Felon Friendly Jobs in Texas
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Texas offers substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals across healthcare support, manufacturing, warehousing, food service, retail, transportation, and construction sectors. Texas added over 700,000 new jobs in two years prior to 2025, maintaining one of nation's strongest job markets. MAJOR CHANGE: Texas House Bill 2466 (HB 2466) establishes statewide ban-the-box protections EFFECTIVE September 1, 2025, prohibiting employers with 15 or more employees from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications until after determining qualifications, extending conditional offer, or inviting to interview—exemptions for positions legally required to check criminal history (law enforcement, healthcare, childcare, financial services). Texas minimum wage is $7.25/hour (federal) with no scheduled increases, though market competition drives most entry-level positions to $12-19/hour. Some cities pay higher wages for city employees only (Austin $21.63/hour for city employees, effective 2024-2025), but private employers follow state minimum. Texas expungement law under Chapter 55A of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (effective January 1, 2025) allows expunction of non-conviction arrests, dismissals, acquittals, pardons, deferred adjudication for Class C misdemeanors only, and certain firearm convictions where conduct no longer criminal. Some dismissed charges and acquittals now subject to AUTOMATIC expunction WITHOUT petition under HB 4504. Nondisclosure orders seal (but do not erase) conviction records from public view for those who completed deferred adjudication probation and waited required periods (180 days to 5 years)—excludes sex offenses, family violence, crimes against children. Major employers include Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Starbucks, UPS, FedEx, Amazon DSP, JPMorgan Chase, AT&T, H-E-B (Texas-based grocery chain), Kroger, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Albertsons, Salvation Army, and numerous manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare facilities across Houston (over 120,000 open jobs reported February 2025—nation's fourth-largest city), Dallas-Fort Worth (fourth-largest metro in U.S., 7.8 million population), Austin (state capital, tech hub, 2.4 million metro), San Antonio (military and defense, 2.7 million metro), and throughout state.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Texas
Economic Overview
Texas maintains nation's second-largest state economy with over 30 million residents and projected 3.9% economic growth in 2025. State added hundreds of thousands of new jobs in two years prior to 2025, making it fastest-growing state for employment, with unemployment at approximately 4.2% (April 2025) and job opening rate of 6.2% significantly above national average. Justice-impacted individuals find accessible employment across healthcare support, manufacturing, warehousing, food service, retail, transportation, and construction sectors. Major metropolitan areas include Dallas-Fort Worth metro (7.8 million—fourth-largest metro in U.S., finance and tech hub), Houston metro (7.5 million—fourth-largest city, 120,000+ open jobs February 2025, energy and healthcare hub), San Antonio metro (2.7 million—military and defense), Austin metro (2.4 million—state capital, tech hub), and rapidly growing cities throughout state.
Record Clearing System
Expungement (Chapter 55A of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, effective January 1, 2025): Allows expunction of non-conviction arrests, dismissals, acquittals, pardons, deferred adjudication for Class C misdemeanors only, and certain firearm convictions where conduct no longer criminal.
Automatic Expunction (HB 4504): Some dismissed charges and acquittals now subject to AUTOMATIC expunction WITHOUT petition.
What Expungement Means: Record destroyed and removed from databases. Can legally deny offense occurred.
Nondisclosure Orders: Seal (but do not erase) conviction records from public view for those who completed deferred adjudication probation and waited required periods (180 days to 5 years). Cannot include: sex offenses, family violence, crimes against children.
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: varies ($300-600+ with fees). Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended.
FREE Assistance: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (888-988-9996) and Lone Star Legal Aid (800-733-8394) provide FREE legal services for low-income Texans including expungement assistance.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
NEW Statewide Ban-the-Box (EFFECTIVE September 1, 2025): Texas House Bill 2466 (HB 2466) prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications until after determining qualifications, extending conditional offer, or inviting to interview.
Exemptions: Positions legally required to check criminal history: law enforcement, healthcare, childcare, financial services.
Coverage: Employers with 15+ employees starting September 1, 2025.
What This Means: Most Texas employers with 15+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on applications starting September 1, 2025. Can inquire after interview/conditional offer.
Texas follows federal FCRA rules for background checks. WOTC provides Texas employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Texas
Texas minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal), but market competition drives most entry-level positions to $12-19/hour.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
Hospital Systems (Statewide) - Texas has major healthcare expansion with growing demand.
Environmental services, food service, patient transport, facilities.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Non-clinical support accessible to individuals with older, non-violent records. Benefits included. Individualized assessment.
Warehouse & Logistics
Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partners - statewide) - Last-mile delivery throughout Texas.
