Felon Friendly Jobs in Louisiana
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Louisiana offers strong second-chance employment opportunities through major industries including petrochemical, oil & gas, maritime, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality. The state's $7.25 minimum wage matches federal law, though market competition drives entry-level pay to $13-18/hour. Louisiana's Fair Chance Law (Act 406, effective August 2021) requires private and public employers with 20+ employees to conduct individualized assessments of criminal records and prohibits consideration of arrests without conviction. State government positions follow ban-the-box rules (Act 398, 2016), deferring criminal history inquiries until after interviews. New Orleans city contractors must also follow ban-the-box policies. Louisiana's automated expungement system (effective January 2025) provides free expungement for eligible records, including certain misdemeanors after 5 years and felonies after 10 years. Major employers like Amazon (facilities in Baton Rouge and Carencro), Walmart (130+ Louisiana locations), Target, Home Depot, and manufacturing companies actively hire individuals with records. Entry-level positions start at $13-18/hour with warehouse and logistics roles reaching $40,000-60,000+ annually. Oil & gas and petrochemical support positions can earn $45,000-80,000.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Louisiana
Louisiana presents exceptional opportunities for justice-impacted job seekers through its diverse economy anchored by petrochemical, oil & gas, maritime, logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors. The state's strategic Gulf Coast location makes it a hub for energy, shipping, and industrial operations—industries with consistent hiring needs and documented second-chance practices.
Louisiana's Fair Chance Law (Act 406), effective August 2021, applies to private and public employers with 20 or more employees. The law prohibits requesting or considering arrest records or charges that did not result in conviction. When considering convictions, employers must conduct an individualized assessment of whether the criminal history has a direct and adverse relationship with specific job duties, considering the nature and gravity of the offense, time passed since conviction, and nature of the job. Additionally, state government employers follow ban-the-box rules (Act 398, 2016) which prohibit asking about criminal history on initial applications, deferring inquiries until after the first interview or conditional offer. New Orleans city contractors and vendors must also delay criminal history questions until after interviews (2019 ordinance). Baton Rouge Metro Council implemented similar protections in 2015.
Louisiana's $7.25 minimum wage matches the federal floor, unchanged since 2009. However, market competition—particularly in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport metro areas—drives most entry-level employers to pay $13-18/hour. Major employers like Amazon start warehouse associates at $18-19/hour with day-one benefits, while Walmart offers $15-18/hour for distribution center roles and $13-16/hour for retail. New Orleans city contractors must pay at least $16.01/hour under the city's Living Wage Ordinance (applies to contractors, subcontractors, and those receiving city financial assistance).
The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Louisiana employers up to $2,400 per qualifying hire (40% of first-year wages up to $6,000), making justice-impacted candidates financially attractive. This incentive is particularly valuable in Louisiana's competitive energy, logistics, and manufacturing sectors where employers actively seek reliable workers.
Louisiana's automated expungement system (Act 454, effective January 2025) revolutionizes record sealing by making expungements free and automated for eligible individuals. The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (LBCII) identifies eligible records in its database, and defendants can submit a simple request form (name, DOB, last four digits of SSN, arrest date, case number). The LBCII must expunge eligible records within 30 days of request. Eligibility remains unchanged from prior law: most misdemeanors after 5 years, certain felonies after 10 years (excluding violent crimes, sex offenses, and distribution charges).
Background checks in Louisiana follow federal FCRA rules: for jobs under $75,000 annually, arrests not leading to convictions older than 7 years cannot be reported; however, criminal convictions can be reported regardless of age under federal law, though Louisiana's Fair Chance Law requires individualized assessment.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Louisiana
Louisiana's $7.25 minimum wage matches federal law, though market competition drives most entry-level employers to pay $13-18/hour. Major employers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport offer competitive wages with comprehensive benefits.
Warehouse & Fulfillment
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in Baton Rouge and Carencro. Fulfillment associates: $18-19/hour. Day-one healthcare benefits, 401(k) matching, education benefits up to $5,250 annually through Career Choice program. Multiple shift options with overnight differential (+$1-2/hour). High-volume hiring year-round with particularly heavy recruitment September-November for holiday season.
Walmart Distribution Centers - Multiple Louisiana facilities. Warehouse workers: $15-18/hour. Comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401(k) match, Live Better U tuition program. Strong internal promotion culture. 130+ Louisiana locations total.
