Felon Friendly Jobs in Alabama
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Alabama offers strong second-chance employment opportunities, particularly in shipbuilding, logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing. Major employers like Austal USA, Amazon, Walmart, and numerous trucking companies actively hire individuals with criminal records. The state's REDEEMER Act allows certain non-violent felony expungements after five years, and the federal FCRA limits background checks to seven years for most positions. With starting wages ranging from $13-$18/hour for entry-level positions and $50,000-$70,000 annually for CDL drivers and skilled trades, Alabama provides realistic pathways to stable employment and career growth for those with criminal backgrounds.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO ALABAMA'S SECOND-CHANCE JOB MARKET
Alabama's economy presents significant opportunities for individuals with criminal records seeking meaningful employment and a fresh start. The state's diverse industrial base—spanning aerospace, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, logistics, and agriculture—creates thousands of entry-level and skilled positions annually that don't automatically disqualify candidates with felony convictions.
The Heart of Dixie's job market is particularly strong in cities like Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa, where major employers prioritize skills and work ethic over criminal history. Mobile's shipbuilding industry, anchored by Austal USA and BAE Systems, employs thousands in well-paying positions with comprehensive training programs. Huntsville's aerospace sector offers technical opportunities, while Birmingham and Montgomery provide abundant warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics jobs through companies like Amazon, Walmart, and regional distribution centers.
Alabama's legal landscape also supports reentry success. The REDEEMER Act, passed in recent years, allows individuals with certain non-violent felony convictions to petition for expungement after five years of completing their sentence. While Alabama doesn't have statewide ban-the-box legislation, federal FCRA rules limit most background checks to seven years, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) incentivizes employers to hire individuals with criminal records. This combination of industrial opportunity, employer openness, and legal pathways makes Alabama a genuinely viable state for building a second-chance career.
ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS THAT HIRE FELONS IN ALABAMA
Finding that crucial first job after incarceration doesn't require specialized skills or expensive certifications. Alabama offers numerous entry-level positions where employers evaluate candidates based on current abilities rather than past mistakes.
WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTION
Amazon operates multiple fulfillment centers across Alabama, including large facilities in Birmingham, Bessemer, and Mobile. Starting pay ranges from $16-$18/hour with full benefits, and Amazon evaluates applications individually rather than implementing blanket felony bans. Positions include package handlers, sorters, and forklift operators (certification provided). Night shift and weekend positions often pay additional differentials.
UPS hiring centers in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile regularly seek package handlers starting at $15-$17/hour. While UPS conducts background checks, they consider time since conviction and offense type rather than automatically disqualifying candidates. Many package handlers advance to driver positions earning $35-$40/hour within 2-3 years.
FedEx Ground contractors throughout Alabama hire warehouse workers and delivery drivers starting at $14-$16/hour. As independent contractors, FedEx Ground operators have more flexibility in hiring decisions and often give second chances to motivated candidates.
Walmart Distribution Centers in multiple Alabama locations hire warehouse associates, forklift operators, and order fillers starting at $16-$19/hour. Walmart evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis and offers clear advancement pathways to supervisory roles.
FOOD SERVICE
McDonald's franchises across Alabama maintain a long-standing reputation for second-chance hiring. Starting pay ranges from $11-$13/hour depending on location, with shift leader positions paying $13-$15/hour. Many franchisees prioritize reliability over background, especially for overnight and early morning shifts.
Burger King locations throughout the state hire crew members starting at $10-$12/hour. Franchise owners have significant hiring autonomy, and many explicitly welcome applications from individuals rebuilding their lives.
Wendy's restaurants offer similar opportunities with starting wages of $11-$13/hour. Kitchen staff positions may be easier to secure than customer-facing roles, depending on the nature of your conviction.
RETAIL
Goodwill Industries operates multiple locations across Alabama with an explicit mission to provide employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers, including criminal records. Starting pay ranges from $10-$12/hour for retail associates, with supervisory positions paying $14-$16/hour. Goodwill also offers job training and placement services.
Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores hire cashiers and stockers starting at $10-$11/hour. As high-turnover retailers, these chains often focus on availability and work ethic rather than criminal history.
