Felon Friendly Jobs in North Carolina
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
North Carolina offers growing second-chance employment opportunities through its diverse economy spanning healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, technology, logistics, hospitality, and construction. The state's $7.25 minimum wage (matching federal minimum), though many employers pay $10-15/hour or more due to competitive labor markets. North Carolina's Second Chance Act (2020) expanded expungement eligibility, and Governor Cooper's Executive Order 158 implemented ban-the-box for state agencies. Major employers like Bank of America, Duke Health, Lowe's, Amazon, and Atrium Health provide abundant opportunities across Charlotte (pop. 961,000), Raleigh (pop. 500,000), Greensboro (pop. 307,000), Durham (pop. 302,000), Winston-Salem (pop. 256,000), and Fayetteville (pop. 210,000). Entry-level positions start at $10-15/hour, while CDL drivers, skilled trades, and technology roles reach $50,000-80,000+ annually. Improving expungement laws and selective ban-the-box protections make North Carolina increasingly favorable for rebuilding careers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in North Carolina
Economic Overview
North Carolina's economy offers strong opportunities for justice-impacted individuals across healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, technology, logistics, hospitality, retail, and construction sectors. With major population centers including Charlotte (pop. 961,000 - largest city), Raleigh (pop. 500,000 - state capital), Greensboro (pop. 307,000), Durham (pop. 302,000), Winston-Salem (pop. 256,000), and Fayetteville (pop. 210,000), the state provides diverse employment pathways. The Charlotte metro area (2.66 million) is a major financial hub second only to New York City in banking, while the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, 1.8 million) leads in technology and research, and the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, 1.5 million) excels in logistics and manufacturing.
Record Clearing System
North Carolina's Second Chance Act (SB 562, effective December 1, 2020) significantly expanded expungement eligibility, reducing waiting periods and allowing more individuals to clear their records. The law allows unlimited expungements for dismissals and not-guilty verdicts with no waiting period—you can petition immediately after disposition. For non-violent misdemeanor convictions, you may expunge one conviction after 5 years from completion of sentence (including probation), or multiple non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 7 years from completion of your most recent sentence, provided you've had no other convictions during that time. For non-violent felony convictions, you may expunge one non-violent Class H or I felony after 10 years from completion of sentence, or two to three non-violent felonies that occurred within the same 24-month period after 20 years.
Important: Violent misdemeanors, violent felonies, and DWI convictions cannot be expunged (though DWI dismissals can be). The expungement process requires filing a petition in the county where the conviction occurred, paying a $175 filing fee ($0 for dismissals), providing affidavits of good moral character, and potentially attending a hearing. The process typically takes 6-12 months. Once expunged, you can legally deny the arrest or conviction ever occurred for employment purposes, and records are sealed from public access. Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement and prosecutors but cannot be seen by employers conducting standard background checks.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
North Carolina implemented ban-the-box for state agencies through Governor Roy Cooper's Executive Order 158, effective November 1, 2020. The executive order prohibits state agencies from inquiring about criminal history during initial application stages until after the initial interview and only if the information is relevant to the position. North Carolina does NOT have a statewide ban-the-box law covering private employers, making it one of the states where private employers can still ask about criminal history on initial applications. However, many private employers voluntarily adopt fair-chance hiring practices.
North Carolina follows federal FCRA rules for background checks, which means convictions can be reported indefinitely regardless of how old they are—there is no seven-year limit for conviction reporting. Non-conviction information (arrests not leading to conviction) is subject to the seven-year FCRA rule and cannot be reported if more than seven years old (for positions paying under $75,000 annually). Expunged records cannot be reported to employers and will not appear on standard background checks.
The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides North Carolina employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions hired within one year of conviction or release.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in North Carolina
North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25/hour (matching federal minimum), though competitive labor markets mean most entry-level positions pay $10-15/hour or more. The state's average wage is $28.71/hour, and the living wage for a single adult is approximately $18-20/hour depending on location.
Healthcare Support
Atrium Health (Charlotte) - One of nation's largest healthcare systems with 40+ hospitals.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities maintenance, laundry services.