Target Distribution - Louisiana facilities. Warehouse workers: $15-18/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually. Strong internal promotion culture.
FedEx Ground - Package handlers at facilities throughout Louisiana. Starting: $14-17/hour. Tuition reimbursement program, healthcare benefits after 90 days. Physical work with consistent schedules.
UPS - Package handlers at Louisiana facilities. Starting $16-19/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits including healthcare, pension, $25,000 tuition assistance. Major hubs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.
Petrochemical & Energy Support
Petrochemical Plants - Louisiana's "Chemical Corridor" between Baton Rouge and New Orleans employs thousands in production support, maintenance support, warehouse, and general labor roles. Entry-level operators: $18-25/hour. Union positions common with strong benefits. Physical work with shift rotations. Background checks required but many plants hire after waiting periods for non-violent offenses.
Oil & Gas Services - Support positions for offshore and onshore operations. Warehouse, logistics, transportation support: $15-22/hour. CDL positions pay significantly higher. Background policies vary by company but general labor positions accessible.
Port Operations - Port of New Orleans, Port of South Louisiana, Port of Baton Rouge. Longshoremen, warehouse workers, equipment operators: $18-28/hour. Union positions (ILA - International Longshoremen's Association). Strong benefits and job security. Physical work with variable schedules.
Food Service & Hospitality
New Orleans Hospitality - Hotels, restaurants, catering throughout the city. Line cooks: $15-22/hour, servers: $13/hour plus substantial tips (often $25-45/hour total), dishwashers: $13-16/hour, housekeeping: $13-17/hour. High turnover means frequent openings. French Quarter and tourism districts offer most opportunities.
Restaurant Chains - McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Chipotle, Panera Bread throughout Louisiana. Crew members: $12-16/hour. Management tracks available within 1-2 years earning $35,000-50,000. Many franchises second-chance friendly.
Casino Employment - Louisiana's casinos in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Shreveport hire for food service, housekeeping, facilities: $13-18/hour. Background checks required but support positions more accessible than gaming floor positions.
Retail
Walmart - 130+ Louisiana locations. Associates: $13-16/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition assistance through Live Better U. Corporate fair-chance policies with individualized assessment.
Target - Multiple Louisiana locations. Team members: $14-17/hour. Education assistance, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits. Corporate ban-the-box policies.
Home Depot - Louisiana stores. Associates: $13-17/hour. Tuition reimbursement, stock purchase, advancement programs. Second-chance friendly with individualized assessments.
Lowe's - Louisiana locations. Associates: $13-17/hour. Similar benefits and policies to Home Depot. Construction or home improvement experience helpful but not required.
Manufacturing
Food Processing Plants - Louisiana's seafood processing, sugar refineries, food manufacturing. Production workers: $14-19/hour. Physical work, often cold/wet environments. Many plants hire with individualized background review.
Industrial Manufacturing - Metal fabrication, industrial equipment, chemical processing support. Production workers, assemblers: $15-20/hour. Trade skills valuable. Background policies vary but production positions generally accessible.
Top 20 Louisiana Employers Hiring Felons
These Louisiana companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Amazon - Baton Rouge and Carencro fulfillment centers.
Warehouse associates: $18-19/hour
Managers: $50,000-100,000
Individualized background review.
Most non-violent offenses after 3-5 years acceptable.
Learn More
Walmart - 130+ Louisiana locations plus distribution centers.
Associates: $13-18/hour
Store managers: $70,000-110,000
Corporate fair-chance policies.
7-year lookback with individualized assessment.
Target Corporation
Team members: $14-17/hour
Directors: $70,000-115,000
Ban-the-box policies. Most non-violent felonies after 5 years acceptable.
Learn More
Ochsner Health System - Louisiana's largest healthcare employer.
Environmental services: $13-18/hour
Food services: $13-17/hour
Fair-chance for non-clinical support roles.
Background checks required but individualized.
Learn More
Home Depot
Associates: $13-17/hour
Department supervisors: $40,000-60,000
Second-chance friendly with case-by-case evaluation.
Learn More
Lowe's
Associates: $13-17/hour
Management: $45,000-70,000
Similar policies to Home Depot.
Learn More
FedEx Ground
Package handlers: $14-17/hour
Supervisors: $40,000-58,000
Individualized background review.
