Felon Friendly Jobs in Massachusetts
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Massachusetts offers substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in healthcare, education, logistics, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Massachusetts' standard minimum wage is $15.00/hour (as of 2025, unchanged since January 1, 2023), while tipped employees may be paid lower cash wage if tips bring them to at least $15.00/hour. Massachusetts has STRONG statewide ban-the-box protections requiring ALL employers (public and private) to remove criminal history questions from initial written applications (effective since 2010, strengthened in 2018)—one of strongest ban-the-box laws in nation. The state's CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) laws allow many convictions to be sealed after waiting periods—generally 3 years for most misdemeanors and 7 years for most felonies—if you apply to have record sealed. Major employers including Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers including North Andover with 1,500 employees, Fall River, Bridgewater, Charlton), Mass General Brigham (over 80,000 employees operating Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and other facilities), Stop & Shop (numerous stores and distribution centers statewide with union benefits), Starbucks (Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory), Target, Home Depot, UPS, FedEx, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Boston Medical Center, and numerous universities maintain substantial workforces and practice fair-chance hiring. Entry-level positions typically start at $15-18/hour in warehousing and retail, with healthcare support positions offering $16-20/hour. Boston's extensive public transit system (MBTA) and regional employment concentrations make the state highly accessible for job seekers with records.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Massachusetts
Economic Overview
Massachusetts has one of strongest and most diverse economies in United States, anchored by world-class healthcare systems (Mass General Brigham with over 80,000 employees, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Boston Medical Center), higher education institutions (Harvard University, MIT, Boston University with thousands employed, University of Massachusetts system), biotechnology companies, and robust service sector. The state's economy employs approximately 3.7 million people with unemployment around 3.5% (as of late 2024). Major metropolitan areas include Boston metro (4.9 million population—state capital and economic hub), Worcester (935,000 metro—second-largest city), Springfield (705,000 metro), and numerous cities connected by MBTA public transit. Massachusetts' strong ban-the-box law and progressive CORI reforms create substantial opportunities for individuals with criminal records across healthcare, education, logistics, retail, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors.
Record Clearing System
CORI Sealing: Massachusetts allows sealing of many convictions after waiting periods.
Waiting Periods:
Most misdemeanors: 3 years from completion of sentence
Most felonies: 7 years from completion of sentence
Some offenses: 10 years (murder, manslaughter, sex offenses require longer waits or cannot be sealed)
What Sealing Means: Sealed records not visible to most employers on background checks. Sealed records still accessible to law enforcement, courts, and some licensing boards.
Eligibility: Cannot have pending charges. Must complete all probation, parole, and sentence requirements. Cannot seal certain violent crimes, sex offenses.
Process: File petition with Commissioner of Probation through Mass.gov CORI portal or paper application. $100 fee (fee waived for indigent). Automatic review, no hearing typically required. Timeline: 2-4 months.
Automatic Sealing: Some convictions automatically sealed after waiting periods without application. Check eligibility at mass.gov/cori.
FREE Assistance: Greater Boston Legal Services (617-603-1700), Community Legal Aid (877-999-2520), and Massachusetts Legal Aid provide FREE legal services including CORI sealing assistance.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
STRONG Ban-the-Box: Massachusetts has one of nation's strongest ban-the-box laws. ALL employers (public and private) must remove criminal history questions from initial written applications (M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4). Law effective since 2010, strengthened in 2018.
What This Means: Employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications. Can only inquire after initial screening, typically at interview stage. Employers must conduct individualized assessment considering: (1) nature and gravity of offense, (2) time passed since conviction, (3) nature of job sought.
Coverage: All Massachusetts employers regardless of size. Strongest protection in New England.
Additional Protections: Employers cannot ask about sealed records, arrests without convictions, first-time drug possession convictions sealed under M.G.L. c. 94C, § 34.
Massachusetts follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Massachusetts employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Massachusetts
Massachusetts minimum wage: $15.00/hour (2025). Market competition in metro Boston drives many entry-level positions to $16-20/hour.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Multiple Massachusetts fulfillment centers) - North Andover (3.8 million sq ft, 1,500 employees), Fall River (1 million+ sq ft), Bridgewater (155,000 sq ft same-day center), Charlton (2.8 million sq ft).
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $18-20/hour. Fair-chance hiring focusing on qualifications with case-by-case review. Full benefits from day one including healthcare, 401(k), career advancement programs. Immediate hiring, flexible scheduling.
