Felon Friendly Jobs in Alaska
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Alaska offers unique second-chance employment opportunities, particularly in fishing, oil & gas, tourism, and logistics industries. Major employers like Trident Seafoods, Alaska Airlines, Fred Meyer, and numerous fishing processors actively hire individuals with criminal records. Alaska has no statewide ban-the-box law, but federal FCRA rules limit background checks to seven years for most positions. With starting wages ranging from $15-$22/hour for entry-level positions (often with room and board included in fishing/tourism) and $60,000-$100,000+ annually for oil field workers and experienced fishermen, Alaska provides high-earning pathways despite a higher cost of living.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO ALASKA’S SECOND-CHANCE JOB MARKET
Alaska’s job market presents extraordinary opportunities for individuals with criminal records willing to work in challenging conditions and unique industries. The Last Frontier’s economy revolves around natural resources—commercial fishing, oil and gas extraction, mining, and tourism—creating thousands of positions where work ethic and physical capability matter far more than criminal history.
Alaska’s remote geography and small population (just 730,000 people) create persistent labor shortages, particularly in seasonal industries. Commercial fishing processors in Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Bristol Bay struggle to find enough workers each season, offering jobs to nearly anyone willing to work long hours in tough conditions. Oil field service companies on the North Slope pay premium wages for laborers, equipment operators, and tradespeople. Tourism operators in Southeast Alaska and Denali desperately need seasonal workers from May through September.
Unlike many states, Alaska’s criminal justice system allows for set-aside of convictions after successful completion of sentence, which provides relief similar to expungement for employment purposes. While Alaska has no statewide ban-the-box legislation, the state’s labor shortage means employers often focus on current capability rather than past convictions. The Permanent Fund Dividend—Alaska’s annual payment to residents from oil revenues—provides an additional financial cushion unavailable in other states.
Alaska’s unique characteristics include extremely high wages to offset the cost of living, opportunities for room-and-board employment that eliminates housing costs, and industries where criminal background matters less than work ethic and reliability. For individuals seeking genuine second chances and willing to embrace adventure, Alaska offers opportunities found nowhere else in America.
ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS THAT HIRE FELONS IN ALASKA
Alaska’s entry-level job market differs dramatically from the Lower 48, offering unique opportunities with room and board included, seasonal work with massive earning potential, and positions in industries that prioritize ability over background.
COMMERCIAL FISHING & SEAFOOD PROCESSING
Trident Seafoods
operates processing facilities in multiple Alaska locations including Akutan, Naknek, and Kodiak. Seafood processors earn $15-$18/hour with overtime often doubling take-home pay. Room and board are provided, eliminating housing costs. Trident evaluates applicants individually and welcomes workers with criminal backgrounds for processor positions. Work is physically demanding with 12-16 hour shifts during peak season, but motivated workers can earn $15,000-$25,000 in a 3-4 month season.
Ocean Beauty Seafoods
hires processors throughout Alaska with similar pay and conditions. Criminal background checks are conducted but rarely disqualify candidates for processor positions. Housing and meals provided.
Peter Pan Seafoods
operates facilities across Alaska hiring processors seasonally. Starting pay $15-$17/hour plus overtime, room, and board. Physical work in cold, wet conditions, but excellent opportunity to earn significant money while having housing provided.
Fishing vessel crew positions
on commercial fishing boats offer the highest earning potential. Deckhands can earn $20,000-$60,000 in a few months depending on catch and boat size. Criminal history rarely matters to boat captains focused on crew who can work hard in dangerous conditions. No experience required for greenhorn positions, though work is grueling and dangerous.
WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS
Amazon
operates a fulfillment center in Anchorage with warehouse associate positions starting at $18-$20/hour—significantly higher than the Lower 48 due to Alaska’s cost of living. Amazon conducts background checks but evaluates applications individually. Full benefits from day one.
Alaska Commercial Company
operates stores throughout rural Alaska and needs warehouse workers, stockers, and delivery drivers in Anchorage and regional hubs. Pay starts at $16-$19/hour with opportunities for advancement. AC considers applicants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis.
Carlile Transportation
needs freight handlers and warehouse workers at their Anchorage and Fairbanks facilities. Starting pay $17-$20/hour with frequent overtime. Carlile focuses on reliability and work ethic rather than criminal history for many positions.
