Felon Friendly Jobs in Georgia
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Georgia leads the nation in second-chance employment with comprehensive Fair Chance Act protections, accessible expungement processes, and major employers actively hiring justice-impacted individuals. The state's $12-15 typical entry minimum wage and diverse economy—from technology and entertainment to logistics, agriculture and forestry, and manufacturing—creates opportunities across all skill levels. Entry-level positions start at $12–18/hr, while CDL drivers, skilled trades, and tech roles reach $60,000-100,000+ annually. Strong worker rights and ban-the-box laws make Georgia exceptionally favorable for rebuilding careers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Georgia
Georgia stands as the most progressive state for justice-impacted individuals seeking employment, offering unparalleled legal protections, comprehensive expungement opportunities, and a thriving economy with diverse job markets. The state's Fair Chance Act, one of the nation's strongest ban-the-box laws, prohibits employers with five or more employees from asking about criminal history until after a conditional job offer.
With the ninth-largest state economy ($700 billion GDP), opportunities span technology giants in Metro Atlanta, entertainment in Atlanta, agricultural operations in the Middle Georgia, massive logistics hubs in the South Georgia, and tourism statewide. The state's $12-15 typical entry minimum wage (2024) and higher local minimums in Savannah ($18.07), Atlanta ($12–15/hr), and Augusta ($12–15/hr) provide living wages even for entry-level work.
Georgia's expungement processes are among the nation's most accessible, with automatic conviction relief under First Offender Act, expanded eligibility under marijuana decriminalization (marijuana convictions), and First Offender Act (felony reductions). Combined with 7-year lookback limitations and prohibition on asking about sealed/expunged convictions, Georgia provides genuine pathways to fresh starts.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Georgia
Georgia's $12-15 typical entry minimum wage ensures entry-level positions provide livable income while building essential work history.
Warehouse & Fulfillment
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Facilities throughout Georgia including Macon, Columbus, Augusta, Johns Creek, Albany. Fulfillment associates: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare, 401(k), education benefits up to $5,250 annually through Career Choice. Multiple shift options with overnight differential (+$1-2/hour).
Target Distribution Centers - Woodland, Shafter, Hinesville locations. Warehouse workers: $17-20/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually. Strong internal promotion culture.
FedEx Ground - Package handlers statewide. Part-time starting $17-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement and promotion opportunities. Major facilities in Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, Augusta.
UPS - Hub workers at Georgia facilities. Starting $18-21/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits including healthcare, pension, $25,000 tuition assistance. Largest hubs in Atlanta, Savannah, Macon.
Food Service & Hospitality
Waffle House - Georgia chain. Associates: $18-25/hour with progression. Full benefits even part-time, 401(k), paid vacation, profit-sharing. Managers earn $150,000+. 350+ Georgia locations.
Chipotle - Crew members: $12–18/hr. Debt-free college through Guild Education partnership. Clear path to manager ($50,000-70,000). Quarterly bonuses and free food.
Starbucks - Baristas: $12–19/hr. Benefits at 20+ hours including healthcare, stock options, free college through ASU, free Spotify. Second-chance friendly hiring.
Hotel Chains - Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt hire housekeepers ($17-22/hour) and food service ($12–20/hr). Union positions (UNITE HERE) offer excellent wages and job security.
Retail
Costco Wholesale - Entry-level: $17-19/hour. Quick progression to $25-28/hour. Exceptional benefits, promotes from within. 130+ Georgia locations.
Target - Team members: $12–18/hr. Education assistance, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits. 300+ Georgia stores.
Home Depot - Associates: $12–19/hr. Tuition reimbursement, stock purchase, advancement programs. Second-chance friendly.
Top 20 Georgia Employers Hiring Felons
These Georgia companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Amazon (Statewide) - 50+ facilities.
Associates: $17-19/hour
Managers: $55,000-110,000
Day-one benefits. Evaluates convictions over 7 years old.
