Felon Friendly Jobs Near You: Your Guide to Second Chance Work
A record does not have to stop you from working. Felon friendly jobs are out there: many employers across the country hire people with felony convictions, and this guide shows you where to look, which companies to check out, and how to handle the background check. Start with your state guide below, or jump to the companies that hire people with records.
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In this guide
What Are Felon Friendly Jobs?
Felon friendly jobs are jobs where a criminal record does not automatically rule you out. The employer looks at your skills and your work, not just your past. You may also hear these called felony friendly jobs, background friendly jobs, or second chance jobs. They all mean about the same thing: a real shot at a paycheck.
What is a fair chance employer?
A fair chance employer is a company that agrees to judge you on your qualifications first. Many follow “ban the box” ideas. That means they remove the criminal history question from the first job application and wait to run a background check until later, often after a job offer. Many states and cities have fair chance or ban-the-box rules, mostly for government jobs, and some also cover private employers. Rules are different from place to place, so check your state guide.
What are second chance jobs?
Second chance jobs are roles at employers who openly welcome people coming home from prison or living with a record. Some of these employers partner with reentry programs. Others simply have hiring policies that look at how long ago a conviction happened and whether it relates to the job.
Does “felon friendly” mean no background check?
No. Most felon friendly employers still run a background check. The difference is how they use it. A conviction may not count against you if it is old, unrelated to the job, or if you can show you have moved forward. Some jobs, like certain roles in schools, healthcare, banking, or security, may have legal limits based on certain convictions.
What Jobs Can Felons Get?
People with records work in almost every field. Some industries have a long history of hiring for skills and reliability. Openings depend on your location, your skills, and your record, so always check each employer’s current policy.
Warehouse and distribution jobs
Warehouses need pickers, packers, loaders, and forklift drivers. Many hire in large groups and train on the job. These are some of the most common jobs for felons because the focus is on showing up and working safely.
Construction and skilled trades
Construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and roofing all need workers. Many trade jobs value hands-on skill over a clean record. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn. Some trades need a state license, and licensing boards may review your record, so ask before you start training.
Manufacturing jobs
Factories and plants hire machine operators, assemblers, and quality checkers. Many offer steady shifts and on-the-job training.
Food service and hospitality
Restaurants, kitchens, hotels, and catering companies hire cooks, dishwashers, servers, and housekeepers. These jobs are a common first step back into work.
Transportation, delivery, and CDL driving
Truck driving and delivery jobs can be strong careers for felons. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) can open the door to better pay. Driving jobs usually check your driving record too, and some freight jobs have extra rules for certain offenses.
Retail, cleaning, and facilities
Stores, grocery chains, janitorial companies, and waste and recycling companies all hire for entry-level work that can grow into a career.
Starting your own business
Self-employment is another path. You can learn more in our business grants guide.
Want to build skills first? See our list of free and low-cost training and certifications for people with records.
Browse Felon Friendly Jobs by State
Laws, programs, and employers are different in every state. Pick your state to see local fair chance rules, reentry programs, and employers that hire people with records.
Top Companies That Hire People With Records
Start with these FFJN employer guides. Each guide explains what we know about the company’s background check, the types of jobs to look for, and tips for applying. Hiring policies can change and may differ by location, so always confirm with the employer.
Warehouse, delivery, and logistics
Retail and grocery
Food service
Manufacturing, facilities, and staffing
How to Find Felon Friendly Jobs Near You
Searching “felon friendly jobs near me” can bring up a lot of noise. These steps help you find real openings close to home.
Step 1: Start with your state guide
Open your state guide above. It lists local employers, reentry programs, and the fair chance rules where you live.
Step 2: Visit an American Job Center
Step 3: Use a reentry program
Step 4: Try staffing agencies
Staffing and temp agencies place workers in warehouses, factories, and other jobs, often quickly. A temp job can lead to a full-time offer and gives you recent work history to show the next employer.
Step 5: Apply directly to second chance employers
Use our company guides to find employers that have hired people with records. Apply online and follow up by phone or in person when you can.
Tips for Applying and Passing the Background Check
Be honest, and be ready
Answer an employer’s questions truthfully, and check your state’s rules about what must be disclosed, including sealed or expunged records. Practice a short, calm answer: what happened, what you have done since, and why you are ready to work. Keep the focus on today.
Know your rights under the FCRA
The employer must tell you in writing that it may run a check, and it must get your written permission first.
Before turning you down because of the report, the employer must give you a copy of the report and a summary of your rights.
If the report has mistakes, you can dispute them with the background check company and ask that it send a corrected report to the employer.
Watch for discrimination
Look into clearing your record
Depending on your state, you may be able to seal or expunge some records, or get a pardon or certificate of rehabilitation. A cleared record may not show up on many background checks. A reentry program or legal aid office can tell you what you qualify for.
Get your paperwork ready
Have your ID, Social Security card, and a simple resume ready before you apply. Many employers pay by direct deposit, so see our guide on why you might be denied a bank account and what to do about it.
Getting ready to apply? Use CareerOneStop’s free Find a Job After Incarceration worksheet to organize your resources, explore training, and prepare for applications.
Employer Incentives You Can Mention
Some programs give employers a reason to say yes. You can bring these up in an interview, kindly and briefly.
Federal Bonding Program
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Felon Friendly Jobs FAQ
What jobs can felons get?
People with felony convictions work in many fields, including warehouses, construction and skilled trades, manufacturing, food service, transportation and delivery, retail, and cleaning. Some jobs, like certain roles in schools, healthcare, or finance, may have legal limits tied to specific convictions. Your options depend on your record, your state, and your skills.
Where can I find felon friendly jobs near me?
Start with your FFJN state guide, then visit a local American Job Center. You can also search CareerOneStop’s ReEntry Program Finder by ZIP code, sign up with staffing agencies, and apply directly to companies in our employer guides.
What is a fair chance employer?
A fair chance employer looks at your qualifications before your criminal record. Many wait until later in the hiring process, often after a job offer, to run a background check. Some do this by choice, and some follow state or local fair chance laws.
What are second chance jobs for felons?
Second chance jobs are positions at employers who welcome people with records. These employers may partner with reentry programs or use hiring policies that consider how old a conviction is and whether it relates to the job.
Do felon friendly jobs still do background checks?
Most do. The difference is that a record does not automatically disqualify you. Under federal law, an employer using a background check company needs your written permission, and must give you a copy of the report before rejecting you because of it.
What are the best careers for felons?
Skilled trades, CDL truck driving, welding, and manufacturing can offer steady pay and room to grow. Many of these careers start with short training programs or apprenticeships. Check our free and low-cost training guide to get started.
Should I tell an employer about my record?
Answer an employer’s questions truthfully, and check your state’s rules about what must be disclosed, including sealed or expunged records. Practice a short, calm answer: what happened, what you have done since, and why you are ready to work. Keep the focus on today.
Can I get my record cleared to help me find a job?
Many states allow some records to be sealed or expunged, and others offer pardons or certificates of rehabilitation. Rules vary a lot by state. A reentry program or legal aid office can help you find out what you qualify for.
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Get second-chance jobs in your inbox every Friday
Next Chapter is a free weekly email with employers hiring people with records, training programs, and reentry resources.
Getting ready to apply? Use CareerOneStop’s free Find a Job After Incarceration worksheet to organize your resources, explore training, and prepare for applications.
Sources and resources
Information reviewed October 8, 2026. Hiring policies and state rules can change. Confirm current requirements with the employer or the agency listed above.