RETAIL & FOOD SERVICE
Fred Meyer (Kroger subsidiary)
operates multiple Alaska locations with starting pay of $15-$17/hour for retail associates and cashiers. Fred Meyer evaluates criminal backgrounds individually and employs many individuals with felony convictions.
Walmart
stores in Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan hire cashiers, stockers, and backroom associates starting at $16-$18/hour. Case-by-case background evaluation.
Fast food chains
including McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway, and local restaurants throughout Alaska pay $14-$16/hour for entry-level positions—higher than most states. Many franchise owners prioritize availability over criminal history, especially in remote communities with limited applicant pools.
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY (SEASONAL)
Princess Cruises and Holland America
hire hundreds of seasonal workers for their Alaska land operations including hotels, lodges, and tour services. Positions include housekeeping, food service, and guest services starting at $15-$18/hour plus tips. Room and board provided. Background checks conducted but many positions accessible to individuals with non-violent convictions.
Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
near Denali hires seasonal workers with housing provided. Criminal background often less important than availability for the full May-September season.
Fishing lodges and wilderness lodges
throughout Alaska hire cooks, cleaners, and maintenance workers. Many lodge owners prioritize reliability over background, especially in remote locations where finding workers is challenging.
TOP 20 FELON-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERS IN ALASKA
These Alaska-based or Alaska-operating companies have documented histories of hiring individuals with criminal records.
1. TRIDENT SEAFOODS (Statewide)
Industry: Seafood processing
Positions: Processors, mechanics, forklift operators
Pay Range: $15-$25/hour + room & board
America’s largest seafood company operates facilities across Alaska.
Trident welcomes workers with criminal backgrounds for processing positions and provides free housing and meals. Seasonal work with massive overtime potential.
LEARN MORE
2. ALASKA AIRLINES (Anchorage, statewide)
Industry: Aviation
Positions: Ramp agents, customer service, fleet service
Pay Range: $17-$24/hour
Alaska’s flagship carrier evaluates criminal backgrounds case-by-case and employs individuals with felony convictions in various ground operations positions. Union jobs with excellent benefits.
LEARN MORE
3. FRED MEYER (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla)
Industry: Retail
Positions: Cashiers, stockers, department clerks
Pay Range: $15-$19/hour
Kroger-owned retailer with strong presence in Alaska. Individualized background review and documented second-chance hiring practices.
LEARN MORE
4. ALASKA COMMERCIAL COMPANY (Statewide)
Industry: Retail/logistics
Positions: Store clerks, warehouse workers, delivery drivers
Pay Range: $16-$22/hour
Operates stores throughout rural Alaska. Case-by-case background evaluation with focus on reliability for remote positions.
LEARN MORE
5. CARLILE TRANSPORTATION (Anchorage, Fairbanks)
Industry: Freight/logistics
Positions: Freight handlers, drivers, warehouse workers
Pay Range: $17-$28/hour
Major Alaska freight carrier. CDL positions available for those with clean driving records. Warehouse and handling positions accessible to individuals with criminal backgrounds.
LEARN MORE
6. BP ALASKA/HILCORP (North Slope)
Industry: Oil & gas
Positions: Laborers, equipment operators, maintenance
Pay Range: $25-$45/hour + per diem
Oil field positions on Alaska’s North Slope. Some positions require background checks that exclude certain convictions, but many laborer and operator positions accessible. Rotation schedules (2 weeks on/2 weeks off) and high wages.
LEARN MORE
7. OCEAN BEAUTY SEAFOODS (Statewide)
Industry: Seafood processing
Positions: Processors, mechanics, quality control
Pay Range: $15-$22/hour + room & board
Major seafood processor hiring seasonally throughout Alaska. Minimal background restrictions for processing positions.
LEARN MORE
8. HOLLAND AMERICA LINE (Southeast Alaska, Denali area)
Industry: Tourism/hospitality
Positions: Housekeeping, food service, guest services
Pay Range: $15-$20/hour + room & board
Seasonal tourism operator with land-based positions throughout Alaska. Many positions accessible to individuals with non-violent criminal backgrounds.
