What is the best job a felon can get?

Asked by: Prof. Price Wiegand PhD  |  Last update: May 10, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (52 votes)

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • CNC machinist. ...
  • Car sales executive. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber. ...
  • Videographer. National average salary: $49,922 per year Primary duties: Videographers record events using a video camera.

What is the best degree for a convicted felon?

The list below highlights degree options for ex-offenders.
  • Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
  • Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Culinary Arts. ...
  • Graphic Design.

What kind of job can you get if you have a felony on your record?

Construction and Skilled Trades

Jobs in construction, like carpentry, plumbing, or welding, are often open to individuals with felony records. These roles prioritize practical skills and experience, making them accessible for those with a background in the skilled trades.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

Do Amazon hire felons?

Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.

Best Jobs for Felons | Jobs After Prison

27 related questions found

What company hires felons?

You will have to check out their hiring website, do the research and follow the application process like normal.
  • • Aamco. • Ace Hardware. • Allied Van Lines. ...
  • • Chipotle. • Cintas. • Community Education Centers. ...
  • • Hilton Hotels. • Home Depot. • IBM. ...
  • • U-Haul. • US Steal Corporation. ...
  • • Golden Corral. • Great Clips.

What disqualifies you on the background check for Amazon?

For instance, a recent felony conviction for a violent crime is likely to be a disqualifying event. A prior conviction for a drug-related felony that is six years old is not necessarily disqualifying.

How far back do most background checks go?

Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.

Can you get a passport with a felony?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

How to recover from a felony conviction?

In California, expungement can offer a fresh start. It doesn't completely erase your record, but it can show that you've served your time and moved on. Record sealing is another option, making your record less visible to the public eye.

What's the best career for a felon?

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  1. Digital marketer. ...
  2. Freelance copywriter. ...
  3. Freelance designer. ...
  4. Painter. ...
  5. Maintenance worker. ...
  6. CNC machinist. ...
  7. Car sales executive. ...
  8. Entrepreneur.

Does FedEx hire felons?

Yes, FedEx has been known to hire felons in the past and currently. However, that does not mean all felons can get a job with the company. Like all employers, FedEx wants to protect itself from negligent hiring lawsuits. The company might be negligent if it hires a felon who goes on to re-offend on company time.

Does the USPS hire felons?

It is Postal Service policy to evaluate the employability of each applicant with a criminal conviction record individually. The fact that an applicant has a criminal conviction record is not sufficient to disqualify that applicant from postal employment.

What's the worst felony?

A crime that's a Class A federal felony is the worst, with a maximum prison term of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. A Class E federal felony involves a prison term of more than one year but less than five years and a maximum fine of $5,000.

What states is the most felon friendly?

50-State Comparison: Limits on Use of Criminal Record in Employment, Licensing & Housing
  • Utah. ...
  • Vermont. ...
  • Virgin Islands. ...
  • Virginia. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Wisconsin. ...
  • Wyoming. Wyoming has no laws restricting consideration of criminal record in employment, including limits on application-stage employer inquiries.

Are there grants for felons to go to school?

You may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant if you've been convicted, are incarcerated in a federal or state penal facility, and are enrolled in an approved prison education program.

Can a felon go on a cruise?

Cruise Line Background Checks

As a result, you could be denied boarding if you are a sex offender or have a violent felony conviction on your record, such as for armed robbery.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Can you fly with a felony charge?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

What state does not do background checks?

Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.

What felonies does Amazon not hire?

Aspects that Affect Your Chances of Getting Hired at Amazon

If you have a felony record for violent crimes, theft, sexual abuse, or other such charges that come up during the criminal background check, then they could greatly affect your chances of getting hired.

Can you still get a job with a pending felony?

California law permits the inclusion of all pending criminal charges in a background check, so even if you have not been convicted, the mere presence of charges against you might influence an employer's decision.

Does Walmart do background checks?

Before requesting a background check, Walmart will obtain your informed and specific consent by asking you to sign a Fair Credit Reporting Act Authorization and Disclosure Form. More information, including market-specific details, can be found in “Additional Resources.”