Best Jobs for Felons: Real Opportunities and How to Get Started

When you have a felony record, finding work isn’t just hard—it feels like the system is built to keep you out. But best jobs for felons, real, accessible roles that don’t automatically reject applicants with criminal records. Also known as reentry careers, these positions focus on skills, reliability, and second chances—not just background checks. This isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about what’s actually happening in hiring right now.

Many employers, especially in logistics, construction, and skilled trades, care more about whether you show up on time and do the work than what happened five years ago. criminal record jobs, roles where background checks are handled with discretion or waived under certain conditions. These include warehouse work, delivery driving, plumbing apprenticeships, and even some roles in IT support. Some states have "ban the box" laws that delay background checks until later in the hiring process. That gives you a shot to prove yourself first.

And it’s not just about low-skill jobs. jobs for ex-offenders, positions that value personal growth, discipline, and hands-on experience over formal degrees. Also known as second-chance employment, these include certified nursing assistants, electrician trainees, and customer service roles in call centers that prioritize communication over pedigree. You don’t need a college degree. You need consistency. You need to show up. You need to prove you’ve changed.

What you won’t find here are vague promises or "just be positive" advice. You’ll find real paths—ones people have walked, jobs that actually hire, and companies that don’t automatically toss your application because of a past mistake. Some roles pay well. Some offer benefits. Some lead to certifications you can build on. The door isn’t wide open, but it’s not locked either.

Below, you’ll find articles that break down exactly how to approach job hunting with a record—what to say in interviews, which industries are safest, how to handle background checks, and which tools and resources actually help. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just what works.