Felon Friendly Jobs in South Carolina
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
South Carolina offers significant employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, retail, hospitality, and healthcare support sectors. South Carolina follows federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour with no state-specific minimum wage law, though market competition drives most entry-level positions to $14-19/hour. South Carolina DOES NOT currently have statewide ban-the-box law—multiple bills have been introduced but none enacted as of 2025. ONLY the City of Columbia enforces local ban-the-box ordinance for city employers and vendors. South Carolina's enhanced expungement laws (passed 2018-2019) allow many convictions to be expunged: misdemeanors carrying penalties of 30 days or less after 3 years (5 years for domestic violence), Youthful Offender Act sentences after 5 years, first-offense simple possession after 3 years, and possession with intent to distribute after 20 years. Major employers including Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers statewide, over 6,500 jobs created, $7.2 billion invested), BMW Manufacturing (11,000 employees in Spartanburg—world's largest BMW facility), Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Starbucks (Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory), UPS, FedEx, MUSC Health, and Prisma Health maintain substantial workforces and commonly practice fair-chance hiring. Entry-level positions typically start at $15-18/hour in warehousing and retail, with manufacturing positions at BMW and suppliers offering $18-25/hour. The state's three major metro areas—Columbia (840,000 metro—state capital), Charleston (800,000 metro—coastal tourism/port), and Greenville-Spartanburg (1.4 million metro—manufacturing hub)—provide diverse employment opportunities, comprehensive reentry services, and established public transportation systems.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in South Carolina
Economic Overview
South Carolina's diverse economy anchored by advanced manufacturing (BMW Manufacturing with 11,000 employees in Spartanburg, Boeing, Michelin, automotive suppliers), logistics (Amazon fulfillment centers statewide), hospitality (coastal tourism in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head), and service sectors employs approximately 2.3 million people with unemployment around 3.3% (as of late 2024). Major metropolitan areas include Greenville-Spartanburg metro (1.4 million population—manufacturing hub with BMW, automotive suppliers, healthcare), Charleston metro (800,000—coastal tourism, port operations, Boeing), Columbia metro (840,000—state capital, government employment, Fort Jackson military base), and Myrtle Beach (tourism/hospitality). South Carolina's strategic East Coast location makes warehousing and logistics major employment sectors widely available to individuals with records.
Record Clearing System
Enhanced Expungement Laws (Passed 2018-2019): South Carolina allows expungement of many convictions.
Eligible Convictions:
Misdemeanors carrying penalties of 30 days or less: 3 years after completion
Domestic violence misdemeanors: 5 years after completion
Youthful Offender Act sentences: 5 years after completion
First-offense simple possession: 3 years after completion
Possession with intent to distribute: 20 years after completion
What Expungement Means: Record destroyed and sealed. Can legally deny offense occurred (with exceptions for law enforcement, judiciary).
Eligibility: Must complete all sentence requirements, pay fines/fees/restitution, have no pending charges. Cannot expunge violent crimes, sex offenses, DUI (most cases).
Process: File petition with court where convicted, SLED criminal record check, hearing, judge decision. Cost: varies by county ($250-500+ with fees). Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended but not required.
FREE Assistance: South Carolina Legal Services (1-888-346-5592) provides FREE legal services including expungement assistance for low-income South Carolinians.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
NO Statewide Ban-the-Box: South Carolina does NOT have statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Multiple bills introduced but none enacted as of 2025.
City of Columbia Only: Local ban-the-box ordinance affects city employers and vendors. Does not apply to private employers outside city government contracts.
What This Means: Most South Carolina employers (all private employers) can ask about criminal history on applications.
South Carolina follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides South Carolina employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in South Carolina
South Carolina minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal), but market competition drives most entry-level positions to $14-19/hour.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Multiple fulfillment centers statewide) - West Columbia CAE1 (1.06M sq ft, 500+ employees), West Columbia CAE3, North Charleston CHS1, Florence County (117K sq ft), North Myrtle Beach (165K sq ft, 100 employees). Over 6,500 SC jobs created, $7.2B invested.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $17-22/hour. Fair-chance hiring focusing on qualifications with case-by-case review. Full benefits from day one including healthcare, 401(k), Career Choice education funding. Immediate hiring, flexible scheduling.
UPS (Major sorting facilities in SC metros) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $17-20/hour with Teamsters union benefits, tuition assistance, opportunities to advance to driver positions earning $28-40/hour.