DELIVERY AND GIG WORK
DoorDash allows drivers with certain felony convictions to deliver food, though violent crimes and felonies within the past seven years may disqualify applicants. Earnings vary widely but average $15-$20/hour in Alabama cities during peak times.
Uber Eats conducts background checks but may approve drivers with older non-violent felonies. Like DoorDash, earnings depend on location and hours worked.
Instacart hires shoppers with criminal backgrounds on a case-by-case basis. This can be an excellent way to earn income ($12-$18/hour) while searching for traditional employment.
TOP 20 FELON-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERS IN ALABAMA
These Alabama-based or Alabama-operating companies have documented histories of hiring individuals with criminal records and offering genuine second-chance opportunities.
AUSTAL USA (Mobile)
Industry: Shipbuilding
Positions: Welders, pipefitters, electricians, laborers
Pay Range: $18-$35/hour
Details: America's largest aluminum shipbuilder employs over 4,000 workers in Mobile building Navy vessels. Austal evaluates criminal backgrounds individually and provides paid apprenticeships for skilled trades. Security clearances required for some positions may exclude certain convictions.
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BAE SYSTEMS (Mobile)
Industry: Ship repair and manufacturing
Positions: Marine mechanics, welders, painters, laborers
Pay Range: $17-$32/hour
Details: This defense contractor operates ship repair facilities at the Port of Mobile. BAE considers applicants with criminal records for non-classified positions and offers comprehensive training programs.
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AMAZON (Birmingham, Bessemer, Mobile)
Industry: E-commerce fulfillment
Positions: Warehouse associates, sortation associates, shift managers
Pay Range: $16-$24/hour
Details: Multiple fulfillment centers across Alabama with individualized background review. Offers benefits from day one including health insurance, 401(k), and tuition assistance.
WALMART DISTRIBUTION (Multiple locations)
Industry: Logistics
Positions: Order fillers, forklift operators, maintenance
Pay Range: $16-$22/hour
Details: Several distribution centers statewide with case-by-case background evaluations. Strong internal promotion culture with pathways to management.
STERICYCLE (Statewide)
Industry: Medical waste disposal
Positions: Route drivers, collection specialists
Pay Range: $15-$20/hour
Details: Requires CDL for most positions but explicitly considers candidates with criminal backgrounds. Provides CDL training assistance for qualified applicants.
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CINTAS (Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile)
Industry: Uniform and facility services
Positions: Route drivers, warehouse workers, customer service
Pay Range: $14-$21/hour
Details: Fortune 500 company with documented second-chance hiring practices. Offers comprehensive training and clear advancement opportunities.
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RUSSELL BRANDS (Alexander City)
Industry: Athletic apparel manufacturing
Positions: Sewing machine operators, warehouse workers, quality control
Pay Range: $12-$17/hour
Details: Long-standing Alabama manufacturer with community ties and history of hiring locally including individuals with criminal records.
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PILGRIM'S PRIDE (Multiple locations)
Industry: Poultry processing
Positions: Production workers, maintenance, sanitation
Pay Range: $13-$18/hour
Details: Major poultry processor with plants across Alabama. High-volume hiring with flexible background policies for production positions.
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KOCH FOODS (Gadsden, Fairfield)
Industry: Poultry processing
Positions: Processing line workers, forklift operators, maintenance
Pay Range: $13-$17/hour
Details: Fast-paced production environment with ongoing hiring needs and second-chance friendly policies.
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YANCEY BROS. CO. (Birmingham)
Industry: Heavy equipment sales and service
Positions: Equipment mechanics, service technicians, parts specialists
Pay Range: $16-$28/hour
Details: Caterpillar dealer that provides training for qualified candidates. Technical skills valued over criminal history for many positions.
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U.S. STEEL (Fairfield)
Industry: Steel production
Positions: Production workers, maintenance, operators
Pay Range: $18-$30/hour
Details: Union jobs with excellent benefits. Background checks conducted but consider time since conviction and nature of offense.
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BRONZE VALLEY (Birmingham)
Industry: Technology and innovation
Positions: Various startup positions, tech support, operations
Pay Range: $14-$25/hour
Details: Innovation hub specifically focused on creating opportunities in underserved communities, including individuals with criminal backgrounds.
