Felon Friendly Jobs in Tennessee
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Tennessee offers substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and retail sectors. Tennessee follows federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour with no state-specific minimum wage law, though market competition drives most entry-level positions to $15-19/hour. Tennessee adopted ban-the-box legislation in 2016 that applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers—private employers NOT covered by ban-the-box law. Tennessee's expungement laws allow ONLY certain misdemeanors and certain Class E felonies to be expunged through court-ordered process strictly defined under Tennessee Code § 40-32-101, requiring completion of all sentencing requirements—expungement availability very limited. Major employers including Amazon (fulfillment centers in Nashville BNA2 with 1,500+ employees, Memphis MEM1 and MEM2, Chattanooga CHA1 and CHA2, Murfreesboro), FedEx (Memphis world hub employing approximately 11,000 with 880-acre SuperHub processing 1.5 million packages daily), Nissan (Smyrna assembly plant with 6,500+ employees), Dollar General (Goodlettsville headquarters), Bridgestone Americas (Nashville headquarters), and Walmart maintain substantial workforces and commonly practice fair-chance hiring. Entry-level warehouse positions typically start at $15-18/hour, manufacturing at automotive plants offers $18-22/hour, and logistics roles at $16-20/hour. Tennessee's four major metro areas—Nashville (2 million metro—state capital, music city, rapid growth), Memphis (1.3 million metro—FedEx hub, logistics center), Knoxville (900,000 metro—University of Tennessee), and Chattanooga (565,000 metro—manufacturing hub)—provide diverse employment opportunities, comprehensive reentry services, and expanding job markets driven by population growth and business relocations.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Tennessee
Economic Overview
Tennessee's diverse economy anchored by logistics (Amazon fulfillment centers statewide, FedEx Memphis world hub with 11,000 employees), automotive manufacturing (Nissan Smyrna with 6,500+ employees, GM Spring Hill, Volkswagen Chattanooga), healthcare (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare Nashville headquarters), hospitality (tourism in Nashville, Memphis, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge), and retail sectors employs approximately 3.2 million people with unemployment around 3.4% (as of late 2024). Major metropolitan areas include Nashville metro (2 million population—state capital, music city, rapid growth), Memphis metro (1.3 million—FedEx logistics hub), Knoxville metro (900,000—University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory proximity), and Chattanooga metro (565,000—manufacturing hub). Tennessee's strategic central U.S. location and business-friendly environment have attracted major companies creating thousands of accessible jobs.
Record Clearing System
Limited Expungement: Tennessee's expungement laws allow ONLY certain misdemeanors and certain Class E felonies to be expunged (Tennessee Code § 40-32-101).
Eligibility (Very Limited):
Certain misdemeanors: must meet strict criteria
Certain Class E felonies: very limited circumstances
Must complete ALL sentencing requirements
Cannot expunge: violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI, most other felonies
Process: File petition with court where convicted, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: varies ($200-600+ with fees). Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney strongly recommended due to complexity.
What This Means: Most Tennessee justice-impacted individuals cannot expunge records. Very limited relief available.
FREE Assistance: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (615-780-7123) and Memphis Area Legal Services (901-523-8822) provide FREE legal services for low-income Tennesseans.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
LIMITED Ban-the-Box: Tennessee's 2016 ban-the-box law applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask about criminal history on applications.
What This Means: State government jobs have some protection, but vast majority of Tennessee employers (all private employers) can ask about criminal history on applications.
Tennessee follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Tennessee employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Tennessee
Tennessee minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal), but market competition drives most entry-level positions to $15-19/hour.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon (Multiple Tennessee fulfillment centers) - Nashville BNA2 (1M+ sq ft, 1,500+ employees), Memphis MEM1 and MEM2, Chattanooga CHA1 and CHA2, Murfreesboro.
Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Generally accessible to individuals with records, case-by-case evaluation. Healthcare from day one, 401(k), Career Choice tuition assistance up to $5,250 annually. Immediate hiring, flexible scheduling.
FedEx (Memphis world hub - approximately 11,000 employees) - Global SuperHub on 880 acres processing 1.5 million packages daily. Sorting facilities throughout Tennessee metros.
Package handlers, sorters, warehouse workers.