Most non-violent offenses after 3-5 years.
Learn More
UPS
Package handlers: $16-19/hour
Drivers: $75,000-90,000
Union benefits. Background review with Teamsters representation.
Learn More
McDonald's (Louisiana Franchises)
Crew: $12-16/hour
Managers: $35,000-50,000
Many franchises second-chance friendly. Policies vary by owner.
Learn More
Goodwill Industries - Multiple Louisiana locations.
Retail: $11-15/hour
Managers: $30,000-50,000
Mission-driven second-chance employer with support services.
Learn More
Petrochemical Plants (Various) - Chemical Corridor employers.
Entry operators: $18-25/hour
Experienced operators: $60,000-90,000
Union positions.
Background checks but individualized assessment after waiting periods.
Learn More
Port Operations (ILA Union)
Longshoremen: $18-28/hour
Equipment operators: $55,000-80,000
Union benefits. Physical work, strong pay.
Learn More
Louisiana Pacific Corporation - Building materials manufacturing.
Production: $15-20/hour
Supervisors: $45,000-65,000
Manufacturing positions accessible with individualized review.
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Raising Cane's - Louisiana-based chicken chain.
Crew: $12-15/hour
Management: $40,000-55,000
Fast-growing Louisiana company. Generally second-chance friendly.
Learn More
Rouses Markets - Louisiana grocery chain.
Associates: $12-16/hour
Department managers: $35,000-50,000
Family-owned Louisiana company.
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Waste Management
Helpers: $14-18/hour
Drivers: $45,000-65,000
Case-by-case background evaluation.
Learn More
Republic Services
Similar to Waste Management.
Drivers: $40,000-60,000
CDL training sometimes available.
Learn More
Staffing Agencies - PeopleReady, Manpower, Adecco, Express Employment.
Various roles: $12-20/hour
Quick placement, temp-to-hire pathways.
Learn More
New Orleans Hotels - Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt properties.
Housekeeping: $13-17/hour
Front desk: $13-16/hour
Tourism-driven hiring with individualized assessment.
Learn More
Cajun Industries - Construction and industrial services.
Laborers: $15-22/hour
Skilled trades: $50,000-80,000
Louisiana-based contractor. Fair-chance hiring for construction.
Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Louisiana City
These metro areas offer the most opportunities for justice-impacted individuals in Louisiana.
New Orleans
Louisiana's largest city offers diverse opportunities across tourism, hospitality, port operations, healthcare, and service industries. Ban-the-box protections for city contractors. French Quarter and tourism districts provide extensive restaurant and hotel employment.
Hospitality/Restaurants - $13-22/hour plus tips
Port of New Orleans - $18-28/hour (union)
Ochsner Health System - $13-18/hour support roles
Hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt) - $13-17/hour
Warehouse/Distribution - $14-19/hour
Baton Rouge
State capital with petrochemical corridor, government employment, healthcare, and logistics. Higher industrial wages than service-focused New Orleans.
Amazon Fulfillment Center - $18-19/hour
Petrochemical Plants - $18-25/hour
Port of Baton Rouge - $18-28/hour
Walmart Distribution/Retail - $13-18/hour
Healthcare Facilities - $13-18/hour
Lafayette
Oil & gas hub with energy services, healthcare, food processing, and retail. Strong Cajun culture with food service opportunities.
Oil & Gas Services - $15-25/hour
Healthcare Facilities - $13-17/hour
Food Processing - $14-19/hour
Walmart/Target/Home Depot - $13-17/hour
Restaurant/Hospitality - $12-18/hour
Shreveport
Northwest Louisiana's largest city with casinos, healthcare, manufacturing, and military presence (Barksdale Air Force Base creates civilian contractor opportunities).
Casino Support Positions - $13-18/hour
Healthcare Facilities - $13-17/hour
Manufacturing - $14-20/hour
Walmart/Target/Retail - $12-16/hour
Warehouse/Distribution - $14-19/hour
Lake Charles
Petrochemical and refining center with industrial employment. Casinos provide additional hospitality opportunities.
Petrochemical/Refining Support - $18-25/hour
Casino Employment - $13-18/hour
Port Operations - $17-26/hour
Manufacturing - $15-20/hour
Retail/Food Service - $12-17/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Louisiana
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Louisiana.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
Louisiana's port operations, petrochemical industry, and food distribution create exceptional CDL opportunities.