FedEx (Facilities throughout South Carolina) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse positions.
Pay: $17-19/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities.
Manufacturing
BMW Manufacturing (Greer/Spartanburg County - 11,000 employees) - World's largest BMW production facility on 8M sq ft campus producing 1,500 vehicles daily. $14.8B invested in SC since 1992.
Production associates (primarily through MAU Workforce Solutions staffing partner).
Pay: $18-25/hour with comprehensive benefits including on-site health center, 401(k) matching, advancement opportunities. Evaluates applicants individually. Pathways to direct BMW employment.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart (Numerous supercenters, stores, distribution statewide) - One of South Carolina's largest private employers.
Associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Evaluates holistically, commonly hires older convictions. Benefits, advancement to management, employee discounts.
Target (Stores throughout South Carolina) - Retail chain.
Team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Reviews applicants individually. Benefits, educational assistance, advancement opportunities.
Home Depot (Multiple SC locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales associates, receiving, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $15-19/hour. Known for second-chance hiring, particularly for convictions older than seven years. Benefits, employee discounts, advancement.
Lowe's (Stores throughout South Carolina) - Home improvement retail.
Retail associates, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $15-19/hour. Evaluates applicants individually, commonly hires for entry-level roles. Benefits, skill development.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
MUSC Health (Medical University of SC, primarily Charleston area) - Hospitals and facilities.
Environmental services, facilities maintenance, food service.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Non-clinical support accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive healthcare benefits. Evaluates individually.
Prisma Health (Upstate and Midlands regions) - Healthcare system.
Environmental services, food service, facilities roles.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Evaluates applicants individually based on position and conviction history. Benefits included.
Food Service & Hospitality
Starbucks (Locations throughout South Carolina) - Coffee chain, Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas, shift supervisors.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Commitment to second-chance hiring. Benefits including healthcare, stock options, tuition coverage through Arizona State University. Case-by-case evaluation.
McDonald's (Hundreds of franchise locations statewide) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew members, cooks, cashiers.
Pay: $11-15/hour. Many franchisees practice fair-chance hiring. Flexible scheduling, advancement to management, educational assistance. Varies by franchisee.
Chick-fil-A (Franchise locations throughout SC) - Quick-service restaurants.
Team members.
Pay: $13-16/hour. Some operators known for fair-chance hiring. May include Sundays off, college scholarships, leadership development. Varies significantly by franchise.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC (Statewide) - Nonprofit specifically focused on second-chance employment.
Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.
Pay: $12-15/hour. Job training, skill development, wraparound support services. Received major federal grants (Pathway Home, LifeLaunch GO) for reentry employment.
Top 20 South Carolina Employers Hiring Felons
These South Carolina companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
BMW Manufacturing (Greer/Spartanburg - 11,000 employees) - World's largest BMW facility, $14.8B invested since 1992.
Production Associates: $18-25/hour (via MAU) Skilled Trades: $55,000-85,000 Management: $75,000-110,000 On-site health center, 401(k), individualized evaluation. Learn More
Amazon (Multiple SC fulfillment centers) - Over 6,500 jobs created, $7.2B invested statewide.
Warehouse Associates: $17-22/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring, Career Choice. Learn More
Walmart (Numerous locations/distribution statewide) - One of SC's largest private employers.
Associates: $14-17/hour Team Leads: $18-23/hour Management: $45,000-70,000 Holistic evaluation, commonly hires older convictions. Learn More
Starbucks (Locations throughout South Carolina) - Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas: $14-17/hour Shift Supervisors: $17-21/hour Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Second-chance commitment, tuition coverage. Learn More
Target (Stores throughout South Carolina) - Retail chain.
Team Members: $15-18/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Management: $55,000-80,000 Individualized review, benefits, tuition assistance. Learn More
Home Depot (Multiple SC locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $15-19/hour Department Supervisors: $40,000-55,000 Store Management: $60,000-85,000 Known for second-chance, especially 7+ years. Learn More
UPS (Major SC metro sorting facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-20/hour Drivers: $28-40/hour Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Teamsters benefits, tuition assistance, advancement. Learn More
Lowe's (Stores throughout South Carolina) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $15-19/hour Specialists: $17-22/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
FedEx (Facilities throughout South Carolina) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-19/hour Drivers: $22-35/hour Operations: $50,000-75,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
MUSC Health (Primarily Charleston area) - Medical University healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Food Service: $14-17/hour Facilities: $16-20/hour Non-clinical support for older non-violent records. Learn More
Prisma Health (Upstate and Midlands regions) - Healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Food Service: $14-17/hour Facilities: $16-20/hour Case-by-case for support positions. Learn More
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC (Statewide) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance.
