Felon Friendly Jobs in Oregon
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Oregon offers America's BEST ban-the-box protections covering BOTH public AND private employers combined with the fastest expungement in the nation—1-3 years for most offenses—and ZERO court fees (eliminated in 2022). The state's diverse economy driven by technology (Intel, Nike), food production (Dave's Killer Bread, Tillamook), healthcare, and logistics creates strong hiring demand across Portland, Salem, and Eugene metro areas. Oregon's three-tiered minimum wage system ($16.30 Portland metro, $15.05 standard, $14.05 rural) means entry-level positions start at $14-19/hour with clear advancement paths to $40,000-75,000+ careers. Thousands of Oregonians have already cleared their records and returned to work through the state's lightning-fast set-aside process requiring only an $80 OSP background check with no court filing fees.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Oregon
Economic Overview
Oregon's economy offers diverse opportunities across technology (Intel, Nike headquarters), food and beverage production (Dave's Killer Bread, Tillamook Creamery), healthcare (Legacy Health, Providence), logistics (Amazon, FedEx), and a growing clean energy sector, creating strong demand for workers across all skill levels. With major population centers including Portland metro (2.5 million), Salem (180,000), Eugene-Springfield (180,000), Bend (100,000), and Medford-Grants Pass (150,000), the state provides employment pathways from urban tech hubs to rural agricultural communities. Oregon's progressive employer culture, combined with strong worker protections and union presence, makes it one of the nation's most favorable states for justice-impacted individuals rebuilding their careers.
Record Clearing System
Oregon allows "set-aside" (expungement) of most convictions after just 1 year for Class B/C misdemeanors and 3 years for Class A misdemeanors and certain felonies (ORS § 137.225)—the fastest timeline in the United States. Senate Bill 397 (effective January 2022) eliminated ALL court filing fees. You only pay $80 for the Oregon State Police (OSP) background check. When a judge orders conviction "set aside," the case is dismissed, records won't appear in most employment background checks, and you can legally answer "no" when asked if you've been convicted (with some licensing exceptions). Law enforcement can still access records, and some professional licensing boards may still see them, but for most employment purposes, the conviction is treated as if it never occurred.
Oregon automatically expunges eligible marijuana convictions—you don't even have to apply. This includes possession of less than one ounce and related misdemeanor marijuana offenses. The conviction is PERMANENTLY DELETED from your record at no cost.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
Oregon's ban-the-box law (ORS § 659A.360) applies to ALL public AND private employers—one of only 15 states with this comprehensive protection. Employers cannot ask about criminal history until after an initial interview. Portland goes even further: employers with 6+ workers can't ask until AFTER making a conditional job offer (Portland Code § 23.10). This means justice-impacted individuals get a fair chance to demonstrate their qualifications before criminal history is even discussed.
Oregon follows a seven-year lookback period for background checks, though some employers may access older records. Set-aside convictions do not appear on standard background checks accessed by most employers. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Oregon employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Oregon
Oregon's three-tiered minimum wage system (2025):
Portland metro area: $16.30/hour
Standard counties: $15.05/hour
Non-urban counties: $14.05/hour
Food Production & Manufacturing (Oregon's Specialty!)
Dave's Killer Bread (Milwaukie - Portland Area) - Oregon's most famous second-chance employer. Founded by formerly incarcerated Dave Dahl.
Production workers, packaging, sanitation, warehouse, quality control.
Pay: $16-20/hour with full benefits, 401(k), profit sharing. Explicit second-chance mission—30% of workforce has criminal background.
Tillamook Creamery (Tillamook, Portland Distribution) - Famous Oregon dairy cooperative.
Production workers, packaging, warehouse, quality control, sanitation.
Pay: $17-21/hour with excellent benefits. Union shop (Teamsters). Known for hiring justice-impacted individuals.
Franz Bakery (Portland Area) - Major Pacific Northwest bakery.
Production workers, packaging, sanitation, drivers, warehouse.
Pay: $16-20/hour. Union shop (Bakery Workers). Case-by-case hiring.
Reser's Fine Foods (Beaverton) - Oregon-based food manufacturer.
Production workers, packaging, quality control, sanitation.
