Finding jobs with a felony conviction can be challenging. However, in fact, lots of companies are committed to providing felons a second chance. Based on the research, millions of Americans have felony convictions. They are aware that good jobs for felons are not always easy to get. If you are one of them, you surely want to know the list of jobs that hire felons, giving a second chance for your career. Well, here we have collected a list of 30 jobs that hire felons.
List of 30 Jobs That Hire Felons
Any job that does not involve direct contact with customers is usually better suited to a felon. The good news is that these jobs frequently pay better. It is around ($12-30 per hour and typically requires technical skills and knowledge. In addition, if you have a higher education, you will also find it easier to get a job because you have broader skills and previous professional experience despite having committed a crime.
So, what jobs can felons get? Here is a list of 30 jobs that hire felons:
1. Oil and Gas Derrick Operator
The oil industry continues to create new jobs to keep up with the increasing demand for oil. This is good news for felons who are looking for work, as they have a better chance of finding jobs in the oil sector, compared to other industries. Oil and Gas Derrick Operator become one of the best jobs for felons. Usually, oil and gas companies require hard workers, and felons are often considered among the hardest workers. Oil and Gas Derrick operator has responsibility to set up and control the framework and equipment which fits over oil or gas wells. The median hourly wage for this job is around $24.62. And, the typical qualifications are High school diploma or vocational certificate.
2. Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operator
Like oil and gas derrick operators, oil and gas rotary drill operators are also known for jobs requiring hard workers. Felons can get this job if they are willing to learn, work hard, and usually live in remote regions, as lots of oil and gas wells are far away from big cities. Oil and gas rotary drill operators have responsibility to set up and control big drills which remove oil, gas, or core samples from deep underground. The median hourly wage is around $26.57 and the typical qualifications are High school diploma or vocational certificate.
3. Mobile App Developer
Mobile App Developer is one of the highest-paying jobs for felons, especially with an Associate or bachelor’s degree. Even CNN Money has named this position as the best job in America. Based on the research, many companies are having difficulty filling open positions for mobile app developers as demand is so high. If you are a felon with an Associate or bachelor’s degree and have the necessary skills such as making app, you can try to apply for this job to get your career. For your information, the median hourly wage as a Mobile App Developer is around $52,41.
4. Sales Representative for Wholesale Products
If you are a felon who is good at promoting products, becoming a Sales Representative for Wholesale Products can be the best job for you. Lots of companies who employ people with promoting skills, even though they have committed a crime. So, if you are good at promoting products and closing deals, do not hesitate to apply for this position. This job also usually will ask you to travel and make a lot of phone calls. For felons who do not have necessary skills, you can try to learn through online courses first. However, need to note that this job is not provided for felons with crimes like theft or violence. For your information, the median hourly wage is about $30.24.
5. Film or Video Editor
One of the entrancing jobs that felons can get is a film or video editor. The median hourly wage for this job is $29.02. Felons who have creativity and special technical skills in this field can try applying for this job. Based on the research, lots of companies hire people, even though having committed a crime, who have a good skill in editing, as they choose to market themselves through professional online videos. A Film or Video Editor is one type of work that you can do on a freelance basis, so you do not worry about your criminal record. Note: Typical qualifications of this job are Associate or bachelor’s degree.
6. Web Designer or Developer
Web designer or developer is another job that felons can get. In fact, lots of companies accept people with their criminal records, as long as they have necessary skills. So, if you have a good skill in this field, you can apply for this job. Same with video editor, Web designer or developer is also a type of work that can be done on a freelance basis. You can work from your home and get lots of money. For your information, the median hourly wage is around $37.65.
7. Writer
You may have heard that many prisoners can produce work, for example through writing, during their imprisonment. Yeah, becoming a writer is the best choice for people with a criminal record. Even, this is also one of the high-paying jobs for felons that can be done from their home. Many companies, businesses, publishers, and other organizations require quality writing for things like marketing materials, online content, and magazine articles. Based on the research, the median hourly wage for this job is $33.42.
