Felon Friendly Jobs in Michigan
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Michigan offers substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in automotive manufacturing, healthcare support, warehousing, logistics, and skilled trades. Michigan's minimum wage is $12.48/hour (as of February 21, 2025) and will increase to $13.73/hour on January 1, 2026, and $15.00/hour on January 1, 2027. Michigan's groundbreaking Clean Slate Law (effective April 2023) automatically expunges eligible felony and misdemeanor convictions after waiting periods (7 years for eligible felonies, 3 years for eligible misdemeanors), making it one of the most progressive states for second-chance employment—this automatic process means eligible records disappear without petitioning, though individuals can also petition to expedite expungement. While Michigan has statewide ban-the-box protections ONLY for state government employment (MCL 37.2205a, effective February 2021) and several cities/counties use fair-chance policies for their own government positions, private employers may still ask about criminal history at any point in the hiring process. Major employers including General Motors (tens of thousands of Michigan employees—state's largest employer), Ford (tens of thousands), Stellantis, Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers), Walmart, Meijer (Michigan-based supercenter chain), UPS, FedEx, Spectrum Health/Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health, University of Michigan (approximately 48,000 employees—second-largest employer), and numerous automotive suppliers maintain substantial workforces across Detroit metro (4.4 million population), Grand Rapids (1.1 million metro), Lansing (550,000 metro—state capital), Ann Arbor (375,000 metro), Flint (405,000 metro), and throughout the state. Entry-level positions typically start at $13-18/hour in warehousing and manufacturing, with skilled trades positions offering $18-28/hour and union-represented automotive production roles paying $17-28/hour with comprehensive benefits.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Michigan
Economic Overview
Michigan's economy, historically anchored by automotive manufacturing, has diversified significantly to include healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. With total workforce of approximately 4.5 million people and unemployment around 5.2% (as of August 2025), Michigan offers multiple pathways to employment for individuals with criminal records. Major metropolitan areas include Detroit metro (4.4 million population—automotive manufacturing hub), Grand Rapids (1.1 million metro—second-largest city, healthcare and manufacturing), Lansing (550,000 metro—state capital and government employment), Ann Arbor (375,000 metro—University of Michigan and tech hub), Flint (405,000 metro—automotive and manufacturing), Kalamazoo, Saginaw, and numerous other industrial cities. The automotive industry alone employs hundreds of thousands across manufacturing, parts supply, and logistics operations, with Big Three automakers (General Motors, Ford, Stellantis) and hundreds of suppliers providing extensive opportunities. Healthcare sector is major employer with Spectrum Health/Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health, Beaumont Health, and University of Michigan Health systems.
Record Clearing System
Michigan's Clean Slate Law (Effective April 2023): One of nation's most progressive automatic expungement systems.
AUTOMATIC Expungement: Eligible felonies automatically expunged after 7 years from completion of sentence. Eligible misdemeanors automatically expunged after 3 years. This happens automatically without filing petition—records simply disappear after waiting period.
Eligibility: Can have up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors automatically expunged. Cannot expunge: assaultive crimes, serious misdemeanors, criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, human trafficking, terrorism, or offenses requiring sex offender registration.
Manual Petition: Can also petition to expedite expungement before automatic period. Must wait 5 years after completion of sentence for eligible felonies, 3 years for misdemeanors. Same eligibility rules apply.
Application Process (Manual): Complete application, gather records, file with county court, prosecutor review, hearing if contested, judge decision. Cost: varies ($50-150 filing fee). Timeline: 4-6 months typically.
Set-Aside: Separate process that sets aside conviction (different from expungement). One conviction can be set aside after 5 years, two after 7 years, three or more after 10 years.
FREE Assistance: Michigan Legal Help (michiganlegalhelp.org) provides free resources. Legal Aid clinics throughout state offer free expungement assistance.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
LIMITED Ban-the-Box: Michigan has ban-the-box ONLY for state government employment (MCL 37.2205a, effective February 2021). State government employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask at any time.
Local Ordinances: Some cities/counties (Detroit, Kalamazoo, others) have ban-the-box for their own government positions only. No local ordinances apply to private employers.
What This Means: State government jobs have some protection, but vast majority of Michigan employers (all private employers) can ask about criminal history on applications.
