Felon Friendly Jobs in West Virginia
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
West Virginia offers meaningful employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, particularly in healthcare support, retail, manufacturing, food processing, and warehouse sectors. West Virginia DOES NOT currently have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, though ban-the-box legislation has been introduced multiple times in the state legislature without passage (HB 4229, 2024). The state's expungement laws allow sealing of certain non-conviction records and some convictions including nonviolent felonies after waiting periods, with recent legislative efforts aimed at expanding automatic expungement (West Virginia Code § 61-11-25, § 61-11-26; HB 4344, 2024). Major employers including WVU Medicine (21,700+ employees statewide—West Virginia's largest private employer), Walmart (approximately 12,600 employees), Charleston Area Medical Center/Vandalia Health (approximately 8,000 employees), Kroger (50 stores, 4,300 workers), Lowe's (30+ stores), Home Depot, Target, Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (2,103 employees in Buffalo facility), and numerous healthcare systems actively hire across Charleston (46,000), Huntington (46,000), Morgantown (31,000), Parkersburg (29,000), Wheeling (26,000), and throughout the state. West Virginia's minimum wage is $11.00/hour effective January 2025, with scheduled increases to $12/hour (2026), $13/hour (2027), $14/hour (2028), and $15/hour (2029), though competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $14-19/hour with benefits. West Virginia's civilian labor force numbers approximately 788,000 with 4.2% unemployment rate (October 2024), down from 6.7% in 2013.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in West Virginia
Economic Overview
West Virginia's economy, while historically dependent on coal and natural gas extraction, has diversified significantly with healthcare emerging as the largest employment sector (approximately 101,000 people, representing 12.8% of total workforce), retail trade supporting over 150,000 jobs, and manufacturing accounting for approximately 45,400 workers as of October 2024. With major population centers including Charleston (46,000), Huntington (46,000), Morgantown (31,000), Parkersburg (29,000), Wheeling (26,000), Weirton (18,000), and Martinsburg (18,000), the state provides accessible employment pathways from healthcare support and retail to manufacturing, food processing, warehouse, and construction. Major employers include WVU Medicine (21,700+ employees—largest private employer), Walmart (12,600 employees), Charleston Area Medical Center/Vandalia Health (8,000), Kroger (4,300), Toyota Motor Manufacturing (2,103 employees in Buffalo—largest manufacturer), Pilgrim's Pride poultry processing (2,000 employees), and numerous regional healthcare systems and manufacturers. West Virginia's civilian labor force numbers approximately 788,000 with 4.2% unemployment rate (October 2024).
Record Clearing System
West Virginia allows expungement (sealing) of certain non-conviction records and some convictions after waiting periods.
Non-Conviction Records: Can petition to seal arrest records if charges dismissed, not filed, or acquittal. Process varies by county.
Conviction Expungement (WV Code § 61-11-25, § 61-11-26): May petition to seal qualifying convictions including certain nonviolent felonies after waiting periods (typically 5-10 years from sentence completion). Must pay all fines/fees/restitution, complete probation/parole, maintain clean record. Cannot expunge violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI, crimes against children.
Recent Legislative Efforts: HB 4344 (2024) aimed at expanding automatic expungement but not yet passed. Current process requires petition.
Process: File petition with circuit court where conviction occurred, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: varies by county (typically $100-300 in fees). Timeline: 3-6 months. Sealed records not accessible to public but accessible to law enforcement.
FREE Legal Assistance: Legal Aid of West Virginia (1-866-255-4370 or legalaidwv.org) provides FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income West Virginians.
Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws
NO Statewide Ban-the-Box: West Virginia does NOT have statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Ban-the-box bills (including HB 4229, 2024) have been introduced but not passed. Private employers may ask about criminal history on applications.
Background Check Rules: West 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 West Virginia employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in West Virginia
West Virginia minimum wage: $11.00/hour (2025), increasing to $12/hour (2026), $13/hour (2027), $14/hour (2028), $15/hour (2029). Competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $14-19/hour.
Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)
WVU Medicine (21,700+ employees statewide) - West Virginia's largest private employer. Multiple hospitals including J.W. Ruby Memorial (Morgantown), United Hospital Center (Bridgeport), Camden Clark (Parkersburg), Berkeley Medical Center (Martinsburg), and throughout state.
Environmental services, food service, facilities maintenance, patient transport, laundry.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case hiring for support roles. Health insurance, retirement, tuition assistance. Clear advancement pathways.
Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC)/Vandalia Health (8,000 employees) - Now part of Vandalia Health. Five locations: Memorial Hospital, General Hospital, Women and Children's Hospital, Teays Valley Hospital, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. Largest hospital in West Virginia with 838 staffed beds.
Environmental services, food service, facilities.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case for non-clinical. Comprehensive benefits.
Mon Health System (Part of Vandalia Health) - Multiple hospitals in northern West Virginia.
Environmental services, dietary, facilities.
Pay: $13-17/hour. Individualized assessment for non-clinical roles.
Retail & Grocery
Walmart (12,600 West Virginia employees) - One of state's largest private employers. Dozens of stores and distribution centers statewide.
Sales associates, cashiers, stockers, warehouse workers.
Pay: $13-16/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution. Fair chance hiring, individualized assessment. Health coverage, 401(k), free college (Live Better U).
Kroger (50 stores, 4,300 workers) - Leading grocery chain statewide.
Cashiers, stockers, clerks.
Pay: $12-16/hour. Many locations with union representation (UFCW). Advancement to department leads and store management.
Target (Major West Virginia markets) - Retail chain.
Team members, sales floor, fulfillment.
Pay: $15-17/hour. Fair chance employer, individualized assessment. 10% discount, tuition assistance $5,000/year.
Lowe's (30+ stores) - Home improvement retail.
Sales associates.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Benefits for full-time, advancement to specialist ($16-20/hour) and supervisor ($38,000-52,000).
Home Depot (Multiple stores) - Home improvement retail.
Sales associates.
Pay: $14-17/hour. Benefits, employee discount, advancement to supervisor ($40,000-55,000).
Dollar General (Hundreds of stores) - Discount retail in rural and urban areas.
Sales associates.
Pay: $11-14/hour. Advancement to key holder ($13-16/hour) and store manager ($32,000-48,000). Second-chance friendly.
Sheetz (Numerous locations) - Convenience stores and gas stations.
Cashiers, food service, shift supervisors.
Pay: $12-16/hour. Flexible scheduling, second-chance reputation.
Manufacturing
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (Buffalo - 2,103 employees) - Largest manufacturer in West Virginia by employee count. Automotive component production.
Production workers.
Pay: $17-24/hour. Comprehensive benefits, profit sharing, advancement to skilled trades and supervisory. Individualized assessment.
Pilgrim's Pride (Moorefield and other locations - 2,000 employees) - Second-largest manufacturer in West Virginia. Poultry processing.
Production, packaging, sanitation.
Pay: $14-19/hour. Benefits, physically demanding. Individualized assessment typical in food processing.
Procter & Gamble (West Virginia facilities) - Consumer goods manufacturing.
Production associates.
Pay: $16-22/hour. Excellent benefits, advancement. Individualized hiring.
NGK Spark Plugs (Sissonville) - Automotive component manufacturing.
Production workers.
Pay: $15-21/hour. Benefits, advancement to quality control and supervisory.
Constellium Rolled Products (Ravenswood - 1,138 employees) - Aluminum manufacturing.
Production workers.
Pay: $17-23/hour. Industrial manufacturing with comprehensive benefits. Case-by-case hiring.
Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (Rocket Center - 1,600 employees) - Aerospace manufacturing.
Production and technical positions.
Pay: Varies significantly by role. Defense contractor may have restrictions based on security clearance, but many production roles accessible.
Chemours (Washington facility - 1,100 employees) - Chemical manufacturing.
Production workers.
Pay: $16-22/hour. Comprehensive benefits. Case-by-case assessment.
