Felon Friendly Jobs in Pennsylvania
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Pennsylvania provides extensive employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality sectors. Pennsylvania's minimum wage remains at federal level of $7.25/hour for non-tipped employees, with tipped employees earning $2.83/hour base plus tips (Pennsylvania House has passed minimum wage increase bills, but no statewide increase enacted as of 2025). Pennsylvania adopted ban-the-box legislation in 2017 that applies to state and public sector employers for non-civil service positions—private employers NOT covered statewide. HOWEVER, Philadelphia implemented COMPREHENSIVE ban-the-box protections in 2011 for ALL employers with one or more employees (Philadelphia City Council proposing amendments to reduce misdemeanor lookback from 7 to 4 years, though not yet law as of 2025). Pittsburgh requires city contractors to remove criminal history questions from initial applications. Pennsylvania's Clean Slate 3.0 law (effective February 2024) EXPANDED record sealing: summary convictions AUTOMATICALLY sealed after 5 years (effective June 2024), many misdemeanor convictions may be sealed after 7 years with no new convictions, and certain eligible low-level drug and property felonies with maximum penalties under 5 years may be sealed after 10 years with no new convictions. Major employers including Amazon (25+ fulfillment centers, sortation centers, delivery stations statewide employing over 30,000 Pennsylvania workers in Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg area, Pittsburgh, Reading, York, Hazleton, Philadelphia regions), Walmart (57,000 Pennsylvania employees across 100+ stores and distribution centers), UPMC (100,000 employees—Pennsylvania's largest non-government employer with 40+ hospitals statewide), Giant Food Stores (30,000+ employees), University of Pennsylvania (53,000 employees), UPS, Target, and FedEx maintain substantial workforces and commonly practice fair-chance hiring. Entry-level warehouse positions typically start at $15-18/hour, healthcare support roles at $13-17/hour, retail positions at $14-16/hour. Pennsylvania's unemployment rate 3.9-4.0% (2025) with civilian labor force exceeding 6.5 million workers. Pennsylvania's strategic Northeast corridor location serves major markets (New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington D.C.), creating continuous demand for warehouse and distribution workers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Pennsylvania
Economic Overview
Pennsylvania's diverse economy anchored by logistics (Amazon 25+ facilities employing 30,000+, massive Northeast corridor distribution hub), healthcare (UPMC 100,000 employees—largest non-government employer with 40+ hospitals, Penn Medicine, Geisinger), manufacturing (automotive, steel legacy, pharmaceuticals), retail (Giant Food Stores 30,000+ employees, Wawa), and hospitality sectors supports approximately 6.5 million workers with unemployment around 3.9-4.0% (2025). Major metropolitan areas include Philadelphia metro (6.2 million—fifth-largest U.S. metro, major city with comprehensive ban-the-box), Pittsburgh metro (2.4 million—second-largest city, healthcare and tech hub), Lehigh Valley (Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, 860,000—major Amazon hub), Harrisburg area (state capital, 590,000), and Erie, Scranton-Wilkes-Barre. Pennsylvania's Northeast corridor location serving New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. creates prime logistics hub.
Record Clearing System
Clean Slate 3.0 Law (Effective February 2024): EXPANDED automatic and petition-based sealing.
Automatic Sealing:
Summary convictions: AUTOMATICALLY sealed after 5 years (effective June 2024)
Process: Happens automatically, no petition required
Petition-Based Sealing:
Many misdemeanor convictions: May be sealed after 7 years with no new convictions
Certain eligible low-level drug and property felonies (maximum penalties under 5 years): May be sealed after 10 years with no new convictions
What Sealing Means: Records hidden from most background checks but accessible to law enforcement, courts, certain licensing boards.
Eligibility: Clean Slate expanded access significantly. Cannot seal: violent crimes, sex offenses, firearms offenses, offenses against minors, most DUI.
Process: Automatic for summary convictions. Petition required for misdemeanors and eligible felonies. Cost: varies ($100-400 with fees). Timeline: 4-8 months for petitions. Attorney recommended.
FREE Assistance: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (800-322-7572) provides FREE legal services for low-income Pennsylvanians including sealing assistance.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
LIMITED Statewide Ban-the-Box (2017): Applies to state and public sector employers for non-civil service positions. Private employers NOT covered statewide.
