Felon Friendly Jobs in Virginia

Virginia offers substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare support, logistics, retail, and hospitality sectors. Virginia enacted limited ban-the-box style laws effective July 1, 2020: Virginia Code § 15.2-1505.3 prohibits localities (cities, counties, towns) from asking about arrests, charges, or convictions on initial employment applications (with exceptions for law enforcement, school board positions, sensitive positions), while Virginia Code § 19.2-389.3 (repealing July 1, 2026) limits disclosure of certain marijuana possession records. Virginia does NOT have comprehensive statewide ban-the-box law covering all private employers for all offenses. Record sealing laws (originally passed 2021, amended 2025) take effect July 1, 2026, allowing automatic sealing of certain convictions after waiting periods and expanding petition-based sealing options. Major employers including Amazon (42,000 Virginia employees including 7,232 at HQ2 Arlington), Walmart (100+ stores), Sentara Healthcare (30,000 employees), Food Lion, Dollar General, and hospitals actively hire across Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and statewide. Virginia's minimum wage is $12.41/hour for 2025 ($12.77 in 2026), though competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $15-20/hour with benefits.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Virginia

2. Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Virginia

3. Top 20 Virginia Employers Hiring Felons

4. Felon-Friendly Jobs by Virginia City

5. Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Virginia

6. Virginia Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

7. Additional Virginia Resources

8. Staffing Agencies in Virginia That Work With Felons

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Next Steps: Your Virginia Job Search Action Plan

11. DISCLAIMER

Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Virginia

Economic Overview

Virginia's economy is shaped by federal government contracting (especially Northern Virginia), healthcare, manufacturing, food processing, logistics, tourism, and agriculture, creating diverse employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. With major population centers including Northern Virginia metro (2.5 million - Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax), Richmond metro (1.3 million), Hampton Roads metro (1.8 million - Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton), Roanoke metro (315,000), and Charlottesville area (235,000), the state provides accessible employment pathways from warehouse and healthcare support to retail, hospitality, construction, and food processing. Amazon's HQ2 in Arlington (7,232 employees) plus fulfillment centers in Richmond, Sterling, Suffolk, Fishersville create logistics opportunities. Major healthcare systems employ tens of thousands statewide.

Record Clearing System

Virginia's record sealing laws (Virginia Code §§ 19.2-392.5 through 19.2-392.17, originally passed 2021, amended 2025) take effect July 1, 2026. These laws provide automatic sealing of certain convictions after waiting periods and expand petition-based sealing options. Before July 1, 2026, expungement available only for non-convictions (dismissals, acquittals, no probable cause). Starting July 1, 2026: Automatic sealing of eligible misdemeanors after 7 years, eligible felonies after varying periods. Petition-based sealing available for other qualifying convictions. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and certain serious crimes cannot be sealed.

Process varies by conviction type. For automatic sealing (after July 2026): state automatically reviews and seals eligible records—no petition required. For petition-based sealing: file petition with circuit court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost varies (typically $100-300 in fees). Timeline: 3-6 months for petition-based. Sealed records hidden from public but accessible to law enforcement. Expunged records (non-convictions only) permanently destroyed.

Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws

Virginia has LIMITED ban-the-box protections. Virginia Code § 15.2-1505.3 prohibits localities (cities, counties, towns) from asking about criminal history on initial applications, with exceptions for law enforcement, school board, sensitive positions. Separately, Virginia Code § 19.2-389.3 (repealing July 1, 2026) bars employers from asking about certain marijuana possession records. Virginia does NOT have comprehensive statewide ban-the-box law covering all private employers for all offenses. Most private employers CAN ask about criminal history on applications.

Virginia follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions can be reported indefinitely. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Virginia employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.

Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Virginia

Virginia minimum wage: $12.41/hour for 2025 ($12.77 in 2026), but competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $15-20/hour in major cities.

Warehouse & Logistics

Amazon (Multiple Virginia locations) - Fulfillment centers in Richmond (RIC4), Sterling, Suffolk, Fishersville, and Goochland (opening 2027). HQ2 in Arlington with 7,232 employees.

Fulfillment associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.

Pay: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare, 401(k), education funding up to $5,250/year through Career Choice. Fair chance hiring with individualized assessment.