Retail Associates: $12-15/hour Warehouse Workers: $13-16/hour Career Specialists: $35,000-50,000 Federal grants for reentry employment services. Learn More
McDonald's (Hundreds of SC franchise locations) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew Members: $11-15/hour Shift Managers: $14-18/hour General Managers: $38,000-52,000 Many franchisees fair-chance, varies by location. Learn More
Chick-fil-A (Franchise locations throughout SC) - Quick-service restaurants.
Team Members: $13-16/hour Shift Leaders: $16-20/hour Operators vary: $40,000-60,000 Some operators fair-chance, varies significantly. Learn More
MAU Workforce Solutions (BMW's primary staffing partner) - Staffing specializing in automotive/manufacturing.
Manufacturing: $18-25/hour Skilled Trades: $20-30/hour Supervision: $50,000-75,000 Thousands placed, pathways to direct client employment. Learn More
PeopleReady (Multiple SC offices) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $15-20/hour Warehouse: $16-21/hour Construction: $17-25/hour Same-day pay via JobStack, generally accessible. Learn More
Kelly Services (Statewide placements) - Staffing agency.
Office/Industrial: $14-22/hour Technical Positions: $18-32/hour Professional: $22-40/hour Individualized evaluation, diverse clients. Learn More
Manpower (Offices throughout South Carolina) - Staffing agency.
Manufacturing/Warehouse: $15-22/hour Office Support: $14-20/hour Skilled Trades: $18-28/hour Known for working with various backgrounds. Learn More
Express Employment Professionals (Multiple SC franchises) - Staffing agency.
Skilled Trades: $17-28/hour Professional: $18-35/hour Industrial: $15-24/hour Varies by franchise, many work with records. Learn More
Publix (Stores throughout South Carolina) - Grocery retail, employee-owned.
Cashiers/Stockers: $13-16/hour Department Managers: $35,000-55,000 Store Managers: $65,000-90,000 Employee ownership, case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by South Carolina City
Greenville-Spartanburg (Pop. 1.4M metro)
Manufacturing hub. BMW, automotive suppliers, healthcare, retail.
BMW Manufacturing - $18-25/hour
Automotive suppliers - $16-24/hour
Amazon/UPS/FedEx - $17-22/hour
Retail chains - $14-19/hour
Healthcare systems - $14-18/hour
Charleston (Pop. 800K metro)
Coastal tourism, port operations, Boeing, healthcare, hospitality.
Tourism/hospitality - $12-18/hour
Port operations - $16-24/hour
MUSC Health - $14-18/hour
Retail chains - $14-18/hour
Boeing - varies by position
Columbia (Pop. 840K metro)
State capital. Government, Fort Jackson military base, University of SC, manufacturing.
State government - varies
Fort Jackson support - varies
Amazon fulfillment - $17-22/hour
Retail chains - $14-17/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Myrtle Beach (Tourism hub)
Coastal tourism and hospitality.
Hotels/resorts - $12-18/hour
Restaurants - $11-16/hour plus tips
Retail - $13-16/hour
Amazon delivery - $17-20/hour
Warehousing - $15-19/hour
Rock Hill (Charlotte metro area)
Manufacturing, logistics, retail. Proximity to Charlotte, NC market.
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $16-20/hour
Retail chains - $14-17/hour
Healthcare support - $14-18/hour
Charlotte commute options
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in South Carolina
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in South Carolina.
Automotive Manufacturing Advancement
Start: BMW Production Associate - $18-25/hour (via MAU Workforce Solutions) with comprehensive benefits including on-site health center, 401(k). World's largest BMW facility with 11,000 employees.
Advance to Skilled Trades - Maintenance technician, electrician, tool and die: $55,000-85,000. Internal training and advancement.
Manufacturing Supervisors - $75,000-110,000. Promote from production floor.
Package Delivery Advancement
Start: UPS Package Handler - $17-20/hour with Teamsters union benefits.
Advance to UPS Driver - $28-40/hour ($58,000-83,000 annually) with Teamsters benefits, pension. Home daily.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - $55,000-75,000 annually. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.
Local Delivery - $45,000-65,000.
Skilled Construction Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $50,000-75,000. Apprenticeship programs available.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $48,000-70,000.