Delivery drivers, warehouse associates.
Pay: $15-19/hour. Generally accessible with case-by-case evaluation. Benefits vary by DSP.
UPS (Major Texas metro facilities) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $17-21/hour with union benefits (Teamsters), comprehensive health insurance, pension, tuition assistance. Advancement to driver positions earning $30-42/hour.
FedEx (Facilities throughout Texas) - Package delivery and logistics.
Package handlers, warehouse, sorters.
Pay: $16-20/hour with benefits and advancement opportunities.
Retail & Grocery
H-E-B (Texas-based grocery chain, 400+ stores) - Major Texas employer headquartered in San Antonio.
Cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers, distribution.
Pay: $13-17/hour retail, $15-20/hour distribution. Employee-focused company with strong benefits, advancement. Case-by-case evaluation.
Walmart (Numerous locations/distribution statewide) - Retail and distribution.
Associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $12-16/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution. Case-by-case evaluation, commonly hires entry-level. Benefits, advancement.
Target (Stores throughout Texas metros) - Retail chain.
Team members, fulfillment, sales floor.
Pay: $15-18/hour. Reviews applicants individually. Benefits, educational assistance.
Kroger (Grocery stores throughout Texas) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers, stockers, department clerks.
Pay: $12-16/hour. Some locations union representation (UFCW). Case-by-case evaluation.
Home Improvement
Home Depot (Multiple Texas locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales associates, receiving, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Known for second-chance hiring, especially 7+ years. Benefits, advancement.
Lowe's (Stores throughout Texas) - Home improvement retail.
Retail associates, warehouse, customer service.
Pay: $13-18/hour. Individualized evaluation, skill development programs.
Food Service & Hospitality
Starbucks (Locations throughout Texas) - Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas, shift supervisors.
Pay: $12-16/hour. Second-chance commitment. Benefits including healthcare, stock options, tuition coverage through Arizona State University. Case-by-case.
Restaurant chains (Statewide) - Various quick-service and casual dining.
Crew members, cooks, servers, hosts.
Pay: $10-16/hour plus tips for servers. Many franchises fair-chance friendly. Flexible scheduling.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities (Especially Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio) - Automotive, petrochemical, food processing, general manufacturing.
Production workers, assembly, packaging, quality control.
Pay: $14-22/hour depending on industry. Texas has strong manufacturing sector. Benefits vary. Many evaluate case-by-case.
Nonprofit & Social Services
Salvation Army (Multiple Texas locations) - Nonprofit with reentry focus.
Retail associates, donation processing, program staff.
Pay: $11-15/hour. Wraparound support services for justice-impacted individuals.
Goodwill Industries (Statewide locations) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance employment.
Retail associates, donation attendants, warehouse workers.
Pay: $11-14/hour. Job training, skill development, support services.
Top 20 Texas Employers Hiring Felons
These Texas companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
H-E-B (Texas-based, 400+ stores, San Antonio HQ) - Major Texas employer, employee-focused.
Retail Associates: $13-17/hour Distribution Workers: $15-20/hour Department Managers: $40,000-65,000 Strong benefits, advancement, case-by-case evaluation. Learn More
Walmart (Numerous locations/distribution statewide) - Retail and distribution.
Associates: $12-16/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Management: $45,000-70,000 Case-by-case, commonly hires entry-level. Learn More
Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partners statewide) - Last-mile delivery throughout Texas.
Delivery Drivers: $15-19/hour Warehouse Associates: $15-18/hour Lead Drivers: $18-23/hour Case-by-case evaluation, benefits vary by DSP. Learn More
UPS (Major Texas metro facilities) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $17-21/hour Drivers: $30-42/hour Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Teamsters benefits, pension, tuition assistance. Learn More
Target (Stores throughout Texas 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
Starbucks (Locations throughout Texas) - Fair Chance Business Pledge signatory.
Baristas: $12-16/hour Shift Supervisors: $16-20/hour Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Second-chance commitment, tuition coverage. Learn More
Home Depot (Multiple Texas locations) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $13-18/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 Texas) - Home improvement retail.
Retail Associates: $13-18/hour Specialists: $15-21/hour Department Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized evaluation, skill development. Learn More
FedEx (Facilities throughout Texas) - Package delivery, logistics.
Package Handlers: $16-20/hour Drivers: $24-38/hour Operations: $55,000-80,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
Kroger (Grocery stores throughout Texas) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers/Stockers: $12-16/hour Department Managers: $35,000-55,000 Store Managers: $65,000-90,000 Some union representation (UFCW), case-by-case. Learn More
JPMorgan Chase (Texas locations, major banking presence) - Financial services (may have restrictions).