Philadelphia COMPREHENSIVE Ban-the-Box (2011): ALL employers with 1+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. One of nation's strongest local ordinances.
Pittsburgh: City contractors must remove criminal history questions from initial applications.
What This Means: Philadelphia has strongest protections (all employers 1+ employees). Rest of Pennsylvania has limited state protections. Many major private employers practice fair-chance hiring.
Pennsylvania follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Pennsylvania employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal), though market competition drives most entry-level positions to $13-18/hour.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (25+ PA facilities - over 30,000 employees) - Lehigh Valley (Breinigsville, Easton), Harrisburg area (Carlisle, Etna, Lewisberry), Pittsburgh, Reading, York, Hazleton, Philadelphia regions.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Case-by-case evaluation. Healthcare from day one, 401(k), Career Choice tuition up to $5,250 annually. Immediate hiring, flexible scheduling.
UPS (Major PA metro facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $17-21/hour with union benefits (Teamsters), health insurance, retirement, tuition assistance. Advancement to driver positions earning $30-42/hour.
FedEx (Facilities throughout Pennsylvania) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse, sorters.
Pay: $16-20/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
UPMC (100,000 employees - 40+ hospitals statewide) - Pennsylvania's largest non-government employer.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Non-clinical support may be accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive benefits.
Penn Medicine (Philadelphia area) - Major academic medical center.
Environmental services, food service, facilities.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Case-by-case for support positions. Benefits included.
Geisinger (Central and Northeast Pennsylvania) - Healthcare system.
Environmental services, food service, facilities.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Support positions accessible depending on conviction history.
Retail & Grocery
Giant Food Stores (30,000+ employees) - Pennsylvania-based grocery chain.
Cashiers, stockers, distribution workers.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Employee-focused Pennsylvania company. Case-by-case evaluation.
Walmart (57,000 PA employees - 100+ stores/distribution) - Retail and distribution.
Associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $13-16/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution. Case-by-case, commonly hires entry-level. Benefits, advancement.
Wawa (Pennsylvania-based, 900+ stores) - Convenience store chain, major employer.
Store associates, food service.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Pennsylvania-based company with strong presence. Benefits, advancement.
Target (Stores throughout PA metros) - Retail chain.
Team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Reviews applicants individually. Benefits, educational assistance.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities (Throughout Pennsylvania) - Automotive, pharmaceuticals, steel, food processing.
Production workers, assembly, packaging, quality control.
Pay: $14-22/hour depending on industry. Strong Pennsylvania manufacturing legacy. Benefits vary. Many evaluate case-by-case.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Goodwill Industries (Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Employers Hiring Felons
These Pennsylvania companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Amazon (25+ PA facilities - 30,000+ employees) - Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Reading, York, Hazleton, Philadelphia regions.
Warehouse Associates: $15-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, case-by-case, Career Choice. Learn More
UPMC (100,000 employees - 40+ hospitals) - Pennsylvania's largest non-government employer.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Non-clinical support for older non-violent records. Learn More
Walmart (57,000 PA employees - 100+ stores/distribution) - Retail and distribution.
Associates: $13-16/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Management: $45,000-70,000 Case-by-case, commonly hires entry-level. Learn More
Giant Food Stores (30,000+ employees) - Pennsylvania-based grocery chain.
Cashiers/Stockers: $13-17/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Department Managers: $38,000-58,000 PA-based, employee-focused, case-by-case. Learn More
University of Pennsylvania (53,000 employees) - Major employer, Ivy League institution.
Facilities/Custodial: $16-21/hour Food Service: $15-19/hour Grounds: $17-22/hour Support positions accessible, excellent benefits. Learn More
UPS (Major PA metro facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-21/hour Drivers: $30-42/hour Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Teamsters benefits, tuition assistance. Learn More
Target (Stores throughout PA 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
FedEx (Facilities throughout Pennsylvania) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $16-20/hour Drivers: $24-38/hour Operations: $55,000-80,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
Penn Medicine (Philadelphia area) - Academic medical center.
Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Food Service: $14-17/hour Facilities: $16-21/hour Case-by-case for support positions. Learn More
Geisinger (Central and Northeast PA) - Healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Support positions accessible depending on record. Learn More
Wawa (Pennsylvania-based, 900+ stores) - Convenience store chain.