Walmart Distribution Centers (Statewide) - Distribution centers serving 100+ Virginia stores.

Distribution workers, order fillers, loaders, forklift operators.

Pay: $16-20/hour. Health coverage, 401(k) matching, free college through Live Better U. Advancement opportunities.

UPS (Richmond, Norfolk, Northern Virginia, Roanoke) - Package handling and delivery facilities.

Package handlers, warehouse workers, loaders.

Pay: $17-21/hour. Union positions (Teamsters), excellent benefits, pension, tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year. Pathway to driver positions earning $80,000-100,000+.

FedEx Ground (Statewide operations) - Package handling and delivery.

Package handlers, sorters, loaders, warehouse workers.

Pay: $16-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement, advancement to driver roles earning $50,000-70,000.

Target Distribution Centers (Virginia operations) - Supporting 20+ Virginia Target stores.

Warehouse workers, order pickers, material handlers.

Pay: $16-19/hour. Benefits, tuition assistance up to $5,000, 10% employee discount.

Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)

Sentara Healthcare (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News - 30,000 employees) - Major healthcare system with 12 hospitals across Virginia.

Environmental services (housekeeping), food service, facilities maintenance, patient transport.

Pay: $14-18/hour. Case-by-case hiring for support roles. Comprehensive benefits, tuition assistance.

Bon Secours Mercy Health (Richmond, Hampton, Suffolk) - Healthcare system with multiple Virginia hospitals.

Environmental services, dietary, facilities positions.

Pay: $14-18/hour. Individualized assessment for non-clinical roles. Catholic health system with mission-driven hiring.

HCA Virginia Health System (Richmond, Henrico, Reston, Fredericksburg) - Healthcare network with multiple hospitals.

Housekeeping, food service, facilities maintenance.

Pay: $14-18/hour. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement.

Inova Health System (Northern Virginia - five hospitals) - Major Northern Virginia healthcare network.

Environmental services, food service, facilities.

Pay: $15-19/hour. Case-by-case hiring for non-clinical roles. Comprehensive benefits.

VCU Health System (Richmond-based) - Academic medical center.

Housekeeping, dietary, patient transport, facilities.

Pay: $14-18/hour. Individualized assessment. Educational institution mission supports second-chance hiring.

Retail & Grocery

Walmart (100+ Virginia stores) - Extensive statewide retail presence.

Stockers, cashiers, overnight crew, online order fulfillment, maintenance.

Pay: $14-16/hour retail, $16-20/hour distribution. Fair chance hiring. Health coverage, 401(k), free college.

Food Lion (100+ Virginia stores) - Grocery retail chain operated by Ahold Delhaize.

Cashiers, stockers, deli, bakery, produce clerks.

Pay: $13-16/hour. Advancement to department leads and store management. Fair chance employer.

Dollar General (Hundreds of Virginia stores) - Discount retail in rural and urban areas.

Sales associates, key holders.

Pay: $12-15/hour. Advancement to key holder ($14-17/hour) and store manager ($35,000-50,000). Second-chance friendly.

Target (20+ Virginia stores) - Retail chain in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Roanoke.

Store team members, fulfillment, overnight stocking.

Pay: $15-17/hour. Fair chance employer. 10% discount, tuition assistance up to $5,000.

Home Depot (Dozens of Virginia stores) - Home improvement retail statewide.

Sales associates, lot attendants, freight team.

Pay: $14-17/hour. Benefits for full-time, advancement to specialist ($17-21/hour).

Lowe's (Statewide network) - Home improvement chain.

Sales associates, customer service.

Pay: $14-17/hour. Benefits, advancement to department lead and management.

Kroger (Virginia stores) - Grocery chain operating under various banners.

Cashiers, stockers.

Pay: $13-16/hour. Union representation (UFCW) at many locations. Advancement opportunities.

Wegmans (Northern Virginia locations) - Grocery chain.

Team members.

Pay: $14-17/hour. Excellent benefits, employee-focused culture, profit sharing.

Food Processing & Manufacturing

Smithfield Foods (Smithfield headquarters and multiple Virginia facilities) - Pork processing.

Production workers, packaging, sanitation.

Pay: $15-19/hour. Benefits, overtime opportunities. Case-by-case hiring.