Pay: $12-17/hour.
Duke Health System (Raleigh-Durham) - Major academic medical center and research hospital.
Housekeeping, dietary aides, patient transport, facilities, environmental services.
Pay: $12-17/hour.
Novant Health - Major healthcare system with 15+ hospitals across NC.
Housekeeping, food service, facilities, patient transport, support services.
Pay: $11-16/hour.
UNC Health (Chapel Hill) - Academic medical center and statewide hospital system.
Environmental services, food service, patient care assistants, facilities maintenance.
Pay: $11-16/hour.
Wake Forest Baptist Health (Winston-Salem) - Academic medical center and hospital system.
Support services, housekeeping, dietary, facilities, transport.
Pay: $11-16/hour.
Cone Health (Greensboro) - Major Triad-area hospital system.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.
Pay: $11-16/hour.
Financial Services & Banking
Bank of America (Charlotte) - Major employer with headquarters in Charlotte.
Operations, customer service, facilities, mailroom, administrative support.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Note: Background checks required for financial positions, but support roles more accessible.
Wells Fargo (Charlotte) - Major banking employer.
Operations support, facilities, customer service, administrative roles.
Pay: $13-18/hour.
Truist (Charlotte) - Regional banking headquarters.
Operations, facilities, administrative support, customer service.
Pay: $12-17/hour.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon - Multiple fulfillment centers (Charlotte, Durham, Garner, others).
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $15-19/hour plus benefits.
FedEx Ground - Distribution hubs across NC.
Package handlers, sorters, loaders, material handlers.
Pay: $14-18/hour.
UPS - Facilities in Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro.
Package handlers, warehouse workers, loaders.
Pay: $15-19/hour with excellent benefits.
XPO Logistics - Major logistics presence in NC.
Warehouse workers, freight handlers, loaders.
Pay: $13-18/hour.
Walmart Distribution Centers - Multiple NC locations.
Warehouse selectors, order pickers, shipping/receiving.
Pay: $16-21/hour.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart - Numerous NC locations plus distribution centers.
Stockers, cashiers, overnight crew, online order fulfillment, garden center.
Pay: $12-16/hour.
Target - Multiple locations across NC.
Store associates, warehouse, fulfillment, overnight stocking, backroom.
Pay: $13-17/hour.
Food Lion - Major NC grocery chain (headquarters in Salisbury).
Stockers, cashiers, deli, bakery, produce, meat department.
Pay: $10-14/hour.
Harris Teeter - Upscale grocery chain throughout NC.
Stockers, cashiers, deli, bakery, produce, customer service.
Pay: $11-15/hour.
Lowe's (Corporate HQ in Mooresville) - Home improvement retail with NC headquarters.
Store associates, warehouse, garden center, receiving.
Pay: $12-16/hour.
Home Depot - Multiple NC locations.
Lot associates, freight team, garden, receiving, customer service.
Pay: $12-16/hour.
Costco - Warehouse locations in Charlotte, Raleigh, other cities.
Cart crew, stockers, food court, receiving, membership.
Pay: $15-19/hour with excellent benefits.
Hospitality & Food Service
Charlotte Hotels - Hundreds of properties (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, boutique hotels).
Housekeeping, front desk, food service, maintenance, valet.
Pay: $11-16/hour.
Restaurants - Extensive dining scene across all major cities.
Dishwashers, prep cooks, line cooks, servers, bussers, hosts.
Pay: $10-14/hour plus tips (servers).
Fast Food Chains - McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, Bojangles (NC chain), Cook Out (NC chain).
Crew members, cooks, cashiers.
Pay: $10-13/hour.
Carowinds Amusement Park (Charlotte) - Seasonal theme park employment.
Ride operators, food service, retail, grounds keeping, maintenance.
Pay: $10-14/hour (seasonal).
Manufacturing & Production
Gildan (Multiple NC locations) - Textile and apparel manufacturing.
Production workers, machine operators, quality control, warehouse.
