Felon Friendly Jobs in Ohio
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Ohio offers extensive employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and hospitality sectors. Ohio's minimum wage is $10.70/hour for non-tipped employees at businesses grossing more than $385,000 annually (employers under this threshold follow federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour), with tipped employees earning $5.35/hour base plus tips. Ohio adopted ban-the-box legislation in 2016 that applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers—private employers NOT covered. Ohio's expungement laws allow both sealing and expungement of certain convictions with varying waiting periods: one year after final discharge for misdemeanors, three years for third-degree felonies, one year for fourth/fifth-degree felonies. Major employers including Amazon (fulfillment centers in Columbus—Etna, Obetz, Cleveland—North Randall, Euclid, Cincinnati—Monroe, Hebron, Akron area, Dayton region), Walmart (100+ stores and distribution centers statewide), Kroger (Cincinnati headquarters with thousands employed), Honda (Marysville and Anna plants employing 8,500+), Cleveland Clinic (56,000+ employees statewide), and numerous logistics companies maintain substantial workforces and commonly practice fair-chance hiring. Entry-level warehouse positions typically start at $15-18/hour, manufacturing at automotive plants offers $18-22/hour, and logistics roles at $16-20/hour. Ohio's major metro areas—Columbus (2.2 million metro—state capital, logistics hub), Cleveland (2 million metro—healthcare hub with Cleveland Clinic), Cincinnati (2.3 million metro—Kroger HQ, manufacturing), Toledo (600,000 metro—automotive, glass), Akron (700,000 metro—manufacturing), and Dayton (800,000 metro—aerospace, manufacturing)—provide diverse employment opportunities and comprehensive reentry services. Ohio's central U.S. location (within 10-hour drive of 46% of U.S. population) makes it prime logistics and distribution hub creating thousands of accessible jobs.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Ohio
Economic Overview
Ohio's diverse economy anchored by logistics (Amazon fulfillment centers statewide, massive warehouse expansion adding tens of millions of square feet), manufacturing (Honda Marysville and Anna plants with 8,500+ employees, automotive suppliers, aerospace), healthcare (Cleveland Clinic with 56,000+ employees statewide—one of nation's top healthcare systems), retail (Kroger Cincinnati headquarters), and hospitality sectors employs approximately 5.7 million people with unemployment around 4.3-4.9% (late 2024-early 2025). Major metropolitan areas include Columbus metro (2.2 million—state capital, fastest-growing Ohio metro, logistics hub), Cleveland metro (2 million—healthcare hub with Cleveland Clinic, manufacturing), Cincinnati metro (2.3 million—Kroger headquarters, manufacturing, Procter & Gamble), Toledo metro (600,000—automotive, glass manufacturing), Akron metro (700,000—manufacturing, polymer research), and Dayton metro (800,000—aerospace, manufacturing). Ohio's central U.S. location within 10-hour drive of 46% of U.S. population makes it prime logistics and distribution hub.
Record Clearing System
Sealing and Expungement: Ohio allows both sealing (record hidden from most searches but not destroyed) and expungement (record destroyed) of certain convictions.
Waiting Periods:
Misdemeanors: 1 year after final discharge
Fourth/fifth-degree felonies: 1 year after final discharge
Third-degree felonies: 3 years after final discharge
First/second-degree felonies: Generally not eligible
What Sealing Means: Record hidden from most background checks but accessible to law enforcement, courts, certain licensing boards.
What Expungement Means: Record destroyed (only available for certain cases).
Eligibility: Must complete all sentencing requirements. Cannot seal/expunge: violent offenses, sex offenses, most DUI (with exceptions), offenses against minors.
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: varies ($50-300+ with fees). Timeline: 3-6 months. Attorney recommended but not required.
FREE Assistance: Legal Aid Society of Columbus (614-241-2001) and Ohio Legal Services provide FREE legal services for low-income Ohioans including sealing/expungement assistance.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
LIMITED Ban-the-Box (2016): Ohio's ban-the-box law applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask about criminal history on applications.
What This Means: State government jobs have some protection, but vast majority of Ohio employers (all private employers) can ask about criminal history on applications.
Ohio follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Ohio employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Ohio
Ohio minimum wage: $10.70/hour for businesses grossing over $385,000 annually; $7.25/hour (federal) for smaller employers.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Multiple Ohio fulfillment centers) - Columbus (Etna, Obetz), Cleveland (North Randall, Euclid), Cincinnati (Monroe, Hebron), Akron area, Dayton region.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Case-by-case evaluation. Healthcare from day one, 401(k), Career Choice tuition assistance up to $5,250 annually. Immediate hiring, flexible scheduling.
