Felon Friendly Jobs in Oklahoma
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Oklahoma is revolutionizing second-chance employment with Clean Slate automatic expungement starting in 2025 for eligible misdemeanors and non-conviction records without requiring a petition. The state offers TRUE EXPUNGEMENT (permanent record destruction) after 10 years, making Oklahoma one of the most progressive states for record relief. While ban-the-box only covers public employers, automatic expungement levels the playing field. Oklahoma's diverse economy—driven by energy (Williams, ONEOK), aerospace (Tinker Air Force Base, Boeing), healthcare, and logistics (Amazon)—creates strong hiring demand across Oklahoma City (pop. 1.4 million) and Tulsa (pop. 1 million). Entry-level positions start at $13-18/hour with clear advancement paths to $40,000-70,000+ careers. Thousands of Oklahomans will have records automatically cleared in 2025 at no cost through the Clean Slate Law.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Oklahoma
Economic Overview
Oklahoma's economy offers diverse opportunities across energy (Williams Companies, ONEOK, Devon Energy), aerospace (Tinker Air Force Base, Boeing), healthcare (Integris Health, OU Health), logistics (Amazon, FedEx), and manufacturing sectors, creating strong demand for workers across all skill levels. With major population centers including Oklahoma City metro (1.4 million) and Tulsa metro (1 million), plus growing employment in Norman, Lawton, Broken Arrow, and Edmond, the state provides accessible employment pathways. Oklahoma's central location makes it a major transportation hub, while energy giants, Tinker Air Force Base, and growing healthcare systems create thousands of jobs annually. The state's lower cost of living combined with wages starting at $13-18/hour makes Oklahoma attractive for justice-impacted individuals rebuilding their lives.
Record Clearing System
Oklahoma passed House Bill 3316 in 2022, creating AUTOMATIC EXPUNGEMENT for eligible records starting in November 2025. This means the state will automatically seal eligible misdemeanor convictions, dismissed charges, and non-conviction records—no petition required, no court hearing, no fees. This is one of the most progressive record relief laws in America. Eligible records include most misdemeanors, dismissed cases, acquittals, cases reversed on appeal.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) will automatically review records monthly and send lists to prosecutors for the automatic expungement process.
For records not covered by Clean Slate, you can petition for expungement (Title 22 § 18). Misdemeanors after conviction completion plus waiting period; non-violent felonies after 5 years following sentence completion. Process requires filing petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing (optional), and judge decision. Cost: $150 OSBI processing fee + $50-150 court filing fees + optional attorney fees. Timeline: 3-6 months typically.
After a record has been expunged for 10 years with no further violations, Oklahoma law (Title 22 § 19(K)) allows courts to order the record to be "obliterated or destroyed"—meaning permanent deletion. This is TRUE EXPUNGEMENT, making Oklahoma one of the few states offering complete record erasure. Unlike most states that only "seal" records, Oklahoma DESTROYS them entirely.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
Oklahoma's ban-the-box law (Executive Order 2016-03) covers state agencies and public employers only. Public employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications, and background checks can only happen after a conditional job offer. Private employers CAN still ask about criminal history on applications.
However, cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Norman have local fair-chance policies for municipal government jobs. Oklahoma's Clean Slate automatic expungement (starting 2025) helps compensate for this limitation by removing eligible records from background checks entirely.
Oklahoma follows a seven-year lookback period for most background checks, though some employers may access older records. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Oklahoma employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Oklahoma
Oklahoma minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal minimum), but most entry-level positions in major cities pay $13-18/hour due to market demand.
Energy & Manufacturing
Williams Companies (Tulsa) - Fortune 500 energy infrastructure company with headquarters in Tulsa and statewide operations.
Pipeline technician, compression technician, facility operator, maintenance mechanic, warehouse worker, equipment operator, instrumentation technician, helper/laborer.
Pay: $15-30/hour depending on position. Case-by-case review; non-violent offenses 5+ years preferred.