Food Service & Hospitality
Restaurants (Statewide) - McDonald's, Subway, various chains and independents.
Cooks, dishwashers, servers, crew members.
Pay: $11-16/hour plus tips for servers. Flexible scheduling.
Construction & Trades
Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Small to medium contractors.
General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, equipment operators.
Pay: $15-22/hour depending on experience. Higher demand April-November construction season.
Top 20 West Virginia Employers Hiring Felons
These West Virginia companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.
WVU Medicine (21,700+ employees statewide) - West Virginia's largest private employer, multiple hospitals.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Facilities Maintenance: $15-20/hour Case-by-case for support, tuition assistance. Learn More
Walmart (12,600 West Virginia employees) - One of state's largest employers, dozens of stores and distribution.
Store Associates: $13-16/hour Distribution Workers: $15-19/hour Department Managers: $40,000-65,000 Fair chance hiring, free college program. Learn More
Charleston Area Medical Center/Vandalia Health (8,000 employees) - Largest hospital in West Virginia, five locations.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Case-by-case for non-clinical. Learn More
Kroger (50 stores, 4,300 workers) - Leading grocery chain statewide.
Cashiers/Stockers: $12-16/hour Department Leads: $35,000-50,000 Store Managers: $55,000-75,000 Union representation (UFCW), fair chance hiring. Learn More
Toyota Motor Manufacturing WV (Buffalo - 2,103 employees) - Largest manufacturer in West Virginia.
Production Workers: $17-24/hour Skilled Trades: $50,000-75,000 Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Profit sharing, individualized assessment. Learn More
Lowe's (30+ stores) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $14-17/hour Specialists: $16-20/hour Supervisors: $38,000-52,000 Individualized assessment. Learn More
Home Depot (Multiple stores) - Home improvement retail.
Sales Associates: $14-17/hour Department Supervisors: $40,000-55,000 Store Management: $60,000-85,000 Fair chance hiring. Learn More
Target (Major WV markets) - Retail chain.
Team Members: $15-17/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Management: $55,000-80,000 Fair chance employer, tuition assistance. Learn More
Mon Health System (Part of Vandalia Health) - Multiple hospitals northern WV.
Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Dietary: $13-16/hour Facilities: $15-20/hour Individualized assessment for non-clinical. Learn More
Pilgrim's Pride (Moorefield and other locations - 2,000 employees) - Second-largest manufacturer in WV, poultry processing.
Production Workers: $14-19/hour Maintenance: $45,000-65,000 Supervisors: $50,000-70,000 Individualized assessment typical in food processing. Learn More
Procter & Gamble (WV facilities) - Consumer goods manufacturing.
Production Associates: $16-22/hour Skilled Operators: $50,000-70,000 Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Excellent benefits, individualized hiring. Learn More
Sheetz (Numerous locations) - Convenience stores and gas stations.
Cashiers/Food Service: $12-16/hour Shift Supervisors: $15-19/hour Store Managers: $40,000-60,000 Second-chance reputation. Learn More
NGK Spark Plugs (Sissonville) - Automotive component manufacturing.
Production Workers: $15-21/hour Quality Control: $40,000-60,000 Supervisors: $55,000-75,000 Individualized assessment. Learn More
Constellium Rolled Products (Ravenswood - 1,138 employees) - Aluminum manufacturing.
Production Workers: $17-23/hour Skilled Operators: $50,000-70,000 Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Case-by-case hiring. Learn More
Dollar General (Hundreds of stores) - Discount retail.
Sales Associates: $11-14/hour Key Holders: $13-16/hour Store Managers: $32,000-48,000 Second-chance friendly, high-volume hiring. Learn More
Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (Rocket Center - 1,600 employees) - Aerospace manufacturing.
Production Positions: Varies by role Technical Positions: $50,000-80,000 Engineering: $75,000-110,000 Many production roles accessible despite defense contractor status. Learn More
Chemours (Washington - 1,100 employees) - Chemical manufacturing.