Pay: $16-19/hour with benefits.
Healthcare & Support Services
Legacy Health (Portland Metro) - Major healthcare system with 6 hospitals.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities maintenance.
Pay: $16-19/hour with union benefits (SEIU).
Providence Health (Statewide) - Large healthcare network throughout Oregon.
Housekeeping, dietary aides, patient transport, facilities, environmental services.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Case-by-case review for support positions.
Samaritan Health (Corvallis area) - Regional healthcare system.
Support services, housekeeping, dietary, facilities.
Pay: $14-17/hour.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Portland, Salem, Troutdale) - Multiple fulfillment centers.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $16-19/hour plus benefits from day one.
FedEx Ground (Portland, Salem) - Package handling and distribution.
Package handlers, sorters, loaders, material handlers.
Pay: $16-19/hour.
UPS (Portland, Salem, Eugene) - Union logistics company (Teamsters).
Package handlers, warehouse workers, loaders.
Pay: $16-21/hour with excellent benefits and path to driver positions.
Nike (Beaverton area) - Sportswear company headquarters and distribution.
Warehouse, logistics, fulfillment, material handlers.
Pay: $17-21/hour plus employee discounts.
Retail & Customer Service
Fred Meyer/Kroger (Statewide - 60+ Locations) - Major Oregon grocery chain.
Stockers, cashiers, deli, bakery, produce, customer service.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Union shop (UFCW). Case-by-case hiring.
Safeway/Albertsons (Statewide) - Grocery chain with extensive Oregon presence.
Stockers, cashiers, deli, bakery, produce, meat department.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Union positions (UFCW).
Home Depot (Multiple locations) - Home improvement retail.
Lot associates, freight team, garden, receiving, customer service.
Pay: $16-18/hour. 7-year lookback policy.
Lowe's (Major cities) - Home improvement retail.
Store associates, loaders, stock handlers, garden center.
Pay: $16-18/hour. Case-by-case review.
Costco (Portland metro) - Warehouse club retail.
Cart crew, stockers, food court, receiving, membership.
Pay: $17-20/hour with excellent benefits.
Hospitality & Food Service
Starbucks (Statewide) - Coffee chain with strong second-chance commitment.
Baristas, shift supervisors, store operations.
Pay: $16-19/hour plus benefits, stock options, tuition reimbursement. Ban-the-box commitment.
Chipotle (Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend) - Fair Chance employer.
Crew members, kitchen staff, cashiers.
Pay: $16-18/hour plus tuition reimbursement. Explicit second-chance hiring.
McDonald's (Franchise locations) - Policies vary by franchise owner.
Crew members, cooks, cashiers, maintenance.
Pay: $15-17/hour.
Construction & Trades
Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small to medium firms often more flexible.
General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, material handlers.
Pay: $17-24/hour depending on experience.
Top 25 Oregon Employers Hiring Felons
These Oregon companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Dave's Killer Bread (Milwaukie - Portland Area) - Oregon's premier second-chance employer with 30% of workforce from justice-impacted backgrounds.
Production Workers: $16-20/hour Packaging: $16-19/hour Warehouse: $17-20/hour Explicit second-chance mission, full benefits, profit sharing. Learn More
Amazon (Portland, Salem, Troutdale) - Multiple fulfillment centers.
Warehouse Associates: $16-19/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, case-by-case evaluation.
Learn More
Legacy Health (Portland Metro) - Major healthcare system with 6 hospitals.
Environmental Services: $16-19/hour Food Service: $16-18/hour Patient Transport: $17-19/hour Union positions (SEIU), case-by-case for support roles.
Learn More
Fred Meyer/Kroger (Statewide - 60+ Locations) - Major Oregon grocery chain.
Stockers: $15-18/hour Cashiers: $15-17/hour Department Leads: $35,000-50,000 Union shop (UFCW), case-by-case hiring.
Learn More
Tillamook Creamery (Tillamook, Portland Distribution) - Famous Oregon dairy cooperative.
Production Workers: $17-21/hour Packaging: $17-20/hour Warehouse: $18-21/hour Union shop (Teamsters), known for second-chance hiring.
