Felon-Friendly Careers: Jobs That Welcome People with Criminal Records

When you have a felony record, finding work isn’t just hard—it feels impossible. But felon-friendly careers, jobs that actively hire people with criminal records, often without requiring background checks or waivers. Also known as second-chance employment, these roles focus on skills, reliability, and work ethic—not past mistakes. This isn’t theory. It’s happening right now in warehouses, construction sites, trucking companies, and even tech support desks across the U.S.

Many employers don’t care about your record if you show up on time, do the work, and don’t cause trouble. Criminal record employment, the practice of hiring individuals with prior convictions. Also known as fair chance hiring, it’s backed by state laws in over 35 states and supported by federal programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot have public policies saying they’ll consider applicants with felonies. Even the U.S. Postal Service hires people with records—no degree needed, just a clean drug test and a willingness to work.

Some of the most accessible paths are in skilled trades: welding, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC. These jobs pay well, don’t always require licenses that block felons, and employers value hands-on ability over paperwork. Reentry careers, career paths designed to help formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives. Also known as restorative employment, they’re growing fast because businesses need workers and communities need stability. You won’t find these jobs on LinkedIn. You’ll find them at local trade schools, union halls, and community reentry centers that partner with employers.

There’s no magic formula. But there are patterns. Avoid jobs that require state licenses (like nursing or teaching) unless your record is expunged. Focus on industries with high turnover—logistics, manufacturing, food service, and security. Look for employers who say "we hire all qualified applicants"—that’s code for "we look past the record." And if you’ve taken any classes, earned certifications, or volunteered since your release, highlight that. It shows growth.

What follows are real posts from people who’ve walked this path—how they got hired, what they wish they knew, and which jobs actually pay enough to rebuild a life. These aren’t guesses. They’re stories from those who made it past the door that slammed shut on them before.