Perdue Farms (Eastern Shore region) - Poultry processing.

Production workers.

Pay: $14-18/hour. Rural locations with lower cost of living, benefits, overtime.

Tyson Foods (Virginia chicken processing facilities) - Food processing.

Production workers.

Pay: $14-18/hour. Benefits include health insurance, retirement. Fair chance employer.

Hospitality & Food Service

McDonald's (250+ Virginia locations) - Fast food franchises statewide.

Crew members, shift managers.

Pay: $12-15/hour. Advancement to shift manager ($15-19/hour) and general manager ($40,000-55,000). Hiring varies by franchisee.

Restaurants (Statewide) - Various chains and independents.

Cooks, dishwashers, servers, hosts.

Pay: $12-16/hour plus tips for servers. Flexible scheduling.

Hotels (Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, tourist areas) - Hospitality industry.

Housekeeping, front desk, maintenance.

Pay: $13-17/hour.

Construction & Trades

Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small to medium contractors.

General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, equipment operators.

Pay: $17-22/hour in Northern Virginia, $14-18/hour elsewhere.

Top 20 Virginia Employers Hiring Felons

These Virginia companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.

1. Amazon (Multiple Virginia locations - 42,000 employees) - E-commerce and logistics with HQ2 in Arlington.

   Fulfillment Associates: $17-19/hour

   Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 Day-one benefits, fair chance hiring, education funding. Learn More
   

2. Walmart (100+ Virginia stores and distribution) - Retail and distribution statewide.

   Store Associates: $14-16/hour Distribution Workers: $16-20/hour Department Managers: $40,000-60,000 Fair chance hiring, free college, comprehensive benefits. Learn More
   

3. Sentara Healthcare (12 hospitals - 30,000 employees) - Major healthcare system in Hampton Roads.

   Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Food Service: $14-17/hour Facilities Maintenance: $15-19/hour Case-by-case for support roles, tuition assistance. Learn More
   

4. Bon Secours Mercy Health (Richmond, Hampton, Suffolk) - Healthcare system.

   Environmental Services: $14-18/hour Dietary: $14-17/hour Facilities: $15-19/hour Individualized assessment, mission-driven hiring. Learn More
   

5. HCA Virginia Health System (Multiple hospitals) - Healthcare network.

   Housekeeping: $14-18/hour Food Service: $14-17/hour Facilities Maintenance: $15-19/hour Benefits include tuition reimbursement. Learn More
   

6. Food Lion (100+ Virginia stores) - Grocery retail chain.

   Cashiers/Stockers: $13-16/hour Department Leads: $35,000-48,000 Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Fair chance employer, advancement opportunities. Learn More
   

7. UPS (Richmond, Norfolk, Northern Virginia, Roanoke) - Union logistics.

   Package Handlers: $17-21/hour Drivers: $80,000-100,000+ Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Teamsters union, pension, path to high-paying driver positions. Learn More
   

8. Dollar General (Hundreds of Virginia stores) - Discount retail.

   Sales Associates: $12-15/hour Key Holders: $14-17/hour Store Managers: $35,000-50,000 Second-chance friendly, high-volume hiring. Learn More
   

9. Target (20+ Virginia stores) - Retail chain.

   Store Team Members: $15-17/hour Distribution Workers: $16-19/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Fair chance employer, tuition assistance. Learn More
   

10. Inova Health System (Northern Virginia - five hospitals) - Healthcare network.

    Environmental Services: $15-19/hour Food Service: $15-18/hour Facilities: $16-20/hour Case-by-case for non-clinical roles. Learn More
    

11. FedEx Ground (Statewide operations) - Package delivery.

    Package Handlers: $16-19/hour Drivers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $55,000-75,000 Tuition reimbursement, advancement opportunities. Learn More
    

12. Home Depot (Dozens of Virginia stores) - Home improvement retail.

    Sales Associates: $14-17/hour Freight Team: $15-18/hour Department Supervisors: $35,000-50,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
    

13. Smithfield Foods (Smithfield headquarters and facilities) - Pork processing.

    Production Workers: $15-19/hour Supervisors: $40,000-60,000 Managers: $55,000-75,000 Benefits, overtime, case-by-case hiring. Learn More
    