Customer Service: $16-22/hour Operations: $18-26/hour Management: varies Financial sector has restrictions, but some support roles accessible. Learn More
AT&T (Texas headquarters, Dallas) - Telecommunications.
Customer Service: $15-20/hour Retail Associates: $14-19/hour Technical Positions: varies Case-by-case evaluation for various positions. Learn More
Blue Bell Ice Cream (Brenham, Texas-based) - Food manufacturing.
Production Workers: $14-19/hour Quality Control: $40,000-60,000 Supervisors: $50,000-75,000 Texas-based company, case-by-case hiring. Learn More
Albertsons (Grocery stores in Texas) - Grocery retail.
Cashiers/Stockers: $12-16/hour Department Managers: $35,000-55,000 Store Managers: $60,000-85,000 Case-by-case evaluation, benefits. Learn More
Salvation Army (Multiple Texas locations) - Nonprofit with reentry focus.
Retail Associates: $11-15/hour Program Staff: $30,000-45,000 Management: $40,000-65,000 Wraparound support for justice-impacted. Learn More
Goodwill Industries (Statewide locations) - Nonprofit focused on second-chance.
Retail Associates: $11-14/hour Warehouse Workers: $12-15/hour Career Specialists: $35,000-50,000 Job training, support services. Learn More
Manufacturing Facilities (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio) - Various industries.
Production Workers: $14-22/hour Skilled Trades: $50,000-75,000 Supervisors: $60,000-90,000 Strong Texas manufacturing sector, many evaluate case-by-case. Learn More
PeopleReady (Offices throughout Texas) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $12-20/hour Warehouse: $13-21/hour Construction: $14-25/hour Daily pay via JobStack, commonly works with records. Learn More
Kelly Services (Statewide placements) - Staffing agency.
Office/Industrial: $12-22/hour Technical Positions: $18-32/hour Professional: $22-40/hour Individualized evaluation, diverse clients. Learn More
Express Employment Professionals (Multiple Texas 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 Texas City
Houston (Pop. 7.5M metro)
Fourth-largest U.S. city, 120,000+ open jobs (Feb 2025). Energy, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics.
Healthcare facilities - $13-18/hour
Manufacturing - $14-22/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $14-20/hour
H-E-B/Walmart/Target - $12-18/hour
Energy sector support - varies
Dallas-Fort Worth (Pop. 7.8M metro)
Fourth-largest U.S. metro. Finance, tech, logistics, manufacturing.
Distribution centers - $15-20/hour
Manufacturing - $14-22/hour
Retail chains - $12-18/hour
AT&T (Dallas HQ) - $14-20/hour
Healthcare facilities - $13-18/hour
Austin (Pop. 2.4M metro)
State capital, tech hub. Technology, government, hospitality.
Tech support roles - varies
State government - varies
Hospitality/service - $11-17/hour
Retail chains - $13-18/hour
Warehousing - $14-19/hour
San Antonio (Pop. 2.7M metro)
Military and defense. Healthcare, tourism, logistics.
H-E-B (HQ) - $13-20/hour
Military base support - varies
Healthcare facilities - $13-18/hour
Tourism/hospitality - $11-16/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
El Paso (Pop. 870K metro)
Border city. Manufacturing, logistics, retail.
Manufacturing - $13-20/hour
Warehousing/logistics - $13-19/hour
Retail chains - $11-16/hour
Call centers - $13-17/hour
Healthcare support - $13-17/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Texas
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 - $55,000-80,000 annually. Texas has strong demand. 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. Strong demand in Texas growth markets.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $48,000-72,000.
HVAC Technician - Texas climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $45,000-68,000.
Welder - Industrial, manufacturing, construction: $45,000-72,000. Strong Texas manufacturing/energy sector.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $13-18/hour at Texas healthcare facilities.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $42,000-58,000. Programs at community colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $52,000-68,000.
Radiologic Technologist - With training: $55,000-72,000.
Manufacturing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $14-22/hour at Texas manufacturing facilities (petrochemical, food, automotive).
Advance to Skilled Trades - Maintenance, quality control: $50,000-75,000.
Supervisors - $60,000-90,000.
Texas Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Texas offers expungement/nondisclosure options and workforce development support.
Expungement and Record Clearing
Expungement (Chapter 55A, effective January 1, 2025): Non-conviction arrests, dismissals, acquittals, pardons, deferred adjudication for Class C misdemeanors only, certain firearm convictions.
Automatic Expunction (HB 4504): Some dismissed charges and acquittals now AUTOMATIC WITHOUT petition.