LEARN MORE
9. WALMART (Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan)
Industry: Retail
Positions: Cashiers, stockers, maintenance, backroom
Pay Range: $16-$20/hour
Multiple Alaska locations with case-by-case background evaluation. Distribution center in Anchorage offers higher wages ($18-$22/hour).
10. SAFEWAY/CARRS (Anchorage area, statewide)
Industry: Grocery retail
Positions: Cashiers, deli workers, stockers, bakers
Pay Range: $15-$19/hour
Major grocery chain throughout Alaska. Union jobs with individualized background review.
LEARN MORE
11. TESORO/MARATHON (Anchorage, Fairbanks, statewide)
Industry: Fuel distribution/retail
Positions: Station attendants, truck drivers, maintenance
Pay Range: $16-$26/hour
Operates gas stations and distribution throughout Alaska. Entry-level positions often accessible to individuals with criminal backgrounds.
LEARN MORE
12. AMAZON (Anchorage)
Industry: E-commerce fulfillment
Positions: Warehouse associates, sortation
Pay Range: $18-$22/hour
Anchorage fulfillment center with higher starting pay than Lower 48. Individualized background review.
13. GCI (Anchorage, statewide)
Industry: Telecommunications
Positions: Installation technicians, customer service, retail
Pay Range: $16-$24/hour
Alaska’s largest telecom provider. Some positions accessible to individuals with criminal backgrounds, particularly installation and field service roles.
LEARN MORE
14. ALASKA USA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (Statewide)
Industry: Financial services
Positions: Member service, operations, facilities
Pay Range: $16-$22/hour
While most financial positions require clean backgrounds, facilities maintenance, and some operational roles may be accessible depending on conviction type and age.
LEARN MORE
15. NORTHRIM BANK (Anchorage, statewide)
Industry: Banking
Positions: Facilities, maintenance, operations support
Pay Range: $16-$20/hour
Similar to credit unions, support positions may be accessible while customer-facing financial roles have stricter requirements.
LEARN MORE
16. LYNDEN (Anchorage, statewide)
Industry: Transportation/logistics
Positions: Freight handlers, mechanics, drivers
Pay Range: $18-$30/hour
Alaska logistics company with extensive operations. Warehouse and mechanical positions often accessible to individuals with criminal backgrounds.
LEARN MORE
17. PETRO MARINE SERVICES (Anchorage)
Industry: Fuel distribution
Positions: Dock workers, truck drivers, equipment operators
Pay Range: $20-$32/hour
Marine fuel distribution company. Physical work with good pay. Some positions accessible depending on conviction type.
LEARN MORE
18. ARCTIC SLOPE REGIONAL CORPORATION (North Slope, statewide)
Industry: Support services for oil & gas
Positions: Janitors, food service, laborers
Pay Range: $18-$28/hour + per diem
Native corporation providing support services on North Slope. Many entry-level positions accessible to individuals with criminal backgrounds. Rotation work schedule.
LEARN MORE
19. DENA’INA CIVIC & CONVENTION CENTER (Anchorage)
Industry: Event services
Positions: Event staff, maintenance, food service
Pay Range: $15-$19/hour
Convention center with part-time and full-time positions. Background requirements vary by position.
LEARN MORE
20. HOLLAND AMERICA/PRINCESS CRUISES DOCK OPERATIONS (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway)
Industry: Maritime support
Positions: Dock workers, passenger services, maintenance
Pay Range: $16-$22/hour
Seasonal positions supporting cruise operations. Many positions accessible to individuals with non-violent criminal backgrounds.
LEARN MORE
FELON-FRIENDLY JOBS BY MAJOR ALASKA CITY
ANCHORAGE
Anchorage contains 40% of Alaska’s population and offers the most diverse job opportunities for individuals with criminal records.
Amazon Fulfillment Center: Warehouse associates at $18-$20/hour with full benefits and individualized background review.
Fred Meyer (Multiple locations): Retail positions at $15-$17/hour with case-by-case evaluation of criminal backgrounds.
Carlile Transportation: Freight handling and warehouse positions at $17-$20/hour with frequent overtime opportunities.
Alaska Airlines: Ramp agent and customer service positions at $17-$22/hour. Union jobs with good benefits.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport contractors: Food service, janitorial, and ground support positions through various contractors at $15-$19/hour.