Production Workers: $16-22/hour Skilled Operators: $50,000-70,000 Supervisors: $60,000-85,000 Case-by-case assessment. Learn More
McDonald's (Multiple WV locations) - Quick-service restaurants.
Crew Members: $11-14/hour Shift Managers: $15-19/hour General Managers: $38,000-52,000 Franchisee hiring varies, many second-chance. Learn More
Express Employment (WV locations) - Staffing agency.
Warehouse/Manufacturing: $13-22/hour General Labor: $12-20/hour Construction: $15-24/hour Temp-to-perm, second-chance focus. Learn More
PeopleReady (WV locations) - Staffing agency with daily pay.
General Labor: $12-22/hour Warehouse: $13-20/hour Construction: $15-24/hour Daily/weekly pay, immediate placement. Learn More
Felon-Friendly Jobs by West Virginia City
Charleston (Pop. 46,000)
State capital. Healthcare, government, retail, services. Strongest economy in southern WV.
CAMC/Vandalia Health (8,000) - $13-17/hour
State government - varies
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour
Construction - $15-22/hour
Huntington (Pop. 46,000)
Southwest WV hub. Healthcare, education (Marshall University), retail.
Healthcare systems - $13-17/hour
Marshall University support - varies
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Construction - $15-22/hour
Morgantown (Pop. 31,000)
College town (WVU). Healthcare, education, technology.
WVU Medicine - $13-17/hour
West Virginia University support - varies
Retail chains - $13-17/hour
Healthcare facilities - $13-17/hour
Technology companies - varies
Parkersburg (Pop. 29,000)
Mid-Ohio Valley hub. Manufacturing, healthcare, retail.
WVU Medicine Camden Clark - $13-17/hour
Manufacturing facilities - $15-22/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Healthcare - $13-17/hour
Construction - $15-20/hour
Wheeling (Pop. 26,000)
Northern panhandle. Healthcare, manufacturing, retail.
Healthcare systems - $13-17/hour
Manufacturing - $15-22/hour
Retail chains - $12-17/hour
Casino/gaming - $12-18/hour
Construction - $15-20/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in West Virginia
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in West Virginia.
Manufacturing Advancement
Start: Production Worker - $14-24/hour at Toyota ($17-24/hour), Pilgrim's Pride ($14-19/hour), Procter & Gamble ($16-22/hour), NGK ($15-21/hour), Constellium ($17-23/hour).
Advance to Skilled Positions - Maintenance technician, quality control: $45,000-75,000. Internal training programs.
Supervisors - Production supervisors: $55,000-85,000. Promote from production floor.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)
Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Interstate and regional routes: $55,000-75,000 annually. West Virginia's Appalachian geography requires skilled drivers. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.
Local Delivery - Home daily positions: $45,000-60,000.
Skilled Trades
Electrician - Commercial/industrial: $50,000-75,000. Apprenticeship programs available.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Commercial: $48,000-70,000. Strong demand in construction and manufacturing.
HVAC Technician - West Virginia's varied climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $45,000-65,000.
Welder - Industrial, manufacturing, construction: $45,000-70,000. Strong demand in manufacturing sector.
Healthcare Career Advancement
Start: Environmental Services/Food Service - $13-17/hour at WVU Medicine or CAMC. Use tuition assistance.
Surgical Technologist - With training: $45,000-60,000. Programs at community and technical colleges.
Respiratory Therapist - With degree: $55,000-70,000.
West Virginia Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
West Virginia offers expungement options and workforce development support for justice-impacted individuals.
Expungement and Record Sealing
Non-Conviction Records: Can petition to seal arrest records if charges dismissed, not filed, or acquittal.
Conviction Expungement (WV Code § 61-11-25, § 61-11-26): May petition to seal qualifying convictions including certain nonviolent felonies after waiting periods (typically 5-10 years from sentence completion). Must pay all fines/fees/restitution, complete probation/parole, maintain clean record. Cannot expunge violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI, crimes against children.
