful! You deserve a pat on the back.
Doing what for work?
Nice!
Thanks for sharing your story. It gave me courage to fill out the application I have . I got so discouraged when it asked have I ever been convicted on felony charges.
congratulations. I need a job and will take anything what part of the hospital are you working in? i was curious because i would love to work their but have 7 years old federal charges for distubtion of marijuana and ecstasy. please aanser i don’t care if its taking out the garbage. i just was curous what part of the hospital would let me in
What do you do at the hospital?
How many people, who have broken the law, have never been caught? When I used to arrest shoplifters for a living (for approx. 6 yrs- back when you actually had to physically subdue them at times), one of the corporate loss prevention offices conducted a study re: loss prevention and corporate loss- based on theft analysis. Based on that study, they concluded that approximately 1 out of 7 people actually gets caught. Now add nearly 1/4th of our citizens in this country who has some kind of arrest (got caught- apparently weren’t good at being bad) in their background to those who’ve never been caught shoplifting. Increases that measly 1/4th quite a bit. Now apply those shoplifting statistics to DWI or Simple Battery- common class A misdemeanors (assuming that they’re comparable in frequency). Now that 1/4th starts looking a whole lot like hypocrisy to me. This isn’t about liberal or conservative; it’s about a flawed justice system. It’s not about a ‘black lives matter’ movement; it’s about a flawed justice system. It’s not about the failed ‘war on drugs’; it’s about a flawed justice system. It’s not about prison overcrowding; it’s about a flawed justice system. What needs to be done? Fix the flawed justice system. Create a state-funded investigation into questionable cases that have likely put an innocent person in prison, jail, or saddled them w/ a conviction. If one’s charge was dismissed or they were found innocent, their charge has no business on the record- expunge it. If the court granted a ‘deferred judgment’- and the person met the stipulations- expunge it. Lift barriers for those reformed individuals who have old spent misdemeanors- don’t use them as a forever-barrier. Quit using entrapment to arrest and convict more people. Don’t discourage the poor from having their day in court (Due Process). Don’t look for reasons to arrest and convict people, so you can bolster $$ for the state. Quit running people’s license plates when you get a wild hair and finding out they have a record, then making up a reason to stop them; essentially quit harassing folks that haven’t done anything wrong. THIS is a good way to fix a flawed justice system. And when we’re done w/ that, we need to move on to unreasonable Occupational Licensing barriers/discipline boards. Things don’t happen, if things don’t happen!!
If we know that we have a flawed system, and that innocent people are convicted, go to jail, go to prison, etc., then why are we so adamant about checking criminal backgrounds so rigorously?! We all know, what we know about our imperfect system- yet we still expect people to be perfect. The police aren’t perfect. Courts aren’t perfect. Judges aren’t perfect. Yet, too often, a good many of them keep their high-paying jobs. YET- your average citizen is rendered unemployable for life; for as little as a misdemeanor. NUTS!
A-freakin-MEN!!! Preach! Why don’t they put more of their efforts into catching & convicting murderers, rapists… But nope, instead they’re out here hoping to catch someone shoplifting, or smoking some weed?
It doesn’t pay to go after real criminals. You can’t make as much money off of people who are actually dangerous and can’t be put on a road crew or anything. Non violent criminals on the other hand can be fined, placed on probation, (which of course comes with monthly fees) jailed and put on road crews or other jobs that barely pay the inmates but that bring in plenty to the jails and saves the company that contracted them from having to pay real employees. Our whole criminal justice system in this country is a joke.
God Bess you and keep you.