Michigan follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Michigan employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Michigan
Michigan minimum wage: $12.48/hour (2025), increasing to $13.73/hour (2026) and $15.00/hour (2027). Market competition drives most entry-level positions to $13-18/hour.
Automotive Manufacturing & Assembly
General Motors (Tens of thousands of Michigan employees—state's largest employer) - Multiple assembly plants and facilities statewide.
Production associates, assembly line workers, material handlers.
Pay: $17-28/hour with comprehensive UAW union benefits including healthcare, pensions, overtime opportunities. Case-by-case hiring for production and facilities positions. Advancement into skilled trades.
Ford Motor Company (Tens of thousands of Michigan workers) - Manufacturing, engineering, support roles statewide.
Production workers, assembly, material handling.
Pay: $17-24/hour with full UAW union benefits, shift differentials, tuition assistance. Evaluates applicants individually, considers time since conviction and rehabilitation. Historically partners with reentry programs.
Stellantis/Fiat Chrysler (Substantial Michigan operations) - Assembly plants and technical centers.
Production workers, assembly, facilities.
Pay: $17-26/hour with benefits including healthcare, retirement plans, skill development. Reviews applicants individually for assembly and production roles.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Multiple fulfillment centers across Michigan) - E-commerce fulfillment.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $16-18/hour. Fair-chance hiring approach 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 Michigan metros) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $15-18/hour with Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance, opportunities to advance to driver positions earning $25-38/hour. Considers applicants with records for package handler positions.
FedEx (FedEx Ground and Express facilities throughout Michigan) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse positions.
Pay: $15-17/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities. Positions accessible to individuals with records.
Retail & Grocery
Meijer (Michigan-based supercenter chain, numerous stores statewide) - Retail, warehouse, distribution.
Store associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers, distribution.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Fair-chance hiring for retail, warehouse, distribution positions. Benefits, advancement opportunities, employee discounts. Evaluates applicants holistically, commonly hires individuals with older convictions.
Walmart (Numerous Supercenters and distribution facilities throughout Michigan) - Retail and distribution.
Associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $13-16/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution. Case-by-case review, commonly hires for entry-level positions. Benefits, flexible scheduling, educational assistance programs.
Kroger (Grocery stores throughout Michigan) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers, stockers, department clerks.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Case-by-case evaluation. Benefits, union representation in some locations.
Target (Stores throughout Michigan) - Retail chain.
Store team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $15-17/hour. Case-by-case review. Benefits, tuition assistance.
Home Improvement
The Home Depot (Multiple Michigan locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales associates, receiving, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Known for second-chance hiring, particularly for convictions older than seven years. Benefits, employee discounts, advancement to management.
Lowe's (Stores throughout Michigan) - Home improvement retail.
Retail associates, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Evaluates applicants individually, commonly hires for entry-level roles. Benefits, skill development programs.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Spectrum Health/Corewell Health (Hospitals and facilities throughout western Michigan) - Healthcare system.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Non-clinical support positions sometimes available to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
Henry Ford Health System (Facilities throughout southeast Michigan) - Healthcare system.
Environmental services, facilities maintenance, food service.
Pay: $13-17/hour. May consider applicants with records for non-clinical support roles depending on conviction history. Benefits included.
Education Support
University of Michigan (Approximately 48,000 employees—Michigan's second-largest employer) - Higher education institution.
Facilities, custodial, food service, grounds positions.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Support positions may be accessible depending on role and conviction history. Comprehensive benefits.
Food Service & Hospitality
Starbucks (Locations throughout Michigan) - Coffee chain, Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas, shift supervisors.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Commitment to second-chance hiring. Benefits including healthcare, stock options, tuition coverage through Arizona State University online programs.
McDonald's (Many franchise locations statewide) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew members, cooks, cashiers.
Pay: $12-15/hour. Many franchisees practice fair-chance hiring. Flexible scheduling, advancement to management, educational assistance. Hiring practices vary by franchisee.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids (Retail stores and career centers throughout Michigan) - Nonprofit specifically focused on second-chance employment.
Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.
Pay: $12-15/hour. Job training, skill development, wraparound support services specifically for justice-impacted individuals.
Top 20 Michigan Employers Hiring Felons
These Michigan companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
General Motors (Tens of thousands of Michigan employees) - State's largest employer, automotive manufacturing.