Pay: $12-17/hour.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - Multiple companies in Research Triangle.
Production technicians, packaging, quality control, warehouse.
Pay: $14-20/hour.
Food Production - Various food processing and beverage production across NC.
Production workers, packaging, quality control, sanitation.
Pay: $12-17/hour.
Top 20 North Carolina Employers Hiring Felons
These North Carolina companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Amazon (Charlotte, Durham, Garner) - Multiple fulfillment centers.
Warehouse Associates: $15-19/hour Shift Managers: $55,000-75,000 Operations Managers: $75,000-110,000 Day-one benefits, case-by-case evaluation.
Learn More
Walmart (Statewide) - Retail stores and distribution centers.
Store Associates: $12-16/hour Distribution Workers: $16-21/hour Department Managers: $35,000-55,000 Fair-chance hiring, individual assessment.
Learn More
Target (Statewide) - Retail stores across NC.
Store Team Members: $13-17/hour Warehouse Workers: $17-21/hour Team Leaders: $45,000-65,000 Fair-chance employer.
Learn More
Atrium Health (Charlotte) - One of nation's largest healthcare systems.
Environmental Services: $12-17/hour Food Service: $12-16/hour Patient Transport: $13-17/hour Case-by-case for non-clinical support roles.
Learn More
Duke Health (Raleigh-Durham) - Major academic medical center.
Housekeeping: $12-17/hour Dietary Aides: $12-16/hour Facilities: $13-18/hour Individual assessment for support positions.
Learn More
Lowe's (Mooresville HQ/Statewide) - Home improvement retail.
Store Associates: $12-16/hour Warehouse Workers: $14-19/hour Department Supervisors: $35,000-55,000 Fair-chance evaluation.
Learn More
Food Lion (Statewide) - Major NC grocery chain.
Stockers: $10-14/hour Cashiers: $10-13/hour Department Managers: $32,000-48,000 Case-by-case hiring.
Learn More
UPS (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) - Logistics and delivery.
Package Handlers: $15-19/hour Drivers: $80,000-100,000 Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Teamsters union, promotes from within.
Learn More
FedEx Ground (Statewide) - Package handling and delivery.
Package Handlers: $14-18/hour Drivers: $45,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $55,000-80,000 Individual assessment.
Learn More
Home Depot (Statewide) - Home improvement retail.
Lot Associates: $12-16/hour Freight Team: $13-17/hour Department Supervisors: $35,000-55,000 Fair-chance hiring.
Learn More
Costco (Charlotte, Raleigh) - Warehouse club retail.
Entry-level: $15-19/hour Top-scale: $25-28/hour Managers: $80,000-120,000 Excellent benefits, individual assessment.
Learn More
Novant Health (Statewide) - Major healthcare network.
Housekeeping: $11-16/hour Food Service: $12-16/hour Facilities: $13-18/hour Case-by-case for support roles.
Learn More
Harris Teeter (Statewide) - Upscale grocery stores.
Stockers: $11-15/hour Cashiers: $11-14/hour Department Leads: $30,000-45,000 Fair-chance evaluation.
Learn More
UNC Health (Chapel Hill/Statewide) - Statewide hospital system.
Environmental Services: $11-16/hour Food Service: $11-15/hour Patient Care Assistants: $13-17/hour Individual assessment for support positions.
Learn More
Wake Forest Baptist Health (Winston-Salem) - Academic medical center.
Support Services: $11-16/hour Housekeeping: $11-15/hour Dietary: $12-16/hour Case-by-case evaluation.
Learn More
XPO Logistics (Statewide) - Major logistics presence.
Warehouse Workers: $13-18/hour Freight Handlers: $14-19/hour Supervisors: $45,000-65,000 Fair-chance hiring.
Learn More
Cone Health (Greensboro) - Major Triad-area hospital system.
Environmental Services: $11-16/hour Food Service: $11-15/hour Patient Transport: $12-16/hour Individual assessment for support roles.
Learn More
Sysco (Statewide) - Food distribution company.