FAIRBANKS
Alaska’s second-largest city offers opportunities in military support, mining support, and traditional retail/service.
Fred Meyer: Retail and warehouse positions at $15-$18/hour with individualized background review.
Walmart: Cashier, stocking, and backroom positions at $16-$18/hour with case-by-case evaluation.
Fort Wainwright/Eielson AFB contractors: Food service, janitorial, and base support positions through contractors at $16-$22/hour. Background requirements vary by contract.
Mining support companies: Equipment maintenance, warehouse, and logistics positions supporting area mines at $18-$25/hour during summer season.
Carlile Transportation: Freight operations at Fairbanks hub at $17-$20/hour.
JUNEAU
Alaska’s capital city offers state government support services, tourism, and fishing industry opportunities.
State of Alaska contractors: Facilities maintenance, food service, and support services at $16-$22/hour. Some state positions available depending on conviction type and age.
Walmart: Retail positions at $16-$18/hour with case-by-case background evaluation.
Cruise ship support services: Seasonal positions May-September supporting cruise operations at $15-$20/hour.
Taku Smokeries and local seafood processors: Processing and packaging positions at $15-$18/hour.
Fred Meyer: Retail and deli positions at $15-$17/hour.
WASILLA/PALMER (Mat-Su Valley)
Fast-growing area north of Anchorage with retail, logistics, and service opportunities.
Fred Meyer (Wasilla): Retail positions at $15-$17/hour with second-chance hiring practices.
Walmart (Wasilla): Various retail positions at $16-$18/hour with individualized review.
Alaska Commercial Company: Distribution center and retail support at $16-$19/hour.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough contractors: Seasonal labor, road maintenance support, facilities work at $16-$20/hour.
Local construction companies: Summer construction labor at $18-$25/hour. Many contractors focus on reliability over criminal history.
KODIAK
Island community with fishing-dependent economy offering unique opportunities.
Trident Seafoods: Processing positions at $15-$18/hour with room and board included. Minimal background restrictions.
Ocean Beauty Seafoods: Similar processing opportunities with housing provided.
Fishing vessel crew: Opportunities on commercial fishing boats with earnings of $20,000-$60,000 per season.
Safeway: Retail positions at $15-$17/hour.
Island contractors: Construction, maintenance, and general labor at $20-$28/hour during summer season.
HIGHEST-PAYING JOBS FOR FELONS IN ALASKA
Alaska offers some of America’s highest wages for blue-collar workers, with opportunities to earn six figures in industries that prioritize capability over criminal history.
NORTH SLOPE OIL FIELD WORK ($60,000-$120,000/year)
Oil field positions on Alaska’s North Slope offer extraordinary earning potential for individuals with criminal records. Entry-level laborers earn $25-$30/hour with extensive overtime and per diem allowances, resulting in annual earnings of $60,000-$80,000. Equipment operators, mechanics, and skilled trades workers earn $35-$50/hour ($80,000-$120,000 annually).
Work schedules typically run 2 weeks on/2 weeks off (12-hour shifts), with housing, meals, and transportation provided during rotation. While some positions require background checks that exclude certain convictions, many entry-level and skilled labor positions focus more on capability and safety consciousness than criminal history.
Companies like Hilcorp, BP contractors (Nabors, Doyon, ASRC Energy Services), and various service companies constantly need workers willing to work in harsh conditions. The combination of high wages, included housing/meals, and time off makes North Slope work ideal for building savings quickly.
COMMERCIAL FISHING ($30,000-$100,000+ per season)
Commercial fishing offers the highest variable earning potential in Alaska. Processors working in canneries earn $15-$18/hour but with 70-90 hour work weeks during peak season, total earnings of $15,000-$25,000 in 3-4 months are common—all while room and board are provided.
Fishing vessel deckhands on salmon, crab, or longliner boats can earn $20,000-$60,000 in a few months, with top deckhands on successful boats earning $80,000-$100,000+ annually. Boat captains typically care more about work ethic and reliability than criminal history. This is genuinely dangerous work—Alaska accounts for the highest rate of commercial fishing deaths in America—but offers earning potential found nowhere else for individuals without college degrees or professional licenses.