ONEOK (Tulsa) - Major natural gas company with Oklahoma headquarters.
Field operators, equipment operators, maintenance technicians, warehouse positions.
Pay: $16-28/hour. Medical/dental, 401(k) match. Case-by-case hiring.
Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma City) - Massive military installation and maintenance center.
Civilian positions: aircraft maintenance, warehouse, facilities, security, administrative support.
Pay: $14-22/hour entry-level. Federal benefits. Background checks required but case-by-case.
Boeing (Tulsa) - Aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.
Production workers, assemblers, material handlers, facilities maintenance.
Pay: $16-24/hour. Case-by-case review after 5+ years.
Healthcare & Support Services
Integris Health (Oklahoma City) - Major healthcare system with multiple hospitals.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities maintenance, warehouse.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case for support positions.
OU Health (Oklahoma City) - Academic medical center and healthcare network.
Housekeeping, dietary aides, patient transport, facilities, environmental services.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Individual assessment for non-clinical support.
Saint Francis Health System (Tulsa) - Large healthcare network.
Support services, housekeeping, dietary, facilities, patient transport.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Case-by-case review.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Oklahoma City, Tulsa) - Fulfillment centers in both major metros.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $16-18/hour plus day-one benefits. 7-year lookback, case-by-case evaluation.
FedEx Ground (Oklahoma City, Tulsa) - Package handling and distribution.
Package handlers, sorters, loaders, warehouse workers.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Individual assessment.
UPS (Oklahoma City, Tulsa) - Union logistics positions.
Package handlers, warehouse workers, loaders.
Pay: $15-19/hour with Teamsters benefits. Path to driver positions.
XPO Logistics (Oklahoma City area) - Freight and logistics operations.
Warehouse workers, freight handlers, forklift operators.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Fair-chance hiring.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart (Statewide - 90+ locations) - Major Oklahoma presence.
Stockers, cashiers, overnight crew, online order fulfillment, garden center, maintenance.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Fair-chance hiring, individual assessment.
Target (Major cities) - Retail stores across Oklahoma.
Store associates, warehouse, fulfillment, overnight stocking, backroom.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Fair-chance employer.
Homeland Stores (Statewide) - Oklahoma-based grocery chain.
Stockers, cashiers, deli, bakery, produce, meat department.
Pay: $12-15/hour. Local ownership, case-by-case hiring.
Home Depot (Major cities) - Home improvement retail.
Lot associates, freight team, garden, receiving, customer service.
Pay: $13-17/hour. 7-year lookback policy.
Hospitality & Food Service
QuikTrip (Oklahoma City, Tulsa areas) - Popular gas station/convenience chain with strong reputation.
Store clerks, kitchen staff, overnight shifts, assistant managers.
Pay: $13-17/hour with excellent benefits. Known for fair-chance hiring.
McDonald's (Franchise locations) - Policies vary by franchisee.
Crew members, cooks, cashiers, maintenance, shift leaders.
Pay: $11-14/hour. Many franchisees hire case-by-case.
Sonic Drive-In (Statewide - Oklahoma headquarters) - Fast food chain based in Oklahoma City.
Carhops, cooks, shift leaders, assistant managers.
Pay: $10-14/hour plus tips for carhops. Many franchises hire second-chance.
Construction & Trades
Local Construction Companies (Statewide) - Small to medium contractors often more flexible.
General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, material handlers, equipment operators.
Pay: $14-22/hour depending on experience and trade.
Top 20 Oklahoma Employers Hiring Felons
These Oklahoma companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or industry reputation.
Amazon (Oklahoma City, Tulsa) - Fulfillment centers in both metros.
Warehouse Associates: $16-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 7-year lookback, case-by-case evaluation, day-one benefits.
Learn More
Walmart (Statewide - 90+ locations) - Massive Oklahoma presence.
Store Associates: $13-16/hour Distribution Workers: $15-20/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Fair-chance hiring, individual assessment.