UPS (Major sorting facilities in Massachusetts metros) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $17-20/hour with Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance, opportunities to advance to driver positions earning $28-40/hour. Considers applicants with records for package handler positions.
FedEx (FedEx Ground and Express facilities throughout Massachusetts) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse positions.
Pay: $17-19/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities. Positions accessible to individuals with records.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Mass General Brigham (Over 80,000 employees) - Operates Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and other facilities statewide.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.
Pay: $16-20/hour. Non-clinical support positions may be available to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive healthcare benefits. Evaluates applicants individually based on position and conviction history.
Beth Israel Lahey Health (Hospitals and facilities throughout Massachusetts) - Healthcare system.
Environmental services, facilities maintenance, food service.
Pay: $16-20/hour. Non-clinical support accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
Boston Medical Center (Region's largest safety-net hospital) - Healthcare facility.
Environmental services, food service, facilities roles.
Pay: $16-20/hour with benefits. Mission-driven approach includes consideration of rehabilitation and time since conviction.
Retail & Grocery
Stop & Shop (Numerous stores and distribution centers statewide) - Grocery retail and distribution.
Cashiers, stockers, distribution workers.
Pay: $15-18/hour with union benefits (United Food and Commercial Workers representation in many locations). Advancement opportunities, employee discounts. Evaluates applicants holistically, commonly hires individuals with older convictions.
Target (Stores throughout Massachusetts) - Retail chain.
Team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $17-19/hour. Reviews applicants individually. Benefits, educational assistance, advancement opportunities.
BJ's Wholesale Club (Massachusetts headquarters, numerous locations statewide) - Warehouse club retail.
Cashiers, stockers, warehouse associates.
Pay: $16-18/hour. Evaluates applicants case-by-case. Benefits, advancement opportunities.
Market Basket (Massachusetts-based grocery chain, dozens of stores) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers, stockers, department associates.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Known for employee-friendly policies and competitive benefits. Case-by-case evaluation.
Home Improvement
Home Depot (Multiple Massachusetts locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales associates, receiving, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $16-19/hour. Known for second-chance hiring, particularly for convictions older than seven years. Benefits, employee discounts, advancement to management.
Lowe's (Stores throughout Massachusetts) - Home improvement retail.
Retail associates, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $16-19/hour. Evaluates applicants individually, commonly hires for entry-level roles. Benefits, skill development programs.
Food Service & Hospitality
Starbucks (Locations throughout Massachusetts) - Coffee chain, Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas, shift supervisors.
Pay: $16-18/hour. Commitment to second-chance hiring. Benefits including healthcare, stock options, tuition coverage through Arizona State University online programs. Case-by-case evaluation.
McDonald's (Many franchise locations statewide) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew members, cooks, cashiers.
Pay: $15-17/hour. Many franchisees practice fair-chance hiring. Flexible scheduling, advancement to management, educational assistance. Varies by franchisee.
Dunkin' (Massachusetts-based, hundreds of franchise locations) - Quick-service coffee/donuts.
Crew members, shift leaders.
Pay: $15-17/hour. Flexible scheduling. Many franchisees practice fair-chance hiring, particularly for older convictions. Varies by location.
Education Support
Boston University (Thousands employed) - Higher education institution.
Facilities, custodial, food service, grounds positions.
Pay: $17-21/hour. Support positions may be accessible depending on role and conviction history. Comprehensive benefits including tuition remission.
University of Massachusetts System (Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell, Medical School) - State university system.
Facilities, custodial, food service, grounds positions.
Pay: $17-21/hour. Support positions accessible depending on role. Comprehensive state employee benefits including pension.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Goodwill Industries of Massachusetts (Retail stores and career centers statewide) - Nonprofit specifically focused on second-chance employment.
Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.
Pay: $15-17/hour. Job training, skill development, wraparound support services specifically for justice-impacted individuals.
Top 20 Massachusetts Employers Hiring Felons
These Massachusetts companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Amazon (Multiple MA fulfillment centers) - North Andover (1,500 employees), Fall River, Bridgewater, Charlton.
Warehouse Associates: $18-20/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring, career advancement. Learn More
Mass General Brigham (Over 80,000 employees) - Operates Mass General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, other facilities.
Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $16-19/hour Patient Transport: $17-21/hour Non-clinical support for older non-violent records, case-by-case. Learn More
Stop & Shop (Numerous stores/distribution statewide) - Grocery retail and distribution.
Cashiers/Stockers: $15-18/hour Distribution Workers: $18-22/hour Department Managers: $40,000-60,000 UFCW union benefits, commonly hires older convictions. Learn More
Starbucks (Locations throughout Massachusetts) - Coffee chain, Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas: $16-18/hour Shift Supervisors: $18-22/hour Store Managers: $55,000-75,000 Second-chance commitment, tuition coverage, case-by-case. Learn More
Target (Stores throughout Massachusetts) - Retail chain.
Team Members: $17-19/hour Team Leaders: $45,000-65,000 Management: $60,000-85,000 Individualized review, benefits, tuition assistance. Learn More
Home Depot (Multiple Massachusetts locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $16-19/hour Department Supervisors: $42,000-58,000 Store Management: $65,000-90,000 Known for second-chance hiring, especially 7+ years. Learn More
UPS (Major Massachusetts metro sorting facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-20/hour Drivers: $28-40/hour Supervisors: $65,000-90,000 Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance, advancement. Learn More
Beth Israel Lahey Health (Hospitals/facilities throughout MA) - Healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $16-19/hour Facilities: $18-23/hour Non-clinical support for older non-violent records. Learn More
Boston Medical Center (Largest safety-net hospital) - Healthcare facility.
Environmental Services: $16-20/hour Food Service: $16-19/hour Facilities: $18-23/hour Mission-driven, considers rehabilitation and time elapsed. Learn More
Lowe's (Stores throughout Massachusetts) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $16-19/hour Specialists: $18-22/hour Department Supervisors: $40,000-55,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
FedEx (Facilities throughout Massachusetts) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-19/hour Drivers: $22-35/hour Operations: $55,000-80,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
BJ's Wholesale Club (MA headquarters, numerous locations) - Warehouse club retail.
Cashiers/Stockers: $16-18/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-55,000 Store Managers: $70,000-95,000 Case-by-case evaluation, benefits, advancement. Learn More
Boston University (Thousands employed) - Higher education institution.
Facilities/Custodial: $17-21/hour Food Service: $16-20/hour Grounds: $18-23/hour Support positions accessible, tuition remission benefits. Learn More
University of Massachusetts System (5 campuses) - State university system.
Facilities/Custodial: $17-21/hour Food Service: $16-20/hour Grounds: $18-23/hour Support positions accessible, state employee benefits/pension. Learn More
Market Basket (MA-based, dozens of stores) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers/Stockers: $15-18/hour Department Managers: $40,000-60,000 Store Managers: $70,000-95,000 Employee-friendly policies, case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
Goodwill Industries of Massachusetts (Statewide) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance employment. Retail Associates: $15-17/hour Warehouse Workers: $16-19/hour Career Specialists: $38,000-55,000 Job training, wraparound support for justice-impacted. Learn More
McDonald's (Many MA franchise locations) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew Members: $15-17/hour Shift Managers: $17-21/hour General Managers: $45,000-60,000 Many franchisees fair-chance, varies by location. Learn More
Dunkin' (MA-based, hundreds of locations) - Quick-service coffee/donuts.
Crew Members: $15-17/hour Shift Leaders: $17-21/hour Store Managers: $40,000-58,000 Many franchisees fair-chance for older convictions. Learn More
PeopleReady (Offices throughout Massachusetts) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $17-22/hour Warehouse: $18-23/hour Construction: $20-28/hour Same-day pay, commonly works with records. Learn More
Kelly Services (Statewide placements) - Staffing agency.
Office/Industrial: $16-22/hour Technical Positions: $20-35/hour Professional: $25-45/hour Individualized evaluation, fair-chance clients. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Massachusetts City
Boston (Pop. 4.9 million metro)
State capital, largest employment market. Healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, logistics. MBTA comprehensive transit.
Mass General Brigham - $16-20/hour
Boston Medical Center - $16-20/hour
Boston University - $17-21/hour
Amazon/UPS/FedEx - $17-20/hour
Retail chains - $16-19/hour
Worcester (Pop. 935,000 metro)
Second-largest city. Manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail.
Healthcare systems - $16-20/hour
Manufacturing - $16-22/hour
UMass Medical School - $17-21/hour
Retail chains - $15-18/hour
Warehousing - $16-20/hour
Springfield (Pop. 705,000 metro)
Western Massachusetts hub. Healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail.