Entry typically requires working as a “greenhorn” (inexperienced deckhand) to prove yourself before advancing to better positions and boats. Criminal background rarely matters to captains focused on crew who can work 18-hour days in dangerous conditions.
CDL TRUCKING ($55,000-$85,000/year)
Alaska truck drivers earn significantly more than Lower 48 counterparts due to challenging road conditions and cost of living. Carlile, Lynden, and other freight carriers pay CDL drivers $55,000-$75,000 for local/regional routes, with ice road truckers and Haul Road drivers earning $70,000-$85,000+.
Most companies require convictions to be 5-7 years old and evaluate applications individually. Your driving record matters more than criminal record. Alaska’s perpetual driver shortage means companies actively recruit drivers, including those with criminal backgrounds who demonstrate safe driving.
SKILLED TRADES ($50,000-$90,000/year)
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders earn premium wages in Alaska. Journeyman tradespeople earn $35-$50/hour ($70,000-$100,000 annually), with apprentices starting at $20-$28/hour ($40,000-$58,000). Alaska’s construction season creates intense demand for skilled workers from May through October.
Many trades workers find employers less concerned about criminal history than capability. Union apprenticeship programs (IBEW, Plumbers & Pipefitters UA Local 367) provide training while earning. Some programs accept applicants with criminal records depending on conviction type and demonstration of rehabilitation.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION ($45,000-$75,000/year)
Operating bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment pays $25-$40/hour in Alaska. Summer construction season creates huge demand, with operators working 60-70 hour weeks earning $60,000-$75,000 in 6-7 months of work.
Equipment rental companies and construction contractors often prioritize experience and safety record over criminal background. Training programs through community colleges and equipment dealers can prepare you for certification within months.
ALASKA STATE RESOURCES AND LEGAL RIGHTS
ALASKA SET-ASIDE OF CONVICTION
Alaska offers set-aside relief for many convictions, which prevents the conviction from appearing on most background checks and allows you to legally state you have not been convicted. Unlike expungement in other states, set-aside in Alaska doesn’t seal the record but provides similar practical relief for employment purposes.
Eligibility generally requires completing all sentence terms including probation and waiting periods that vary by offense severity. For many misdemeanors, you can petition immediately after completion. For felonies, waiting periods of 3-10 years apply depending on the offense class.
The Alaska Court System website provides petition forms and instructions. Many individuals successfully navigate the process without an attorney, though legal assistance can help with complex situations.
NO STATEWIDE BAN-THE-BOX
Alaska has not enacted ban-the-box legislation for private employers, meaning companies can ask about criminal history on initial applications. However, Alaska’s labor shortage means many employers evaluate candidates individually rather than automatically disqualifying those with criminal records.
FEDERAL FCRA 7-YEAR RULE
The Fair Credit Reporting Act limits background check companies from reporting non-conviction arrests older than seven years and restricts reporting of most convictions to seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually.
For Alaska’s high-wage positions (many paying $50,000-$75,000), this means convictions over seven years old often won’t appear on standard background checks. However, positions paying over $75,000 or employers conducting 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 hiring individuals with felony convictions. Alaska’s labor-hungry employers may be particularly receptive to WOTC benefits, though job seekers should let employers discover this benefit rather than leading with it.
ALASKA PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND
All Alaska residents receive an annual Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) from oil revenues—typically $1,000-$2,000 per person depending on the fund’s performance.
This provides a unique financial cushion unavailable in other states. To qualify, you must maintain Alaska residency and intend to remain indefinitely.
For individuals rebuilding after incarceration, the PFD provides helpful supplemental income. Combined with room-and-board employment, Alaska offers unique financial advantages.
ALASKA JOB CENTER NETWORK
Alaska’s public workforce system operates job centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Kenai, and other communities. These centers provide free job search assistance, resume help, and connections to training programs. Services quality varies by location, with Anchorage and Fairbanks offering the most comprehensive resources.
STAFFING AGENCIES THAT WORK WITH FELONS IN ALASKA
Alaska’s staffing agencies play a crucial role in connecting workers with criminal records to employers, particularly in seasonal industries and oil field support.
AEROTEK (Anchorage)
Focuses on skilled trades, light industrial, and technical placements. Aerotek evaluates criminal backgrounds individually and has placed many workers with felony convictions in Alaska positions. Pay ranges from $16-$35/hour depending on skills and position type.