Pay: $16-20/hour plus shift premiums. Case-by-case evaluation for warehouse and sorting positions. Comprehensive benefits. Advancement to courier positions earning $25-35/hour.
UPS (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $17-21/hour with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, pension, tuition assistance. Part-time schedules available, advancement to driver positions earning $30-42/hour.
Manufacturing
Nissan (Smyrna assembly plant - 6,500+ employees) - Major automotive manufacturer.
Production workers, assembly, material handling.
Pay: $18-22/hour with comprehensive benefits. Evaluates applicants case-by-case. One of Tennessee's largest employers.
General Motors (Spring Hill assembly plant) - Automotive manufacturing.
Production workers, assembly.
Pay: $18-24/hour with UAW union benefits. Case-by-case evaluation for production positions.
Volkswagen (Chattanooga assembly plant) - Automotive manufacturing.
Production workers, assembly.
Pay: $18-22/hour. Benefits included. Individualized hiring assessment.
Retail & Grocery
Dollar General (Goodlettsville headquarters) - Discount retail, Tennessee-based company.
Store associates, distribution center workers.
Pay: $11-15/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution. Advancement to store manager ($35,000-50,000). Second-chance friendly with high-volume hiring.
Walmart (Numerous locations and distribution statewide) - Retail and distribution.
Associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $13-16/hour retail, $16-19/hour distribution. Case-by-case evaluation, commonly hires for entry-level positions. Benefits, advancement opportunities.
Target (Stores throughout Tennessee metros) - Retail chain.
Team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Reviews applicants individually. Benefits, educational assistance.
Kroger (Grocery stores throughout Tennessee) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers, stockers, department clerks.
Pay: $12-16/hour. Union representation (UFCW) at some locations. Case-by-case evaluation.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville) - Major academic medical center.
Environmental services, food service, facilities, patient transport.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Non-clinical support may be accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records. Comprehensive benefits.
HCA Healthcare (Nashville headquarters, hospitals statewide) - Major healthcare system.
Environmental services, food service, facilities.
Pay: $14-18/hour. Case-by-case for support positions depending on conviction history. Benefits included.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotels and Resorts (Nashville, Memphis, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge) - Tourism industry employers.
Housekeeping, front desk, food service, maintenance.
Pay: $12-17/hour depending on position. Nashville and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge strong tourism markets. Seasonal peaks but year-round employment.
Restaurants (Statewide) - Various chains and independents.
Cooks, dishwashers, servers, hosts.
Pay: $11-16/hour plus tips for servers. Flexible scheduling.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Goodwill Industries (Multiple Tennessee locations) - Nonprofit specifically focused on second-chance employment.
Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.
Pay: $11-14/hour. Job training, skill development, wraparound support services for justice-impacted individuals.
Top 20 Tennessee Employers Hiring Felons
These Tennessee companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
Amazon (Multiple TN fulfillment centers) - Nashville BNA2 (1,500+ employees), Memphis, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro.
Warehouse Associates: $15-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, case-by-case evaluation, Career Choice. Learn More
FedEx (Memphis world hub - approximately 11,000 employees) - Global SuperHub, sorting facilities statewide.
Package Handlers: $16-20/hour Couriers: $25-35/hour Operations: $55,000-80,000 Case-by-case for warehouse/sorting, shift premiums. Learn More
Nissan (Smyrna assembly plant - 6,500+ employees) - Major automotive manufacturer.
Production Workers: $18-22/hour Skilled Trades: $55,000-80,000 Supervisors: $65,000-95,000 Case-by-case evaluation, comprehensive benefits. Learn More
Dollar General (Goodlettsville HQ) - Tennessee-based discount retail.
Store Associates: $11-15/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Store Managers: $35,000-50,000 Second-chance friendly, high-volume hiring. Learn More
UPS (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-21/hour Drivers: $30-42/hour Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Comprehensive benefits, pension, tuition assistance. Learn More
Walmart (Numerous locations/distribution statewide) - Retail and distribution.
Associates: $13-16/hour Distribution Workers: $16-19/hour Management: $45,000-70,000 Case-by-case evaluation, commonly hires entry-level. Learn More
Bridgestone Americas (Nashville HQ) - Tire manufacturing, Tennessee headquarters.