HVAC Technician - South Carolina's climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $45,000-65,000.
Welder - Industrial, manufacturing, construction: $45,000-70,000.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $14-18/hour at MUSC Health or Prisma Health. Use tuition assistance if offered.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $42,000-58,000. Programs at technical colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $52,000-68,000.
South Carolina Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
South Carolina offers enhanced expungement options and workforce development support.
Expungement and Record Clearing
Enhanced Expungement Laws (2018-2019): Allow expungement of many convictions.
Eligible Convictions:
Misdemeanors 30 days or less: 3 years after completion
Domestic violence misdemeanors: 5 years
Youthful Offender Act: 5 years
First-offense simple possession: 3 years
Possession with intent to distribute: 20 years
Process: File petition with court where convicted, SLED record check, hearing, judge decision. Cost: $250-500+ with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended.
FREE Assistance: South Carolina Legal Services (1-888-346-5592 or sclegal.org) provides FREE legal services including expungement for low-income South Carolinians.
Ban-the-Box Status
NO Statewide Ban-the-Box: South Carolina does NOT have statewide law. Only City of Columbia local ordinance for city employers/vendors. Most private employers can ask on applications.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides South Carolina employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
State Workforce Development
SC Works (Statewide network) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (803) 737-2400 | scworks.org
Locations: Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
South Carolina Department of Corrections - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (803) 896-8500 | doc.sc.gov
Goodwill Industries - Career centers with wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals.
Additional South Carolina Resources
Training & Education
South Carolina Technical College System - 16 technical colleges statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC with financial aid.
Housing Assistance
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (803) 896-9001 | schousing.com
Legal Aid
South Carolina Legal Services - FREE civil legal services including expungement.
Contact: 1-888-346-5592 | sclegal.org
Transportation Support
CARTA (Charleston) - Public transit with affordable options.
COMET (Columbia) - Capital area transit.
Greenlink (Greenville) - Public transit.
Spartanburg Area Regional Transit Agency (SPARTA) - Public transit.
Staffing Agencies in South Carolina That Work With Felons
MAU Workforce Solutions - BMW's primary staffing partner. Automotive/manufacturing. Pay: $18-28/hour. Thousands placed, pathways to direct employment. Greenville-Spartanburg focus.
PeopleReady - Multiple SC offices. Daily pay via JobStack. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $15-25/hour. Generally accessible, immediate placement.
Kelly Services - Statewide. Office, industrial, technical. Pay: $14-32/hour. Individualized evaluation.
Manpower - Columbia, Charleston, Greenville areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Pay: $15-24/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple SC franchises. Skilled trades, professional, industrial. Pay: $15-35/hour. Varies by franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does South Carolina have a ban-the-box law?
NO statewide ban-the-box for private employers. Multiple bills introduced but none enacted as of 2025. ONLY City of Columbia has local ban-the-box ordinance for city employers and vendors. Most South Carolina private employers can ask about criminal history on applications.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in South Carolina?
Yes. Enhanced expungement laws (2018-2019) allow expungement of: misdemeanors 30 days or less after 3 years, domestic violence misdemeanors after 5 years, Youthful Offender Act after 5 years, first-offense simple possession after 3 years, possession with intent to distribute after 20 years. Cannot expunge violent crimes, sex offenses, most DUI. Contact South Carolina Legal Services (FREE: 1-888-346-5592) for assistance.
Q3: What is South Carolina's minimum wage?
$7.25/hour (federal minimum)—South Carolina has no state-specific minimum wage law. However, market competition drives most entry-level positions to $14-19/hour in practice.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in South Carolina?
South Carolina follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. Expunged records destroyed and sealed.
Q5: What companies in South Carolina hire felons?
BMW Manufacturing (11,000 employees, $18-25/hour via MAU), Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers, $17-22/hour), Walmart, Starbucks (Fair Chance Pledge, $14-17/hour), Target, Home Depot (known for second-chance), UPS ($17-20/hour with path to $28-40/hour driver), and many others. See Top 20 list.
Q6: Can I work at BMW with a felony in South Carolina?
Yes, with individualized assessment. BMW Manufacturing Spartanburg (11,000 employees—world's largest BMW facility) hires production associates at $18-25/hour primarily through MAU Workforce Solutions staffing partner. Comprehensive benefits including on-site health center, 401(k), pathways to direct BMW employment. Apply through mauinc.com.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in South Carolina?
