Felon Friendly Jobs in Nevada
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Nevada offers exceptional second-chance employment opportunities through its thriving tourism, hospitality, and gaming industries. The state's $12.00 minimum wage, record sealing system (NRS 179.245), and major employers like Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Amazon, and Tesla provide abundant opportunities across Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson. While Nevada's ban-the-box law applies only to state employers, the gaming-hospitality sector alone employs hundreds of thousands. Entry-level positions start at $12-18/hour, while skilled trades, CDL drivers, and casino dealers earn $40,000-75,000+ annually. Nevada's record sealing allows eligible individuals to legally deny sealed convictions to most private employers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Nevada
Nevada's vibrant economy, driven by tourism, hospitality, gaming, logistics, and technology, creates exceptional opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. With major metropolitan areas in Las Vegas (2.3 million metro), Reno (480,000 metro), and growing communities in Henderson and Sparks, Nevada offers diverse employment pathways. The gaming-hospitality sector alone employs over 350,000 people statewide, with constant turnover creating consistent hiring opportunities.
Nevada's record sealing system (NRS 179.245) allows eligible individuals to petition courts to seal most criminal convictions after specific waiting periods: 1 year for misdemeanors, 2 years for Category E felonies and gross misdemeanors, 5 years for Category B, C, and D felonies, and 10 years for Category A felonies. Important: Nevada does NOT expunge records but seals them from public view. Once sealed, individuals can legally deny the existence of the record to most private employers. However, certain crimes including sex offenses, crimes against children, and felony DUI can never be sealed.
Nevada's 2017 ban-the-box law applies ONLY to state agency public employers, prohibiting criminal history questions until after the final interview. The law does NOT cover private employers statewide. Nevada eliminated its seven-year lookback limit on criminal convictions in 2015, meaning convictions can be reported indefinitely on background checks. However, sealed records cannot be reported, and employers must conduct individualized assessments under EEOC guidelines. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Nevada employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Nevada
Nevada's minimum wage is $12.00 per hour effective July 1, 2024, with NO tip credit allowed—tipped employees also receive $12/hour base. All major cities including Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and Sparks follow the state minimum wage.
Hospitality & Gaming
Caesars Entertainment - Major casino resorts across Nevada. Housekeeping, food & beverage, guest services, valet, security. Pay: $12-18/hour depending on role and tips.
MGM Resorts International - Extensive Nevada properties. Hotel operations, restaurants, casino floor, custodial, facilities. Pay: $12-20/hour plus tips where applicable.
Station Casinos - Las Vegas-based locals casino operator. Table games dealers, food service, housekeeping, security. Pay: $12-25/hour depending on position and tips.
Boyd Gaming - Multiple Nevada casino properties. Gaming operations, hospitality, food & beverage, facilities. Pay: $12-18/hour.
Wynn Resorts - High-end Las Vegas properties. Hospitality positions, housekeeping, food & beverage. Pay: $13-22/hour.
Golden Entertainment - Taverns and casinos statewide. Bartenders, servers, gaming, kitchen staff. Pay: $12-18/hour plus tips.
Warehouse & Distribution
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in North Las Vegas. Warehouse associates, sortation, pickers, packers. Pay: $17-19/hour with benefits.
Walmart Distribution Centers - Henderson and other locations. Order fillers, warehouse associates, forklift operators. Pay: $18-22/hour.
Target Distribution - North Las Vegas area. Warehouse workers, material handlers, inventory. Pay: $17-20/hour.
FedEx Ground - Multiple Nevada hubs. Package handlers, sorters, loaders. Pay: $16-20/hour.
UPS - Distribution facilities statewide. Package handlers, warehouse workers. Pay: $16-21/hour. Union benefits.
Manufacturing & Production
Tesla Gigafactory - Sparks, Nevada (largest lithium-ion battery factory globally). Production associates, material handlers, quality control. Pay: $18-25/hour.
Panasonic - Partner at Tesla Gigafactory. Manufacturing technicians, production workers. Pay: $17-23/hour.
Switch - Data center operations in Nevada. Facilities technicians, security, operations. Pay: $16-24/hour.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart - Supercenters throughout Nevada. Stockers, cashiers, cart attendants, maintenance. Pay: $12-16/hour.
Costco Wholesale - Warehouse club locations. Merchandise assistants, food court, membership. Pay: $16-20/hour.