Starbucks (3,000+ GA Locations)
Baristas: $12–19/hr
Managers: $50,000-75,000
Benefits at 20+ hours including free college. Explicit fair-chance employer.
Costco Wholesale (130+ Warehouses)
Entry: $17-19/hour
Top-scale: $25-28/hour
Managers: $120,000-180,000
Industry-leading benefits. Individual assessment.
Wellstar Health System (Statewide)
Environmental services: $18-22/hour
Food services: $17-21/hour
Medical assistants: $40,000-55,000.
Fair-chance for non-clinical support. SEIU-UHW union.
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Waffle House (350+ Locations)
Associates: $18-25/hour
Managers: $150,000-180,000
Exceptional benefits. Promotes from within. Known for second-chance hiring.
Dave's Killer Bread (Georgia Distribution)
Production: $18-22/hour
Route sales: $45,000-65,000
Major bakery brand with fair-chance hiring.
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Target Corporation (300+ Stores/DCs)
Team members: $12–18/hour
Directors: $75,000-125,000
Fair-chance hiring. Education benefits, 401(k) match.
Coca-ColaCo(Statewide)
Warehouse: $18-22/hour
Route sales: $50,000-75,000
Mechanics: $60,000-85,000
Second-chance with structured evaluation.
Kroger/Publix (600+ Stores)
Clerks: $12–20/hr
Store managers: $80,000-120,000
UFCW union jobs. Individual assessment.
Goodwill Industries (165+ Stores)
Retail: $12–18/hr
Managers: $45,000-70,000
Mission-driven second-chance employer with support services.
UPS (Statewide)
Package handlers: $18-21/hour
Drivers: $80,000-100,000
Teamsters union. Promotes from within. Hubs in Atlanta, Roswell, Macon.
Waste Management (Statewide)
Drivers: $55,000-75,000
Helpers: $18-22/hour
Mechanics: $60,000-85,000
Union benefits. Case-by-case evaluation.
Republic Services (Statewide) - Similar to WM.
Drivers: $50,000-70,000
Maintenance: $55,000-80,000
CDL training available. Fair-chance hiring.
HomeGoods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls (Statewide)
Associates: $12–17/hr
Store managers: $55,000-85,000
Fast-paced retail with growth. Fair hiring.
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ABM Industries (Statewide)
Custodians: $12–19/hr
Supervisors: $45,000-65,000
Facility services. High turnover means frequent openings.
Penske Truck Leasing (Statewide)
Diesel techs: $55,000-80,000
Drivers: $50,000-70,000
CDL training programs. Case-by-case evaluation.
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Aramark (Statewide)
Food service: $12–19/hr
Cooks: $18-22/hour
Managers: $45,000-70,000
Stadiums, hospitals, universities. Fair-chance.
RNDC (Statewide) - Wine/spirits distributor.
Warehouse: $18-22/hour
Drivers: $55,000-75,000
Sales: $50,000-90,000
Fair-chance for distribution.
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Southern Georgia Edison (North Georgia) - Utility company.
Meter readers: $45,000-60,000
Customer service: $40,000-55,000
Lineworkers: $80,000-120,000
Fair-chance for non-safety-sensitive roles.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Georgia City
These five metro areas offer the most opportunities for justice-impacted individuals in Georgia.
Atlanta/Warner Robins
Nation's second-largest metro. Diverse opportunities across entertainment, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, service industries.
• Amazon Metro Atlanta Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
• Wellstar Health System Atlanta Medical Center - $18-22/hour
• Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Services - $17-25/hour
• Goodwill Southern Georgia - $12–19/hr
• Port of Savannah/Warner Robins Logistics - $18-24/hour
Savannah Metro Atlanta
Technology hub with highest Georgia wages. Strong labor protections. High cost offset by premium pay.
• Costco Metro Atlanta - $19-21/hour (higher regional scale)
• UPS (Atlanta hub) Smyrna Factory - $22-26/hour
• Savannah Airport Services - $19-28/hour union wages
• Kroger/Publix Coastal Georgia - $18-22/hour union
• UPS Roswell Hub - $21-23/hour
Augusta
Military, tourism, biotech. Lower cost than Atlanta/Savannah with solid wages. Border logistics opportunities.