14. VCU Health System (Richmond-based) - Academic medical center.

    Housekeeping: $14-18/hour Dietary: $14-17/hour Patient Transport: $15-18/hour Individualized assessment, second-chance mission. Learn More
    

15. Lowe's (Statewide network) - Home improvement chain.

    Sales Associates: $14-17/hour Department Leads: $35,000-50,000 Store Managers: $55,000-75,000 Benefits, advancement opportunities. Learn More
    

16. Perdue Farms (Eastern Shore region) - Poultry processing.

    Production Workers: $14-18/hour Supervisors: $38,000-55,000 Managers: $50,000-70,000 Rural locations, benefits, overtime. Learn More
    

17. Tyson Foods (Virginia chicken processing) - Food processing.

    Production Workers: $14-18/hour Supervisors: $38,000-55,000 Managers: $50,000-70,000 Benefits, high-volume hiring. Learn More
    

18. McDonald's (250+ Virginia locations) - Fast food franchises.

    Crew Members: $12-15/hour Shift Managers: $15-19/hour General Managers: $40,000-55,000 Franchisee hiring varies, many second-chance. Learn More
    

19. Kroger (Virginia stores) - Grocery chain.

    Cashiers/Stockers: $13-16/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Store Managers: $50,000-70,000 Union representation (UFCW), benefits. Learn More
    

20. Wegmans (Northern Virginia locations) - Grocery chain.

    Team Members: $14-17/hour Department Leaders: $38,000-52,000 Store Managers: $60,000-85,000 Excellent benefits, employee-focused culture. Learn More

Felon-Friendly Jobs by Virginia City

Northern Virginia (Pop. 2.5 million metro - Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax)

Proximity to Washington D.C. creates strongest economy but highest cost of living. Federal contracting, technology, healthcare.

• Amazon HQ2 Arlington - $17-19/hour

• Inova Health System - $15-19/hour

• Walmart distribution - $16-20/hour

• Retail chains - $14-18/hour

• Construction - $17-22/hour

Richmond (Pop. 1.3 million metro)

State capital with balanced opportunities. Healthcare, manufacturing, food processing, logistics. Lower cost than Northern Virginia.

• Amazon fulfillment (RIC4 + new Goochland 2027) - $17-19/hour

• VCU Health System - $14-18/hour

• Bon Secours hospitals - $14-18/hour

• Walmart distribution/retail - $14-20/hour

• Manufacturing - $14-19/hour

Hampton Roads (Pop. 1.8 million metro - Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton)

Military presence, shipping, tourism. Major port, naval base, beaches.

• Sentara Healthcare (12 hospitals) - $14-18/hour

• Shipyards/contractors - $16-24/hour

• Tourism/hospitality - $12-17/hour

• Retail chains - $13-17/hour

• Logistics/warehousing - $15-19/hour

Roanoke (Pop. 315,000 metro)

Western Virginia hub. Manufacturing, healthcare, retail. Affordable cost of living.

• Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour

• Manufacturing - $14-19/hour

• Retail chains - $12-16/hour

• Food processing - $13-17/hour

• Construction - $14-19/hour

Charlottesville (Pop. 235,000 area)

University town (UVA). Healthcare, education, hospitality. Moderate cost of living.

• UVA Health System - $14-18/hour

• Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour

• Retail/hospitality - $12-16/hour

• University support - varies

• Construction - $14-19/hour

Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Virginia

While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Virginia.

UPS Driver Positions

Package Delivery Drivers - Start as package handler ($17-21/hour), progress to driver through union seniority. Top-rate drivers: $80,000-100,000+ annually with overtime. Full Teamsters benefits including pension, healthcare, tuition aid up to $5,250/year. This is Virginia's most accessible path to six-figure income.

Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)

Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Interstate and regional routes: $55,000-75,000 annually. Virginia's I-95 corridor and port access create strong demand. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically).

Port Drayage (Hampton Roads) - Container hauling from Norfolk ports: $60,000-85,000. Shorter routes, home daily.

Specialized Hauling - Tanker, flatbed, hazmat: $65,000-90,000. Premium pay for specialized skills.

Skilled Trades

Electrician - Commercial/industrial electricians: $50,000-75,000. Union representation in some areas. Apprenticeship programs available.

Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial and industrial: $48,000-70,000. Strong demand in Northern Virginia construction.

HVAC Technician - Commercial HVAC: $45,000-65,000. Virginia's varied climate creates year-round demand. EPA certification required.

Welder - Industrial, shipyard (Hampton Roads): $45,000-70,000. Navy shipyards employ welders. Certification programs at community colleges.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction equipment: $45,000-65,000. Northern Virginia construction boom creates demand.

Healthcare Career Advancement

Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $14-18/hour at Sentara, Bon Secours, HCA, Inova, VCU Health. Use tuition assistance to earn certifications.

Surgical Technologist - With training/certification: $45,000-60,000. Two-year programs at community colleges.

Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $55,000-70,000. Career advancement using tuition programs.

Medical Imaging Technician - With training: $50,000-65,000. Technical colleges offer programs.

Manufacturing & Food Processing

S

mithfield/Perdue/Tyson Supervisors - Start production $14-19/hour. Advance to supervision: $38,000-60,000. Promote from production floor.

Skilled Manufacturing - Experienced operators, quality control: $40,000-60,000.

Virginia Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

Virginia offers expanding record sealing options and employment support for justice-impacted individuals.

Record Sealing and Expungement

Virginia's record sealing laws (Virginia Code §§ 19.2-392.5 through 19.2-392.17) take effect July 1, 2026.

Before July 1, 2026: Expungement available ONLY for non-convictions (dismissals, acquittals, no probable cause). File petition with circuit court where charges originated.

After July 1, 2026:

Automatic Sealing (no petition required):

• Eligible misdemeanors after 7 years

• Eligible felonies after varying periods

• State automatically reviews and seals qualifying records

Petition-Based Sealing: Available for other qualifying convictions. File petition with circuit court, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision.

Cannot Be Sealed: Violent felonies, sex offenses, certain serious crimes.

Cost: Varies (typically $100-300 in fees for petition-based). Timeline: 3-6 months for petition-based.

Effect: Sealed records hidden from public but accessible to law enforcement. Expunged records (non-convictions only) permanently destroyed.

FREE Assistance: Legal Aid Justice Center (1-866-534-5243), Virginia Poverty Law Center, local legal aid societies.

Ban-the-Box Protections

Coverage: LIMITED. Virginia Code § 15.2-1505.3 prohibits localities (cities, counties, towns) from asking about criminal history on initial applications, with exceptions for law enforcement, school board, sensitive positions. Virginia Code § 19.2-389.3 (repealing July 1, 2026) bars employers from asking about certain marijuana possession records.

No Comprehensive Statewide Ban-the-Box: Most private employers CAN ask about criminal history on applications.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Federal WOTC provides Virginia employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.

State Workforce Development

Virginia Career Works - Statewide network of workforce centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and employer connections.

Contact: 1-800-828-1120 | vec.virginia.gov

Locations: Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Arlington, Roanoke, and throughout state.

Reentry Organizations

Virginia Department of Corrections - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.

Contact: (804) 674-3000 | vadoc.virginia.gov

Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) - Reentry services in multiple Virginia communities.

Contact: oaronline.org (Richmond, Charlottesville, Fairfax, Arlington)

Goodwill Industries (Multiple Virginia locations) - Employment services, job training, placement assistance.

Additional Virginia Resources

Training & Education

Virginia Community College System - 23 community colleges statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC programs with financial aid. Tidewater, Northern Virginia (NOVA), Reynolds (Richmond), and others.

Virginia Apprenticeship Program - Registered apprenticeships in construction trades, manufacturing, healthcare.

Housing Assistance

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development - Rental assistance programs.

Contact: (804) 371-7000 | dhcd.virginia.gov

OAR - Transitional housing in some locations.

Legal Aid

Legal Aid Justice Center - FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income Virginians.

Contact: 1-866-534-5243 | justice4all.org

Virginia Poverty Law Center - FREE legal services.

Contact: vplc.org

Transportation Support

WMATA Metro (Northern Virginia) - Subway and bus serving Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax. Reduced fare programs.

GRTC (Richmond) - Public transit with affordable options.

Hampton Roads Transit - Bus service in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News.