Warehouse Workers: $14-19/hour Order Selectors: $16-21/hour Delivery Drivers: $55,000-75,000 Case-by-case evaluation.
Learn More
Goodwill Industries (Statewide) - Mission-driven organization.
Retail: $10-14/hour Production: $11-15/hour Managers: $35,000-55,000 Explicit second-chance employer with support services.
Learn More
Restaurant Chains (Statewide) - Multiple brands including Bojangles, Cook Out, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A.
Crew Members: $10-13/hour Shift Leaders: $12-16/hour Managers: $35,000-55,000 Most chains practice fair-chance hiring. Apply directly at locations.
Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by North Carolina City
Charlotte (Pop. 961,000)
Nation's second-largest banking center. Diverse opportunities across financial services, healthcare, logistics, hospitality, construction.
Amazon Charlotte Fulfillment - $15-19/hour
Atrium Health - $12-17/hour
Bank of America Operations - $13-18/hour (support roles)
Charlotte Hotels (Marriott, Hilton) - $11-16/hour
Carowinds Amusement Park - $10-14/hour (seasonal)
Raleigh (Pop. 500,000)
State capital with government, technology, education, healthcare sectors. Research Triangle opportunities.
Duke Health Raleigh - $12-17/hour
Amazon Garner Fulfillment - $15-19/hour
NC State University Support - $11-16/hour
Wake County Government - $12-18/hour (varies)
Research Triangle Logistics - $13-19/hour
Greensboro (Pop. 307,000)
Logistics hub and manufacturing center. Part of Piedmont Triad region.
FedEx Greensboro Hub - $14-18/hour
Cone Health - $11-16/hour
Target Greensboro - $13-17/hour
Manufacturing Plants - $12-18/hour
Warehousing Operations - $13-19/hour
Durham (Pop. 302,000)
Research Triangle technology and healthcare hub. Duke University presence.
Duke Health System - $12-17/hour
Amazon Durham - $15-19/hour
Research Triangle Companies - $13-20/hour
Durham Hotels & Restaurants - $10-16/hour
UNC Health Durham - $11-16/hour
Winston-Salem (Pop. 256,000)
Piedmont Triad city with healthcare, manufacturing, logistics.
Wake Forest Baptist Health - $11-16/hour
Hanes Brands Manufacturing - $12-17/hour
Logistics Companies - $13-18/hour
Food Lion Distribution - $14-19/hour
Retail & Hospitality - $10-15/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in North Carolina
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in North Carolina.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
North Carolina's strategic East Coast location and logistics infrastructure create exceptional CDL opportunities.
Regional Trucking Companies - Local and regional routes: $50,000-70,000 annually. Home most nights. Many companies provide free CDL training with work commitment.
UPS Package Delivery - Start as package handler ($15-19/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $80,000-100,000 annually. Full Teamsters benefits including pension.
Food Distribution - Sysco, US Foods drivers: $55,000-75,000. Consistent routes, home daily. Physical work but stable employment.
Waste Management/Republic - Refuse truck drivers: $50,000-70,000. CDL training provided. Union positions with strong benefits.
LTL Freight - XPO, Old Dominion: $55,000-80,000. Local/regional routes. Good benefits, consistent work.
Skilled Trades
Electrician - Apprenticeships available through contractors and unions. Apprentices start $35,000-45,000. Journeymen: $55,000-75,000. Commercial work pays premium.
Plumber/Pipefitter - High demand in growing NC cities. Apprentices: $30,000-40,000. Licensed plumbers: $50,000-70,000. Commercial/industrial pays more.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work in NC climate. Experienced techs: $45,000-65,000. EPA certification required. Community college training available.
Welding - Manufacturing and construction demand. Entry welders: $35,000-50,000. Certified welders: $45,000-65,000. Specialized work pays $60,000-80,000+.
Carpentry/Framing - Booming construction in Charlotte, Raleigh. Entry carpenters: $30,000-45,000. Experienced: $45,000-65,000. Custom work pays premium.
Healthcare Support & Technical
Surgical Technologist - Community college program (18-24 months). Starting: $40,000-50,000. Experienced: $50,000-65,000. Hospitals and surgical centers.