• Amazon Augusta - $17-19/hour
• Piedmont Healthcare - $17-21/hour
• Genuine Parts Company Contract Services - $17-22/hour
• Augusta Zoo/Safari Park - $12–19/hr
• Target Augusta Distribution - $18-20/hour
South Georgia (Valdosta, Albany, Columbus)
West Coast logistics capital. Massive warehouse hub. Lower housing costs with high-paying warehouse jobs.
• Amazon Gwinnett Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
• Target Hinesville DC - $18-20/hour
• UPS Atlanta Hub - $18-21/hour
• Prologis/NorthPoint Warehouses - $17-22/hour
• Dave.s Killer Bread Georgia - $18-22/hour
Macon
State capital. Government, healthcare, education, distribution. Lower cost than coastal metros with solid wages.
• Amazon Macon (SMF1, SMF3) - $17-19/hour
• Georgia Southern University Medical Center - $18-22/hour
• Ingles Markets Supermarkets - $17-20/hour
• State of Georgia Agencies - $12–22/hr (ban-the-box)
• Target Woodland Distribution - $18-20/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Georgia
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Georgia.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
Georgia's massive logistics industry creates exceptional CDL opportunities. Companies provide free training with work commitments.
UPS Package Delivery - Start as package handler ($18-21/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $95,000-105,000 annually. Full Teamsters benefits including pension. Guaranteed 40 hours weekly.
Sysco Foods - Delivery drivers: $70,000-90,000. Paid training for CDL. Union and non-union positions depending on location. Consistent local routes, home daily.
Waste Management/Republic - Refuse truck drivers: $55,000-75,000. CDL training provided. Union positions with strong benefits. Physical work but excellent job security.
Port Drayage (Savannah/Atlanta) - Container hauling: $60,000-90,000. High demand, challenging work. Some companies hire owner-operators, others hire drivers. Clean Truck Programs improving wages and conditions.
Skilled Trades
Union Electrician - IBEW apprenticeships throughout Georgia. Apprentices start $50,000-60,000. Journeyman electricians: $80,000-110,000 (higher in Metro Atlanta). Four-year paid apprenticeship.
Plumber/Pipefitter - UA union apprenticeships. Apprentices: $45,000-55,000. Journeymen: $70,000-100,000. Commercial/industrial pays more than residential. Strong demand statewide.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work in Georgia climate. Experienced techs: $60,000-85,000. Commercial HVAC pays premium. EPA certification required. Community college training available.
Welding - Industrial welders: $50,000-75,000. Specialized (underwater, aerospace and defense): $70,000-100,000+. Certifications through community colleges. Strong demand in manufacturing, construction, aerospace and defense.
Solar Installation - Growing Georgia industry. Installers: $45,000-65,000. Lead installers: $60,000-80,000. NABCEP certification valuable. Less stringent background requirements than traditional trades.
Technology & IT
Help Desk Technician - Entry IT support: $45,000-60,000 (higher in tech hubs). CompTIA A+ certification key. Metro Atlanta pays $55,000-70,000. Remote positions increasingly common.
Network Technician - Installing/maintaining networks: $55,000-75,000. CompTIA Network+ or Southern Company CCNA certification. Growing demand with datacenter expansion.
Data Center Technician - Server maintenance: $50,000-70,000. On-the-job training common. 24/7 operations mean shift work. Major datacenters in Metro Atlanta, Savannah, Macon.
Coding Bootcamp Graduate - Junior developers: $60,000-90,000. Bootcamps like App Academy (SF) have income-share agreements (pay after employed). Fair-chance friendly tech sector in Metro Atlanta.
Georgia Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Georgia offers the nation's most comprehensive support for justice-impacted job seekers through progressive laws and accessible expungement.