Generally yes. UPS offers path from package handler ($17-20/hour) to driver ($28-40/hour, $58,000-83,000 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. SC technical colleges offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in South Carolina?
BMW skilled trades ($55,000-85,000 after starting production $18-25/hour), UPS drivers ($58,000-83,000), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-75,000), electricians ($50,000-75,000), plumbers ($48,000-70,000), HVAC techs ($45,000-65,000), welders ($45,000-70,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $42,000-58,000), manufacturing supervisors ($75,000-110,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on South Carolina job applications?
South Carolina has NO statewide ban-the-box—most employers can ask on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying results in termination. Check expungement eligibility (3 years for eligible misdemeanors/first-offense possession, 5 years Youthful Offender)—expunged records destroyed and sealed. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit). BMW via MAU, Amazon, and Starbucks use fair-chance hiring despite no ban-the-box law.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in South Carolina for people with felonies?
Yes. SC Works (803-737-2400) offers free training referrals. South Carolina Technical College System (16 colleges) provides workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers (BMW, larger companies) may provide training. Goodwill Industries provides job training and wraparound support for justice-impacted individuals with federal grant funding.
Next Steps: Your South Carolina Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check Expungement Eligibility and Start Process
South Carolina's enhanced expungement laws allow sealing eligible convictions: misdemeanors 30 days or less after 3 years, first-offense simple possession after 3 years, Youthful Offender Act after 5 years, domestic violence misdemeanors after 5 years. Contact South Carolina Legal Services (FREE: 1-888-346-5592) to determine eligibility and file petition. Cost: $250-500+ with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended but not required. Getting records expunged FIRST improves prospects significantly. Don't wait—start process immediately if eligible.
Step 2: Register with SC Works and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with SC Works (803-737-2400) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Locations in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: MAU Workforce Solutions (BMW's primary staffing partner, automotive/manufacturing $18-28/hour, thousands placed), PeopleReady (daily pay via JobStack, general labor/warehouse/construction $15-25/hour), Kelly Services (office/industrial/technical $14-32/hour), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists), Express Employment (skilled trades focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at BMW, Amazon, and major employers.
Step 3: Target South Carolina's Accessible Employers
Apply to: BMW Manufacturing via MAU Workforce Solutions (11,000 employees, $18-25/hour, world's largest BMW facility with pathways to direct employment), Amazon fulfillment centers (multiple locations statewide, $17-22/hour, day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring), Starbucks (Fair Chance Business Pledge, $14-17/hour with tuition coverage), Walmart ($14-17/hour, commonly hires older convictions), UPS ($17-20/hour package handler with path to $28-40/hour driver), Home Depot ($15-19/hour, known for second-chance especially 7+ years), Target, MUSC Health and Prisma Health ($14-18/hour support for older non-violent records), Goodwill Industries (federal grants for reentry services). Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.
Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy for No Ban-the-Box Environment
South Carolina has NO statewide ban-the-box—most employers can ask on applications. Create resume highlighting skills and work history. If criminal history question appears, answer truthfully but briefly—lying results in termination. Prepare 30-60 second explanation—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Emphasize expungement if eligible and completed. Mention WOTC ($2,400 federal tax credit) to demonstrate financial benefit. Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently. Many major employers (BMW via MAU, Amazon, Starbucks) use fair-chance hiring despite no ban-the-box requirement.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in South Carolina's Strong Manufacturing Economy
Start BMW Manufacturing via MAU Workforce Solutions ($18-25/hour) at world's largest BMW facility (11,000 employees) and advance to skilled trades earning $55,000-85,000. UPS package handler ($17-20/hour Teamsters) provides path to driver earning $58,000-83,000 annually. CDL training at SC technical colleges leads to $55,000-75,000 trucking careers. Electrician and plumber apprenticeships lead to $48,000-75,000. Healthcare support at MUSC/Prisma ($14-18/hour) advances to surgical tech ($42,000-58,000) or respiratory therapy ($52,000-68,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $45,000-65,000 (SC climate creates demand). Welding programs at technical colleges lead to $45,000-70,000 in strong SC manufacturing sector. Persist through rejections—SC's strong manufacturing economy (BMW, automotive suppliers, Boeing) and expungement options 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 expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about South Carolina's lack of statewide ban-the-box protections, City of Columbia local ordinance, and enhanced expungement laws (2018-2019) is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with South Carolina employment attorney or South Carolina Legal Services (FREE: 1-888-346-5592) 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.