Learn More
Intel (Hillsboro) - Tech manufacturing with case-by-case reviews.
Production Technicians: $20-28/hour Maintenance: $22-30/hour Warehouse: $18-24/hour Excellent benefits, case-by-case evaluation.
Learn More
Providence Health (Statewide) - Healthcare network throughout Oregon.
Housekeeping: $15-18/hour Dietary Aides: $15-17/hour Facilities: $16-19/hour Case-by-case reviews for support positions.
Learn More
Home Depot (Multiple locations) - Home improvement retail with 7-year lookback.
Lot Associates: $16-18/hour Freight Team: $17-19/hour Department Supervisors: $40,000-55,000 7-year lookback policy.
Learn More
Lowe's (Major cities) - Home improvement retail.
Store Associates: $16-18/hour Warehouse Workers: $17-20/hour Department Managers: $40,000-55,000 Case-by-case review.
Learn More
Chipotle (Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend) - Fair Chance employer.
Crew Members: $16-18/hour Kitchen Managers: $45,000-60,000 General Managers: $60,000-80,000 Explicit Fair Chance employer, tuition reimbursement.
Learn More
Starbucks (Statewide) - Coffee chain with ban-the-box commitment.
Baristas: $16-19/hour Shift Supervisors: $18-22/hour Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Ban-the-box commitment, benefits, stock, tuition.
Learn More
Franz Bakery (Portland area) - Union bakery shop.
Production Workers: $16-20/hour Drivers: $50,000-65,000 Maintenance: $20-26/hour Union shop (Bakery Workers).
Learn More
UPS (Portland, Salem, Eugene) - Union logistics with Teamsters benefits.
Package Handlers: $16-21/hour Drivers: $70,000-90,000 Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Teamsters union, path to high-paying driver positions.
Learn More
FedEx Ground (Portland, Salem) - Package handling and distribution.
Package Handlers: $16-19/hour Drivers: $45,000-65,000 Operations Managers: $55,000-75,000 Case-by-case reviews.
Learn More
Goodwill Industries Oregon - Mission-driven second-chance employer.
Retail: $14-16/hour Production: $15-17/hour Managers: $35,000-50,000 Explicit second-chance mission with job training.
Learn More
Schneider National (Oregon routes) - CDL training available.
Truck Drivers: $50,000-70,000 Regional Drivers: $55,000-75,000 Dedicated Drivers: $60,000-80,000 Second-chance trucking, paid CDL training.
Learn More
Werner Enterprises (Oregon routes) - Second-chance trucking company.
Truck Drivers: $55,000-75,000 Team Drivers: $70,000-90,000 Trainers: $75,000-95,000 Explicit second-chance program.
Learn More
Safeway/Albertsons (Statewide) - Grocery chain with union positions.
Stockers: $15-18/hour Cashiers: $15-17/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Union jobs (UFCW).
Learn More
Samaritan Health (Corvallis area) - Regional healthcare system.
Support Services: $14-17/hour Housekeeping: $14-16/hour Dietary: $15-17/hour Case-by-case for support positions.
Learn More
Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small/medium firms often flexible.
General Laborers: $17-24/hour Skilled Trades: $25-40/hour Supervisors: $50,000-75,000 Many small contractors hire case-by-case.
Learn More
Reser's Fine Foods (Beaverton) - Oregon-based food manufacturer.
Production Workers: $16-19/hour Packaging: $16-18/hour Quality Control: $18-22/hour Case-by-case hiring.
Learn More
Nike (Beaverton area) - Sportswear company headquarters.
Warehouse: $17-21/hour Logistics: $18-22/hour Fulfillment: $17-20/hour Case-by-case, employee discounts.
Learn More
Costco (Portland metro) - Warehouse club retail.
Entry-level: $17-20/hour Top-scale: $26-30/hour Managers: $80,000-110,000 Excellent benefits, individual assessment.
Learn More
Staffing Agencies - Multiple agencies specialize in second-chance placement.
Various Positions: $15-20/hour Warehouse: $16-19/hour Manufacturing: $16-21/hour Temp-to-perm opportunities common.
Learn More
McDonald's (Franchise locations) - Policies vary by franchise owner.