Port Drayage (Container Hauling) - Hauling containers from Louisiana ports. Earnings: $55,000-75,000. High demand, challenging work. Local routes, home daily. Many companies hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.
Petrochemical Hauling - Tanker trucks serving chemical plants. Earnings: $60,000-80,000. Hazmat endorsement required. Specialized training provided. Higher pay reflects specialized nature and demand.
Food Distribution - Sysco, US Foods, regional distributors. Earnings: $55,000-70,000. Local routes, home daily. Physical work (hand-unloading). CDL training sometimes provided with work commitment.
Long-Haul Trucking - OTR drivers. Earnings: $50,000-70,000. Companies hire after waiting periods for non-violent offenses. Home time varies. Good option for those needing fresh start away from local area.
Skilled Trades
Industrial Electrician - Petrochemical plants, refineries, manufacturing. Journeyman earnings: $65,000-90,000. Union apprenticeships available through IBEW. Four-year paid apprenticeship. High demand in Louisiana's industrial sector.
Pipefitter/Welder - Industrial piping, petrochemical maintenance. Journeyman earnings: $60,000-85,000. Union apprenticeships (UA Local). Certifications increase earning potential. Strong Louisiana demand.
Industrial Mechanic/Millwright - Maintaining heavy industrial equipment. Earnings: $55,000-80,000. Technical training through community colleges. High demand in plants and refineries.
HVAC Technician - Commercial and residential. Experienced techs: $45,000-70,000. Year-round work in Louisiana climate. EPA certification required. Training through technical schools or apprenticeships.
Petrochemical & Energy
Process Operator - Chemical plants, refineries. Experienced operators: $60,000-85,000 with overtime. Start as helper/outside operator ($18-25/hour). Union positions with excellent benefits. Requires technical aptitude and passing pre-employment tests.
Instrumentation Technician - Maintaining plant control systems. Earnings: $65,000-90,000. Two-year degree or technical training. High demand, specialized skill. Less common to hire with recent felonies but possible after waiting periods.
Port & Maritime
Longshoremen - ILA union positions. Experienced workers: $55,000-80,000 with overtime. Start as casual worker, progress to registered longshoreman. Physical work, variable schedules. Union benefits and job security.
Equipment Operators - Cranes, forklifts, heavy equipment at ports. Earnings: $50,000-75,000. Certifications required. Physical work but excellent pay and benefits.
Louisiana Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Louisiana offers comprehensive support for justice-impacted job seekers through progressive laws and accessible resources.
Automated Expungement System
Louisiana's automated expungement system (Act 454, effective January 2025) revolutionizes record sealing by making expungements free and automated for eligible individuals.
How It Works:
Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (LBCII) identifies eligible records in its database
Defendants submit simple request form: name, DOB, last four digits of SSN, arrest date, case number
LBCII must expunge eligible records within 30 days of request
No court appearance required, no attorney fees
Eligibility:
Most misdemeanors after 5 years
Certain felonies after 10 years
Excludes violent crimes, sex offenses, distribution charges
Must have completed sentence and paid all fines/fees
No pending charges
Contact: Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information for request forms and eligibility verification.
Fair Chance Law (Act 406)
Louisiana's Fair Chance Law (Act 406), effective August 2021, provides important protections for job seekers.
Key Protections:
Applies to private and public employers with 20+ employees
Prohibits considering arrests without conviction
Requires individualized assessment of convictions
Employers must evaluate: nature/gravity of offense, time passed, relationship to job duties
Cannot automatically disqualify based on criminal history
Additional Ban-the-Box:
State government positions (Act 398, 2016): Criminal history questions delayed until after first interview or conditional offer
New Orleans city contractors (2019): Must delay questions until after interviews
Baton Rouge Metro Council (2015): Similar protections implemented
Background Check Limitations
Louisiana follows federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules:
Jobs under $75,000 annually: Arrests not leading to convictions older than 7 years cannot be reported
Criminal convictions can be reported regardless of age under federal law
Louisiana's Fair Chance Law requires individualized assessment regardless of conviction age
Expunged records cannot be reported to employers
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Louisiana employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions (40% of first-year wages up to $6,000). Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances.