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HUNT REFINING COMPANY (Tuscaloosa)
Industry: Oil refining
Positions: Process operators, maintenance technicians, laborers
Pay Range: $18-$35/hour
Details: Industrial facility with training programs. Some positions may require clearances that exclude certain convictions.
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WERNER ENTERPRISES (Statewide)
Industry: Trucking
Positions: CDL-A drivers, owner-operators
Pay Range: $50,000-$75,000/year
Details: Major trucking company with second-chance CDL training program. Reviews driving record and criminal history case-by-case.
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SCHNEIDER NATIONAL (Statewide)
Industry: Trucking and logistics
Positions: CDL drivers, warehouse workers, dock workers
Pay Range: $45,000-$70,000/year (drivers)
Details: Large carrier that considers drivers with criminal backgrounds over 7 years old. Offers paid CDL training.
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KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION (Birmingham, Mobile)
Industry: Trucking
Positions: OTR drivers, regional drivers
Pay Range: $50,000-$70,000/year
Details: Reviews applications individually with focus on driving record. Provides mentorship program for new drivers.
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COMPASS GROUP (Statewide)
Industry: Food service management
Positions: Cooks, servers, dishwashers, managers
Pay Range: $11-$18/hour
Details: Provides food services to hospitals, schools, and businesses. Individual locations have hiring autonomy with generally flexible policies.
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SODEXO (Statewide)
Industry: Facilities management and food service
Positions: Food service workers, custodians, grounds maintenance
Pay Range: $11-$16/hour
Details: International company with second-chance hiring initiatives at Alabama locations serving universities and healthcare facilities.
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ALABAMA FARMERS COOPERATIVE (Decatur)
Industry: Agriculture and fertilizer
Positions: Warehouse workers, production workers, CDL drivers
Pay Range: $14-$22/hour
Details: Agricultural cooperative with community focus and history of providing second chances to local workers.
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DRUMMOND COMPANY (Birmingham area)
Industry: Coal mining and transportation
Positions: Equipment operators, truck drivers, maintenance
Pay Range: $18-$32/hour
Details: Mining company with case-by-case review of criminal backgrounds. Positions require physical ability and safety consciousness.
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FELON-FRIENDLY JOBS BY MAJOR ALABAMA CITY
BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham's diverse economy provides the most job opportunities for individuals with criminal records in Alabama. The state's largest city offers positions across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare support, and service industries.
1. Amazon Fulfillment Center (Bessemer): Warehouse associates starting at $16-$18/hour with full benefits and tuition assistance programs.
2. Regions Financial Corporation: While corporate positions require extensive background checks, facilities maintenance and food service roles may be accessible with older convictions.
3. Alabama Power: Utility vegetation management and construction support positions available through contractors who hire individuals with criminal backgrounds.
4. U.S. Steel Fairfield Works: Production and maintenance positions paying $18-$30/hour with union representation and excellent benefits.
5. Local Staffing Agencies: Express Employment Professionals, PeopleReady, and Aerotek all maintain Birmingham offices with felon-friendly placement services.
MOBILE
Mobile's economy centers on the port, shipbuilding, and aerospace manufacturing, creating unique high-paying opportunities for those willing to learn skilled trades.
1. Austal USA: Shipbuilding positions from entry-level laborers ($18/hour) to skilled tradespeople ($25-$35/hour) with comprehensive apprenticeship programs.
2. BAE Systems Ship Repair: Marine trades and support positions with on-the-job training for motivated candidates.
3. Amazon Fulfillment Center: Mobile's warehouse facility maintains similar hiring practices and pay ($16-$18/hour) as other Alabama locations.
4. Alabama State Docks: Longshoremen, equipment operators, and support positions through the International Longshoremen's Association (union jobs with excellent pay).
5. Airbus Final Assembly Line: While this aerospace facility has stricter background requirements, some support and facilities positions may be accessible.
HUNTSVILLE
Huntsville's aerospace and defense economy presents both opportunities and challenges. While many positions require security clearances that exclude felony convictions, the city's rapid growth has created demand for support services, construction, and logistics workers.
1. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing: Automotive assembly plant hiring production workers at $18-$22/hour with potential for advancement.
2. Amazon Fulfillment Center: Warehouse and sortation positions with standard Amazon pay and benefits structure.
3. Construction Companies: Huntsville's building boom creates demand for laborers, equipment operators, and skilled trades workers through various contractors.
4. Restaurant Chains: Rapid growth in hospitality sector provides numerous food service opportunities at $11-$14/hour.
5. Staffing Solutions: Multiple agencies including Aerotek and Kelly Services place workers with criminal backgrounds in manufacturing and warehouse positions.
MONTGOMERY
As Alabama's capital city, Montgomery offers government support services, manufacturing, and logistics opportunities.
1. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing: Automotive assembly plant periodically hiring production workers at $17-$21/hour, though background requirements vary.
2. Walmart Distribution Center: Large DC facility with standard Walmart distribution pay ($16-$19/hour) and hiring practices.
3. Maxwell Air Force Base Contractors: Food service, landscaping, and custodial positions through service contractors may be accessible depending on conviction.
4. Retail Opportunities: Montgomery's retail sector includes numerous felon-friendly options like Goodwill, dollar stores, and fast-food franchises.
5. Regional Transportation Companies: Trucking and logistics companies serving Montgomery frequently hire CDL drivers with criminal backgrounds.
TUSCALOOSA
Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa's economy blends education, manufacturing, and service industries.
1. Hunt Refining Company: Oil refinery positions from laborers to skilled operators paying $18-$35/hour with training provided.
2. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International: While challenging to access with a record, some contractor and support positions may be available.
3. University of Alabama Contractors: Food service (Compass Group, Sodexo) and facilities maintenance contractors provide numerous entry-level opportunities.
4. Phifer Incorporated: Wire mesh manufacturing facility that has historically hired individuals with criminal records for production positions.
5. Distribution Centers: Several regional distribution facilities serve West Alabama with warehouse and forklift positions at $14-$17/hour.
HIGHEST-PAYING JOBS FOR FELONS IN ALABAMA
While entry-level positions help you get back on your feet, Alabama offers pathways to genuinely middle-class earnings for individuals with criminal records willing to develop skills.
CDL TRUCKING ($50,000-$70,000/year)
Commercial truck driving represents the single best opportunity for individuals with non-violent felony convictions to earn $50,000+ annually within months of starting. Alabama-based carriers including Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, and Knight Transportation all operate second-chance programs.
Most companies require felony convictions to be at least 5-7 years old and will review your criminal history individually. Your driving record matters more than your criminal record for most carriers. Many offer paid CDL training programs where you can earn your license while getting paid, then commit to driving for that company for 1-2 years.
Regional routes keep you closer to home while still earning $50,000-$60,000, while over-the-road positions can reach $65,000-$70,000 for experienced drivers. Owner-operator opportunities can exceed $100,000 for motivated individuals willing to manage their own business.
SKILLED TRADES ($40,000-$65,000/year)
Alabama's shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing sectors desperately need skilled tradespeople. Welders, electricians, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians can earn $20-$32/hour ($40,000-$65,000/year) once certified.
Austal USA and BAE Systems both offer apprenticeship programs where you earn while learning. Community colleges throughout Alabama provide welding and technical training, with programs often lasting just 6-12 months. Many accept students with criminal backgrounds.
Once skilled, tradespeople often find employers far less concerned about criminal history. Your ability to read blueprints and run a quality weld matters infinitely more than a conviction from years ago.
OIL AND GAS ($45,000-$70,000/year)
Refineries and petrochemical facilities in Alabama, including Hunt Refining Company in Tuscaloosa, pay premium wages for process operators and maintenance technicians. Entry-level positions start around $18-$22/hour with extensive overtime opportunities pushing annual earnings to $45,000-$55,000.
These industrial environments conduct background checks but typically focus on safety records and ability to follow procedures. Many provide paid training and clear advancement pathways where earnings can reach $30-$35/hour within 5-10 years.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION ($35,000-$55,000/year)
Operating excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy equipment for construction or mining companies provides solid middle-class earnings. Equipment operators earn $17-$27/hour in Alabama depending on experience and equipment type.