Crew Members: $15-17/hour Shift Leaders: $17-20/hour Managers: $40,000-55,000 Hiring varies by franchisee.
Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Oregon City
Portland Metro Area (Pop. 2.5 million)
Oregon's largest metro with most job opportunities. Strongest ban-the-box protections (can't ask until conditional offer for 6+ employee companies). Home to Intel, Nike, Legacy Health, Amazon, Dave's Killer Bread.
Dave's Killer Bread - $16-20/hour
Amazon Portland/Troutdale - $16-19/hour
Legacy Health - $16-19/hour
Intel Hillsboro - $20-28/hour
Nike Beaverton - $17-21/hour
Salem (Pop. 180,000)
State capital with government jobs (ban-the-box applies). Growing logistics sector, lower cost of living than Portland.
Amazon Salem - $16-19/hour
State Government Support - $15-20/hour (varies)
Providence Health - $15-18/hour
FedEx Salem - $16-19/hour
Manufacturing/Food Production - $15-19/hour
Eugene-Springfield (Pop. 180,000)
University town with diverse economy, progressive employer culture, strong nonprofit sector.
Providence Health - $15-18/hour
UPS Eugene - $16-21/hour
Retail & Grocery - $15-18/hour
Hospitality - $15-17/hour
Construction - $17-24/hour
Bend (Pop. 100,000)
Fast-growing Central Oregon city with tourism, recreation, craft beverage industries.
Healthcare Facilities - $15-18/hour
Hospitality & Tourism - $14-17/hour
Retail - $14-17/hour
Construction - $18-24/hour
Craft Breweries - $15-19/hour
Medford-Grants Pass (Pop. 150,000)
Lower cost of living, growing healthcare, agriculture, timber industries.
Asante Health System - $14-17/hour
Agriculture/Timber - $14-18/hour
Retail & Grocery - $14-17/hour
Construction - $17-22/hour
Manufacturing - $15-19/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Oregon
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Oregon.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Oregon's position as Pacific Northwest logistics hub creates strong CDL demand.
Schneider National / Werner Enterprises - Regional and long-haul routes: $50,000-75,000 annually. Both companies offer second-chance programs and paid CDL training. Home regularly on regional routes.
Local Delivery / LTL Freight - Companies like FedEx Freight, XPO: $55,000-75,000. Home daily, physical work, consistent schedules.
UPS Package Delivery - Start as package handler ($16-21/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $70,000-90,000 annually with full Teamsters benefits and pension.
Tanker / Hazmat Drivers - Specialized endorsements required: $60,000-85,000. Higher pay for additional certifications and risk.
Skilled Trades
Union Electrician (IBEW) - Apprenticeship programs in Portland, Eugene, Bend. Apprentices start $18-22/hour. Journeymen: $35-50/hour ($70,000-100,000 annually). Four-year paid apprenticeship.
Union Plumber/Pipefitter - Similar apprenticeship structure. Journeymen: $35-48/hour ($70,000-95,000 annually). High demand in construction and manufacturing.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work in Oregon climate. Experienced techs: $50,000-70,000. EPA certification required. Community college programs available.
Welding - Industrial/construction welders: $45,000-65,000. Specialized (underwater, nuclear): $70,000-100,000+. Portland Community College and Chemeketa offer programs.
Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction, forestry, mining: $50,000-75,000. Union positions (Operating Engineers) pay premium. Training available through union.
Technology & Manufacturing
Intel Production Technician - Semiconductor manufacturing in Hillsboro. Entry: $20-28/hour ($40,000-58,000). Experienced with shift differentials: $50,000-70,000. Excellent benefits, on-the-job training, advancement opportunities.
Manufacturing Supervisor - Food production (Dave's, Tillamook, Reser's) or other manufacturing. Starting supervisors: $45,000-60,000. Experienced: $60,000-80,000. Promote from production floor.
CNC Machinist - Precision manufacturing. Entry: $18-24/hour. Experienced: $25-35/hour ($50,000-70,000). Community college training or apprenticeship.
Quality Control Technician - Food, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing quality control. Starting: $18-24/hour. Experienced: $50,000-65,000. Often promote from production.