Recent Legislative Efforts: HB 4344 (2024) aimed at expanding automatic expungement but not yet passed. Current process requires petition.
Process: File petition with circuit court where conviction occurred, prosecutor review, hearing, judge decision. Cost: varies by county (typically $100-300). Timeline: 3-6 months. Sealed records not accessible to public.
FREE Assistance: Legal Aid of West Virginia (1-866-255-4370 or legalaidwv.org) provides FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income West Virginians.
Ban-the-Box Status
NO Statewide Ban-the-Box: West Virginia does NOT have statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Ban-the-box bills introduced but not passed. Private employers may ask about criminal history on applications.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides West Virginia employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.
State Workforce Development
WorkForce West Virginia - Statewide network providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals.
Contact: (304) 558-7024 | workforcewv.org
Locations: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Beckley, Martinsburg, and throughout state.
Reentry Organizations
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Reentry Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance.
Contact: (304) 558-2036 | dcr.wv.gov
Additional West Virginia Resources
Training & Education
West Virginia Community and Technical College System - Multiple colleges statewide offering workforce training, skilled trades, CDL, welding, HVAC with financial aid.
West Virginia Apprenticeship Program - Registered apprenticeships in construction trades, manufacturing.
Housing Assistance
West Virginia Housing Development Fund - Rental assistance programs.
Contact: (304) 345-6475 | wvhdf.com
Legal Aid
Legal Aid of West Virginia - FREE civil legal services including expungement assistance for low-income West Virginians.
Contact: 1-866-255-4370 | legalaidwv.org
Offices: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling.
Transportation Support
Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (Charleston) - Public transit. Reduced fare programs.
Transit Authority of River City (Huntington) - Public transit.
Mountain Line Transit (Morgantown) - Public transit.
Limited Rural Transit - Personal vehicle often necessary outside major cities.
Staffing Agencies in West Virginia That Work With Felons
Express Employment Professionals - Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, construction. Pay: $13-24/hour. Second-chance focus.
PeopleReady - Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, construction. Pay: $12-24/hour. Immediate placement, second-chance friendly.
Manpower - Charleston, Huntington areas. Manufacturing, logistics. Pay: $13-20/hour. Temp-to-perm common.
Adecco - Charleston, Morgantown. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative. Pay: $13-20/hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does West Virginia have a ban-the-box law?
NO. West Virginia does NOT have statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Ban-the-box bills (including HB 4229, 2024) have been introduced multiple times but not passed. Private employers may ask about criminal history on applications.
Q2: Can I get my record expunged in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia allows expungement of certain non-conviction records and qualifying convictions including nonviolent felonies after waiting periods (typically 5-10 years from sentence completion). Cannot expunge violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI, crimes against children. HB 4344 (2024) aimed at expanding automatic expungement but not yet passed—current process requires petition. Contact Legal Aid of West Virginia (FREE: 1-866-255-4370) for assistance.
Q3: What is West Virginia's minimum wage?
$11.00/hour for 2025, with scheduled annual increases: $12/hour (2026), $13/hour (2027), $14/hour (2028), $15/hour (2029). However, competitive market forces drive most entry-level positions to $14-19/hour.
Q4: How far back do background checks go in West Virginia?
West Virginia follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions indefinitely. Expunged records sealed from public.
Q5: What companies in West Virginia hire felons?
WVU Medicine (21,700 employees), Walmart (12,600), CAMC/Vandalia Health (8,000), Kroger (4,300), Toyota Motor Manufacturing (2,103), Lowe's (30+ stores), Home Depot, Target, Pilgrim's Pride (2,000), and many others. See Top 20 list.
Q6: Can I work at Toyota with a felony in West Virginia?
Yes, with individualized assessment. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Buffalo (2,103 employees—largest manufacturer in WV) hires production workers at $17-24/hour with profit sharing and comprehensive benefits. Apply at toyota.com/careers.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in West Virginia?
Generally yes. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years). Earnings: $55,000-75,000. West Virginia community and technical colleges offer CDL training.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in West Virginia?