Production Associates: $17-28/hour Skilled Trades: $55,000-85,000 Supervisors: $65,000-95,000 UAW union benefits, case-by-case hiring for production. Learn More
Ford Motor Company (Tens of thousands of Michigan workers) - Automotive manufacturing, engineering.
Production Workers: $17-24/hour Skilled Trades: $50,000-80,000 Engineering: $70,000-110,000 UAW benefits, reentry partnerships, individualized assessment. Learn More
Stellantis/Fiat Chrysler (Substantial Michigan operations) - Assembly plants, technical centers.
Production Workers: $17-26/hour Skilled Trades: $52,000-82,000 Management: $70,000-105,000 Benefits, case-by-case for production roles. Learn More
Amazon (Multiple Michigan fulfillment centers) - E-commerce fulfillment.
Warehouse Associates: $16-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring, career advancement. Learn More
Meijer (Michigan-based, numerous stores statewide) - Supercenter chain retail, warehouse, distribution.
Store Associates: $13-16/hour Department Managers: $40,000-60,000 Store Managers: $70,000-95,000 Fair-chance hiring, commonly hires older convictions. Learn More
Walmart (Numerous locations and distribution throughout Michigan) - Retail and distribution.
Associates: $13-16/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Management: $45,000-75,000 Case-by-case review, educational assistance. Learn More
University of Michigan (Approximately 48,000 employees) - Michigan's second-largest employer, higher education.
Facilities/Custodial: $14-18/hour Food Service: $13-17/hour Grounds: $15-20/hour Support positions accessible depending on role/conviction. Learn More
UPS (Major Michigan metro sorting facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $15-18/hour Drivers: $25-38/hour Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance, advancement. Learn More
Home Depot (Multiple Michigan locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $14-17/hour Department Supervisors: $40,000-55,000 Store Management: $60,000-85,000 Known for second-chance hiring, especially 7+ years. Learn More
Spectrum Health/Corewell Health (Western Michigan hospitals/facilities) - Healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Non-clinical support for older, non-violent records. Learn More
Lowe's (Stores throughout Michigan) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $14-17/hour Specialists: $16-20/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
FedEx (Facilities throughout Michigan) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $15-17/hour Drivers: $20-32/hour Operations: $50,000-75,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
Starbucks (Locations throughout Michigan) - Coffee chain, Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas: $13-16/hour Shift Supervisors: $16-20/hour Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Second-chance commitment, tuition coverage. Learn More
Henry Ford Health System (Southeast Michigan facilities) - Healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Non-clinical support case-by-case. Learn More
Target (Stores throughout Michigan) - Retail chain.
Team Members: $15-17/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Management: $55,000-80,000 Case-by-case review, benefits, tuition assistance. Learn More
Kroger (Grocery stores throughout Michigan) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers/Stockers: $13-16/hour Department Managers: $35,000-55,000 Store Managers: $65,000-90,000 Union representation some locations, case-by-case. Learn More
Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids (Throughout Michigan) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance employment.
Retail Associates: $12-15/hour Warehouse Workers: $13-16/hour Career Specialists: $35,000-50,000 Job training, wraparound support for justice-impacted. Learn More
McDonald's (Many Michigan franchise locations) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew Members: $12-15/hour Shift Managers: $15-19/hour General Managers: $40,000-55,000 Many franchisees fair-chance, varies by location. Learn More
Express Employment Professionals (Michigan locations) - Staffing agency.
Warehouse/Manufacturing: $13-22/hour General Labor: $12-20/hour Administrative: $14-20/hour Temp-to-perm, second-chance focus. Learn More
PeopleReady (Michigan locations) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $12-22/hour Warehouse: $13-20/hour Construction: $15-24/hour Daily/weekly pay, immediate placement. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Michigan City
Detroit Metro (Pop. 4.4 million metro)
Automotive manufacturing hub, healthcare, logistics. Largest Michigan metro.
GM, Ford, Stellantis - $17-28/hour
Amazon/UPS/FedEx - $15-18/hour
Healthcare systems - $13-17/hour
Retail chains - $13-17/hour
Automotive suppliers - $15-24/hour
Grand Rapids (Pop. 1.1 million metro)
Second-largest city. Healthcare, manufacturing, furniture.