8. Marketing Manager
Another job that felons can get is Marketing Manager. It is not possible for a company to employ people with criminal records, as long as they are good at marketing strategies. Most companies or organizations require effective marketing, which often comes from fresh ideas and unusual insights. That is why second-chance jobs for felons become available in this field. For your information, the median hourly wage for this job is $64.12.
9. Mechanical Engineering Technician
While imprisoned, several prisoners usually get the chance to learn mechanical skills. That is why companies in the field of mechanical engineering technology frequently provide suitable jobs for felons. With additional vocational training you got, you will be able to get your second chance to reach your career. A Mechanical Engineering Technician must be able to help engineers develop, modify, and test different kinds of mechanical equipment and machinery. The median hourly wage is $29.07. The typical qualification is an Associate degree.
10. Computer Network Systems Administrator
Companies in the field of information technology (IT) provide several good jobs, such as computer network systems administrator, for convicted felons with no history of theft, violence, fraud, or computer-related crimes. Therefore, if you have some skills related to computers and meet that criterion, consider applying for this job. Of course, almost every company or organization requires a fast, secure, and reliable in-house network. Typically, the median hourly wage for a computer network systems administrator is $38.75.
11. Electrician
Usually, felons got Electrician training programs. That is why many companies provide this job for people with criminal records. If you want to take this position, you only need to investigate the licensing requirements in your state because particular felony convictions may be able to disqualify you. Need to know that you will need extra training to become an electrician, aside from Vocational certificate. For your information, the median hourly wage is $28.87.
12. Plumber
Several residential and commercial plumbing industries provide a good job for felons. So, it is not impossible for you to apply for a job as a plumber. But you must check your state’s vocational licensing requirements before starting plumbing training, to ensure your convictions do not disqualify you. The Median hourly wage as a plumber is $28.79. And, it needs to ask you to have a Vocational certificate and paid apprenticeship.
13. Wind Turbine Technician
If you do not have a fear of heights, you can consider reaching your career as a Wind Turbine Technician. This job will require you to climb the tall wind turbines to make repairs and install or maintain their components. Based on the research, several wind energy companies hire people who have served time for non-violent felonies to assist meet their demand for new technicians. For your information, the median hourly wage is $27.05.
14. Commercial Diver
Commercial driving is one of the challenging jobs that felons can get. Most companies offer this job for felons. This job will require you to work underwater to assist fix, remove, install, or inspect structures such as bridge supports. You will be able to get $32.84 per hour. However, your opportunities may depend on your criminal record. Also, you must have the Scuba certification and vocational certificate for applying for this job.
15. HVAC/R Technician
If you have a felony conviction, you can try to apply for a job as HVAC/R Technician. Lots of businesses or companies rely on commercial refrigeration systems to keep their products at the right temperature. The demand for qualified HVAC/R technicians increased, thus lots of companies hired people, even with their criminal record, to be HVAC/R technicians. For ex-felons who do not have skill in this field, you can take a HVAC technician training program which is relatively short and is available at vocational schools. The median hourly wage of the job is $23.38.
16. Graphic Designer
If you have any art skills, you can apply to change your skills into a fun career. Yeah, becoming a Graphic Designer can be the great choice for you. As we know, lots of companies need Graphic designers to market their products or services. And, lots of companies that offer this job for individuals with criminal records, giving the second chance to reach their career. Becoming a Graphic Designer is the best career for felons with creative talents. For your information, the median hourly wage is $24.38.
17. Carpenter
The job as a Carpenter is also a good source of chances for ex-felons. With your proper vocational training, you can work as a journeyman carpenter. Before applying for this job, make sure that your criminal record will not be an issue. Apparently, lots of carpentry jobs that hire convicted felons. For your information, the median hourly wage as a carpenter is $23.20.
18. Substance Abuse Counselor
Lots of social agencies that have found ex-felons and former drug addicts are very good Substance Abuse Counselors. Probably, these felons have learned many things from their mistakes. Thus, it is not impossible for social agencies to hire convicted felons who have had substance abuse problems. Usually, the median hourly wage of this job is $23.33. And, the typical qualification depends on the state and employer.