Radiology Technician - Associates degree required. Starting: $45,000-55,000. Experienced: $55,000-70,000. Growing healthcare sector demand.
Respiratory Therapist - Associates degree required. Starting: $50,000-60,000. Experienced: $60,000-75,000. Critical shortage in NC.
Phlebotomy/Lab Tech - Certificate to associates level. Phlebotomists: $30,000-40,000. Lab techs: $40,000-55,000. Stable healthcare employment.
Manufacturing & Production
CNC Machinist - Technical training through community college or apprenticeship. Entry: $35,000-45,000. Experienced: $50,000-70,000. Strong NC manufacturing sector.
Production Supervisor - Promote from production floor. Starting supervisors: $45,000-60,000. Experienced: $60,000-80,000. Pharmaceutical/advanced manufacturing pays premium.
Quality Control Inspector - On-the-job training possible. Entry: $35,000-50,000. Experienced: $50,000-65,000. Pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors.
North Carolina Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
North Carolina offers comprehensive support for justice-impacted job seekers through expanding expungement access and workforce development services.
Expungement and Record Dismissal in North Carolina
North Carolina's Second Chance Act (SB 562, effective December 1, 2020) significantly expanded expungement eligibility.
Eligibility:
Dismissals/Not Guilty: Unlimited expungements, no waiting period. Petition immediately after disposition.
Non-violent Misdemeanors: One conviction after 5 years from completion of sentence, OR multiple non-violent misdemeanors after 7 years from completion of most recent sentence (no other convictions during waiting period).
Non-violent Felonies: One Class H or I non-violent felony after 10 years from completion of sentence, OR two to three non-violent felonies that occurred within same 24-month period after 20 years.
Cannot be Expunged: Violent misdemeanors, violent felonies, DWI convictions (DWI dismissals can be expunged).
Process:
File petition in county where conviction occurred
Pay $175 filing fee ($0 for dismissals)
Provide affidavits of good moral character
Potentially attend hearing
Process takes 6-12 months typically
Effect: Once expunged, you can legally deny the arrest or conviction ever occurred for employment purposes. Records sealed from public access but remain accessible to law enforcement and prosecutors.
Ban-the-Box Status
State Agencies: Governor Cooper's Executive Order 158 (effective November 1, 2020) prohibits state agencies from inquiring about criminal history during initial application stages until after initial interview and only if relevant to position.
Private Employers: North Carolina does NOT have statewide ban-the-box law covering private employers. Private employers can ask about criminal history on applications. However, many voluntarily adopt fair-chance practices.
Federal EEOC Guidelines: All NC employers must conduct individualized assessments considering: (1) nature and gravity of offense, (2) time elapsed since offense, (3) nature of job sought. Cannot have blanket policies excluding all individuals with records.
7-Year Lookback Rules
North Carolina follows federal FCRA rules:
Convictions: Can be reported indefinitely (no 7-year limit)
Non-convictions: Subject to 7-year rule for positions under $75,000 annually
Expunged records: Cannot be reported, will not appear on standard background checks
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides North Carolina employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire of returning citizens (convicted of felony and hired within one year of conviction or release). Contact NC Division of Workforce Solutions.
State Workforce Development
NCWorks Career Centers - Statewide network of workforce centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and employer connections. Multiple locations in every major city.
Contact: 1-866-291-1819 | ncworks.gov
Reentry Organizations
Prisoners Legal Services of North Carolina - Legal assistance with expungement, employment rights, housing. Statewide service.
Contact: (919) 856-2200 | prisonlegalnc.org
Healing Transitions (Raleigh) - Comprehensive reentry program with job training, housing, case management.
Contact: (919) 828-5591 | healingtransitions.org
Men of Vision (Durham) - Reentry services, employment assistance, mentoring.
Contact: (919) 683-1874 | menofvision.org
Goodwill Industries - Job training, placement services, career counseling throughout NC.