Learn More
Williams Companies (Tulsa) - Fortune 500 energy infrastructure headquarters.
Pipeline Technicians: $18-24/hour Facility Operators: $17-23/hour Maintenance Mechanics: $20-28/hour Case-by-case review, prefers non-violent offenses 5+ years.
Learn More
Integris Health (Oklahoma City) - Major healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Patient Transport: $14-17/hour Case-by-case for support positions.
Learn More
OU Health (Oklahoma City) - Academic medical center.
Housekeeping: $13-17/hour Dietary Aides: $13-16/hour Facilities: $14-18/hour Individual assessment for non-clinical support.
Learn More
Target (Major cities) - Retail stores across Oklahoma.
Store Team Members: $13-17/hour Warehouse Workers: $15-19/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Fair-chance employer.
Learn More
QuikTrip (Oklahoma City, Tulsa) - Oklahoma-based convenience chain.
Store Clerks: $13-17/hour Kitchen Staff: $13-16/hour Assistant Managers: $40,000-55,000 Known for fair-chance hiring, excellent benefits.
Learn More
UPS (Oklahoma City, Tulsa) - Union logistics positions.
Package Handlers: $15-19/hour Drivers: $70,000-90,000 Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Teamsters union, path to high-paying driver positions.
Learn More
FedEx Ground (Oklahoma City, Tulsa) - Package handling and distribution.
Package Handlers: $15-18/hour Drivers: $45,000-65,000 Operations Managers: $55,000-75,000 Individual assessment.
Learn More
Home Depot (Major cities) - Home improvement retail.
Lot Associates: $13-17/hour Freight Team: $14-18/hour Department Supervisors: $35,000-50,000 7-year lookback policy.
Learn More
ONEOK (Tulsa) - Major natural gas company.
Field Operators: $16-24/hour Maintenance Technicians: $18-28/hour Warehouse: $15-19/hour Case-by-case hiring.
Learn More
Saint Francis Health System (Tulsa) - Large healthcare network.
Support Services: $13-16/hour Housekeeping: $13-15/hour Dietary: $13-16/hour Case-by-case review.
Learn More
Homeland Stores (Statewide) - Oklahoma-based grocery chain.
Stockers: $12-15/hour Cashiers: $12-14/hour Department Managers: $30,000-45,000 Local ownership, case-by-case hiring.
Learn More
XPO Logistics (Oklahoma City area) - Freight and logistics.
Warehouse Workers: $14-18/hour Freight Handlers: $15-19/hour Supervisors: $45,000-65,000 Fair-chance hiring.
Learn More
Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma City) - Major military installation.
Civilian Aircraft Maintenance: $16-24/hour Warehouse: $14-19/hour Facilities: $14-20/hour Federal benefits, background checks but case-by-case.
Learn More
Boeing (Tulsa) - Aircraft manufacturing.
Production Workers: $16-24/hour Assemblers: $16-22/hour Material Handlers: $15-19/hour Case-by-case review after 5+ years.
Learn More
Sonic Drive-In (Statewide) - Oklahoma City-based fast food chain.
Carhops: $10-14/hour plus tips Cooks: $11-14/hour Shift Leaders: $13-17/hour Many franchises hire second-chance.
Learn More
Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small/medium firms.
General Laborers: $14-22/hour Skilled Trades: $20-35/hour Supervisors: $45,000-65,000 Many contractors hire case-by-case.
Learn More
Goodwill Industries Oklahoma - Mission-driven organization.
Retail: $11-14/hour Production: $12-15/hour Managers: $32,000-48,000 Explicit second-chance employer with training.
Learn More
Staffing Agencies - PeopleReady, Express Employment, Kelly Services.
Various Positions: $12-18/hour Warehouse: $14-18/hour Manufacturing: $14-20/hour Temp-to-perm opportunities common.
Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City (Pop. 1.4 million metro)
State capital with diverse economy, largest job market. Strong energy, aerospace, healthcare, logistics sectors.