Target - Multiple Nevada locations. Store associates, fulfillment, cashiers. Pay: $12-17/hour.
Home Depot - Stores across Nevada. Lot associates, freight team, customer service. Pay: $13-17/hour.
Food Service & Restaurants
In-N-Out Burger - Popular West Coast chain. Store associates with excellent pay and benefits. Pay: $17-20/hour.
Starbucks - Coffee shops across Nevada. Baristas, shift supervisors. Pay: $13-16/hour plus tips.
Chipotle - Fast-casual Mexican. Crew members, kitchen prep, cashiers. Pay: $13-16/hour.
Top 20 Nevada Employers Hiring Felons
These Nevada companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Caesars Entertainment (Statewide) - Major casino/hospitality operator with thousands of Nevada positions.
Housekeeping: $12-15/hour Food & Beverage: $12-18/hour plus tips Casino operations: $13-25/hour Individualized assessments.
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MGM Resorts International (Las Vegas, Reno) - Extensive Strip and regional properties.
Hotel operations: $12-18/hour Food service: $12-20/hour plus tips Case-by-case evaluation.
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Amazon (North Las Vegas) - Multiple fulfillment centers.
Associates: $17-19/hour Managers: $55,000-110,000 Day-one benefits.
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Walmart (Statewide) - Retail stores and distribution centers.
Associates: $12-16/hour Distribution: $18-22/hour Managers: $65,000-110,000 7-year lookback.
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Tesla Gigafactory (Sparks) - Largest lithium-ion battery factory globally.
Production: $18-25/hour Technicians: $55,000-85,000 Individualized review.
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Station Casinos (Las Vegas) - Locals casino operator.
Dealers: $12-25/hour plus tips Hospitality: $12-18/hour
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Boyd Gaming (Multiple Properties) - Nevada casino properties.
Gaming: $12-20/hour Hospitality: $12-18/hour
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Target Corporation (Statewide) - Retail and distribution.
Associates: $12-17/hour Distribution: $17-20/hour Managers: $65,000-100,000 Non-violent after 5 years.
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Wynn Resorts (Las Vegas) - Luxury hospitality properties.
Hospitality: $13-22/hour Food service: $13-20/hour plus tips
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FedEx Ground (Statewide) - Package handling and delivery.
Handlers: $16-20/hour Drivers: $50,000-70,000
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UPS (Distribution Facilities) - Logistics and delivery.
Handlers: $16-21/hour Drivers: $80,000-95,000 Union benefits.
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Costco Wholesale (Multiple Locations) - Warehouse retail with excellent pay.
Associates: $16-20/hour Managers: $85,000-130,000 Industry-leading benefits.
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Home Depot (Statewide) - Home improvement retail.
Associates: $13-17/hour Managers: $60,000-95,000 Case-by-case review.
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Albertsons/Vons (Statewide) - Grocery chains.
Retail: $12-16/hour Management: $45,000-75,000
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Smith's Food and Drug (Kroger) - Nevada grocery chain.
Retail: $12-15/hour Managers: $50,000-80,000
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Las Vegas Sands (Las Vegas) - Luxury resort hospitality.
Hospitality: $12-20/hour Conventions: $15-22/hour
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Lowe's (Multiple Locations) - Home improvement retail.
Associates: $12-17/hour Managers: $55,000-90,000
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Starbucks (Statewide) - Coffee retail chain.
Baristas: $13-16/hour plus tips Shift supervisors: $16-19/hour
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In-N-Out Burger (Nevada Locations) - Fast food with above-average pay.
Associates: $17-20/hour Managers: $100,000+
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Golden Entertainment (Statewide) - Gaming and taverns.
Tavern staff: $12-18/hour plus tips Gaming: $13-20/hour
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Nevada City
Nevada's employment concentrates in major metropolitan areas, each offering unique industry opportunities.