Production Workers: $16-22/hour Skilled Trades: $50,000-75,000 Management: $70,000-100,000 Manufacturing positions accessible, benefits. Learn More
General Motors (Spring Hill assembly plant) - Automotive manufacturing.
Production Workers: $18-24/hour Skilled Trades: $55,000-85,000 Supervisors: $65,000-95,000 UAW union benefits, case-by-case for production. Learn More
Volkswagen (Chattanooga assembly plant) - Automotive manufacturing.
Production Workers: $18-22/hour Skilled Trades: $52,000-78,000 Supervisors: $60,000-90,000 Benefits, individualized assessment. Learn More
Target (Stores throughout Tennessee metros) - 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
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville) - Academic medical center.
Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Food Service: $14-17/hour Facilities: $16-21/hour Non-clinical support for older non-violent records. Learn More
HCA Healthcare (Nashville HQ, hospitals statewide) - Major healthcare system.
Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Food Service: $14-17/hour Facilities: $16-21/hour Case-by-case for support positions. Learn More
Kroger (Grocery stores throughout Tennessee) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers/Stockers: $12-16/hour Department Managers: $35,000-55,000 Store Managers: $65,000-90,000 Union representation (UFCW) some locations. Learn More
Starbucks (Locations throughout Tennessee) - 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
Lowe's (Stores throughout Tennessee) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $14-18/hour Specialists: $16-21/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
Home Depot (Multiple Tennessee locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $14-18/hour Department Supervisors: $40,000-55,000 Store Management: $60,000-85,000 Known for second-chance, especially 7+ years. Learn More
Goodwill Industries (Multiple Tennessee locations) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance.
Retail Associates: $11-14/hour Warehouse Workers: $12-15/hour Career Specialists: $35,000-50,000 Job training, wraparound support for justice-impacted. Learn More
McDonald's (Many Tennessee franchise locations) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew Members: $11-14/hour Shift Managers: $14-18/hour General Managers: $38,000-52,000 Many franchisees fair-chance, varies by location. Learn More
PeopleReady (Offices throughout Tennessee) - 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
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Tennessee City
Nashville (Pop. 2M metro)
State capital, music city, rapid growth. Logistics, healthcare, hospitality, corporate headquarters.
Amazon BNA2 (1,500) - $15-18/hour
Bridgestone Americas (HQ) - $16-22/hour
Vanderbilt Medical - $14-18/hour
Dollar General (HQ) - $11-19/hour
Retail/hospitality - $12-18/hour
Memphis (Pop. 1.3M metro)
FedEx logistics hub. Manufacturing, healthcare, tourism.
FedEx SuperHub (11,000) - $16-20/hour
Amazon fulfillment - $15-18/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Healthcare systems - $14-18/hour
Retail chains - $12-16/hour
Knoxville (Pop. 900K metro)
University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge proximity. Manufacturing, healthcare, retail.
Manufacturing facilities - $15-22/hour
Healthcare systems - $14-18/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
UPS facility - $17-21/hour
Tourism/hospitality - $11-16/hour
Chattanooga (Pop. 565K metro)
Manufacturing hub. Volkswagen plant, logistics, tourism.
Volkswagen plant - $18-22/hour
Amazon fulfillment - $15-18/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Tourism - $11-16/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Tennessee
Automotive Manufacturing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $18-24/hour at Nissan Smyrna (6,500+ employees), GM Spring Hill, Volkswagen Chattanooga with comprehensive benefits.
Advance to Skilled Trades - Maintenance technician, electrician: $52,000-85,000. Internal training and advancement.
Manufacturing Supervisors - $60,000-95,000.
Package Delivery Advancement
Start: UPS Package Handler - $17-21/hour with comprehensive benefits.
Advance to UPS Driver - $30-42/hour ($62,000-87,000 annually) with pension and benefits. 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: $48,000-72,000. Apprenticeship programs available.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $45,000-68,000.
HVAC Technician - Tennessee's climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $42,000-62,000.
Welder - Industrial, manufacturing, construction: $42,000-68,000.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $14-18/hour at Vanderbilt or HCA Healthcare.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $40,000-55,000. Programs at technical colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $50,000-65,000.
Tennessee Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Tennessee offers limited expungement but workforce development support available.