Amazon Oklahoma City - $16-18/hour
Integris Health - $13-17/hour
OU Health - $13-17/hour
Tinker Air Force Base - $14-24/hour
Walmart/Target - $13-17/hour
Tulsa (Pop. 1 million metro)
Energy capital with Fortune 500 headquarters. Strong manufacturing, healthcare, logistics.
Williams Companies - $15-30/hour
ONEOK - $16-28/hour
Boeing Tulsa - $16-24/hour
Saint Francis Health - $13-16/hour
Amazon Tulsa - $16-18/hour
Norman (Pop. 130,000)
University town south of OKC. Education, healthcare, retail sectors. Lower cost of living.
OU Medical Center - $13-17/hour
Retail & Hospitality - $12-16/hour
University Support Staff - $13-18/hour
Construction - $14-20/hour
Lawton (Pop. 93,000)
Home to Fort Sill. Military-adjacent economy, manufacturing, healthcare.
Fort Sill Civilian Jobs - $14-22/hour
Goodyear Plant - $16-22/hour
Healthcare Facilities - $13-17/hour
Retail & Services - $12-16/hour
Broken Arrow (Pop. 115,000)
Tulsa suburb with growing employment. Manufacturing, retail, services.
Manufacturing - $14-20/hour
Retail & Grocery - $12-16/hour
Healthcare Support - $13-17/hour
Construction - $14-22/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Oklahoma
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Oklahoma.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Oklahoma's central location creates strong demand for truck drivers.
Regional/OTR Carriers - Long-haul and regional routes: $50,000-70,000 annually. Many Oklahoma-based carriers hire second-chance drivers. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically).
Local Delivery / LTL Freight - Home daily positions with companies like FedEx Freight, XPO: $50,000-65,000. Physical work, consistent schedules.
UPS Package Delivery - Start as package handler ($15-19/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $70,000-90,000 annually with full Teamsters benefits.
Tanker / Hazmat Drivers - Specialized endorsements for oil/gas industry: $60,000-85,000. Oklahoma's energy sector creates strong demand.
Energy Sector
Williams Companies / ONEOK Field Positions - Pipeline technicians, compression techs, facility operators: $40,000-65,000 starting, experienced $70,000-95,000. Case-by-case hiring for non-violent offenses 5+ years old.
Maintenance Mechanics (Energy Sector) - Industrial equipment maintenance: $50,000-75,000. Strong demand in Tulsa energy corridor.
Instrumentation Technicians - Control systems and instrumentation: $55,000-85,000. Technical training required but some companies provide on-the-job training.
Skilled Trades
Electrician - Apprenticeship programs lead to journeyman positions. Apprentices start $15-20/hour. Journeymen: $50,000-75,000. Union positions (IBEW) pay premium.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Similar apprenticeship path. Journeymen: $50,000-70,000. High demand in energy and construction sectors.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work in Oklahoma climate. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $45,000-65,000. EPA certification required. Community college programs available.
Welder - Industrial/construction welders: $40,000-60,000. Specialized (pipeline, pressure vessel): $60,000-85,000+. Strong demand in energy sector.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction, oil/gas: $45,000-70,000. Union positions (Operating Engineers) pay premium. Training available.
Manufacturing & Aerospace
Boeing Production Workers - Aircraft manufacturing: $40,000-60,000 with experience. Start $16-24/hour. Case-by-case after 5+ years.
Manufacturing Supervisor - Food production, manufacturing: $45,000-65,000. Often promote from production floor.
Quality Control Technician - Manufacturing quality control: Starting $16-22/hour, experienced $45,000-60,000.
Oklahoma Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Oklahoma offers revolutionary automatic expungement starting 2025 combined with traditional petition-based relief and true expungement after 10 years.