Spectrum Health/Corewell - $13-17/hour
Manufacturing - $14-22/hour
Meijer (local company) - $13-16/hour
Retail chains - $13-17/hour
Goodwill Industries - $12-15/hour
Lansing (Pop. 550,000 metro)
State capital. Government, GM facilities, healthcare.
GM Lansing plants - $17-28/hour
State government - varies
Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour
Retail - $13-16/hour
Manufacturing - $14-20/hour
Ann Arbor (Pop. 375,000 metro)
University of Michigan, tech hub, healthcare.
University of Michigan - $14-18/hour
Healthcare - $13-17/hour
Retail - $13-17/hour
Technology companies - varies
Food service - $12-16/hour
Flint (Pop. 405,000 metro)
Automotive manufacturing, healthcare.
GM Flint Assembly - $17-28/hour
Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour
Retail chains - $13-16/hour
Manufacturing - $14-22/hour
Warehousing - $13-18/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Michigan
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Michigan.
Automotive Skilled Trades
Start: Production Associate - $17-28/hour at GM, Ford, Stellantis with UAW union benefits. Case-by-case hiring.
Advance to Skilled Trades - Electrician, millwright, tool and die maker, maintenance technician: $55,000-85,000. Apprenticeship programs through UAW and employers.
Supervisors - Production supervisors: $65,000-95,000. Promote from production floor.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Interstate and regional routes: $55,000-80,000 annually. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required.
Local Delivery - UPS drivers after starting as package handlers: $25-38/hour ($52,000-79,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits. Home daily.
Skilled Construction Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $55,000-85,000. Union apprenticeships through IBEW.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $50,000-78,000. Union apprenticeships through UA.
HVAC Technician - Michigan's climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $48,000-70,000.
Welder - Industrial, automotive, construction: $45,000-75,000. Welding programs at community colleges.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $13-17/hour at Spectrum/Corewell, Henry Ford Health, U-M Health. Use tuition assistance.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $45,000-62,000. Programs at community colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $55,000-72,000.
Manufacturing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $17-28/hour at automotive Big Three with UAW benefits.
Advance to Quality Control - Quality technicians, inspectors: $45,000-68,000.
Manufacturing Engineering Technician - With training: $55,000-80,000.
Michigan Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Michigan offers one of nation's most progressive automatic expungement systems and workforce development support.
Expungement and Record Clearing
Clean Slate Law (Effective April 2023): AUTOMATIC expungement after waiting periods without petition needed.
Automatic Expungement Timeline:
Eligible felonies: 7 years after completion of sentence
Eligible misdemeanors: 3 years after completion of sentence
Records automatically disappear from public databases
Eligibility: Up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors can be automatically expunged. Cannot expunge: assaultive crimes, serious misdemeanors, criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, human trafficking, terrorism, offenses requiring sex offender registration.
Manual Petition (To Expedite): Can petition before automatic period. Wait 5 years for felonies, 3 years for misdemeanors. File with county court, prosecutor review, hearing if contested, judge decision. Cost: $50-150 filing fee. Timeline: 4-6 months.
Set-Aside (Different from Expungement): One conviction set aside after 5 years, two after 7 years, three or more after 10 years.
FREE Assistance: Michigan Legal Help (michiganlegalhelp.org) provides free resources and forms. Legal Aid clinics throughout state offer free expungement assistance. Community Legal Resources (313-964-4130 in Detroit area).
Ban-the-Box Status
LIMITED Ban-the-Box: Michigan has ban-the-box ONLY for state government employment (MCL 37.2205a, effective February 2021). State government cannot ask on initial applications. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask anytime.
Local Ordinances: Some cities/counties (Detroit, Kalamazoo) have ban-the-box for their own government positions. No local ordinances apply to private employers.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Michigan employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.
State Workforce Development
Michigan Works! (Statewide network) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (800) 285-9675 | michiganworks.org
Locations: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
Michigan Department of Corrections - Prisoner Reentry Programs - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (517) 335-1426 | michigan.gov/corrections
Goodwill Industries - Career centers with wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals throughout Michigan.
Additional Michigan Resources
Training & Education
Michigan Community Colleges - 28 community colleges statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades, welding, HVAC, CDL with financial aid.
UAW-Ford Training Centers - Apprenticeship programs for skilled trades in partnership with automakers.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services - Vocational rehabilitation for individuals with barriers to employment.