19. Solar Energy Technician
Companies in the field of solar energy also offer a job as Solar Energy Technician for convicted felons. The demand keeps rising as the solar panels prices and similar technologies continue to drop. Lots of companies that hire skilled and trained solar energy technicians to work in this field, even though they have a criminal record. It requires a Vocational certificate to apply for this job. For your information, the median hourly wage is $22.92.
20. Commercial Truck Driver
When transportation companies face a shortage of workers, usually the companies provide jobs as Commercial Truck Driver for felons. If you are an ex-felon, and want to apply for this job, you must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). But need to know that typically the long-haul trucking company does not provide jobs for parolees because they tend to require traveling out of the state. It needs a Vocational certificate to apply for this job. For your information, the median hourly wage of the Commercial Truck Driver is $23.23.
21. Welder
Companies in the welding trade also offer jobs for convicted felons. As we know that lots of the Welders are highly needed across many industries, such as construction and manufacturing. Usually, it needs a training program in the welding field that takes less than a year to get started. Based on the survey, the median hourly wage as a Welder is $22.60.
22. Painter
Felons who have skill in painting can find their career in the field of painting. Yeah, becoming a painter is one of the fun jobs for individuals with a criminal record. In fact, lots of companies or organizations that look for a painter to paint their building. Ex-felons who have skill in painting can apply for this job to advance their career. For your information, the median hourly wage of the job is $21.92.
23. Auto Mechanic
If you are an ex-felon who has skills in automotive, you will be able to find lots of companies, or employers who provide a job as an auto mechanic. So, after release from prison, you can try your second chance in this field. Fixing cars or trucks needs special skills. If you do not have skill in this field, you can take a training program that takes only a year or less. The median hourly wage for this job is $22.54.
24. Construction Laborer
In the construction industry, there are many low-skilled jobs that are suitable for individuals with criminal records. Most industries offer felons as long as they can work properly. For basic laborer jobs, you do not need to have a vocational license. Becoming a construction laborer requires you to clean work sites, erect scaffolding, or dig trenches. The median hourly wage of the construction laborer is $18.04.
25. Auto Glass Installer or Repairer
The demand for auto glass services tends to keep increasing. So, lots of companies in this field provide jobs as an auto glass installer or repairer for individuals with felony conviction. These companies were given a second chance. You will be able to find this job easily, especially if you can show that you have better behavior than before. In addition, you can also learn the required skills to take an auto body program at a trade school. For your information, the median hourly wage of this job is $18.23.
26. Helper to Extraction Workers
There are many companies or industries that hire felons for position as the helper to extraction workers. If you have a criminal record, and are looking for a job, you can try to apply for this job. The helper to extraction workers usually will be required to clean up work sites, carry equipment, or do other tasks that help any things needed by the extraction workers. For your information, the median hourly wage is $20.73.
27. Delivery Driver
If you are good at driving, you can look for your luck as a Delivery driver. At this time, lots of companies or industries that hire felons to be a delivery driver. Before you apply for this job, make sure that you have not committed any serious traffic infractions such as driving while intoxicated. It requires a Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record to get this job. The median hourly wage of the delivery driver is $17.62.
28. Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Big warehouse or store usually needs shipping and receiving clerks to handle and prepare incoming and outgoing products. The tasks of shipping and receiving clerks are to verify records, double-check items being delivered, and arrange the shipments. The good news is there are lots of warehouses or stores that provide this job for ex-felons, surely who can be trusted. This job seems easy to do. The median hourly wage of the shipping and receiving clerk is $17.74.
29. Landscaping Worker
Most companies in the field of gardening and landscaping hire felons to be the Landscaping worker. This job involves watering, fertilizing, trimming, and planting lawns and other vegetation for their clients. Also, many companies need landscaping workers to help dig small trenches for sprinkler systems. Most companies provide this job for ex-felons as long as they can prove that they are honest and reliable workers. The median hourly wage of the Landscaping worker is $16.55.
30. Helper to Construction Workers
Lots of skilled construction workers such as carpenters, roofers, electricians, and stonemasons hire people to be the helper. Usually, they also provide this job for people with criminal records, as long as they can work properly. Tasks of the helper of construction workers such as cleaning equipment and work sites, carrying materials, holding tools, and helping with simple tasks. The median hourly wage for the job as a helper of construction workers is $18.04.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