Nondisclosure Orders: Seal (not erase) conviction records for completed deferred adjudication after 180 days to 5 years. Excludes: sex offenses, family violence, crimes against children.
Process: File petition with court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: $300-600+ with fees. Timeline: 4-8 months. Attorney recommended.
FREE Assistance:
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: (888) 988-9996 | trla.org
Lone Star Legal Aid: (800) 733-8394 | lonestarlegal.org
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas: (888) 529-5277
Ban-the-Box Protections (EFFECTIVE September 1, 2025)
NEW Statewide Ban-the-Box: Texas HB 2466 prohibits employers with 15+ employees from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications until after determining qualifications, extending conditional offer, or inviting to interview.
Exemptions: Law enforcement, healthcare, childcare, financial services positions.
Coverage: Employers with 15+ employees starting September 1, 2025.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Texas employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
State Workforce Development
Workforce Solutions Texas (Statewide network) - Free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (512) 463-2222 | workforcesolutions.texas.gov
Locations: Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and throughout state (28 workforce boards).
Reentry Organizations
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (936) 437-4098 | tdcj.texas.gov
Additional Texas Resources
Training & Education
Texas State Technical College - Workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC with financial aid.
Community college system - 50 community college districts statewide offering workforce programs.
Housing Assistance
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (512) 475-3800 | tdhca.texas.gov
Transportation Support
METRO (Houston) - Bus and light rail. Reduced fare programs.
DART (Dallas) - Bus and light rail.
CapMetro (Austin) - Public transit.
VIA (San Antonio) - Public transit.
Staffing Agencies in Texas That Work With Felons
PeopleReady - Multiple Texas offices. Daily pay via JobStack. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $12-25/hour. Commonly works with records, immediate placement.
Kelly Services - Statewide. Office, industrial, technical. Pay: $12-32/hour. Individualized evaluation.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Texas franchises. Skilled trades, professional, industrial. Pay: $13-35/hour. Varies by franchise.
Manpower - Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Pay: $12-24/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Texas have a ban-the-box law?
YES—STARTING September 1, 2025. Texas HB 2466 prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from inquiring about criminal history on initial applications until after determining qualifications, extending conditional offer, or inviting to interview. Exemptions: law enforcement, healthcare, childcare, financial services positions. This is MAJOR change for Texas justice-impacted individuals.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in Texas?
Yes, for certain cases. Texas expungement law (Chapter 55A, effective January 1, 2025) allows expunction of non-conviction arrests, dismissals, acquittals, pardons, deferred adjudication for Class C misdemeanors only, and certain firearm convictions. HB 4504 provides AUTOMATIC expunction for some dismissed charges and acquittals WITHOUT petition. Nondisclosure orders seal (not erase) conviction records for completed deferred adjudication after 180 days to 5 years—excludes sex offenses, family violence, crimes against children. Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (FREE: 888-988-9996) or Lone Star Legal Aid (800-733-8394).
Q3: What is Texas' minimum wage?
$7.25/hour (federal minimum)—Texas has no state-specific minimum wage law with no scheduled increases. However, market competition drives most entry-level positions to $12-19/hour in practice. Some cities pay higher wages for city employees only (Austin $21.63/hour for city employees), but private employers follow state minimum.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in Texas?
Texas follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. However, expungement destroys records, and nondisclosure orders seal records from public view.
Q5: What companies in Texas hire felons?
H-E-B (Texas-based, 400+ stores, $13-20/hour), Walmart, Amazon DSP ($15-19/hour delivery statewide), UPS ($17-21/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Target, Starbucks (Fair Chance Pledge), Home Depot (known for second-chance), Kroger, FedEx, Blue Bell Ice Cream (Texas-based), and many others. See Top 20 list. Starting September 1, 2025, employers with 15+ employees cannot ask on initial applications.
Q6: Can I work at H-E-B with a felony in Texas?
Yes, with case-by-case evaluation. H-E-B (Texas-based, 400+ stores, San Antonio headquarters, $13-20/hour) is employee-focused company with strong benefits and advancement. Apply at heb.com/careers. Starting September 1, 2025, they cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications (HB 2466).
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Texas?
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 $55,000-80,000. Texas has strong demand. Many hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required. Texas community colleges and Texas State Technical College offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Texas?
UPS drivers ($62,000-87,000 after starting package handler $17-21/hour), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-80,000), electricians ($50,000-75,000), plumbers ($48,000-72,000), HVAC techs ($45,000-68,000), welders ($45,000-72,000), healthcare advancement (surgical tech $42,000-58,000, respiratory therapy $52,000-68,000, radiologic tech $55,000-72,000), manufacturing skilled trades/supervisors ($50,000-90,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Texas job applications?