Healthcare facilities - $16-20/hour
Manufacturing - $15-21/hour
Retail chains - $15-18/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $16-20/hour
Education support - $16-20/hour
Cambridge (Part of Boston metro)
Tech hub, biotech, universities (Harvard, MIT). High cost of living, higher wages.
Universities support - $18-23/hour
Biotech facilities - varies
Healthcare - $17-21/hour
Retail/food service - $17-20/hour
Tech companies - varies
Lowell (Part of Boston metro)
Manufacturing, healthcare, UMass Lowell.
Manufacturing - $16-22/hour
UMass Lowell support - $17-21/hour
Healthcare facilities - $16-20/hour
Retail chains - $15-18/hour
Warehousing - $16-20/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Massachusetts
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Massachusetts.
Package Delivery Advancement
Start: UPS Package Handler - $17-20/hour with Teamsters union benefits. Full healthcare, tuition assistance.
Advance to UPS Driver - $28-40/hour ($58,000-83,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits, pension. One of most accessible paths to $60,000+ for justice-impacted individuals. Home daily.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Interstate and regional routes: $60,000-85,000 annually. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required.
Local Delivery - Home daily positions: $50,000-70,000.
Skilled Construction Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $60,000-90,000. Union apprenticeships through IBEW. Massachusetts prevailing wage laws boost earnings.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $55,000-85,000. Union apprenticeships through UA.
HVAC Technician - Massachusetts' extreme seasons create year-round demand. Entry: $18-24/hour. Experienced: $52,000-75,000.
Welder - Industrial, construction: $50,000-80,000. Programs at community colleges.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $16-20/hour at Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Lahey, Boston Medical Center. Use tuition assistance.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $50,000-68,000. Programs at Massachusetts community colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $60,000-78,000.
Radiologic Technologist - With training: $58,000-75,000.
Manufacturing & Biotech
Manufacturing Technician - Pharmaceutical, biotech: $45,000-70,000. Massachusetts has strong biotech sector.
Quality Control Inspector - Manufacturing, biotech: $48,000-72,000.
Massachusetts Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Massachusetts offers progressive CORI sealing system and comprehensive workforce development support.
CORI Sealing and Record Clearing
CORI Sealing: Many convictions can be sealed after waiting periods—generally 3 years for most misdemeanors, 7 years for most felonies.
What Sealing Means: Sealed records not visible to most employers on background checks. Still accessible to law enforcement, courts, some licensing boards.
Eligibility: Cannot have pending charges. Must complete all probation, parole, sentence requirements. Cannot seal certain violent crimes, sex offenses.
Process: File petition with Commissioner of Probation through mass.gov/cori portal or paper application. $100 fee (waived for indigent). Automatic review, no hearing typically. Timeline: 2-4 months.
Automatic Sealing: Some convictions automatically sealed after waiting periods without application. Check eligibility at mass.gov/cori.
FREE Assistance:
Greater Boston Legal Services: (617) 603-1700 | gbls.org
Community Legal Aid: (877) 999-2520 | communitylegal.org
Massachusetts Legal Aid: masslegalaid.org
Ban-the-Box Protections
STRONG Statewide Ban-the-Box: ALL Massachusetts employers (public and private) must remove criminal history questions from initial applications (M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4). Cannot inquire until after initial screening, typically at interview. Must conduct individualized assessment.
Additional Protections: Employers cannot ask about sealed records, arrests without convictions, first-time drug possession convictions sealed under M.G.L. c. 94C, § 34.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Massachusetts employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.
State Workforce Development
MassHire Career Centers (Statewide network) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (617) 626-5300 | mass.gov/masshire
Locations: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
Massachusetts Department of Correction - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (508) 422-3300 | mass.gov/doc
Goodwill Industries of Massachusetts - Career centers with wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals throughout state.
Contact: (617) 445-1904 | goodwill.org
Additional Massachusetts Resources
Training & Education
Massachusetts Community Colleges - 15 community colleges statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades, welding, HVAC, CDL with financial aid.
MassHire Training Programs - State-funded training for in-demand occupations.
Housing Assistance
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (617) 573-1100 | mass.gov/dhcd
Legal Aid
Greater Boston Legal Services - FREE civil legal services including CORI sealing.