Expungement (Very Limited)
Tennessee Code § 40-32-101: Allows expungement ONLY for certain misdemeanors and certain Class E felonies under strictly defined circumstances.
Eligibility: Very limited. Must complete ALL sentencing requirements. Cannot expunge: violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI, most other felonies.
Process: File petition with court where convicted, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: $200-600+ with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney strongly recommended.
What This Means: Most Tennessee justice-impacted individuals cannot expunge records.
FREE Assistance:
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: (615) 780-7123 | las.org
Memphis Area Legal Services: (901) 523-8822 |mals.org
Legal Aid of East Tennessee: (865) 637-0484
Ban-the-Box Status
LIMITED Ban-the-Box: Tennessee's 2016 ban-the-box law applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask on applications.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Tennessee employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
State Workforce Development
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development - American Job Centers - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (844) 224-5818 | tn.gov/workforce
Locations: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
Tennessee Department of Correction - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (615) 253-8200 | tn.gov/correction
Goodwill Industries - Career centers with support for justice-impacted individuals.
Additional Tennessee Resources
Training & Education
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - 27 campuses statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC with financial aid.
Housing Assistance
Tennessee Housing Development Agency - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (615) 815-2200 | thda.org
Transportation Support
WeGo Public Transit (Nashville) - Bus and commuter rail. Reduced fare programs.
MATA (Memphis) - Public transit.
KAT (Knoxville) - Public transit.
CARTA (Chattanooga) - Public transit with free downtown shuttle.
Staffing Agencies in Tennessee That Work With Felons
PeopleReady - Multiple Tennessee offices. Daily pay via JobStack. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $13-25/hour. Commonly works with records, immediate placement.
Kelly Services - Statewide. Office, industrial, technical. Pay: $13-32/hour. Individualized evaluation.
Manpower - Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Pay: $13-24/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Tennessee franchises. Skilled trades, professional, industrial. Pay: $14-32/hour. Varies by franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Tennessee have a ban-the-box law?
LIMITED. Tennessee's 2016 ban-the-box law applies EXCLUSIVELY to state and public sector employers. Private employers NOT covered—they may ask about criminal history on applications. State government jobs have some protection, but vast majority of Tennessee employers (all private) can ask on applications.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Tennessee?
VERY LIMITED. Tennessee allows expungement ONLY for certain misdemeanors and certain Class E felonies under strictly defined circumstances (Tennessee Code § 40-32-101). Cannot expunge: violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI, most other felonies. Must complete ALL sentencing requirements. Most Tennessee justice-impacted individuals cannot expunge records. Contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (FREE: 615-780-7123) or Memphis Area Legal Services (901-523-8822) for guidance.
Q3: What is Tennessee's minimum wage?
$7.25/hour (federal minimum)—Tennessee has no state-specific minimum wage law. However, market competition drives most entry-level positions to $15-19/hour in practice, especially in warehouse and manufacturing sectors.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Tennessee?
Tennessee follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. Very limited expungement availability means most Tennessee residents cannot seal records.
Q5: What companies in Tennessee hire felons?
Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers, $15-18/hour), FedEx (Memphis SuperHub with 11,000 employees, $16-20/hour), Nissan (Smyrna with 6,500+ employees, $18-22/hour), Dollar General (Tennessee HQ, $11-19/hour), UPS ($17-21/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Walmart, Target, and many others. See Top 20 list. Major employers evaluate case-by-case despite no ban-the-box requirement.
Q6: Can I work at Nissan or GM with a felony in Tennessee?
Yes, with case-by-case evaluation. Nissan Smyrna (6,500+ employees, $18-22/hour) and GM Spring Hill ($18-24/hour with UAW union) hire production workers through individualized assessment. Comprehensive benefits included. Apply at nissanusa.com/careers and gm.com/careers.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Tennessee?
Generally yes. UPS offers path from package handler ($17-21/hour) to driver ($30-42/hour, $62,000-87,000 annually). Long-haul/regional carriers pay $55,000-75,000. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required. Tennessee TCAT campuses offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Tennessee?
UPS drivers ($62,000-87,000 after starting package handler $17-21/hour), automotive skilled trades at Nissan/GM ($52,000-85,000), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-75,000), electricians ($48,000-72,000), plumbers ($45,000-68,000), HVAC techs ($42,000-62,000), welders ($42,000-68,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $40,000-55,000, respiratory therapy $50,000-65,000), manufacturing supervisors ($60,000-95,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Tennessee job applications?