Housing Assistance
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (517) 373-8370 | michigan.gov/mshda
Legal Aid
Michigan Legal Help - FREE legal resources including expungement information.
Website: michiganlegalhelp.org
Community Legal Resources (Detroit area) - FREE civil legal services.
Contact: (313) 964-4130
Legal Aid of Western Michigan - FREE services for low-income residents.
Contact: (616) 774-0672
Transportation Support
Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) - Public transit. Reduced fare programs.
The Rapid (Grand Rapids) - Public transit with affordable options.
CATA (Lansing) - Capital Area Transportation Authority.
TheRide (Ann Arbor) - Public transit serving Ann Arbor area.
Staffing Agencies in Michigan That Work With Felons
Express Employment Professionals - Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, automotive. Pay: $13-24/hour. Second-chance focus, quick placement.
PeopleReady - Multiple Michigan locations. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing, construction. Pay: $12-24/hour. Immediate placement, second-chance friendly.
Manpower - Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing areas. Manufacturing, automotive, logistics. Pay: $13-22/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Adecco - Michigan metro areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, automotive suppliers. Pay: $13-22/hour. Benefits for temps.
Kelly Services - Founded in Detroit, statewide presence. Manufacturing, warehouse, skilled trades. Pay: $13-24/hour.
Randstad - Detroit, Grand Rapids areas. Manufacturing, automotive, logistics. Pay: $14-24/hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Michigan have a ban-the-box law?
LIMITED. Michigan has ban-the-box ONLY for state government employment (MCL 37.2205a, effective February 2021). State government cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask at any time. Some cities/counties have ban-the-box for their own government positions only. No local ordinances apply to private employers.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Michigan?
Yes—Michigan has one of nation's most progressive systems. Clean Slate Law provides AUTOMATIC expungement after 7 years for eligible felonies, 3 years for eligible misdemeanors—no petition needed, records simply disappear. Can have up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors automatically expunged. Cannot expunge: assaultive crimes, serious misdemeanors, criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, human trafficking, terrorism, sex offender registration offenses. Can also petition to expedite before automatic period. Visit michiganlegalhelp.org for FREE resources. Community Legal Resources (313-964-4130) provides FREE assistance.
Q3: What is Michigan's minimum wage?
$12.48/hour as of February 21, 2025, increasing to $13.73/hour on January 1, 2026, and $15.00/hour on January 1, 2027. However, market competition drives most entry-level positions to $13-18/hour in practice.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Michigan?
Michigan follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. However, Clean Slate automatic expungement means eligible records disappear after 7 years (felonies) or 3 years (misdemeanors).
Q5: What companies in Michigan hire felons?
General Motors (tens of thousands, $17-28/hour), Ford (tens of thousands, $17-24/hour), Stellantis ($17-26/hour), Amazon ($16-18/hour), Meijer (Michigan-based, $13-16/hour), Walmart, UPS ($15-18/hour with path to $25-38/hour driver), Home Depot (known for second-chance), University of Michigan (48,000 employees), Spectrum Health/Corewell, and many others. See Top 20 list. Big Three automakers review case-by-case.
Q6: Can I work at GM or Ford with a felony in Michigan?
Yes, with case-by-case review. General Motors and Ford Motor Company (both employ tens of thousands in Michigan) consider individuals with records for production and facilities positions. Starting pay: $17-28/hour with comprehensive UAW union benefits including healthcare and pensions. Both companies evaluate applicants individually and consider time since conviction and rehabilitation efforts. Apply at gm.com/careers and ford.com/careers.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Michigan?
Generally yes. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years). UPS offers path from package handler ($15-18/hour) to driver ($25-38/hour, $52,000-79,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits. Long-haul/regional carriers pay $55,000-80,000. Michigan community colleges offer CDL training programs.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Michigan?
Automotive skilled trades ($55,000-85,000 after starting production $17-28/hour), UPS drivers ($52,000-79,000), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-80,000), electricians ($55,000-85,000), plumbers ($50,000-78,000), HVAC techs ($48,000-70,000), welders ($45,000-75,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $45,000-62,000, respiratory therapy $55,000-72,000), manufacturing supervisors ($65,000-95,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Michigan job applications?