Staffing Agencies in Virginia That Work With Felons

Virginia staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities especially in warehouse, manufacturing, and food processing sectors.

Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Virginia locations (Richmond, Norfolk, Northern Virginia, Roanoke). Warehouse, manufacturing, food processing. Pay: $14-22/hour. Fair-chance hiring.

Manpower - Richmond, Norfolk, Northern Virginia. Manufacturing, logistics, industrial. Pay: $14-20/hour. Temp-to-perm common.

Kelly Services - Virginia metro areas. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative. Pay: $13-19/hour. Benefits for temps.

Adecco - Richmond, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Pay: $14-21/hour. Fair-chance evaluation.

Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Multiple Virginia locations. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $13-19/hour. Second-chance focus.

Randstad - Richmond, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads. Manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades. Pay: $14-22/hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Virginia have a ban-the-box law?

LIMITED. Virginia Code § 15.2-1505.3 prohibits localities (cities, counties, towns) from asking about criminal history on initial applications, with exceptions for law enforcement, school board, sensitive positions. Virginia Code § 19.2-389.3 (repealing July 1, 2026) bars employers from asking about certain marijuana possession records. Virginia does NOT have comprehensive statewide ban-the-box law covering all private employers for all offenses. Most private employers CAN ask about criminal history on applications.

Q2: Can I get my record sealed in Virginia?

Yes, but timing matters. Before July 1, 2026: expungement available ONLY for non-convictions (dismissals, acquittals). After July 1, 2026: record sealing laws (Virginia Code §§ 19.2-392.5 through 19.2-392.17) provide automatic sealing of eligible misdemeanors after 7 years and felonies after varying periods, plus petition-based sealing for other qualifying convictions. Cannot seal violent felonies, sex offenses, certain serious crimes. Contact Legal Aid Justice Center (FREE: 1-866-534-5243) for assistance.

Q3: What is Virginia's minimum wage?

Virginia minimum wage is $12.41/hour for 2025 ($12.77 effective January 1, 2026). However, competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $15-20/hour in major cities, especially Northern Virginia.

Q4: How far back do background checks go in Virginia?

Virginia follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions can be reported indefinitely. After July 2026, sealed records will be hidden from public background checks. Expunged records (non-convictions only) are permanently destroyed.

Q5: What companies in Virginia hire felons?

Major employers include Amazon (42,000 Virginia employees), Walmart (100+ stores), Sentara Healthcare (30,000 employees), Bon Secours, HCA Virginia, Food Lion, Dollar General, UPS, Target, Smithfield Foods, Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods, and many others. See Top 20 list for details. Healthcare systems hire case-by-case for non-clinical support. Food processors have high-volume hiring needs.

Q6: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Virginia?

Yes. Amazon has extensive Virginia operations (42,000 employees including HQ2 in Arlington, fulfillment centers in Richmond, Sterling, Suffolk, Fishersville). Fair-chance hiring with individualized assessment. Starting pay: $17-19/hour with day-one benefits including healthcare, 401(k), education funding up to $5,250 annually. Apply at amazon.jobs.

Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Virginia?

Generally yes. Many Virginia trucking companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically). Earnings: $55,000-90,000 depending on specialization. Tidewater Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, and Reynolds Community College offer CDL training.

Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Virginia?

UPS drivers ($80,000-100,000+), CDL truck drivers ($55,000-90,000), electricians ($50,000-75,000), plumbers ($48,000-70,000), shipyard welders ($45,000-70,000), HVAC techs ($45,000-65,000), healthcare advancement positions (surgical tech $45,000-60,000, respiratory therapy $55,000-70,000), food processing supervisors ($38,000-60,000).

Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Virginia job applications?

Virginia has limited ban-the-box (localities only for public jobs, marijuana records). Most private employers CAN ask about criminal history on applications. If asked, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Wait for July 2026 record sealing if eligible—sealed records won't appear on most checks. For unsealed convictions, answer honestly if asked and emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record.

Q10: Are there free job training programs in Virginia for people with felonies?

Yes. Virginia Career Works offers free training referrals. Virginia Community College System (23 colleges statewide) provides workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers (Amazon, UPS, healthcare systems) provide tuition assistance. Virginia Apprenticeship Program offers paid training in construction and manufacturing trades. OAR provides employment training and services.