Clean Energy
Wind Turbine Technician - Oregon's growing wind energy sector. Entry: $22-28/hour ($45,000-58,000). Experienced: $30-40/hour ($60,000-80,000). Technical training required, often work at heights.
Solar Installation Technician - Residential and commercial solar. Installers: $20-28/hour ($40,000-58,000). Lead installers: $60,000-75,000. NABCEP certification valuable.
Oregon Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Oregon offers the nation's fastest and cheapest record relief combined with comprehensive employment protections for justice-impacted individuals.
Record Set-Aside (Expungement) in Oregon
Oregon's set-aside process (ORS § 137.225) is the fastest and cheapest in America.
Eligibility and Waiting Periods:
Class B/C Misdemeanors: 1 year after completing sentence Class A Misdemeanors: 3 years after completing sentenceCertain Felonies: 3 years after completing sentence
Cannot be Set Aside: DUI/DUII, sex crimes, crimes against children, violent offenses causing great bodily harm or death, person felonies within 20 years.
Process:
Obtain Oregon State Police (OSP) background check ($80)
File petition with circuit court (NO court filing fees since 2022)
Attend hearing where judge determines if "justice will be served"
If granted, conviction set aside and case dismissed
Total Cost: $80 (OSP background check only)
Effect: Records won't appear on most employment background checks. You can legally answer "no" when asked about convictions (with some licensing exceptions). Law enforcement and some licensing boards can still access records.
Automatic Marijuana Expungement
Oregon automatically expunges eligible marijuana convictions—no application needed. Includes possession of less than one ounce and related misdemeanor marijuana offenses. Conviction is PERMANENTLY DELETED. Check status at ExpungeOregon.com (FREE).
Ban-the-Box Protections
Statewide (ORS § 659A.360): ALL public and private employers cannot ask about criminal history until after initial interview.
Portland (Portland Code § 23.10): Employers with 6+ workers can't ask until AFTER making conditional job offer (even stronger protection).
What This Means: Justice-impacted individuals get to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history is discussed. Violations can be reported to Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.
Background Check Lookback
Oregon follows seven-year lookback period for most background checks. Set-aside convictions do not appear on standard employment background checks. Expunged marijuana convictions are permanently deleted.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Oregon employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers to increase hiring incentive.
State Workforce Development
WorkSource Oregon - Statewide network of career centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and employer connections.
Contact: 1-877-345-3484 | worksourceoregon.org
Locations: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, and throughout the state.
Reentry Organizations
Pioneer Human Services (Portland) - Employment services, housing, case management for justice-impacted individuals.
Contact: (503) 906-9600 | pioneerhumanservices.org
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) - Oregon - Immediate paid work and job training for recently released individuals.
Contact: (503) 445-4035 | ceoworks.org
Sponsors (Portland) - Comprehensive reentry services including employment, housing, family support.
Contact: (503) 282-0550 | wearesponsors.org
Transformation House (Eugene) - Transitional housing and employment services.
Contact: (541) 345-3163 | transformationhouse.org
Additional Oregon Resources
Training & Education
Portland Community College - Workforce training, skilled trades, healthcare programs with financial aid. Multiple campuses.
Chemeketa Community College (Salem) - Manufacturing, construction, healthcare training programs.
Lane Community College (Eugene) - Technical training, apprenticeships, workforce development.
Oregon Tradeswomen - Pre-apprenticeship training for women entering skilled trades.
Contact: (503) 335-8200 | tradeswomen.org
Housing Assistance
Pioneer Human Services - Transitional housing in Portland area.
Sponsors - Housing assistance in Portland.
Transformation House - Residential reentry program in Eugene.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid Services of Oregon - Free civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income Oregonians.
Contact: 1-800-351-7248 | lasoregon.org
Metropolitan Public Defender Services - Expungement clinics in Portland area.
Contact: (503) 228-2479 | mpdserve.org
Transportation Support
TriMet (Portland) - Reduced fare programs for low-income riders (Honored Citizen fares).
Salem Area Transit - Discount programs available.
Lane Transit District (Eugene) - Reduced fare options.