Training programs through equipment dealers or community colleges can prepare you for operator positions within months. With Alabama's ongoing infrastructure and industrial construction, demand remains strong for qualified operators.
FORKLIFT SUPERVISOR/WAREHOUSE LEAD ($35,000-$45,000/year)
Starting as a warehouse worker or forklift operator at $15-$17/hour can lead to supervisory positions paying $17-$22/hour within 2-3 years. These roles require leadership ability and reliability rather than advanced education.
Many individuals with criminal records have found this pathway particularly accessible—start in entry-level warehouse work, prove yourself reliable, earn certifications, and advance into shift lead or supervisor roles.
ALABAMA STATE RESOURCES AND LEGAL RIGHTS
Understanding your legal rights and available resources significantly improves your employment success in Alabama.
ALABAMA REDEEMER ACT (EXPUNGEMENT LAW)
Alabama's REDEEMER Act, passed in recent years and expanded subsequently, allows individuals with certain non-violent felony convictions to petition for expungement after five years of completing their sentence, probation, and parole.
Eligible offenses include many non-violent felonies, though violent crimes, sex offenses, and certain other serious crimes remain ineligible. Successful expungement means your conviction record is sealed and you can legally state you have not been convicted when asked on job applications (with limited exceptions for law enforcement and certain licensed positions).
The process requires filing a petition with the court in the county where you were convicted, paying filing fees (typically $150-$300), and potentially attending a hearing. Many individuals successfully navigate this process without an attorney, though legal assistance can improve outcomes for complex cases.
NO STATEWIDE BAN-THE-BOX
Alabama has not enacted statewide ban-the-box legislation, meaning private employers can ask about criminal history on initial applications. However, this doesn't mean automatic rejection—many employers that ask about criminal history still evaluate candidates individually.
Federal contractors and certain state agencies may face restrictions on when they can inquire about criminal history due to federal guidelines, but most private Alabama employers face no state-law restrictions.
FEDERAL FCRA 7-YEAR RULE
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) prohibits background check companies from reporting non-conviction arrests older than seven years and limits reporting of criminal convictions to seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually.
This means if you're applying for jobs under $75,000/year and your felony conviction is over seven years old, it may not appear on background checks from commercial screening companies. However, employers conducting their own direct court record searches may still find older convictions.
WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT (WOTC)
The federal WOTC provides tax credits ($2,400-$9,600 per employee) to employers who hire individuals with felony convictions. While you shouldn't lead with this information, some job seekers have successfully mentioned WOTC to potential employers as a "bonus" for hiring them.
Staffing agencies often handle WOTC paperwork and actively recruit eligible individuals because the tax credits improve their margins. This makes staffing agencies particularly valuable resources for job seekers with criminal records.
ALABAMA CAREER CENTER SYSTEM
Alabama's public workforce system operates career centers throughout the state providing free services including job search assistance, resume help, and connections to training programs. While services vary by location, these centers can connect you with employers specifically seeking candidates with barriers to employment.
Centers in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa are generally most robust, though smaller communities also maintain career center access.
STAFFING AGENCIES THAT WORK WITH FELONS IN ALABAMA
Staffing agencies provide crucial employment access for individuals with criminal records. These agencies earn money by placing workers, creating incentive to find jobs for candidates others might overlook.
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS
Multiple Alabama offices including Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Express specializes in light industrial, warehouse, and administrative placements. They evaluate candidates individually and actively work with second-chance job seekers. Pay ranges from $12-$18/hour depending on assignment, with many temp-to-hire opportunities.
PEOPLEREADY
Locations throughout Alabama providing same-day pay opportunities for light industrial, construction, and warehouse work. PeopleReady is particularly accessible for individuals with criminal records, though pay rates ($11-$15/hour) tend toward the lower end. Excellent option for immediate income while seeking permanent employment.
AEROTEK
Offices in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile focusing on skilled trades, light industrial, and administrative positions. Aerotek works with many of Alabama's largest manufacturers and conducts individualized background assessments. Pay ranges from $14-$22/hour depending on skills and position type.