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS (Anchorage, Fairbanks)
Specializes in light industrial, warehouse, and administrative placements. Express actively works with second-chance job seekers and evaluates candidates individually. Pay typically $15-$22/hour with many temp-to-hire opportunities.
ALASKA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (Anchorage)
Places workers in administrative, light industrial, and support services roles throughout southcentral Alaska. Conducts individualized background assessments. Pay ranges from $15-$24/hour.
RIG STAFFING (Anchorage)
Specializes in placing workers for North Slope oil field positions. While some positions require strict background checks, many entry-level field positions focus more on capability and willingness to work in harsh conditions. Pay ranges from $20-$40/hour with extensive overtime.
INSIGHT GLOBAL (Anchorage)
Focuses on professional, technical, and administrative staffing. Some positions accessible to individuals with older non-violent convictions. Pay varies widely from $18-$35/hour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Does Alaska have ban-the-box laws?
No, Alaska does not have statewide ban-the-box legislation for private employers. Companies can ask about criminal history on initial job applications. However, Alaska’s severe labor shortage means many employers evaluate candidates individually rather than implementing blanket bans on hiring people with criminal records. Focus on industries known for second-chance hiring—fishing, oil field support, tourism, and logistics—rather than relying on legal protections.
2. What disqualifies you from getting a job in Alaska?
No single factor automatically disqualifies you from all Alaska employment. However, violent felonies, sex offenses, and recent convictions (within 3-5 years) present the most significant barriers. Positions requiring professional licenses, security clearances, or working with vulnerable populations face stricter restrictions. Alaska’s labor shortage means employers often overlook criminal history for physically demanding positions in fishing, construction, and oil field work. Honesty and demonstrating rehabilitation significantly improve your chances.
3. How much do felon-friendly jobs pay in Alaska?
Entry-level positions pay $15-$22/hour ($31,000-$46,000 annually), but Alaska’s key advantage is room-and-board opportunities. Seafood processors earn $15-$18/hour with free housing and meals, allowing you to save nearly your entire paycheck. CDL truck drivers earn $55,000-$85,000/year. North Slope oil field workers earn $60,000-$120,000/year with housing and meals provided during rotations. Commercial fishing offers $30,000-$100,000+ seasonally. Skilled trades pay $50,000-$90,000/year. Alaska’s wages are 20-40% higher than Lower 48 states to offset the cost of living.
4. Can I get my felony set aside in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska offers set-aside relief for many convictions, which prevents convictions from appearing on most background checks and allows you to legally state you haven’t been convicted for most purposes. Eligibility requires completing all sentence terms and waiting periods: immediate for many misdemeanors, 3-10 years for felonies depending on offense class. Violent crimes and sex offenses face longer waiting periods or may be ineligible. The Alaska Court System provides petition forms online. Many people successfully navigate the process without an attorney.
5. Will Alaska Airlines hire felons?
Yes, Alaska Airlines evaluates job applications individually and employs people with felony convictions in various ground operations positions including ramp agents, fleet service, and some customer service roles. Factors including time since conviction, nature of offense, and job duties influence decisions. Aviation security positions face stricter restrictions. Starting pay ranges from $17-$24/hour with union benefits. Alaska Airlines is Alaska’s largest private employer and known for second-chance hiring in appropriate positions.
6. What are the best paying jobs for felons in Alaska?
North Slope oil field work pays $60,000-$120,000/year for laborers, operators, and tradespeople with housing and meals provided during rotations. Commercial fishing offers $30,000-$100,000+ seasonally depending on vessel and position. CDL trucking pays $55,000-$85,000/year. Skilled trades (welding, electrical, plumbing) pay $50,000-$90,000/year. Seafood processing with room and board allows saving $25,000-$35,000 in 4-6 months despite modest hourly pay. Heavy equipment operators earn $45,000-$75,000/year during construction season.
7. Do fishing companies in Alaska hire felons?
Yes, virtually all Alaska seafood processing companies hire individuals with criminal records for processor positions. Companies like Trident Seafoods, Ocean Beauty, and Peter Pan focus on work ethic and reliability rather than criminal history. Processors earn $15-$18/hour with extensive overtime, free room and board, and can save $15,000-$25,000 in a 3-4 month season. Fishing vessel positions for crew also typically prioritize capability over background, with deckhands earning $20,000-$60,000 seasonally. This is physically demanding work in harsh conditions but offers genuine opportunities.