STARTING September 1, 2025: Texas HB 2466 means employers with 15+ employees CANNOT ask on initial applications. You don't need to disclose unless asked after interview/conditional offer. If asked later, answer truthfully—lying results in termination. Check expungement/nondisclosure eligibility. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, WOTC ($2,400 tax credit).
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Texas for people with felonies?
Yes. Workforce Solutions Texas (512-463-2222) offers free training referrals through 28 workforce boards statewide. Texas State Technical College and 50 community college districts provide workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers provide training. Texas Department of Criminal Justice provides reentry services.
Next Steps: Your Texas Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Understand Texas' NEW Ban-the-Box Law and Check Expungement Eligibility
MAJOR CHANGE: Starting September 1, 2025, Texas HB 2466 prohibits employers with 15+ employees from asking about criminal history on initial applications—must wait until after determining qualifications, extending conditional offer, or inviting to interview (exempts law enforcement, healthcare, childcare, financial). This is HUGE advantage for Texas justice-impacted individuals. Check expungement eligibility: non-convictions, dismissals, acquittals may qualify for AUTOMATIC expunction under HB 4504 WITHOUT petition. Nondisclosure orders seal (not erase) deferred adjudication convictions after 180 days to 5 years. Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (FREE: 888-988-9996) or Lone Star Legal Aid (800-733-8394) to determine eligibility. Getting records expunged or sealed FIRST dramatically improves prospects.
Step 2: Register with Workforce Solutions Texas and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with Workforce Solutions Texas (512-463-2222) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. 28 workforce boards statewide with locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and throughout Texas. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: PeopleReady (daily pay via JobStack, general labor/warehouse/construction $12-25/hour), Kelly Services (office/industrial/technical $12-32/hour), Express Employment (skilled trades focus), Manpower (temp-to-perm specialists). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals with temp-to-perm potential at major Texas employers.
Step 3: Target Texas' High-Growth Markets and Accessible Employers
Apply to: H-E-B (Texas-based, 400+ stores, $13-20/hour, employee-focused with strong benefits), Amazon DSP delivery ($15-19/hour statewide), UPS ($17-21/hour with path to $30-42/hour driver), Walmart ($12-19/hour), Target ($15-18/hour), Starbucks (Fair Chance Pledge, $12-16/hour with tuition), Home Depot ($13-18/hour, known for second-chance), FedEx, Kroger, manufacturing facilities throughout Texas. Focus on Houston (120,000+ open jobs February 2025), Dallas-Fort Worth (fourth-largest metro, 7.8 million), Austin (state capital, tech hub), San Antonio (military/defense). Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers.
Step 4: Leverage Texas' NEW Ban-the-Box Protections Starting September 1, 2025
Starting September 1, 2025, employers with 15+ employees CANNOT ask about criminal history on initial applications—this is MAJOR advantage. Create strong resume highlighting skills and work history. You DON'T need to disclose criminal history on applications starting September 1, 2025. If asked later (after interview/conditional offer), prepare 30-60 second explanation—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Emphasize expungement or nondisclosure if obtained. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit). Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in Texas' Explosive Growth Market
UPS package handler ($17-21/hour) is proven path to driver earning $62,000-87,000 annually. CDL training at Texas community colleges and Texas State Technical College leads to $55,000-80,000 trucking careers (strong Texas demand). Electrician and plumber apprenticeships lead to $48,000-75,000 in growing Texas markets. Healthcare support ($13-18/hour) with tuition assistance advances to surgical tech ($42,000-58,000), respiratory therapy ($52,000-68,000), or radiologic tech ($55,000-72,000). HVAC certification programs lead to $45,000-68,000 (critical in Texas climate). Welding programs lead to $45,000-72,000 in strong Texas manufacturing/energy sector. Manufacturing production ($14-22/hour) advances to skilled trades ($50,000-75,000) and supervisors ($60,000-90,000). Persist—Texas added 700,000+ jobs in two years, Houston alone 120,000+ open jobs, NEW ban-the-box starting September 1, 2025 creates unprecedented 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. All employers listed conduct background checks; inclusion indicates reported fair-chance hiring practices or individualized assessment policies, not guaranteed employment. Background check laws, ban-the-box protections (Texas HB 2466 effective September 1, 2025), and expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Texas' new statewide ban-the-box law, expungement law (Chapter 55A, effective January 1, 2025), automatic expunction (HB 4504), nondisclosure orders, and minimum wage is general in nature. Expungement and nondisclosure eligibility can be complex—consult with Texas employment attorney or Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (FREE: 888-988-9996) 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.