Clean Slate Automatic Expungement (Starting 2025)
Oklahoma's House Bill 3316 (2022) creates automatic expungement for eligible records starting November 2025. The state will automatically seal eligible misdemeanor convictions, dismissed charges, and non-conviction records—no petition required, no court hearing, no fees.
Eligible Records:
Most misdemeanors
Dismissed cases
Acquittals
Cases reversed on appeal
Process: OSBI automatically reviews records monthly and sends lists to prosecutors. Eligible records are automatically sealed.
Cost: FREE
Check Eligibility: Oklahoma Legal Services (FREE) - oklaw.org or (405) 521-1302 (OKC) / (918) 584-3211 (Tulsa)
Traditional Petition-Based Expungement
For records not covered by Clean Slate, petition under Title 22 § 18.
Eligibility:
Misdemeanors: After conviction completion + waiting period
Non-violent felonies: 5 years after sentence completion
No new convictions during waiting period
All fines, fees, restitution paid in full
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing (optional), judge decision.
Cost: $150 OSBI processing fee + $50-150 court filing fees + optional attorney fees
Timeline: 3-6 months typically
True Expungement (10-Year Pathway)
After a record has been expunged for 10 years with no further violations, Oklahoma law (Title 22 § 19(K)) allows courts to order the record "obliterated or destroyed"—permanent deletion. This is TRUE EXPUNGEMENT. Unlike most states that only "seal" records, Oklahoma DESTROYS them entirely.
Ban-the-Box Protections
Coverage: State agencies and public employers only (Executive Order 2016-03)
What It Means: Public employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Background checks only after conditional job offer.
Limitation: Private employers CAN still ask about criminal history. However, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Norman have local fair-chance policies for municipal government jobs.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Oklahoma employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.
State Workforce Development
Oklahoma Works - Statewide network of career centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and employer connections.
Contact: 1-888-980-WORK (9675) | oklahomaworks.gov
Locations: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Lawton, and throughout the state.
Reentry Organizations
Prison Fellowship (Oklahoma) - Faith-based reentry support, employment assistance, mentoring.
Contact: (405) 236-2313 | prisonfellowship.org
The Exodus Foundation (Oklahoma City) - Transitional housing, employment services, case management.
Contact: (405) 427-1800 | exodushouseokc.org
John 3:16 Mission (Tulsa) - Emergency services, transitional housing, employment assistance.
Contact: (918) 587-1186 | john316mission.org
Additional Oklahoma Resources
Training & Education
Oklahoma Department of Corrections - Career Tech Programs - In-prison training in welding, HVAC, electrical, automotive, construction trades.
Tulsa Technology Center - Workforce training, skilled trades, healthcare programs with financial aid.
Metro Technology Centers (Oklahoma City) - Manufacturing, construction, healthcare training.
Francis Tuttle Technology Center (Oklahoma City) - Technical training, apprenticeships, workforce development.
Housing Assistance
The Exodus Foundation - Transitional housing in Oklahoma City.
John 3:16 Mission - Emergency and transitional housing in Tulsa.
City Rescue Mission (Oklahoma City) - Emergency shelter and transitional programs.
Legal Aid
Oklahoma Legal Services - FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income Oklahomans.
Contact: (405) 521-1302 (OKC) / (918) 584-3211 (Tulsa) | oklaw.org
Oklahoma County Public Defender - Limited post-conviction assistance.
Tulsa County Public Defender - Post-conviction services.
Transportation Support
EMBARK (Oklahoma City) - Public transit with reduced fare programs.
Tulsa Transit - Reduced fare options for low-income riders.
Staffing Agencies in Oklahoma That Work With Felons
Oklahoma staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities in warehouse, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Multiple Oklahoma locations. Same/next day placement. General labor, warehouse, construction, manufacturing. Pay: $12-18/hour. Second-chance focus.
Express Employment Professionals - Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and statewide presence. Manufacturing, warehouse, skilled trades, office. Pay: $13-22/hour. Fair-chance hiring.