Additional Louisiana Resources
Louisiana Workforce Commission - Statewide network providing free job search assistance, resume help, training referrals. Multiple locations throughout Louisiana. Website: laworks.net
Reentry Court Programs - Specialized courts in Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge parishes providing employment assistance, case management, and wraparound services for individuals under supervision.
Goodwill Industries - Multiple Louisiana locations. Job training, placement assistance, and support services. Mission-driven second-chance employer.
Catholic Charities - Reentry services in New Orleans and other parishes. Employment assistance, case management, supportive services.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services - Free legal assistance for expungement, employment discrimination, and housing issues for low-income individuals.
Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS) - Affordable workforce training programs. Process technology, welding, industrial maintenance, CDL training. Financial aid available.
Staffing Agencies in Louisiana That Work With Felons
Louisiana staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, petrochemical support, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Locations throughout Louisiana including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction, petrochemical support. Explicit second-chance focus.
Labor Finders - Louisiana locations. Same-day pay options. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing. Fair-chance evaluation.
Manpower - Louisiana presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Benefits available for temps. Offices in major cities.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Louisiana offices. Warehouse, manufacturing, administrative. Quick placement process.
Adecco - Louisiana presence. General staffing. Manufacturing, logistics, administrative, light industrial.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing - New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Temp-to-hire common.
Kelly Services - Louisiana locations. Industrial, office, technical placements. Established national brand with local teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Louisiana have a ban-the-box law?
Yes. Louisiana has multiple ban-the-box protections. Act 398 (2016) prohibits state government employers from asking about criminal history on initial applications, deferring inquiries until after first interview or conditional offer. Louisiana's Fair Chance Law (Act 406, effective August 2021) applies to private and public employers with 20+ employees, requiring individualized assessment of criminal records and prohibiting consideration of arrests without conviction. New Orleans city contractors must delay criminal history questions until after interviews (2019 ordinance). Baton Rouge Metro Council has similar protections (2015).
Q2: Can I get my felony expunged in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana's automated expungement system (Act 454, effective January 2025) provides free, automated expungement for eligible records. Most misdemeanors qualify after 5 years, certain felonies after 10 years. Excludes violent crimes, sex offenses, and distribution charges. The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (LBCII) identifies eligible records, and individuals submit a simple request form. LBCII must expunge within 30 days. No court appearance or attorney fees required. This system makes Louisiana one of the most accessible states for record clearing.
Q3: What is Louisiana's minimum wage?
Louisiana's minimum wage is $7.25/hour, matching federal minimum. However, market competition drives most entry-level employers to pay $13-18/hour, especially in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport. Major employers like Amazon start at $18-19/hour, Walmart distribution $15-18/hour, petrochemical plants $18-25/hour. New Orleans city contractors must pay at least $16.01/hour under Living Wage Ordinance. Tipped employees: $2.13/hour base wage.
Q4: What companies in Louisiana hire felons?
Major Louisiana employers include Amazon (Baton Rouge, Carencro), Walmart (130+ locations), Target, Ochsner Health System, Home Depot, Lowe's, FedEx Ground, UPS, petrochemical plants throughout Chemical Corridor, port operations (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles), McDonald's franchises, Goodwill Industries, and thousands more. Louisiana's Fair Chance Law requires employers with 20+ employees to conduct individualized assessments rather than automatic disqualifications.
Q5: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Louisiana?
Yes. Amazon has fulfillment centers in Baton Rouge and Carencro. Amazon evaluates convictions through individualized review, typically accepting most non-violent offenses after 3-5 years. Warehouse positions are most accessible. Starting pay: $18-19/hour with day-one healthcare benefits and education assistance up to $5,250 annually. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q6: Can I work in petrochemical plants with a felony?
Yes, but with considerations. Louisiana's petrochemical plants conduct thorough background checks but most perform individualized assessments. Many plants hire non-violent offenses after 5-7 years, especially for entry-level operator positions ($18-25/hour). Violent offenses and recent convictions are more challenging. Starting as contractor through staffing agencies (PeopleReady, Manpower) provides pathway to prove yourself before direct plant hire. Union positions offer additional protections. Earnings potential: $60,000-85,000 for experienced operators.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Louisiana?