Manufacturing skilled positions ($50,000-75,000), 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 $45,000-60,000, respiratory therapy $55,000-70,000), manufacturing supervisors ($55,000-85,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on West Virginia job applications?
West Virginia has NO ban-the-box law—most employers can ask on applications. Answer truthfully if asked—lying discovered later results in termination. Check expungement eligibility after 5-10 years for qualifying convictions—sealed records won't appear. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, clean record. Mention WOTC ($2,400 tax credit).
Q10: Are there free job training programs in West Virginia for people with felonies?
Yes. WorkForce West Virginia (304-558-7024) offers free training referrals. West Virginia Community and Technical College System provides workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers (WVU Medicine, CAMC, Toyota) provide tuition assistance. West Virginia Apprenticeship Program offers paid training in construction and manufacturing trades.
Next Steps: Your West Virginia Job Search Action Plan
Step 1: Check Expungement Eligibility and Start Process
West Virginia allows expungement of qualifying convictions after 5-10 years from sentence completion (WV Code § 61-11-25, § 61-11-26). Cannot expunge violent felonies, sex offenses, DUI, crimes against children. Contact Legal Aid of West Virginia (FREE: 1-866-255-4370) to determine eligibility and file petition. Cost: typically $100-300. Timeline: 3-6 months. Getting record sealed FIRST improves prospects dramatically. Don't wait—start process immediately if eligible.
Step 2: Register with WorkForce West Virginia and Multiple Staffing Agencies
Register with WorkForce West Virginia (304-558-7024) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Offices in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies: Express Employment (manufacturing/warehouse connections), PeopleReady (daily pay, immediate placement), Manpower (temp-to-perm), Adecco (manufacturing focus). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $13-24/hour with temp-to-perm potential at Toyota, Pilgrim's Pride, and major employers.
Step 3: Target West Virginia's Accessible Employers
Apply to: WVU Medicine (21,700 employees, $13-17/hour support with tuition assistance, case-by-case hiring), Walmart (12,600 employees, $13-16/hour retail, $15-19/hour distribution, fair-chance policies), Toyota Motor Manufacturing Buffalo (2,103 employees, $17-24/hour with profit sharing, individualized assessment), CAMC/Vandalia Health (8,000 employees, $13-17/hour support), Kroger (4,300 workers, $12-16/hour with union representation), Pilgrim's Pride (2,000 employees, $14-19/hour food processing), Lowe's (30+ stores, $14-17/hour), Home Depot, Target ($15-17/hour fair-chance), Procter & Gamble ($16-22/hour). Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors.
Step 4: Prepare Application Strategy for No Ban-the-Box Environment
West Virginia has NO ban-the-box law—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. Mention WOTC ($2,400 federal tax credit) and Federal Bonding Program (free theft insurance) to demonstrate financial benefit. Develop 3-5 professional references. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently.
Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers in West Virginia's Growing Sectors
Start manufacturing at Toyota Buffalo ($17-24/hour with profit sharing) and advance to skilled trades earning $50,000-75,000. CDL training at community/technical colleges leads to $55,000-75,000 trucking careers. Start healthcare support at WVU Medicine or CAMC ($13-17/hour) and use tuition assistance for surgical tech ($45,000-60,000) or respiratory therapy ($55,000-70,000). Electrician and plumber apprenticeships lead to $48,000-75,000. HVAC certification leads to $45,000-65,000. Welding programs lead to $45,000-70,000 in manufacturing. Pilgrim's Pride production ($14-19/hour) advances to maintenance ($45,000-65,000). Persist through rejections—West Virginia's minimum wage increasing to $15/hour by 2029 and manufacturing sector (45,400 workers) creates 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 West Virginia's expungement laws (WV Code § 61-11-25, § 61-11-26), lack of statewide ban-the-box protections, and scheduled minimum wage increases is general in nature. Expungement eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with West Virginia employment attorney or Legal Aid of West Virginia (FREE: 1-866-255-4370) 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.