Kelly Services - Major presence in Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative, industrial. Pay: $13-20/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Manpower - Statewide presence. Manufacturing, logistics, industrial positions. Pay: $13-19/hour. Benefits for temps.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Oklahoma City and Tulsa locations. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $12-17/hour.
Volt Workforce Solutions - Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Manufacturing, logistics, technical. Pay: $14-22/hour. Fair-chance evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Oklahoma have a ban-the-box law?
Partially. Executive Order 2016-03 prohibits state agencies and public employers from asking about criminal history on initial applications. Private employers CAN still ask. Cities with local policies: Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Norman (for municipal government jobs only). However, Oklahoma's Clean Slate automatic expungement starting 2025 helps by removing eligible records from background checks entirely.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Oklahoma?
Yes! Oklahoma offers THREE pathways: (1) Clean Slate automatic expungement starting November 2025 for eligible misdemeanors and non-convictions (FREE, no petition required), (2) Traditional petition-based expungement for non-violent felonies after 5 years ($150-300 total cost), and (3) True expungement after 10 years—permanent record destruction (rare nationwide). Contact Oklahoma Legal Services for FREE assistance: oklaw.org or (405) 521-1302 (OKC) / (918) 584-3211 (Tulsa).
Q3: What is Oklahoma's minimum wage?
Oklahoma minimum wage is $7.25/hour (federal minimum). However, most entry-level positions in Oklahoma City and Tulsa pay $13-18/hour due to market demand. Energy sector positions start $16-30/hour.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Oklahoma?
Generally seven years for most employment purposes, though some employers may access older records. Clean Slate automatic expungement (2025) will remove eligible records from standard background checks. Expunged records should not appear. After 10 years, true expungement means permanent deletion.
Q5: What companies in Oklahoma hire felons?
Major employers include Amazon, Walmart, Williams Companies, ONEOK, Integris Health, OU Health, Target, QuikTrip, UPS, FedEx Ground, Home Depot, Boeing, Tinker Air Force Base, and many others. See Top 20 list for details. Many Oklahoma companies conduct case-by-case evaluations, especially for non-violent offenses over 5 years old.
Q6: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Oklahoma?
Yes. Amazon has fulfillment centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. They conduct 7-year lookback checks and typically approve non-violent offenses over 3-5 years old. Starting pay: $16-18/hour plus day-one benefits. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Oklahoma?
Yes. Many Oklahoma trucking companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically). Earnings: $50,000-85,000. Some carriers provide free CDL training. UPS promotes package handlers to drivers earning $70,000-90,000.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Oklahoma?
UPS drivers ($70,000-90,000), Williams/ONEOK field positions ($70,000-95,000 experienced), truck drivers ($50,000-85,000), union electricians ($50,000-75,000), plumbers ($50,000-70,000), Boeing production ($40,000-60,000), HVAC techs ($45,000-65,000), welders ($40,000-85,000), Tinker AFB aircraft maintenance ($40,000-65,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Oklahoma job applications?
Private employers in Oklahoma CAN ask about criminal history on applications. For public sector jobs, ban-the-box protections mean they cannot ask on initial applications. Once asked, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Get your record expunged first if eligible—Clean Slate automatic expungement (2025) or traditional petition process. Emphasize time passed, rehabilitation, and clean record since release.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Oklahoma for people with felonies?
Yes. Oklahoma Works offers free training referrals. Oklahoma Department of Corrections provides in-prison training (welding, HVAC, electrical). Community colleges (Tulsa Technology Center, Metro Technology Centers, Francis Tuttle) offer workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers (Williams, Boeing, UPS) provide on-the-job training. Union apprenticeships offer paid training while working.