UPS (Major Ohio metro facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $16-20/hour with union benefits (Teamsters), health insurance, retirement, tuition assistance. Advancement to driver positions earning $30-42/hour.
FedEx (Facilities throughout Ohio) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse, sorters.
Pay: $16-20/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities.
Third-party Logistics (3PL) - XPO, DHL, ODW Logistics - Regional warehouse operators statewide.
Forklift operators, order pickers, inventory control.
Pay: $15-20/hour. Many actively hire individuals with records. Ohio's massive warehouse expansion creates continuous demand.
Manufacturing
Honda (Marysville and Anna plants - 8,500+ employees) - Automotive manufacturing, major Ohio employer.
Production workers, assembly, material handling.
Pay: $18-22/hour with comprehensive benefits. Case-by-case evaluation for production positions.
Automotive Suppliers (Throughout Ohio) - Various manufacturers supporting automotive industry.
Production workers, assembly, quality control.
Pay: $16-22/hour. Strong Ohio automotive sector. Benefits vary. Many evaluate case-by-case.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Cleveland Clinic (56,000+ employees statewide) - One of nation's top healthcare systems.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.
Pay: $15-19/hour. Non-clinical support may be accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive benefits.
Other Healthcare Systems (Statewide) - University Hospitals, OhioHealth, ProMedica, Mercy Health.
Environmental services, food service, facilities.
Pay: $14-19/hour. Case-by-case for support positions depending on conviction history.
Retail & Grocery
Kroger (Cincinnati headquarters - thousands employed) - Major Ohio employer headquartered in Cincinnati.
Cashiers, stockers, department clerks, distribution workers.
Pay: $12-17/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution. Union representation (UFCW) at many locations. Case-by-case evaluation.
Walmart (100+ stores and distribution statewide) - Retail and distribution.
Associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $12-16/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution. Case-by-case, commonly hires entry-level. Benefits, advancement.
Meijer (Stores throughout Ohio) - Midwest supercenter chain.
Cashiers, stockers, department workers.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case evaluation. Benefits included.
Target (Stores throughout Ohio metros) - Retail chain.
Team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Reviews applicants individually. Benefits, educational assistance.
Food Service & Hospitality
Restaurant chains (Statewide) - Various quick-service and casual dining.
Crew members, cooks, servers, hosts.
Pay: $11-16/hour plus tips for servers. Many franchises fair-chance friendly. Flexible scheduling.
Hospitality employers (Major metros) - Hotels, convention centers.
Housekeeping, front desk, food service, maintenance.
Pay: $12-17/hour depending on position.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Goodwill Industries of Ohio (Statewide locations) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance employment.
Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.
Pay: $11-15/hour. Job training, skill development, support services for justice-impacted.
Top 20 Ohio Employers Hiring Felons
These Ohio companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Amazon (Multiple Ohio fulfillment centers) - Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton areas.
Warehouse Associates: $15-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, case-by-case evaluation, Career Choice. Learn More
Honda (Marysville and Anna plants - 8,500+ employees) - Automotive manufacturing.
Production Workers: $18-22/hour Skilled Trades: $55,000-80,000 Supervisors: $65,000-95,000 Comprehensive benefits, case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
Cleveland Clinic (56,000+ employees statewide) - One of nation's top healthcare systems.
Environmental Services: $15-19/hour Food Service: $14-18/hour Facilities: $16-21/hour Non-clinical support for older non-violent records. Learn More
Kroger (Cincinnati HQ - thousands employed) - Major Ohio employer.
Cashiers/Stockers: $12-17/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Department Managers: $35,000-55,000 UFCW union many locations, case-by-case. Learn More
Walmart (100+ stores/distribution statewide) - Retail and distribution.
Associates: $12-16/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Management: $45,000-70,000 Case-by-case, commonly hires entry-level. Learn More
UPS (Major Ohio metro facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $16-20/hour Drivers: $30-42/hour Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Teamsters benefits, tuition assistance. Learn More
FedEx (Facilities throughout Ohio) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $16-20/hour Drivers: $24-38/hour Operations: $55,000-80,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
Meijer (Stores throughout Ohio) - Midwest supercenter chain.