Store Associates: $13-16/hour Shift Leaders: $16-20/hour Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 PA-based, strong presence, advancement. Learn More
Starbucks (Pennsylvania locations) - Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas: $13-16/hour Shift Supervisors: $16-20/hour Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Second-chance commitment, tuition coverage. Learn More
Home Depot (Pennsylvania locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $14-18/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 Pennsylvania) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $14-18/hour Specialists: $16-21/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
Manufacturing Facilities (Statewide) - Automotive, pharmaceuticals, steel, food processing.
Production Workers: $14-22/hour Skilled Trades: $50,000-75,000 Supervisors: $60,000-90,000 Strong PA manufacturing, many case-by-case. Learn More
Goodwill Industries (Pennsylvania locations) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance.
Retail Associates: $11-15/hour Warehouse Workers: $12-16/hour Career Specialists: $35,000-50,000 Job training, support for justice-impacted. Learn More
Sheetz (Pennsylvania-based, 700+ stores) - Convenience store chain.
Store Associates: $13-16/hour Shift Leaders: $16-20/hour Store Managers: $45,000-65,000 PA-based company, advancement opportunities. Learn More
PeopleReady (Offices throughout Pennsylvania) - 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: $13-22/hour Technical Positions: $18-32/hour Professional: $22-40/hour Individualized evaluation, diverse clients. Learn More
Express Employment Professionals (Multiple PA franchises) - Staffing agency.
Skilled Trades: $14-28/hour Professional: $18-35/hour Industrial: $13-24/hour Varies by franchise, many work with records. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Pennsylvania City
Philadelphia (Pop. 6.2M metro)
Fifth-largest U.S. metro. COMPREHENSIVE ban-the-box (all employers 1+ employees since 2011). Healthcare, education, logistics.
Penn Medicine - $14-18/hour
University of Pennsylvania (53,000) - $15-21/hour
Amazon facilities - $15-18/hour
Retail chains - $13-18/hour
Hospitality/service - $12-17/hour
Pittsburgh (Pop. 2.4M metro)
Second-largest PA city. Healthcare, tech, education.
UPMC facilities - $13-17/hour
Amazon fulfillment - $15-18/hour
Manufacturing - $14-22/hour
Universities support - $15-20/hour
Retail chains - $13-17/hour
Lehigh Valley (Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Pop. 860K)
Major Amazon hub. Logistics, manufacturing, healthcare.
Amazon facilities (major hub) - $15-18/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $14-20/hour
Healthcare systems - $13-17/hour
Manufacturing - $14-22/hour
Retail chains - $13-17/hour
Harrisburg (Pop. 590K metro)
State capital. Government, logistics, healthcare.
Amazon facilities (Carlisle, Etna, Lewisberry) - $15-18/hour
State government - varies
Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $14-19/hour
Retail chains - $13-17/hour
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre (Pop. 560K metro)
Healthcare, warehousing, manufacturing.
Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $14-19/hour
Manufacturing - $14-20/hour
Retail chains - $12-16/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Pennsylvania
Package Delivery Advancement
Start: UPS Package Handler - $17-21/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: $55,000-80,000. Union apprenticeships available.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $52,000-75,000.
HVAC Technician - Entry: $17-23/hour. Experienced: $48,000-70,000.
Welder - Industrial, manufacturing: $45,000-70,000.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $13-18/hour at UPMC, Penn Medicine, Geisinger.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $45,000-62,000. Programs at community colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $55,000-72,000.
Manufacturing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $14-22/hour at Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities.
Advance to Skilled Trades - Maintenance, quality control: $50,000-75,000.
Supervisors - $60,000-90,000.
Pennsylvania Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Pennsylvania offers Clean Slate 3.0 automatic sealing and workforce development support.
Clean Slate 3.0 and Record Sealing
Clean Slate 3.0 (Effective February 2024): EXPANDED automatic and petition-based sealing.
Automatic Sealing: Summary convictions AUTOMATICALLY sealed after 5 years (effective June 2024). No petition required.
Petition-Based: Misdemeanors after 7 years, eligible low-level drug/property felonies (max penalties under 5 years) after 10 years. Both require no new convictions.