Las Vegas (Metro 2.3 Million)
Major Employers: Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Wynn, Station Casinos, Boyd Gaming, Amazon, Walmart, hundreds of casino/hotel properties
Entry-Level Focus: Hospitality ($12-18/hour), warehouse ($17-19/hour), retail ($12-16/hour), food service ($12-16/hour plus tips)
Construction: Major building boom, general laborers, concrete, framing ($14-22/hour)
Reno/Sparks (Metro 480,000)
Major Employers: Tesla Gigafactory, Panasonic, Amazon, Walmart, Peppermill, Atlantis, Grand Sierra Resort
Entry-Level Focus: Manufacturing ($18-25/hour), hospitality ($12-18/hour), warehouse ($17-20/hour)
Henderson (Pop. 320,000)
Major Employers: Walmart Distribution, Target, Amazon, Green Valley Ranch, healthcare facilities
Entry-Level Focus: Distribution ($18-22/hour), retail ($12-16/hour), healthcare support ($13-18/hour)
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Nevada
These positions offer the best earning potential for justice-impacted individuals willing to pursue training and certification.
CDL & Transportation ($50,000-$95,000+)
Truck drivers: Local and long-haul. Entry: $50,000-75,000/year. UPS drivers: $80,000-95,000/year with union benefits. Companies like Werner, Schneider, Swift hire after 3-7 years. Many offer CDL training.
Skilled Trades ($40,000-$70,000+)
HVAC technicians: $45,000-65,000/year (high demand in desert climate). Electricians: $40,000-55,000/year starting. Plumbers: $45,000-70,000/year. Welders: $40,000-60,000/year. Apprenticeships available.
Casino Dealers ($40,000-$60,000+)
Table games dealers after dealer school (6-12 weeks). Base: $30,000-50,000/year plus tips. Total with tips: $40,000-60,000+. Experienced dealers at high-end properties earn more.
Manufacturing Technicians ($38,000-$55,000)
Tesla Gigafactory technicians: $45,000-70,000/year. CNC machine operators: $38,000-55,000/year. Forklift certified operators: $35,000-48,000/year.
Nevada Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) - EmployNV Career Hubs statewide providing free job search assistance, training programs, employer connections. detr.nv.gov
Nevada Legal Services - Free legal aid for record sealing assistance. (702) 386-1070 (Las Vegas), (775) 284-3491 (Reno)
Hope for Prisoners - Las Vegas reentry program providing job placement, mentoring, life skills. hopeforprisoners.org
Northern Nevada HOPES - Reno/Sparks reentry services, job training, placement assistance. nnhopes.org
Additional Nevada Resources
Understanding Nevada Background Checks
Nevada eliminated its seven-year lookback limit in 2015—convictions can be reported indefinitely. However, sealed records under NRS 179.245 cannot be reported. Non-conviction records (arrests without conviction) can only be reported for seven years. Employers must conduct individualized assessments under EEOC guidelines.
Nevada Record Sealing
Nevada does NOT expunge but seals records under NRS 179.245. Waiting periods: 1 year for misdemeanors, 2 years for Category E felonies, 5 years for Categories B-D felonies, 10 years for Category A felonies. Once sealed, individuals can legally deny the record to most private employers. Gaming Commission and certain professional licenses may still access sealed records.
Nevada Ban-the-Box Law
Nevada's 2017 ban-the-box law applies ONLY to state agency public employers, not private employers statewide. State agencies cannot ask about criminal history until after the final interview. North Las Vegas enacted ban-the-box for city jobs in 2016.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Nevada employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire of returning citizens. Inform potential employers of eligibility. Coordinated through DETR EmployNV Career Hubs.
Staffing Agencies in Nevada That Work With Felons
Staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities in Nevada's hospitality, warehouse, and construction sectors.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Multiple Nevada locations. Daily assignments, same-day pay. Construction, warehouse, general labor. $12-19/hour. trueblue.com
Manpower - Las Vegas, Reno offices. Industrial, hospitality, warehouse. $13-22/hour. manpower.com
Express Employment Professionals - Statewide presence. Hospitality, warehouse, skilled trades. $12-24/hour. expresspros.com
Kelly Services - Las Vegas, Reno. Industrial, office, technical. $13-23/hour. kellyservices.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Nevada have a ban-the-box law?
Yes, but ONLY for state agency public employers. Nevada's 2017 law prohibits state agencies from asking about criminal history until after final interview. The law does NOT cover private employers statewide. North Las Vegas has ban-the-box for city jobs.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Nevada?
Nevada does NOT expunge records but seals them under NRS 179.245. Waiting periods vary by offense category (1-10 years). Once sealed, you can legally deny the record to most private employers. Contact Nevada Legal Services for assistance.
Q3: What is Nevada's minimum wage?
Nevada's minimum wage is $12.00 per hour as of July 1, 2024, with NO tip credit—tipped employees also receive $12/hour base. All cities follow state minimum wage.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Nevada?