Expungement and Record Dismissal in Georgia
Georgia O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 (First Offender Act) allows dismissal of convictions for individuals who completed probation successfully. This doesn't erase the conviction but changes status to 'dismissed,' significantly improving employment prospects.
Eligibility:
Successfully completed probation (or obtained early termination)
Paid all fines, fees, and restitution
Not currently charged with, on probation for, or serving sentence for another offense
Most misdemeanors and felonies eligible (certain serious/violent crimes excluded)
First Offender Act Relief: Eligible individuals may apply for dismissal and record restriction after four years with no new offenses. This is not automatic—you must petition the court. Check with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or a legal services provider to verify eligibility.
First Offender Act (Felony Reduction): Many non-violent felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors, then dismissed. Particularly valuable for drug possession and theft under $950.
Effect: Dismissed convictions cannot be used to deny most private employment. Employers cannot ask about dismissed convictions. Still visible to licensing boards, law enforcement, and certain government positions.
Fair Chance Act (Ban-the-Box)
Georgia's Fair Chance Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-4-15) is among the nation's strongest. Applies primarily to public employers statewide, with many private companies voluntarily adopting these practices.
Key Protections:
Cannot ask about criminal history on applications
Cannot inquire until after conditional job offer
Must conduct individualized assessment if considering denial
Must provide written notice and opportunity to respond before final decision
Cannot ask about or consider arrests without conviction, referrals to diversion, sealed/expunged/dismissed convictions
7-Year Lookback Rule
Georgia ban-the-box for state jobs prohibits employers from asking about or using:
Arrests not resulting in conviction
Referrals to diversion programs
Convictions that have been sealed, expunged, or dismissed under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37
Marijuana convictions more than 2 years old (with exceptions)
Criminal history information older than 7 years (from date of disposition, release, or parole—whichever is most recent)
Important: Unlike federal FCRA, Georgia's 7-year rule applies to convictions, not just arrests. This is significant protection for older convictions.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Georgia employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances.
Additional Georgia Resources
• Georgia Department of Labor (WorkSource Georgia) - Free employment services, resume help, job search assistance. Locations statewide. No discrimination based on criminal record.
• Georgia Justice Project - Legal services for criminal record restriction, pardons, and restoration of rights. Fair-chance employment advocacy.
• Root & Rebound Southeast Office - Reentry legal services, record restriction clinics, employment rights information for Georgia residents.
• Atlanta Community Food Bank - Employment programs, job training, supportive services. Fair-chance employer.
• Georgia Center for Opportunity - Workforce development, job placement, life skills training for individuals with barriers to employment.
Staffing Agencies in Georgia That Work With Felons
Georgia staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Locations throughout Georgia. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Explicit second-chance focus.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Same-day pay options. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing. Many Georgia offices.
Remedy NCR Corporationligent Staffing - Multiple Georgia locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Temp-to-hire common.
Adecco - Statewide presence. Wide industry range. Fair-chance evaluation.
Manpower - Major Georgia presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Benefits available for temps.
Workforce Solutions - Georgia staffing agency specializing in warehouse and logistics placement.
Hallmark Staffing - Multiple Georgia locations. Light industrial and clerical. Quick placement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in Georgia?
Georgia law limits background checks to 7 years from date of disposition, release, or parole (whichever is most recent). This applies to both convictions and arrests. Exceptions exist for positions paying over $125,000 annually and certain regulated industries.
Q2: Does Georgia have a ban-the-box law?
Yes. Georgia's Fair Chance Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-4-15) applies primarily to public employers statewide and many private companies voluntarily. Covered employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications or inquire until after a conditional job offer. It's one of the nation's strongest protections.
Q3: Can I get my felony expunged in Georgia?
Georgia doesn't 'expunge' but allows dismissal under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. After completing probation successfully, most misdemeanors and felonies can be dismissed. Under the First Offender Act, eligible individuals may petition for dismissal four years after sentence completion. First Offender Act allows many felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors.