Cashiers/Stockers: $13-17/hour Department Leads: $38,000-55,000 Store Managers: $65,000-90,000 Case-by-case evaluation, benefits. Learn More
Target (Stores throughout Ohio metros) - Retail chain.
Team Members: $15-18/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Management: $55,000-80,000 Individualized review, benefits, tuition. Learn More
OhioHealth (Healthcare system) - Multiple facilities statewide.
Environmental Services: $14-19/hour Food Service: $14-18/hour Facilities: $16-21/hour Case-by-case for support positions. Learn More
University Hospitals (Cleveland area) - Healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $14-19/hour Food Service: $14-18/hour Facilities: $16-21/hour Non-clinical support accessible depending on record. Learn More
ProMedica (Toledo area) - Healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $14-19/hour Food Service: $14-18/hour Facilities: $16-21/hour Case-by-case for support positions. Learn More
Third-party Logistics (XPO, DHL, ODW) - Warehouse operators statewide.
Forklift Operators: $16-20/hour Order Pickers: $15-18/hour Supervisors: $50,000-75,000 Many actively hire records, continuous demand. Learn More
Starbucks (Ohio locations) - Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas: $12-16/hour Shift Supervisors: $16-20/hour Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Second-chance commitment, tuition coverage. Learn More
Home Depot (Ohio locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $13-18/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-55,000 Store Management: $60,000-85,000 Known for second-chance, especially 7+ years. Learn More
Lowe's (Stores throughout Ohio) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $13-18/hour Specialists: $15-21/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
Goodwill Industries of Ohio (Statewide) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance.
Retail Associates: $11-15/hour Warehouse Workers: $12-16/hour Career Specialists: $35,000-50,000 Job training, support services for justice-impacted. Learn More
Manufacturing Facilities (Statewide) - Automotive suppliers, aerospace, various industries.
Production Workers: $15-22/hour Skilled Trades: $50,000-75,000 Supervisors: $60,000-90,000 Strong Ohio manufacturing sector, many case-by-case. Learn More
PeopleReady (Offices throughout Ohio) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $13-20/hour Warehouse: $14-21/hour Construction: $15-25/hour Daily pay via JobStack, commonly works with records. Learn More
Kelly Services (Statewide placements) - Staffing agency.
Office/Industrial: $12-22/hour Technical Positions: $18-32/hour Professional: $22-40/hour Individualized evaluation, diverse clients. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Ohio City
Columbus (Pop. 2.2M metro)
State capital, fastest-growing Ohio metro, logistics hub.
Amazon fulfillment (Etna, Obetz) - $15-18/hour
Logistics/warehousing - $15-20/hour
Healthcare facilities - $14-19/hour
Retail chains - $12-18/hour
State government - varies
Cleveland (Pop. 2M metro)
Healthcare hub, manufacturing.
Cleveland Clinic (56,000) - $15-19/hour
Amazon fulfillment - $15-18/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
University Hospitals - $14-19/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Cincinnati (Pop. 2.3M metro)
Kroger HQ, manufacturing, Procter & Gamble.
Kroger (HQ) - $12-19/hour
Amazon fulfillment - $15-18/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Healthcare facilities - $14-19/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Toledo (Pop. 600K metro)
Automotive, glass manufacturing.
ProMedica - $14-19/hour
Automotive/manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Warehousing - $14-19/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Akron (Pop. 700K metro)
Manufacturing, polymer research.
Manufacturing facilities - $15-22/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $14-19/hour
Healthcare facilities - $14-19/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Dayton (Pop. 800K metro)
Aerospace, manufacturing.
Manufacturing facilities - $15-22/hour
Amazon fulfillment - $15-18/hour
Healthcare facilities - $14-19/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Ohio
Automotive Manufacturing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $18-22/hour at Honda Marysville/Anna (8,500+ employees) or automotive suppliers with comprehensive benefits.
Advance to Skilled Trades - Maintenance technician, electrician: $55,000-80,000. Internal training and advancement.
Manufacturing Supervisors - $65,000-95,000.
Package Delivery Advancement
Start: UPS Package Handler - $16-20/hour with Teamsters union benefits.
Advance to UPS Driver - $30-42/hour ($62,000-87,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits, pension. Home daily.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - $55,000-75,000 annually. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.
Local Delivery - $45,000-65,000.
Skilled Construction Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $50,000-75,000. Union apprenticeships available.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $48,000-70,000.
HVAC Technician - Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $45,000-65,000.