Next Steps: Your Oklahoma Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Oklahoma justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Check Clean Slate Eligibility and Start Expungement Process NOW
Oklahoma's revolutionary Clean Slate automatic expungement starts November 2025—check if your records qualify for FREE automatic sealing at Oklahoma Legal Services: oklaw.org or (405) 521-1302 (OKC) / (918) 584-3211 (Tulsa). For records not covered by Clean Slate, determine if you're eligible for traditional petition-based expungement (non-violent felonies after 5 years, misdemeanors after completion). Order OSBI criminal history report ($15) at osbi.ok.gov to see current record. File expungement petition if eligible—cost $150-300 total. Timeline 3-6 months. After record expunged for 10 years with no violations, you can petition for TRUE EXPUNGEMENT (permanent destruction)—rare nationwide. Getting record cleared FIRST dramatically increases employment opportunities and wages. Don't wait—start process immediately.
Step 2: Register with Oklahoma Works and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with Oklahoma Works (1-888-980-9675) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Lawton, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: PeopleReady (same/next-day placement, daily pay), Express Employment (strong manufacturing/skilled trades connections), Kelly Services (temp-to-perm focus), Manpower (industrial positions). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $12-20/hour with temp-to-perm potential at companies like Amazon, Boeing, Williams, and manufacturers statewide. Show up on time and work hard—40-50% conversion rate to permanent positions with higher pay and benefits.
Step 3: Target Oklahoma's Second-Chance Sectors and High-Demand Employers
Apply to major fair-chance employers: Amazon ($16-18/hour, OKC and Tulsa), Walmart ($13-16/hour, 90+ locations statewide), QuikTrip ($13-17/hour, known for fair-chance hiring), UPS ($15-19/hour with path to $70,000-90,000 driver positions). Energy sector for premium wages: Williams Companies and ONEOK in Tulsa ($16-30/hour depending on position, case-by-case for non-violent offenses 5+ years). Healthcare support provides stability: Integris Health and OU Health in OKC, Saint Francis in Tulsa ($13-17/hour for environmental services, food service). Target public sector jobs where ban-the-box applies: Tinker Air Force Base ($14-24/hour, federal benefits), state agencies, city governments. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.
Step 4: Prepare Strong Application Strategy Accounting for Limited Ban-the-Box
Since Oklahoma's ban-the-box only covers public employers, private employers CAN ask about criminal history on applications. Create resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and work history. Address employment gaps honestly in cover letter without overexplaining. For public sector jobs, focus on qualifications without mentioning criminal history on initial application. For private sector jobs where criminal history question appears, answer truthfully but briefly. Prepare 30-60 second explanation of criminal record—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, and commitment to stability. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently without defensiveness. Emphasize Clean Slate eligibility if applicable—"my record will be automatically sealed in 2025 under Oklahoma's Clean Slate law."
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers and Long-Term Stability
Oklahoma offers multiple pathways to $50,000-90,000 careers. Consider CDL training—many carriers provide free training and hire second-chance drivers for $50,000-85,000 annually. UPS package handler ($15-19/hour) is proven path to driver positions earning $70,000-90,000 with Teamsters union. Apply to union apprenticeships for $50,000-75,000 journeyman positions: electricians (IBEW), plumbers, operating engineers. Community colleges (Tulsa Technology Center, Metro Technology Centers, Francis Tuttle) offer workforce training in HVAC, welding, manufacturing with financial aid available. Williams Companies and ONEOK hire field technicians at $40,000-65,000 starting (up to $95,000 experienced) with on-the-job training—they evaluate case-by-case for non-violent offenses over 5 years. Mention WOTC eligibility ($2,400 federal tax credit) to employers. Persist through rejections—employment typically requires dozens of applications. Follow up after 3-5 days. Stay professional—Oklahoma's automatic expungement and true expungement pathways offer real second chances.
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 Oklahoma's Clean Slate Law (HB 3316), traditional expungement (Title 22 § 18), true expungement (Title 22 § 19(K)), and ban-the-box protections (Executive Order 2016-03) is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Oklahoma employment attorney or Oklahoma Legal Services (FREE: oklaw.org or 405-521-1302 OKC / 918-584-3211 Tulsa) 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.