Nevada eliminated the seven-year lookback limit in 2015—convictions can be reported indefinitely. However, sealed records cannot be reported, and non-conviction records only appear for seven years. Employers must conduct individualized assessments.
Q5: What companies in Nevada hire felons?
Major Nevada employers include Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Amazon, Walmart, Tesla, Station Casinos, Boyd Gaming, Target, Costco, and thousands more. Hospitality and warehouse sectors most accessible.
Q6: Can I work in a Nevada casino with a felony?
Possibly, depending on the offense and position. Nevada Gaming Control Board reviews all gaming-related positions. Non-gaming roles (housekeeping, food service, facilities) are more accessible. Each casino has different policies—apply and let them review individually.
Q7: What are the highest-paying jobs for felons in Nevada?
CDL truck drivers ($50,000-95,000), casino dealers ($40,000-60,000+ with tips), HVAC technicians ($45,000-65,000), electricians ($40,000-55,000), Tesla Gigafactory technicians ($45,000-70,000).
Q8: Can I become a dealer with a felony in Nevada?
Possibly. Nevada Gaming Control Board reviews dealer license applications individually. Non-gaming-related felonies with sufficient time passed may be approved. Complete dealer school first (6-12 weeks, $500-2,000), then apply for gaming license.
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Nevada job applications?
Answer honestly if asked. Most Nevada private employers can ask about criminal history on applications. Lying can result in termination. If record is sealed under NRS 179.245, you can legally deny it to most private employers.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Nevada for people with felonies?
Yes. EmployNV Career Hubs offer free training referrals. Nevada community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Hope for Prisoners and Northern Nevada HOPES offer free job training and placement. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, plumbers) offer paid training.
Next Steps: Your Nevada Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Nevada justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Verify Your Record and Assess Record Sealing Eligibility
Obtain your Nevada criminal history from Nevada Highway Patrol Records Division ($25 fee) to know what appears on background checks. Determine if you qualify for record sealing under NRS 179.245 based on offense category and time elapsed. Contact Nevada Legal Services (702-386-1070 Las Vegas, 775-284-3491 Reno) for free record sealing consultations. Understanding whether your record is sealable helps you know if you can legally deny it to employers.
Step 2: Register with EmployNV Career Hubs and Staffing Agencies
Visit nearest EmployNV Career Hub in person (detr.nv.gov, multiple locations in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson). Register for services, meet with counselors, ask about reentry specialists and employers hiring justice-impacted individuals. Simultaneously register with 3-5 staffing agencies (Labor Ready, Manpower, Express Employment, Kelly Services) in person. Be honest about background. Staffing provides immediate income in hospitality and warehouse sectors.
Step 3: Target Nevada's High-Demand Industries
Focus applications on accessible sectors: hospitality/gaming (Caesars, MGM, Station Casinos—housekeeping and food service most accessible), warehouse/logistics (Amazon, Walmart Distribution, Target—$17-22/hour), retail (Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Costco), and construction (abundant opportunities for general laborers). Apply to 10-15 positions weekly. Las Vegas and Reno offer most opportunities. Consider dealer school for casino floor careers if gaming-related offense isn't your background.
Step 4: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create skills-focused resume emphasizing capabilities. Include any hospitality, warehouse, or construction experience. Prepare brief explanation of conviction focusing on rehabilitation—practice until comfortable. Develop references including reentry counselors or probation officers. Since most Nevada private employers can ask about criminal history on applications, be prepared to address honestly. If record is sealed, you can legally deny it.
Step 5: Succeed, Stabilize, and Advance
Once employed, demonstrate reliability: perfect attendance, positive attitude, exceed expectations. Nevada's hospitality sector offers advancement—housekeepers can advance to supervisors ($18-24/hour), food service to management ($40,000-65,000). Warehouse workers at Amazon and UPS can advance to logistics coordinators ($50,000-75,000). Consider training for higher earnings: CDL driving ($50,000-95,000), HVAC certification ($45,000-65,000), dealer school ($40,000-60,000+ with tips), or Tesla Gigafactory technician roles ($45,000-70,000).
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 record sealing procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Nevada's record sealing law (NRS 179.245) and ban-the-box law is general in nature. Gaming-related positions require Nevada Gaming Control Board approval. Consult with Nevada 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.