Yes. Many Louisiana companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. Port drayage, petrochemical hauling, food distribution, and long-haul companies actively hire. Earnings: $50,000-80,000. Some companies offer CDL training with work commitments. Louisiana's port operations and petrochemical industry create high demand for qualified drivers.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Louisiana?
Petrochemical process operators ($60,000-85,000), CDL drivers - specialized hauling ($60,000-80,000), industrial electricians ($65,000-90,000), pipefitters/welders ($60,000-85,000), port longshoremen ($55,000-80,000), industrial mechanics ($55,000-80,000), instrumentation technicians ($65,000-90,000), equipment operators ($50,000-75,000), HVAC technicians ($45,000-70,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Louisiana job applications?
Under Louisiana's Fair Chance Law, employers with 20+ employees must conduct individualized assessments and cannot consider arrests without conviction. State government employers cannot ask until after first interview or conditional offer. If application doesn't ask about criminal history, don't volunteer. When lawfully asked, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Once expunged through Louisiana's automated system, you generally don't need to disclose to private employers. Focus on rehabilitation and time passed when discussing your record.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Louisiana for people with felonies?
Yes. Louisiana Workforce Commission offers free job search assistance and training referrals through offices statewide. Louisiana Community & Technical College System provides workforce programs with federal financial aid available regardless of conviction (process technology, welding, industrial maintenance, CDL training). Goodwill Industries offers job training and placement. Some petrochemical plants provide on-the-job training and tuition reimbursement. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training for electrical and pipefitting trades.
Next Steps: Your Louisiana Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Louisiana justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Check Expungement Eligibility and Understand Your Rights
Louisiana's automated expungement system (effective January 2025) makes record clearing free and simple. Check if your convictions qualify: most misdemeanors after 5 years, certain felonies after 10 years (excluding violent crimes, sex offenses, distribution). Contact Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information for request form. If eligible, submit immediately—expungement within 30 days. While waiting, understand Louisiana's Fair Chance Law protections: employers with 20+ employees must conduct individualized assessments, cannot consider arrests without conviction. State employers can't ask until after first interview. Know your rights—if asked illegally, you can respectfully decline. Obtain your background check to see exactly what employers see.
Step 2: Target Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus applications on industries with established second-chance hiring: warehousing/logistics (Amazon Baton Rouge/Carencro, Walmart distribution, FedEx, UPS), petrochemical support (Chemical Corridor plants via staffing agencies), port operations (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles), retail (Walmart 130+ locations, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's), hospitality (New Orleans hotels/restaurants), healthcare support (Ochsner Health System), waste management. Make list of 15-20 employers from this guide based on your location. Prioritize: (1) Amazon/Walmart for immediate hire and benefits, (2) Staffing agencies (PeopleReady, Manpower, Express) for quick placement and petrochemical pathways, (3) New Orleans hospitality for high-turnover frequent openings. 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. Louisiana Workforce Commission offices provide free resume help—use this resource. 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 Law, employers with 20+ employees must conduct individualized assessment, so emphasize your qualifications and reliability. Don't preemptively disclose on applications unless specifically asked.
Step 4: Leverage Louisiana Resources and Apply Strategically
Register with Louisiana Workforce Commission (laworks.net) for free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, and training referrals. Offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, and throughout state. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in industrial work (PeopleReady, Manpower, Express Employment)—many petrochemical positions come through agencies. Apply directly through company websites when possible. Visit employers in person for warehouse, hospitality, retail positions—showing initiative matters in Louisiana's relationship-focused culture. Consider location strategy: New Orleans for most opportunities (hospitality, port), Baton Rouge for highest wages (petrochemical), Lafayette for oil & gas. Mention WOTC eligibility to employers (\$2,400 tax credit). Persist through rejections—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 Law, criminal history discussion for employers with 20+ employees must involve individualized assessment—be prepared to explain how time passed, rehabilitation completed, and offense unrelated to job duties. When it arises, provide context, demonstrate rehabilitation, emphasize lessons learned. Have documentation ready if needed (certificates, letters of recommendation, probation officer contact). Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If denied based on criminal history, employer must provide individualized assessment—use this chance to advocate for yourself. For petrochemical positions, emphasize willingness to work shifts, technical aptitude, safety consciousness, and long-term commitment.
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 Louisiana's Fair Chance Law (Act 406), ban-the-box protections (Act 398), and automated expungement system (Act 454) is general in nature. Consult with Louisiana 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.