Process: Automatic for summaries. File petition for misdemeanors/felonies, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: $100-400 with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended.
FREE Assistance:
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: (800) 322-7572 | palegalaid.net
Community Legal Services (Philadelphia): (215) 981-3700
Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh): (412) 255-6700
Ban-the-Box Protections
Statewide (2017): State and public sector employers for non-civil service positions only. Private employers NOT covered statewide.
Philadelphia (2011): COMPREHENSIVE—ALL employers with 1+ employees cannot ask on initial applications. One of nation's strongest.
Pittsburgh: City contractors must remove criminal history questions.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Pennsylvania employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
State Workforce Development
PA CareerLink (Statewide network) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (888) 313-7284 | pacareerlink.pa.gov
Locations: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (717) 728-2573 | cor.pa.gov
Additional Pennsylvania Resources
Training & Education
Pennsylvania College of Technology - Workforce training, skilled trades.
Community college system - 14 community colleges statewide offering workforce programs with financial aid.
Housing Assistance
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (855) 827-3466 | phfa.org
Transportation Support
SEPTA (Philadelphia) - Extensive public transit. Reduced fare programs.
Port Authority (Pittsburgh) - Bus and light rail.
LANTA (Lehigh Valley) - Public transit.
Capital Area Transit (Harrisburg) - Bus service.
Staffing Agencies in Pennsylvania That Work With Felons
PeopleReady - Multiple Pennsylvania offices. Daily pay via JobStack. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $13-25/hour. Commonly works with records.
Kelly Services - Statewide. Office, industrial, technical. Pay: $13-32/hour. Individualized evaluation.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple PA franchises. Skilled trades, professional, industrial. Pay: $13-35/hour. Varies by franchise.
Manpower - Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Pay: $13-24/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Aerotek - Major PA metros. Technical, engineering, skilled trades. Pay: $15-35/hour. Individualized assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Pennsylvania have a ban-the-box law?
MIXED. Statewide (2017): state and public sector employers for non-civil service positions only—private employers NOT covered. HOWEVER, Philadelphia (2011) has COMPREHENSIVE ban-the-box: ALL employers with 1+ employees cannot ask on initial applications—one of nation's strongest. Pittsburgh requires city contractors to remove questions. Philadelphia residents have major advantage.
Q2: Can I get my record sealed in Pennsylvania?
Yes—Clean Slate 3.0 (February 2024) EXPANDED sealing. Summary convictions AUTOMATICALLY sealed after 5 years (effective June 2024)—no petition required. Misdemeanors may be sealed after 7 years with no new convictions. Eligible low-level drug/property felonies (max penalties under 5 years) after 10 years. Cannot seal: violent crimes, sex offenses, firearms offenses, offenses against minors, most DUI. Contact Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (FREE: 800-322-7572).
Q3: What is Pennsylvania's minimum wage?
$7.25/hour (federal minimum) for non-tipped employees. Tipped employees earn $2.83/hour base plus tips. Pennsylvania House has passed increase bills, but no statewide increase enacted as of 2025. Market competition drives most entry-level to $13-18/hour.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records 7 years, convictions indefinitely. However, Clean Slate 3.0 sealing hides records from most searches.
Q5: What companies in Pennsylvania hire felons?
Amazon (25+ facilities, 30,000+ employees, $15-18/hour), UPMC (100,000 employees, 40+ hospitals, $13-17/hour support), Walmart (57,000 PA employees), Giant Food Stores (Pennsylvania-based, 30,000+ employees), UPS ($17-21/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Wawa (PA-based, 900+ stores), Target, Penn Medicine, and many others. See Top 20 list.
Q6: Can I work at UPMC with a felony in Pennsylvania?
Yes, with case-by-case evaluation. UPMC (100,000 employees, 40+ hospitals statewide—Pennsylvania's largest non-government employer) may hire for non-clinical support with older, non-violent records at $13-17/hour. Comprehensive benefits. Apply at upmc.com/careers.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Pennsylvania?
Generally yes. UPS offers path from package handler ($17-21/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. Pennsylvania community colleges offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Pennsylvania?