Contact: Multiple locations | goodwillnc.org
Additional North Carolina Resources
Training & Education
North Carolina Community Colleges - 58 colleges statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades programs, healthcare programs with financial aid available. Wake Tech (Raleigh), Central Piedmont (Charlotte), Guilford Tech (Greensboro) are largest.
Apprenticeship Carolina - Registered apprenticeship programs in trades, healthcare, manufacturing throughout NC.
Contact: apprenticeshipnc.com
Housing Assistance
Healing Transitions (Raleigh) - Residential reentry program with housing, case management, job training.
Roof Above (Charlotte) - Housing and support services for justice-impacted individuals.
Urban Ministry Center (Charlotte) - Emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management.
Transportation Support
NCWorks Transportation Services - Some NCWorks centers offer transportation assistance for job seekers.
Local Transit Systems - Reduced fare programs available in Charlotte (CATS), Raleigh (GoRaleigh), other cities for low-income residents.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid of North Carolina - Free civil legal services including expungement assistance for eligible low-income NC residents.
Contact: 1-866-219-5262 | legalaidnc.org
North Carolina Justice Center - Advocacy and legal assistance for criminal record relief.
Contact: (919) 856-2570 | ncjustice.org
Staffing Agencies in North Carolina That Work With Felons
Staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities in North Carolina's warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Multiple NC locations. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing, construction.
PeopleReady - Locations throughout NC. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Same-day pay options. Second-chance focus.
Adecco - Major presence in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Fair-chance evaluation.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing - NC locations in major cities. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative. Temp-to-hire common.
Manpower - Statewide presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Benefits available for temps.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple NC offices. Light industrial, skilled trades, administrative. Fair-chance hiring.
Spherion - Charlotte, Raleigh, other cities. Clerical, warehouse, manufacturing. Quick placement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does North Carolina have a ban-the-box law?
Yes, but only for state agencies. Governor Cooper's Executive Order 158 (2020) prohibits state agencies from asking about criminal history during initial application stages. North Carolina does NOT have ban-the-box law covering private employers, who can ask about criminal history on applications. Many private employers voluntarily adopt fair-chance practices.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina's Second Chance Act (SB 562, 2020) allows expungement of dismissals (immediately), one non-violent misdemeanor after 5 years, multiple non-violent misdemeanors after 7 years, and one Class H or I non-violent felony after 10 years. Violent crimes and DWI convictions cannot be expunged. File petition in county of conviction with $175 fee.
Q3: What is North Carolina's minimum wage?
$7.25/hour (matching federal minimum), though most employers pay $10-15/hour or more due to competitive labor markets. Tipped employees receive $2.13/hour with employer ensuring total reaches $7.25/hour.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in North Carolina?
North Carolina follows federal FCRA rules: convictions can be reported indefinitely (no time limit). Non-convictions are subject to 7-year rule for positions under $75,000. Expunged records cannot be reported and won't appear on background checks.
Q5: What companies in North Carolina hire felons?
Major employers include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Atrium Health, Duke Health, Lowe's, Food Lion, UPS, FedEx, Home Depot, Costco, Novant Health, Harris Teeter, and many others. See Top 20 list for complete details with positions and wages.
Q6: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in North Carolina?
Yes. Amazon has multiple fulfillment centers in Charlotte, Durham, and Garner. They evaluate convictions case-by-case and hire many justice-impacted individuals. Warehouse positions start $15-19/hour with day-one benefits. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in North Carolina?
Yes. Many NC companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. UPS, Sysco, waste management companies, and regional trucking firms actively hire. Earnings: $50,000-100,000. Some companies provide free CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in North Carolina?
CDL drivers ($50,000-100,000), electricians ($55,000-75,000), plumbers ($50,000-70,000), HVAC techs ($45,000-65,000), welders ($45,000-65,000), surgical techs ($50,000-65,000), CNC machinists ($50,000-70,000), production supervisors ($60,000-80,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on North Carolina job applications?