ELWOOD STAFFING
Multiple Alabama locations with strong connections to manufacturing and distribution employers. Elwood has documented second-chance hiring practices and provides pathways to permanent employment. Pay typically ranges from $13-$17/hour with benefits available for long-term assignments.
KELLY SERVICES
Birmingham, Mobile, and Huntsville offices offering industrial, office, and technical staffing. Kelly Services evaluates criminal backgrounds case-by-case and works with major Alabama employers. Pay varies widely from $12-$25/hour depending on position type and skills.
ADECCO
Locations across Alabama placing workers in manufacturing, logistics, and clerical positions. Adecco considers candidates with criminal backgrounds and offers online applications for convenience. Pay ranges from $12-$19/hour with temp-to-permanent opportunities common.
MANPOWER
Offices in major Alabama cities focusing on industrial and skilled trades placements. Manpower evaluates work history and skills alongside background checks, providing opportunities for qualified candidates with criminal records. Pay typically $13-$20/hour depending on assignment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Does Alabama have ban-the-box laws?
No, Alabama does not have statewide ban-the-box legislation requiring employers to delay criminal history questions until later in the hiring process. Private employers can ask about criminal convictions on initial applications. However, many employers still evaluate candidates individually even when they ask about criminal history upfront. Focus on companies known for second-chance hiring rather than hoping for legal protections that don't exist in Alabama.
2. What disqualifies you from getting a job in Alabama?
No single factor automatically disqualifies you from all Alabama employment. However, violent felonies, sex offenses, and recent convictions (within 3-5 years) present the most significant barriers. Positions requiring professional licenses (nursing, teaching, etc.), security clearances, or direct financial responsibility face stricter restrictions. Honesty about your conviction and demonstrating rehabilitation significantly improve your chances across most industries.
3. How much do felon-friendly jobs pay in Alabama?
Entry-level positions (warehouse, food service, retail) pay $10-$18/hour ($20,000-$37,000 annually). CDL truck driving positions pay $50,000-$70,000/year. Skilled trades (welding, electrical, plumbing) pay $18-$32/hour ($37,000-$65,000 annually) once certified. Forklift operators and warehouse leads earn $15-$22/hour ($31,000-$45,000 annually). Manufacturing and shipbuilding production workers earn $15-$25/hour ($31,000-$52,000 annually) depending on experience and position.
4. Can I get my felony expunged in Alabama?
Yes, under Alabama's REDEEMER Act, many non-violent felonies can be expunged five years after completing your sentence, probation, and parole. Violent crimes, sex offenses, and certain other serious offenses remain ineligible. The process requires filing a petition with the court where you were convicted and paying filing fees. Successful expungement seals your record, allowing you to legally state you haven't been convicted in most situations.
5. Will Amazon hire felons in Alabama?
Yes, Amazon conducts individualized assessments of criminal backgrounds rather than implementing blanket bans. Alabama fulfillment centers in Birmingham, Bessemer, and Mobile regularly hire individuals with felony convictions. Factors including time since conviction, nature of the offense, and job duties influence decisions. Starting pay ranges from $16-$18/hour with full benefits from day one.
6. What companies hire felons in Mobile, Alabama?
Major Mobile employers hiring individuals with criminal records include Austal USA (shipbuilding, $18-$35/hour), BAE Systems (ship repair, $17-$32/hour), Amazon (fulfillment, $16-$18/hour), Alabama State Docks (longshoremen, $20-$35/hour), and numerous staffing agencies. Mobile's port and shipbuilding economy creates unique opportunities for skilled trades workers regardless of criminal history.
7. Do trucking companies hire felons in Alabama?
Yes, many trucking companies including Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Knight Transportation, and regional carriers hire drivers with felony convictions. Most require convictions to be at least 5-7 years old and evaluate applications individually. Your driving record typically matters more than your criminal record. Many companies offer paid CDL training with earnings potential of $50,000-$70,000/year.
8. Can felons work at Walmart in Alabama?
Yes, Walmart evaluates job applications individually and employs thousands of people with criminal records across Alabama. Both retail stores and distribution centers consider candidates with felonies based on time since conviction, offense type, and position requirements. Distribution center positions typically pay $16-$19/hour, while retail positions start at $13-$15/hour.