Staffing Agencies in Oregon That Work With Felons
Oregon staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities especially in manufacturing, warehouse, and food production sectors.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Multiple Oregon locations including Portland, Salem, Eugene. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing, construction.
PeopleReady - Statewide presence. Light industrial, warehousing, food production. Same-day pay options. Second-chance focus.
Adecco - Major presence in Portland, Salem, Eugene metro areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Fair-chance evaluation.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing - Oregon locations in major cities. Manufacturing, warehouse, food production, administrative. Temp-to-hire common.
Manpower - Extensive statewide presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office work. Benefits available for temps.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Oregon offices. Light industrial, skilled trades, administrative. Fair-chance hiring.
Northwest Staffing Resources - Oregon-based agency. Manufacturing, food production, warehouse. Works with justice-impacted individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Oregon have a ban-the-box law?
Yes! Oregon has one of the nation's BEST ban-the-box laws covering BOTH public AND private employers (only 15 states do this). Employers cannot ask about criminal history until after initial interview. Portland has even stronger protection—employers with 6+ workers can't ask until after conditional job offer. This gives justice-impacted individuals a fair chance to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history is discussed.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Oregon?
Yes! Oregon has the FASTEST expungement (called "set-aside") in America. Most misdemeanors after 1-3 years, certain felonies after 3 years (ORS § 137.225). Senate Bill 397 (2022) eliminated ALL court filing fees—you only pay $80 for OSP background check. Set-aside means records won't appear on most employment background checks and you can legally answer "no" about convictions. Marijuana convictions are automatically and permanently expunged at no cost.
Q3: What is Oregon's minimum wage?
Oregon has three-tiered system (2025): Portland metro area $16.30/hour, standard counties $15.05/hour, non-urban counties $14.05/hour. Among the highest in the nation.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Oregon?
Generally seven years, though some employers may access older records. Set-aside convictions do NOT appear on standard employment background checks. Expunged marijuana convictions are permanently deleted.
Q5: What companies in Oregon hire felons?
Major employers include Dave's Killer Bread (30% of workforce has criminal backgrounds), Amazon, Legacy Health, Fred Meyer, Tillamook Creamery, Intel, Providence Health, UPS, Starbucks, Chipotle, and many others. See Top 25 list for details. Oregon's comprehensive ban-the-box law means most employers must evaluate qualifications before considering criminal history.
Q6: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Oregon?
Yes. Amazon has fulfillment centers in Portland, Salem, and Troutdale. They evaluate convictions case-by-case and hire many justice-impacted individuals. Warehouse positions start $16-19/hour with day-one benefits. Must follow Oregon ban-the-box law.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Oregon?
Yes. Schneider National and Werner Enterprises both offer second-chance programs and paid CDL training. Earnings: $50,000-75,000. Many Oregon carriers hire drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. UPS promotes package handlers to drivers earning $70,000-90,000.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Oregon?
UPS drivers ($70,000-90,000), union electricians ($70,000-100,000), truck drivers ($50,000-75,000), union plumbers ($70,000-95,000), Intel production technicians ($50,000-70,000 with experience), wind turbine technicians ($60,000-80,000), welders ($45,000-65,000+), HVAC techs ($50,000-70,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Oregon job applications?
Oregon ban-the-box law prohibits employers from asking about criminal history until after initial interview (or conditional offer in Portland for 6+ employee companies). If they ask before then, they're violating Oregon law—you can decline to answer and report them to Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Once lawfully asked, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Get your record set aside first if eligible—then it won't appear on most background checks.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Oregon for people with felonies?
Yes. WorkSource Oregon offers free training referrals. Oregon community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, plumbers, operating engineers) offer paid training while working. Center for Employment Opportunities provides immediate paid work and job training. Pioneer Human Services offers employment training. Oregon Tradeswomen trains women for construction careers. Many employers (Intel, UPS, Dave's Killer Bread) provide on-the-job training.
Next Steps: Your Oregon Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Oregon justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Get Your Record Set Aside IMMEDIATELY (Oregon is FASTEST and CHEAPEST in America!)