UPS drivers ($62,000-87,000 after starting package handler $17-21/hour), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-75,000), electricians ($55,000-80,000), plumbers ($52,000-75,000), HVAC techs ($48,000-70,000), welders ($45,000-70,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $45,000-62,000, respiratory therapy $55,000-72,000), manufacturing skilled trades/supervisors ($50,000-90,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Pennsylvania job applications?
DEPENDS ON LOCATION. Philadelphia: ALL employers with 1+ employees CANNOT ask on initial applications (since 2011)—don't disclose unless asked after interview. Rest of Pennsylvania: most private employers can ask—answer truthfully if asked, lying results in termination. Check Clean Slate 3.0: summary convictions AUTOMATICALLY sealed after 5 years, misdemeanors after 7 years, eligible felonies after 10 years. Emphasize rehabilitation, WOTC ($2,400 tax credit).
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Pennsylvania for people with felonies?
Yes. PA CareerLink (888-313-7284) offers free training referrals. 14 community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers provide training. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections provides reentry services.
Next Steps: Your Pennsylvania Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check Clean Slate 3.0 Eligibility and Understand Philadelphia Advantage
Pennsylvania's Clean Slate 3.0 (February 2024): summary convictions AUTOMATICALLY sealed after 5 years (effective June 2024)—no petition required. Misdemeanors may be sealed after 7 years, eligible low-level felonies after 10 years. Contact Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (FREE: 800-322-7572) to check eligibility. Philadelphia residents have MAJOR advantage: ALL employers with 1+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications (since 2011)—one of nation's strongest protections. Getting records sealed dramatically improves prospects statewide.
Step 2: Register with PA CareerLink and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with PA CareerLink (888-313-7284) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, training programs. Locations in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies: PeopleReady (daily pay via JobStack, $13-25/hour), Kelly Services (office/industrial/technical $13-32/hour), Express Employment (skilled trades), Manpower (temp-to-perm), Aerotek (technical/engineering). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at Amazon, UPMC, and major employers.
Step 3: Target Pennsylvania's Major Employers and Logistics Hub Advantages
Apply to: Amazon (25+ facilities, 30,000+ employees, $15-18/hour in Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Reading), UPMC (100,000 employees, 40+ hospitals, $13-17/hour support for older non-violent records), Walmart (57,000 PA employees), Giant Food Stores (PA-based, 30,000+ employees, $13-17/hour), UPS ($17-21/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Wawa (PA-based, 900+ stores), Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (53,000 employees, support $15-21/hour), Target, Geisinger. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly. Pennsylvania's Northeast corridor location creates massive logistics opportunities.
Step 4: Leverage Philadelphia's Comprehensive Ban-the-Box or Prepare for Limited Statewide Protections
Philadelphia residents: ALL employers with 1+ employees CANNOT ask on initial applications—create strong resume, you DON'T need to disclose. Rest of Pennsylvania: most private employers can ask—answer truthfully if asked, prepare 30-60 second explanation focusing on rehabilitation, time passed, WOTC ($2,400 tax credit). Check Clean Slate eligibility—sealed records hidden from most searches. Develop 3-5 professional references. Major PA employers (Amazon, UPMC, Walmart, Giant) practice fair-chance hiring.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Pennsylvania's Strong Economy
UPS package handler ($17-21/hour Teamsters) leads to driver earning $62,000-87,000. CDL training at PA community colleges leads to $55,000-75,000 trucking (Northeast corridor creates demand). Electrician and plumber union apprenticeships lead to $52,000-80,000. Healthcare support at UPMC ($13-17/hour, 100,000 employees) advances to surgical tech ($45,000-62,000) or respiratory therapy ($55,000-72,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $48,000-70,000. Welding programs lead to $45,000-70,000. Manufacturing production ($14-22/hour) advances to skilled trades and supervisors ($60,000-90,000). Persist—Pennsylvania's Clean Slate 3.0, Philadelphia's comprehensive ban-the-box, Northeast corridor location, and 6.5 million worker economy create real opportunities.
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 procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Pennsylvania's limited statewide ban-the-box (state/public sector only), Philadelphia's comprehensive ban-the-box (all employers 1+ employees since 2011), Clean Slate 3.0 law (effective February 2024), and minimum wage is general in nature. Clean Slate sealing eligibility can be complex—consult with Pennsylvania employment attorney or Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (FREE: 800-322-7572) 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.