Contact: (617) 603-1700 | gbls.org
Community Legal Aid - FREE services for low-income residents.
Contact: (877) 999-2520 | communitylegal.org
Transportation Support
MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) - Comprehensive subway, bus, commuter rail in Boston metro. Reduced fare programs.
Contact: (617) 222-3200 | mbta.com
Regional Transit Authorities - Bus service in Worcester (WRTA), Springfield (PVTA), Lowell (LRTA), and other areas.
Staffing Agencies in Massachusetts That Work With Felons
PeopleReady - Multiple Massachusetts locations. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $17-28/hour. Commonly works with records, immediate placement.
Kelly Services - Statewide presence. Office, industrial, technical positions. Pay: $16-35/hour. Individualized evaluation, works with fair-chance clients.
Express Employment Professionals - Boston, Worcester areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, skilled trades. Pay: $16-26/hour. Second-chance focus, quick placement.
Manpower - Massachusetts metro areas. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Pay: $16-24/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Adecco - Boston, Worcester, Springfield areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative. Pay: $16-24/hour. Benefits for temps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Massachusetts have a ban-the-box law?
YES—one of nation's STRONGEST. ALL Massachusetts employers (public and private) must remove criminal history questions from initial written applications (M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4). Effective since 2010, strengthened 2018. Employers can only inquire after initial screening, typically at interview. Must conduct individualized assessment considering nature/gravity of offense, time passed, nature of job. Cannot ask about sealed records, arrests without convictions, first-time drug possession convictions sealed under M.G.L. c. 94C, § 34.
Q2: Can I get my record sealed in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts CORI sealing allows sealing many convictions after waiting periods—generally 3 years for most misdemeanors, 7 years for most felonies. Sealed records not visible to most employers. File petition at mass.gov/cori, $100 fee (waived if indigent), automatic review, 2-4 months typically. Some convictions automatically sealed. Cannot seal certain violent crimes, sex offenses. Contact Greater Boston Legal Services (FREE: 617-603-1700) or Community Legal Aid (877-999-2520) for assistance.
Q3: What is Massachusetts' minimum wage?
$15.00/hour standard minimum wage (2025), unchanged since January 1, 2023. Tipped employees may be paid lower cash wage if tips bring them to at least $15.00/hour. However, market competition in metro Boston drives many entry-level positions to $16-20/hour.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. However, CORI sealing after 3 years (misdemeanors) or 7 years (felonies) means sealed records not visible to most employers. Employers cannot ask about sealed records.
Q5: What companies in Massachusetts hire felons?
Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers, $18-20/hour), Mass General Brigham (over 80,000 employees, $16-20/hour support), Stop & Shop (UFCW union benefits, $15-18/hour), Starbucks (Fair Chance Pledge, $16-18/hour), UPS ($17-20/hour with path to $28-40/hour driver), Target, Home Depot (known for second-chance), Boston Medical Center, and many others. See Top 20 list. Massachusetts' strong ban-the-box law protects all applicants—employers cannot ask on initial applications.
Q6: Can I work at Mass General Brigham with a felony in Massachusetts?
Potentially yes, for non-clinical support positions. Mass General Brigham (over 80,000 employees) may hire individuals with older, non-violent records for environmental services, food service, patient transport at $16-20/hour with comprehensive healthcare benefits. Evaluates applicants individually based on position requirements and conviction history. Apply at massgeneralbrigham.org/careers. Massachusetts ban-the-box means they cannot ask on initial application.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Massachusetts?
Generally yes. UPS offers proven path: start package handler ($17-20/hour with Teamsters benefits), advance to driver ($28-40/hour, $58,000-83,000 annually). Long-haul/regional carriers pay $60,000-85,000. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years). Massachusetts community colleges offer CDL training programs.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Massachusetts?
UPS drivers ($58,000-83,000 after starting package handler $17-20/hour), CDL truck drivers ($60,000-85,000), electricians ($60,000-90,000), plumbers ($55,000-85,000), HVAC techs ($52,000-75,000), welders ($50,000-80,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $50,000-68,000, respiratory therapy $60,000-78,000, radiologic tech $58,000-75,000), manufacturing/biotech technicians ($45,000-72,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Massachusetts job applications?