Welder - Industrial, manufacturing: $42,000-68,000. Strong Ohio manufacturing sector.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $14-19/hour at Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, University Hospitals.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $42,000-58,000. Programs at community colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $52,000-68,000.
Ohio Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Ohio offers sealing/expungement options and workforce development support.
Sealing and Expungement
Both Available: Ohio allows sealing (hidden but not destroyed) and expungement (destroyed) of certain convictions.
Waiting Periods:
Misdemeanors: 1 year after final discharge
Fourth/fifth-degree felonies: 1 year
Third-degree felonies: 3 years
Cannot seal: violent offenses, sex offenses, most DUI, offenses against minors
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: $50-300+ with fees. Timeline: 3-6 months. Attorney recommended.
FREE Assistance:
Legal Aid Society of Columbus: (614) 241-2001 | columbuslegalaid.org
Ohio Legal Services: ohiolegalservices.org (multiple offices statewide)
Ban-the-Box Status
LIMITED Ban-the-Box (2016): Ohio's ban-the-box applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask on applications.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Ohio employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
State Workforce Development
OhioMeansJobs Centers (Statewide network) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (877) 644-6562 | workforce.ohio.gov
Locations: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (614) 752-1159 | drc.ohio.gov
Additional Ohio Resources
Training & Education
Ohio Technical Centers - Workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC with financial aid.
Community college system - 23 community colleges statewide offering workforce programs.
Housing Assistance
Ohio Housing Finance Agency - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (888) 362-6432 | ohiohome.org
Transportation Support
COTA (Columbus) - Public transit.
RTA (Cleveland) - Bus and rapid transit.
SORTA (Cincinnati) - Metro bus service.
TARTA (Toledo) - Public transit.
METRO RTA (Akron) - Bus service.
Greater Dayton RTA - Public transit.
Staffing Agencies in Ohio That Work With Felons
PeopleReady - Multiple Ohio offices. Daily pay via JobStack. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $13-25/hour. Commonly works with records, immediate placement.
Kelly Services - Statewide. Office, industrial, technical. Pay: $12-32/hour. Individualized evaluation.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Ohio franchises. Skilled trades, professional, industrial. Pay: $13-32/hour. Varies by franchise.
Manpower - Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Pay: $12-24/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Aerotek - Major Ohio metros. Technical, engineering, skilled trades. Pay: $15-35/hour. Individualized assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Ohio have a ban-the-box law?
LIMITED. Ohio's 2016 ban-the-box law applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask about criminal history on applications. State government jobs have some protection, but vast majority of Ohio employers (all private) can ask on applications.
Q2: Can I get my record sealed or expunged in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio allows both sealing (hidden but not destroyed) and expungement (destroyed) of certain convictions. Waiting periods: 1 year for misdemeanors and fourth/fifth-degree felonies, 3 years for third-degree felonies. Cannot seal: violent offenses, sex offenses, most DUI, offenses against minors. Contact Legal Aid Society of Columbus (FREE: 614-241-2001) or Ohio Legal Services for assistance.
Q3: What is Ohio's minimum wage?
$10.70/hour for non-tipped employees at businesses grossing more than $385,000 annually. Employers under this threshold follow federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Tipped employees earn $5.35/hour base plus tips.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Ohio?
Ohio follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. However, sealing hides records from most searches, and expungement destroys records.
Q5: What companies in Ohio hire felons?
Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers statewide, $15-18/hour), Honda (Marysville/Anna, 8,500+ employees, $18-22/hour), Cleveland Clinic (56,000+ employees, $15-19/hour support), Kroger (Ohio HQ in Cincinnati, $12-19/hour), Walmart (100+ stores/distribution, $12-19/hour), UPS ($16-20/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), and many others. See Top 20 list. Major employers evaluate case-by-case despite no ban-the-box requirement.
Q6: Can I work at Honda or Cleveland Clinic with a felony in Ohio?
Yes, with case-by-case evaluation. Honda Marysville/Anna (8,500+ employees, $18-22/hour) hires production workers through individualized assessment. Cleveland Clinic (56,000+ employees statewide, $15-19/hour) may hire for non-clinical support with older, non-violent records. Apply at honda.com/careers and clevelandclinic.org/careers.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Ohio?
Generally yes. UPS offers path from package handler ($16-20/hour) to driver ($30-42/hour, $62,000-87,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits. Long-haul/regional carriers pay $55,000-75,000. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required. Ohio technical centers and community colleges offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Ohio?