8. Can felons work on the North Slope oil fields?
Yes, many North Slope positions are accessible to individuals with criminal records. While some positions require strict background checks excluding certain convictions, many entry-level laborer, operator, and support service roles focus on capability and safety consciousness rather than criminal history. Jobs pay $25-$45/hour with extensive overtime, 2-weeks-on/2-weeks-off rotation schedules, and housing/meals provided during rotation. Annual earnings of $60,000-$100,000+ are common. Companies like Hilcorp contractors and service companies regularly hire workers with criminal backgrounds.
9. What jobs can’t felons get in Alaska?
Alaska law restricts employment for individuals with certain convictions in licensed professions including healthcare (with some exceptions for older convictions), education (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. Security-clearance positions for defense work exclude most felony convictions. However, the vast majority of Alaska’s high-paying jobs in fishing, oil & gas, construction, logistics, and tourism remain accessible to individuals with criminal records.
10. How long until a felony doesn’t show up on a background check in Alaska?
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. Since many Alaska positions pay $50,000-$75,000, convictions over seven years old often won’t appear on standard checks. However, positions paying over $75,000 or employers conducting direct court record searches can discover older convictions. Alaska’s set-aside process can remove convictions from most background checks after waiting periods of 3-10 years depending on offense.
YOUR NEXT STEPS TO EMPLOYMENT IN ALASKA
STEP 1: Research Room-and-Board Opportunities (TODAY)
Alaska’s unique advantage is room-and-board employment eliminating housing costs. Research seafood processing positions at Trident, Ocean Beauty, and Peter Pan (apply February-April for summer season). Investigate tourism lodge positions (apply January-March for May-September season). These opportunities allow maximum savings while proving your work ethic.
STEP 2: Consider Seasonal Strategy (THIS WEEK)
Many Alaska workers use seasonal employment strategy: work 4-6 months in Alaska earning $20,000-$40,000 while housing is provided, then live elsewhere the rest of the year. This maximizes earnings while avoiding Alaska’s high cost of living and long, dark winters. Research which seasonal pattern fits your situation.
STEP 3: Target Anchorage for Year-Round Work (THIS WEEK)
If seeking year-round Alaska employment, focus on Anchorage which offers the most diverse opportunities. Apply to Amazon, Fred Meyer, Alaska Airlines, Carlile Transportation, and staffing agencies. Anchorage has Alaska’s lowest cost of living (still high by national standards) and most rental housing options.
STEP 4: Register with Staffing Agencies (THIS WEEK)
Visit Aerotek, Express Employment Professionals, and Alaska Professional Services in Anchorage, or Rig Staffing if interested in North Slope work. Staffing agencies provide fastest access to employment and many understand how to place workers with criminal backgrounds. Visit weekly to maintain visibility.
STEP 5: Pursue Set-Aside If Eligible (THIS MONTH)
If your conviction is old enough to qualify for set-aside, research eligibility and begin the petition process. Even if you find employment first, clearing your record expands future opportunities. The Alaska Court System website provides forms and instructions. Consider this a long-term investment in your future.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Alaska Court System: courts.alaska.gov
Alaska Job Center Network: jobs.alaska.gov
Alaska Department of Labor: labor.alaska.gov
Alaska Legal Services: alsc-law.org (free legal assistance)
Alaska Institute for Justice: akjustice.org (reentry resources)
Alaska Workforce Investment Board: jobs.alaska.gov/awib
DISCLAIMERS
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alaska. 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.
This guide does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Eligibility for set-aside, employment restrictions, and other legal matters depend on individual circumstances.
Product purchases (Resume Kit, Set-Aside Guide) are digital downloads with 30-day money-back guarantees. Free newsletter subscription can be canceled anytime.
Employment outcomes vary based on numerous factors including offense type, time since conviction, job market conditions, individual qualifications, and application strategy.
Fair use disclaimer: Company names and trademarks are referenced for informational purposes only. No endorsement or affiliation is implied.
© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.
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.