Massachusetts' STRONG ban-the-box law means ALL employers (public and private) CANNOT ask about criminal history on initial applications. You don't need to disclose unless asked later in process (typically at interview). If asked later, answer truthfully—lying results in termination. Get CORI sealed after 3 years (misdemeanors) or 7 years (felonies)—sealed records not visible to most employers. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit).
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Massachusetts for people with felonies?
Yes. MassHire Career Centers (617-626-5300) offer free training referrals. Massachusetts' 15 community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. MassHire Training Programs offer state-funded training for in-demand occupations. Some employers (Mass General Brigham, Boston University, UMass) provide tuition assistance. Goodwill Industries provides job training and wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals.
Next Steps: Your Massachusetts Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check CORI Sealing Eligibility and File Immediately
Massachusetts allows sealing many convictions after 3 years (most misdemeanors) or 7 years (most felonies). Check eligibility at mass.gov/cori. File petition online or paper application, $100 fee (waived if indigent), automatic review, 2-4 months typically. Sealed records NOT visible to most employers. Some convictions automatically sealed. Contact Greater Boston Legal Services (FREE: 617-603-1700) or Community Legal Aid (877-999-2520) to determine eligibility and complete petition. Getting records sealed FIRST dramatically improves prospects under Massachusetts' strong ban-the-box protections. Don't wait—file immediately if eligible.
Step 2: Register with MassHire and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with MassHire Career Centers (617-626-5300) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Locations in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: PeopleReady (same-day pay, general labor/warehouse/construction $17-28/hour), Kelly Services (office/industrial/technical $16-35/hour), Express Employment (manufacturing/warehouse $16-26/hour), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists), Adecco (manufacturing focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at Amazon, Mass General Brigham, and major employers. Massachusetts' ban-the-box law means agencies cannot ask on initial applications.
Step 3: Target Massachusetts' Accessible Employers
Apply to: Amazon fulfillment centers (North Andover with 1,500 employees, Fall River, others—$18-20/hour, day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring), Mass General Brigham (over 80,000 employees, $16-20/hour support, case-by-case for non-clinical), Stop & Shop ($15-18/hour with UFCW union benefits, commonly hires older convictions), UPS ($17-20/hour package handler with path to $28-40/hour driver with Teamsters), Starbucks (Fair Chance Pledge, $16-18/hour with tuition coverage), Home Depot ($16-19/hour, known for second-chance especially 7+ years), Boston Medical Center ($16-20/hour, mission-driven considering rehabilitation), Target, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Boston University/UMass (support positions $17-21/hour with tuition benefits). Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors. Massachusetts' ban-the-box means NO applications can ask about criminal history.
Step 4: Leverage Massachusetts' STRONG Ban-the-Box Protections
Massachusetts has one of nation's strongest ban-the-box laws—ALL employers (public and private) CANNOT ask about criminal history on initial applications. This is MAJOR advantage. Create strong resume highlighting skills and work history. You DON'T need to disclose criminal history on any application. If asked later (typically at interview), prepare 30-60 second explanation—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Emphasize CORI sealing if eligible (3 years misdemeanors, 7 years felonies)—sealed records not visible to most employers. Employers must conduct individualized assessment. Mention WOTC ($2,400 federal tax credit) to demonstrate financial benefit. Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable if asked about record.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Massachusetts' Strong Economy
UPS package handler ($17-20/hour with Teamsters benefits) is proven path to driver earning $58,000-83,000 annually—most accessible high-wage career. CDL training at Massachusetts community colleges leads to $60,000-85,000 trucking careers. IBEW electrician apprenticeships lead to $60,000-90,000 (MA prevailing wage laws boost pay), UA plumbers to $55,000-85,000. Healthcare support at Mass General Brigham or Boston Medical Center ($16-20/hour) with tuition assistance advances to surgical tech ($50,000-68,000), respiratory therapy ($60,000-78,000), or radiologic tech ($58,000-75,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $52,000-75,000 (MA extreme seasons create demand). Welding programs at community colleges lead to $50,000-80,000. Manufacturing/biotech technicians ($45,000-72,000) in strong MA biotech sector. MassHire offers state-funded training. Persist through rejections—Massachusetts' strong ban-the-box law, progressive CORI sealing, and robust economy create real opportunities.
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 CORI sealing procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Massachusetts' ban-the-box law (M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4), CORI sealing procedures, and minimum wage is general in nature. CORI sealing eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Massachusetts employment attorney or Greater Boston Legal Services (FREE: 617-603-1700) 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.