Next Steps: Your Virginia Job Search Action Plan

Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Virginia justice-impacted job seekers.

Step 1: Understand Record Sealing Timeline and Prepare for July 2026 Changes

Virginia's record sealing laws take effect July 1, 2026. Before that date, expungement available ONLY for non-convictions. After July 2026: automatic sealing of eligible misdemeanors after 7 years and felonies after varying periods, plus petition-based sealing. Cannot seal violent felonies, sex offenses, certain serious crimes. Contact Legal Aid Justice Center (FREE: 1-866-534-5243) or Virginia Poverty Law Center to determine current expungement eligibility and future sealing eligibility. If eligible for non-conviction expungement now, file petition immediately. If eligible for sealing after July 2026, understand timeline and prepare. Getting record sealed/expunged dramatically increases opportunities and wages. Don't wait—start process or planning now.

Step 2: Register with Virginia Career Works and Multiple Staffing Agencies

Register with Virginia Career Works (1-800-828-1120) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Centers in Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Arlington, Roanoke, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: Express Employment (strong connections with Amazon, Smithfield, Perdue, Tyson), Labor Ready/TrueBlue (daily pay, immediate placement), Manpower (temp-to-perm focus), Adecco (manufacturing/logistics), Randstad (skilled trades). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $14-22/hour with temp-to-perm potential. Show up on time and work hard—conversion rates to permanent are good in Virginia's tight labor market.

Step 3: Target Virginia's High-Demand Employers and Consider Regional Wage/Cost Differences

Apply to major fair-chance employers: Amazon (42,000 Virginia employees including HQ2 Arlington, $17-19/hour fulfillment, day-one benefits, fair-chance hiring), Walmart (100+ stores plus distribution, $14-20/hour, free college), Sentara Healthcare (30,000 employees, $14-18/hour support with tuition assistance), UPS ($17-21/hour with path to $80,000-100,000 driver positions), Food Lion ($13-16/hour, fair-chance employer), Dollar General (hundreds of stores, second-chance friendly), Smithfield/Perdue/Tyson food processing ($14-19/hour, high-volume hiring). Consider regional differences: Northern Virginia offers highest wages ($15-20/hour entry) but highest cost of living—Richmond and Hampton Roads provide balance with solid wages and lower costs. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.

Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy for Limited Ban-the-Box Environment

Virginia has limited ban-the-box (localities only for public jobs, marijuana records)—most private employers CAN ask about criminal history on applications. Create resume highlighting skills and work history. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. If criminal history question appears on application, answer truthfully but briefly. Prepare 30-60 second explanation of criminal record for interviews—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, commitment to stability. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently. For public sector jobs in localities (cities, counties, towns), they cannot ask on initial application. Emphasize future record sealing eligibility if applicable—"my record will be eligible for automatic sealing under Virginia's new laws in 2026."

Step 5: Pursue Training for Long-Term Career Advancement

Virginia offers pathways to $50,000-100,000+ careers. UPS package handler ($17-21/hour, Teamsters) is proven path to driver earning $80,000-100,000+—apply to facilities in Richmond, Norfolk, Northern Virginia, Roanoke. CDL training at community colleges (Tidewater, Northern Virginia/NOVA, Reynolds Richmond) leads to $55,000-90,000 trucking careers—port drayage in Hampton Roads pays premium. Start in healthcare support at Sentara, Bon Secours, HCA, Inova ($14-18/hour) and use tuition assistance for surgical tech ($45,000-60,000) or respiratory therapy ($55,000-70,000). Electrician and plumber apprenticeships through Virginia Apprenticeship Program lead to $48,000-75,000 careers. Mention WOTC eligibility ($2,400 federal tax credit) to employers. Persist through rejections—Virginia's expanding record sealing (July 2026) will create more 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 record sealing/expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Virginia's limited ban-the-box laws (Virginia Code § 15.2-1505.3 and § 19.2-389.3) and record sealing laws (Virginia Code §§ 19.2-392.5 through 19.2-392.17, effective July 1, 2026) is general in nature. Sealing/expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with Virginia employment attorney or Legal Aid Justice Center (FREE: 1-866-534-5243) for specific legal advice about your situation.

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