Tennessee has NO private employer ban-the-box—most can ask on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying results in termination. Since Tennessee has very limited expungement (most cannot clear records), emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record, and skills. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit) to demonstrate financial benefit. Major employers (Amazon, FedEx, Nissan, Dollar General) evaluate case-by-case despite no ban-the-box requirement.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Tennessee for people with felonies?
Yes. Tennessee American Job Centers (844-224-5818) offer free training referrals. Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) with 27 campuses provides workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers provide training. Goodwill Industries provides job training and support for justice-impacted individuals.
Next Steps: Your Tennessee Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Understand Tennessee's Limited Protections and Focus on Fair-Chance Employers
Tennessee has LIMITED protections: ban-the-box ONLY for state government (not private employers), very limited expungement (only certain misdemeanors and Class E felonies—most cannot clear records). Contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (FREE: 615-780-7123) or Memphis Area Legal Services (901-523-8822) to determine if you qualify for limited expungement relief. Since most cannot expunge and private employers can ask on applications, focus strategy on fair-chance employers known for individualized assessment: Amazon, FedEx, Nissan, Dollar General (TN HQ), GM, UPS, Walmart, Target. These employers evaluate case-by-case despite no ban-the-box requirement.
Step 2: Register with Tennessee American Job Centers and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with Tennessee American Job Centers (844-224-5818) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Locations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: PeopleReady (daily pay via JobStack, general labor/warehouse/construction $13-25/hour), Kelly Services (office/industrial/technical $13-32/hour), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists), Express Employment (skilled trades focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at Amazon, FedEx, Nissan, and major employers.
Step 3: Target Tennessee's Accessible Employers
Apply to: Amazon fulfillment centers (Nashville BNA2 with 1,500+ employees, Memphis, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro—$15-18/hour day-one benefits), FedEx Memphis SuperHub (11,000 employees, $16-20/hour with shift premiums), Nissan Smyrna (6,500+ employees, $18-22/hour with comprehensive benefits), Dollar General (Tennessee HQ in Goodlettsville, $11-19/hour, second-chance friendly), UPS ($17-21/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), GM Spring Hill ($18-24/hour UAW union), Volkswagen Chattanooga, Walmart, Target, Bridgestone Americas (Nashville HQ), Vanderbilt Medical Center, HCA Healthcare. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.
Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy for Limited Ban-the-Box Environment
Tennessee has NO private employer ban-the-box—most can ask on applications. Create resume highlighting skills and work history. If criminal history question appears, answer truthfully but briefly—lying results in termination. Prepare 30-60 second explanation—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Since expungement unavailable for most, emphasize what you've done since conviction. Mention WOTC ($2,400 federal tax credit) to demonstrate financial benefit. Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently. Major Tennessee employers (Amazon, FedEx, Nissan) use fair-chance approach despite no legal requirement.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Tennessee's Growing Economy
Start Nissan Smyrna production ($18-22/hour, 6,500+ employees) or GM Spring Hill ($18-24/hour UAW union) and advance to skilled trades earning $52,000-85,000. UPS package handler ($17-21/hour) provides path to driver earning $62,000-87,000 annually. FedEx Memphis SuperHub handlers ($16-20/hour) advance to couriers earning $25-35/hour. CDL training at Tennessee TCAT campuses leads to $55,000-75,000 trucking careers. Electrician and plumber apprenticeships lead to $45,000-72,000. Healthcare support at Vanderbilt ($14-18/hour) advances to surgical tech ($40,000-55,000) or respiratory therapy ($50,000-65,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $42,000-62,000 (Tennessee climate creates demand). Welding programs at TCAT lead to $42,000-68,000. Persist through rejections—Tennessee's growing economy (population growth, business relocations) creates opportunities despite limited legal protections.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current practices directly with employers. Company inclusion does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Tennessee's limited ban-the-box law (state/public sector only), very limited expungement availability (Tennessee Code § 40-32-101), and minimum wage is general in nature. Expungement eligibility extremely limited—consult with Tennessee employment attorney or Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (FREE: 615-780-7123) 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.