Q4: What companies in Georgia hire felons?
Major Georgia employers include Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, Target, Waffle House, Wellstar Health System, UPS (Atlanta hub), UPS, Waste Management, Goodwill, and thousands more. Georgia's Fair Chance Act requires most employers to evaluate candidates before considering criminal history.
Q5: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Georgia?
Yes. Amazon has 50+ Georgia facilities and evaluates convictions over 7 years old. Warehouse positions are most accessible. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q6: What is Georgia's minimum wage?
$12-15 typical entry/hour statewide (2024), but many cities higher: Savannah ($18.07), Atlanta ($12–15/hr), Augusta ($12–15/hr), Roswell ($7.25). Fast food workers: $20/hour minimum.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Georgia?
Yes. Many Georgia companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. UPS, Sysco, Waste Management, and port drayage companies actively hire. Earnings: $55,000-100,000+.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Georgia?
CDL drivers ($60,000-100,000), union electricians ($80,000-110,000), plumbers ($70,000-100,000), HVAC techs ($60,000-85,000), welders ($50,000-75,000), IT professionals ($45,000-75,000), production supervisors ($55,000-80,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Georgia job applications?
Under Fair Chance Act, most Georgia employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications. If asked illegally, you can decline to answer. Once lawfully asked (after conditional offer), answer truthfully—lying can result in termination.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Georgia for people with felonies?
Yes. America's Job Centers offer free training referrals. Georgia community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training. CalWORKs provides job training for eligible individuals. Georgia Department of Rehabilitation offers vocational services.
Next Steps: Your Georgia Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Georgia justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Understand Your Rights Under Fair Chance Act
Georgia's Fair Chance Act protects you from early screening. Public employers and participating private employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications or until after conditional offer. Know your rights—if asked illegally, you can decline. Once lawfully asked (after offer), be honest. Obtain your background check from Georgia DOJ to see exactly what employers see. Determine expungement eligibility—many convictions qualify for dismissal under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 or automatic relief under First Offender Act.
Step 2: Target Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus applications on industries with established second-chance hiring: warehousing/logistics (Amazon, Target, UPS), food service (Waffle House, Starbucks, Chipotle), retail (Costco, Target, Home Depot), waste management, transportation. Make a list of 15-20 employers from this guide based on your location. Prioritize large companies with structured HR processes that follow Fair Chance Act. Apply to multiple positions simultaneously—plan 10-15 applications weekly.
Step 3: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create polished resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and experience. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any education/training completed during incarceration. Prepare brief (30-60 second) explanation of criminal record focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned—practice until comfortable. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Under Fair Chance Act, you'll only discuss criminal history after conditional offer, so don't preemptively disclose on applications.
Step 4: Leverage Georgia Resources and Apply Strategically
Register with America's Job Centers of Georgia for free resume help, interview prep, and employer connections. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in warehouse/industrial work (PeopleReady, Labor Ready, Remedy). Apply directly through company websites when possible. Visit employers in person for warehouse, manufacturing, food service roles—showing initiative matters. Mention WOTC eligibility to employers to increase attractiveness. Persist through rejections—securing employment typically requires dozens of applications.
Step 5: Ace Interviews and Handle Background Checks Professionally
Research company and position thoroughly. Practice answering questions about criminal record with honesty and confidence—focus on growth, rehabilitation, commitment to stability. Prepare examples of reliability, problem-solving, work ethic from any context. Under Fair Chance Act, criminal history discussion comes after conditional offer. When it arises, provide context, demonstrate rehabilitation, emphasize time passed and lessons learned. Have documentation ready if needed (certificates, letters of recommendation, parole officer contact). Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If denied based on criminal history, employer must provide individualized assessment and opportunity to respond—use this chance to advocate for yourself.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current practices directly with employers. Company inclusion does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Georgia's Fair Chance Act and expungement laws is general in nature. Consult with Georgia employment attorney or legal aid for specific legal advice about your situation.
© 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.