Michigan has NO ban-the-box for private employers—most can ask on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying discovered later results in termination. Michigan's Clean Slate means eligible records automatically expunged after 7 years (felonies) or 3 years (misdemeanors)—sealed records won't appear on background checks. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit) to demonstrate financial benefit. Big Three automakers (GM, Ford, Stellantis) and many employers review case-by-case.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Michigan for people with felonies?
Yes. Michigan Works! (800-285-9675) offers free training referrals. Michigan's 28 community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. UAW-Ford Training Centers offer skilled trades apprenticeships. Some employers (GM, Ford, Stellantis, University of Michigan) provide tuition assistance. Michigan Rehabilitation Services offers vocational training. Goodwill Industries provides job training and wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals.
Next Steps: Your Michigan Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check Clean Slate Automatic Expungement Eligibility
Michigan's Clean Slate Law provides AUTOMATIC expungement after 7 years for eligible felonies, 3 years for eligible misdemeanors—no petition needed. Check eligibility at michiganlegalhelp.org. If eligible and waiting period passed, records should already be sealed. If eligible but want to expedite, can petition manually. Cannot expunge: assaultive crimes, serious misdemeanors, criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, human trafficking, terrorism, sex offender registration offenses. Contact Community Legal Resources (FREE: 313-964-4130) or local Legal Aid for assistance. Getting records sealed FIRST dramatically improves prospects. Don't wait—check status immediately.
Step 2: Register with Michigan Works! and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with Michigan Works! (800-285-9675) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Locations in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: Express Employment (automotive/manufacturing connections), PeopleReady (daily pay, immediate placement), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists), Adecco (automotive suppliers), Kelly Services (Michigan-founded). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $13-24/hour with temp-to-perm potential at GM, Ford, Stellantis, suppliers, and major employers. Show up on time, work hard, stay professional—conversion rates excellent.
Step 3: Target Michigan's Accessible Employers in Key Industries
Apply to Big Three automakers: General Motors (tens of thousands employed, $17-28/hour UAW benefits, case-by-case hiring), Ford (tens of thousands, $17-24/hour UAW benefits, reentry partnerships), Stellantis ($17-26/hour, case-by-case review). Apply to: Amazon fulfillment ($16-18/hour, day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring), Meijer (Michigan-based, $13-16/hour, fair-chance, commonly hires older convictions), UPS ($15-18/hour package handler with path to $25-38/hour driver), Home Depot ($14-17/hour, known for second-chance especially 7+ years), University of Michigan (48,000 employees, $14-18/hour support positions), Spectrum Health/Corewell ($13-17/hour non-clinical for older non-violent records), Walmart, Target, Kroger. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.
Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy for Limited Ban-the-Box Environment
Michigan has ban-the-box ONLY for state government jobs—most employers can ask on applications. Create resume highlighting skills and work history. If criminal history question appears, answer truthfully but briefly—lying results in termination. Prepare 30-60 second explanation—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Emphasize Clean Slate automatic expungement—many records disappear after 7 years (felonies) or 3 years (misdemeanors). Mention WOTC ($2,400 federal tax credit) to demonstrate financial benefit. Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently. Big Three automakers and many major employers review case-by-case.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Michigan's Core Industries
Start automotive production at GM, Ford, or Stellantis ($17-28/hour with UAW benefits including healthcare and pension) and pursue skilled trades apprenticeships earning $55,000-85,000 through UAW-Ford Training Centers or employer programs. UPS package handler ($15-18/hour) provides path to driver earning $52,000-79,000 annually with Teamsters benefits. CDL training at Michigan community colleges leads to $55,000-80,000 trucking careers. IBEW electrician apprenticeships lead to $55,000-85,000, UA plumbers to $50,000-78,000. Healthcare support at Spectrum/Corewell or Henry Ford ($13-17/hour) with tuition assistance advances to surgical tech ($45,000-62,000) or respiratory therapy ($55,000-72,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $48,000-70,000. Welding programs at community colleges lead to $45,000-75,000 in automotive/manufacturing. Persist through rejections—Michigan's Clean Slate automatic expungement and strong automotive/manufacturing 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 expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Michigan's Clean Slate Law (effective April 2023), limited ban-the-box protections (MCL 37.2205a for state government only), and minimum wage increases is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Michigan employment attorney or Community Legal Resources (FREE: 313-964-4130) for specific legal advice about your situation.
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.