UPS drivers ($62,000-87,000 after starting package handler $16-20/hour), automotive skilled trades at Honda ($55,000-80,000), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-75,000), electricians ($50,000-75,000), plumbers ($48,000-70,000), HVAC techs ($45,000-65,000), welders ($42,000-68,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $42,000-58,000, respiratory therapy $52,000-68,000), manufacturing supervisors ($65,000-95,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Ohio job applications?
Ohio has NO private employer ban-the-box—most can ask on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying results in termination. Check sealing eligibility (1 year for misdemeanors/fourth/fifth-degree felonies, 3 years for third-degree)—sealed records hidden from most searches. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, WOTC ($2,400 tax credit). Major employers (Amazon, Honda, Cleveland Clinic, Kroger) evaluate case-by-case despite no ban-the-box requirement.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Ohio for people with felonies?
Yes. OhioMeansJobs Centers (877-644-6562) offer free training referrals. Ohio Technical Centers and 23 community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers provide training. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction provides reentry services.
Next Steps: Your Ohio Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check Sealing/Expungement Eligibility and File Immediately
Ohio allows sealing (hidden) and expungement (destroyed) of certain convictions: 1 year after final discharge for misdemeanors and fourth/fifth-degree felonies, 3 years for third-degree felonies. Contact Legal Aid Society of Columbus (FREE: 614-241-2001) or Ohio Legal Services to determine eligibility and file petition. Cost: $50-300+ with fees. Timeline: 3-6 months. Getting records sealed/expunged dramatically improves prospects. Don't wait—file immediately if eligible.
Step 2: Register with OhioMeansJobs Centers and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with OhioMeansJobs Centers (877-644-6562) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Locations in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: PeopleReady (daily pay via JobStack, general labor/warehouse/construction $13-25/hour), Kelly Services (office/industrial/technical $12-32/hour), Express Employment (skilled trades focus), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists), Aerotek (technical/engineering focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at Amazon, Honda, Cleveland Clinic, Kroger, and major employers.
Step 3: Target Ohio's Accessible Employers and Central Location Advantages
Apply to: Amazon fulfillment centers (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton areas—$15-18/hour day-one benefits), Honda Marysville/Anna (8,500+ employees, $18-22/hour comprehensive benefits), Cleveland Clinic (56,000+ employees, $15-19/hour support for older non-violent records), Kroger (Ohio HQ in Cincinnati, $12-19/hour), Walmart (100+ stores/distribution, $12-19/hour), UPS ($16-20/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), 3PL companies (XPO, DHL, ODW—$15-20/hour), Meijer, Target, OhioHealth, University Hospitals, ProMedica. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly. Ohio's central location (within 10-hour drive of 46% of U.S.) creates massive logistics/warehouse opportunities.
Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy for Limited Ban-the-Box Environment
Ohio has NO private employer ban-the-box—most 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. Since sealing/expungement available after 1-3 years depending on offense, emphasize progress. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit). Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable. Major Ohio employers (Amazon, Honda, Cleveland Clinic, Kroger) use fair-chance approach despite no legal requirement.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Ohio's Strong Manufacturing and Logistics Economy
Start Honda Marysville/Anna production ($18-22/hour, 8,500+ employees) and advance to skilled trades earning $55,000-80,000. UPS package handler ($16-20/hour Teamsters) provides path to driver earning $62,000-87,000 annually. CDL training at Ohio technical centers and community colleges leads to $55,000-75,000 trucking careers (Ohio's central location creates demand). Electrician and plumber apprenticeships lead to $48,000-75,000. Healthcare support at Cleveland Clinic ($15-19/hour, 56,000+ employees) advances to surgical tech ($42,000-58,000) or respiratory therapy ($52,000-68,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $45,000-65,000. Welding programs lead to $42,000-68,000 in strong Ohio manufacturing sector. Manufacturing production ($15-22/hour) advances to skilled trades and supervisors ($65,000-95,000). Persist through rejections—Ohio's central location, strong manufacturing, and massive warehouse expansion create real opportunities despite limited legal protections.
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 sealing/expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Ohio's limited ban-the-box law (state/public sector only), sealing and expungement opportunities (1-3 years depending on offense), and minimum wage is general in nature. Sealing and expungement eligibility can be complex—consult with Ohio employment attorney or Legal Aid Society of Columbus (FREE: 614-241-2001) 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.