9. What jobs can't felons get in Alabama?
Alabama law restricts employment for individuals with felony convictions in certain licensed professions including nursing (with some exceptions), law enforcement, K-12 teaching, childcare (for certain offenses), and positions requiring state professional licenses on a case-by-case basis. Federal law prohibits firearm-related employment for convicted felons. Security-clearance positions for defense contractors exclude most felony convictions. However, the vast majority of private-sector jobs remain accessible.
10. How long until a felony doesn't show up on a background check in Alabama?
Under federal FCRA rules, background check companies cannot report non-conviction arrests older than seven years and must limit conviction reporting to seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually. However, employers conducting direct court record searches or filling positions paying over $75,000 can discover older convictions. Alabama's REDEEMER Act allows expungement of eligible convictions after five years, completely sealing the record.
YOUR NEXT STEPS TO EMPLOYMENT IN ALABAMA
Taking action immediately dramatically improves your employment success. Follow this proven five-step process to land a felon-friendly job in Alabama.
STEP 1: ORGANIZE YOUR DOCUMENTS (TODAY)
Gather your Social Security card, driver's license or state ID, birth certificate, and any certifications or training documents. Many employers can't move forward without these basic documents. If you're missing any, prioritize obtaining them this week. Alabama driver's licenses can be obtained at any DMV location, and Social Security card replacements can be requested online at ssa.gov.
STEP 2: REGISTER WITH THREE STAFFING AGENCIES (THIS WEEK)
Visit Express Employment Professionals, PeopleReady, and one other staffing agency in your city. Complete applications and make yourself available immediately. Staffing agencies provide the fastest path to income and many temp assignments become permanent jobs. Visit your assigned agencies weekly to maintain visibility and demonstrate interest.
STEP 3: APPLY TO 10-15 EMPLOYERS DIRECTLY (THIS WEEK)
Target the companies listed in this guide based on your location. Submit applications to Amazon, Walmart, local shipbuilders (if in Mobile), trucking companies (if interested in CDL work), and food service or retail chains. Apply during early morning hours (3am-6am) when possible to ensure hiring managers see your application first thing.
STEP 4: DEVELOP A SKILL (THIS MONTH)
Research CDL training programs, welding courses at community colleges, or forklift certification classes. Alabama's career centers often provide free or subsidized training. One marketable skill dramatically improves both your employment options and earning potential. Community colleges in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa all offer short-term technical training programs.
STEP 5: CONSIDER EXPUNGEMENT (IF ELIGIBLE)
If your conviction is over five years old and non-violent, research eligibility for expungement under Alabama's REDEEMER Act. Even if you find employment first, clearing your record expands future opportunities and provides peace of mind. The process takes 3-6 months but permanently improves your situation.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Alabama Department of Labor Career Centers: labor.alabama.gov/careers
Alabama REDEEMER Act Information: ago.alabama.gov
Alabama Community College System: accs.edu (workforce training programs)
Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice: alabamaappleseed.org (reentry resources)
Legal Services Alabama: legalservicesalabama.org (free legal assistance)
National H.I.R.E. Network: hirenetwork.org (criminal record employment law)
DISCLAIMERS
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities and legal rights for individuals with criminal records in Alabama. Information is current as of November 2025 but is subject to change. Hiring policies vary by company, location, and time. Always verify current practices directly with employers before applying.
This guide does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Eligibility for expungement, employment restrictions, and other legal matters depend on individual circumstances including specific charges, timing, and jurisdiction.
Product purchases (Resume Kit, Expungement Guide) are digital downloads with 30-day money-back guarantees. Free newsletter subscription can be canceled anytime. We do not share your information with third parties.
Employment outcomes vary based on numerous factors including offense type, time since conviction, job market conditions, individual qualifications, and application strategy. This guide cannot guarantee employment results.
Fair use disclaimer: Company names and trademarks are referenced for informational purposes only. No endorsement or affiliation is implied. Information about company hiring practices is based on publicly available data, user reports, and general industry knowledge.
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.