Since NC has no ban-the-box law for private employers, many applications will ask about criminal history. Answer truthfully if asked—lying can result in termination even after hire. Focus on rehabilitation and time passed. For state agency jobs, criminal history comes up later in process.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in North Carolina for people with felonies?
Yes. NCWorks Career Centers offer free training referrals. NC community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Apprenticeship Carolina offers paid apprenticeships. Healing Transitions and Goodwill provide job training. Some employers offer paid training (UPS, construction companies, manufacturing).
Next Steps: Your North Carolina Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for North Carolina justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Understand Your Rights and Assess Expungement Eligibility
Obtain your North Carolina criminal record from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to see exactly what employers will see. Cost: $14 for official record. Determine expungement eligibility under Second Chance Act (SB 562)—dismissals qualify immediately, non-violent misdemeanors after 5-7 years, non-violent Class H/I felonies after 10 years. Expungement filing fee: $175 ($0 for dismissals). Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina (1-866-219-5262) or Prisoners Legal Services (919-856-2200) for free expungement assistance if income-eligible. Know that NC state agencies follow ban-the-box (Executive Order 158) but private employers do not—many will ask about criminal history on applications. Understand that expunged records will not appear on background checks and you can legally deny the conviction for employment purposes.
Step 2: Register with NCWorks and Staffing Agencies
Register with NCWorks Career Centers (1-866-291-1819) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Multiple centers in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, and throughout NC. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in warehouse/industrial work: Labor Ready (daily pay available), PeopleReady (second-chance focus), Adecco (manufacturing/warehouse), Remedy (temp-to-hire), Express Employment (immediate openings). Bring valid ID, Social Security card, and work history. These agencies place justice-impacted individuals daily in positions paying $12-19/hour with potential for temp-to-perm conversion.
Step 3: Target North Carolina's High-Demand Industries
Apply to warehouse and logistics companies with fair-chance hiring: Amazon ($15-19/hour, multiple NC locations), UPS ($15-19/hour with path to $80,000-100,000 driver positions), FedEx Ground ($14-18/hour), XPO Logistics ($13-18/hour), Walmart Distribution ($16-21/hour). Healthcare support is stable: Atrium Health, Duke Health, Novant Health, UNC Health, Wake Forest Baptist ($11-17/hour for environmental services, food service, facilities). Retail provides immediate opportunities: Walmart, Target, Costco ($12-19/hour), Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Lowe's, Home Depot. Focus applications on Charlotte (banking/logistics/healthcare), Raleigh-Durham (tech/healthcare/education), Greensboro (logistics/manufacturing) for most opportunities. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple companies and sectors.
Step 4: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and work history. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining—use phrases like "pursuing education" or "family obligations" for incarceration periods. Include any certifications, training, or education completed. Since most NC private employers can ask about criminal history on applications, prepare brief (30-60 second) explanation focusing on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, and commitment to stability. Practice until comfortable and confident. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability—former employers, supervisors, parole officers, program counselors, community leaders. For positions requiring disclosure, emphasize: time since offense, clean record since release, job training/education completed, and readiness to contribute.
Step 5: Apply Strategically and Handle Background Discussions Professionally
Apply directly through company websites when possible—Amazon (amazon.jobs), Walmart (careers.walmart.com), Target (target.com/careers), major healthcare systems. Visit employers in person for warehouse, retail, construction, food service roles—face-to-face contact demonstrates initiative and allows you to make positive impression before criminal history comes up. When criminal history is discussed, provide honest context, demonstrate rehabilitation, emphasize time passed and stability since release. Have documentation ready if helpful: certificates from programs, letters of recommendation, contact for parole officer. Mention WOTC tax credit eligibility to employers ($2,400 federal tax credit for hiring returning citizens). Persist through rejections—employment typically requires dozens of applications. Follow up on applications after 3-5 days. Stay positive and professional throughout process—your attitude and reliability matter as much as your background.
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 North Carolina's Second Chance Act (SB 562), Governor Cooper's Executive Order 158, and expungement laws is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with North Carolina employment attorney or legal aid (Legal Aid of North Carolina: 1-866-219-5262) 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.