Oregon offers the nation's fastest expungement ("set-aside")—just 1 year for most misdemeanors, 3 years for many felonies—and cheapest ($80 total, NO court fees since 2022). Start process at ExpungeOregon.com (FREE eligibility check) or contact Legal Aid Services of Oregon (1-800-351-7248) for free assistance if low-income. Order OSP background check ($80) to see current record. File set-aside petition in county circuit court (no filing fees). Attend hearing where judge reviews case. If granted, conviction set aside and won't appear on most employment background checks—you can legally answer "no" about convictions. Process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion. Marijuana convictions are automatically expunged—check status for free. Getting record set aside FIRST dramatically increases employment opportunities and wages.
Step 2: Register with WorkSource Oregon and Staffing Agencies
Register with WorkSource Oregon (1-877-345-3484) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Offices in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, and throughout state. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in warehouse/industrial work: PeopleReady (daily pay, second-chance focus), Labor Ready (immediate work), Adecco (manufacturing/warehouse), Express Employment (strong Oregon presence), Northwest Staffing (Oregon-based). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals daily in positions paying $15-20/hour with temp-to-perm potential at companies like Dave's Killer Bread, Tillamook, Reser's, and Franz Bakery.
Step 3: Target Oregon's Second-Chance Champions and Protected Sectors
Apply to explicit second-chance employers: Dave's Killer Bread ($16-20/hour, 30% of workforce has criminal backgrounds), Tillamook Creamery ($17-21/hour, union shop), Goodwill Industries (mission-driven), Chipotle (Fair Chance employer). Warehouse and logistics offer immediate opportunities: Amazon ($16-19/hour, multiple OR locations), UPS ($16-21/hour with path to $70,000-90,000 driver positions), FedEx Ground ($16-19/hour). Healthcare support provides stability: Legacy Health, Providence Health ($15-19/hour for environmental services, food service). Focus applications in Portland for strongest ban-the-box protection (can't ask until conditional offer for 6+ employee companies). Union shops provide strong benefits and job security: Fred Meyer, Safeway, Tillamook, Franz Bakery, UPS. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple companies and sectors.
Step 4: Leverage Oregon's Nation-Leading Ban-the-Box Protections
Know your rights: Oregon law prohibits ALL employers (public and private) from asking about criminal history until after initial interview. Portland goes further—6+ employee companies can't ask until after conditional offer. Create resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and work history without mentioning criminal record. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Practice 30-60 second explanation of criminal record for when it's lawfully raised—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. If employer asks about criminal history on application or before interview, they're violating Oregon law—you can decline and report to Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Once lawfully asked (after interview), answer truthfully but emphasize: time since offense, clean record since release, job training/education completed, set-aside status if granted, commitment to stability.
Step 5: Access Oregon's Exceptional Support Network and Advance Your Career
Connect with Oregon reentry organizations for comprehensive support: Pioneer Human Services (503-906-9600, Portland), Center for Employment Opportunities (503-445-4035, immediate paid work), Sponsors (503-282-0550, Portland), Transformation House (541-345-3163, Eugene). Pursue training for higher-paying careers: Portland Community College (skilled trades, tech), Chemeketa (Salem, manufacturing/construction), Lane Community College (Eugene, technical training), Oregon Tradeswomen (503-335-8200, construction pre-apprenticeship). Apply to union apprenticeships for $70,000-100,000 journeyman positions: IBEW (electricians), plumbers union, Operating Engineers (heavy equipment). Consider CDL training—Schneider and Werner provide free training and hire second-chance drivers for $50,000-75,000. Mention WOTC eligibility ($2,400 federal tax credit) to employers to increase hiring chances. Persist through rejections—employment typically requires dozens of applications. Follow up after 3-5 days. Stay professional—Oregon offers America's best protections and fastest record relief for justice-impacted individuals.
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 set-aside procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Oregon's ban-the-box law (ORS § 659A.360), Portland's Fair Chance ordinance (Portland Code § 23.10), and set-aside laws (ORS § 137.225) is general in nature. Set-aside eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Oregon employment attorney or legal aid (Legal Aid Services of Oregon: 1-800-351-7248) for specific legal advice about your situation. Dave's Killer Bread's second-chance commitment and hiring practices should be verified directly with the company.
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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.