What jobs cannot hire felons?

Asked by: Kallie Mann  |  Last update: June 13, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)

Jobs felons can't get often involve high security, working with vulnerable populations, or requiring specific federal licenses, including roles in law enforcement, education (especially with minors), federal government, finance (banking/lending), and transportation (pilots, certain trucking), due to federal/state laws and security risks; however, specific restrictions vary by state and the nature of the crime, with some positions like teachers or doctors sometimes allowing exceptions.

Which jobs don't hire felons?

Felons face significant restrictions in jobs requiring licenses (law, medicine, teaching, finance, real estate, security) or involving public trust/vulnerable populations (childcare, elder care, law enforcement, healthcare), as well as roles handling valuables or operating heavy machinery, with specific bans depending on state law and the nature of the crime (e.g., theft, fraud, violent offenses). Industries like finance, education, transportation, and healthcare often have statutory bars or strict licensing requirements that exclude individuals with felony records, though some exceptions and review processes exist.
 

What jobs hire felons in AZ?

Many Arizona employers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, warehousing, food service, and retail are open to hiring felons, with major companies like Albertsons, Snapchat, Fox Corp, UPS, PetSmart, and various local restaurants frequently listed as felon-friendly. Key resources include Arizona@Work for events and local job boards like Indeed, focusing on roles like warehouse, machine operator, driver, and service industry jobs. 

Can you work for the state of Illinois with a felony?

In Illinois, having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from working for the state. However, certain positions and agencies may have stricter requirements. Expunging or sealing your record can significantly enhance your employment opportunities.

What jobs can you still get with a criminal record?

People with criminal records can find jobs in sectors like food service, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance/janitorial services, with large companies like Home Depot, FedEx, and McDonald's often being "felony-friendly," while specialized platforms like Honest Jobs connect job seekers with "fair-chance" employers and essential resources for housing, transportation, and support.
 

How Can I Get A Job As A Convicted Felon?

26 related questions found

What companies are felon-friendly?

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 is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically for high-security government roles (like Top Secret clearance), involving deep dives into finances, criminal history, personal references, and lifestyle, often requiring interviews with associates; these are far more stringent than standard employment checks and focus on trustworthiness for sensitive information access, extending to personal habits, foreign contacts, and potential vulnerabilities.
 

What are the best job boards for felons?

The best job boards for felons focus on "fair chance" hiring, with Honest Jobs being a top dedicated platform, while major sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and CareerOneStop (Justice-Impacted) offer filters or resources to find employers open to hiring individuals with criminal records, alongside specialized agencies like Adecco and Express Employment. 

What can felons not do in Illinois?

What Rights Do Convicted Felons Lose in Illinois?

  • Right to Vote. One of the most fundamental rights you lose when convicted of a felony in Illinois is the right to vote. ...
  • Right to Bear Arms (Second Amendment Rights) ...
  • Right to Serve on a Jury. ...
  • Firearm Rights Restoration. ...
  • Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records.

Can you work for USPS with a felony?

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 jobs are felons most likely to get?

12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records

  • Digital marketer. ...
  • Freelance designer. ...
  • Painter. ...
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber.

What is the easiest job but pays good?

The "easiest" high-paying jobs often involve leveraging existing skills like driving (Truck Driver, Chauffeur) or administration (Virtual Assistant, HR Assistant), specialized trades (Electrician, HVAC Tech) with good training, or remote roles in tech support/IT Help Desk, leveraging specific, in-demand skills (Medical Coding, SEO) without requiring advanced degrees, though "easy" is subjective and often means less physical strain or stress rather than zero effort, with some roles like Sales/Management or Insurance Broking becoming easier once established. 

What's the worst felony you can get?

The "worst" felony is typically a Capital Felony, often defined as premeditated murder, treason, or espionage, carrying penalties of life imprisonment or the death penalty, though federal systems classify the most severe as Class A felonies, which also include murder, terrorism, and large-scale drug trafficking, punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. Specifics vary by state, but generally, the most serious crimes (like first-degree murder, aggravated sexual assault, arson causing death) fall into the highest categories (Class A, First Degree, Capital). 

Does Dollar Tree hire felons?

Will dollar tree hire me if I'm a felon? You should be fine. You may run into problems if you apply for any management positions. Yes, Dollar Tree now does a background check so if you have any convictions, you will not pass the background check.

What states are felon friendly with jobs?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.

What kind of jobs can felons not get?

Felons face significant restrictions in jobs requiring licenses (law, medicine, teaching, finance, real estate, security) or involving public trust/vulnerable populations (childcare, elder care, law enforcement, healthcare), as well as roles handling valuables or operating heavy machinery, with specific bans depending on state law and the nature of the crime (e.g., theft, fraud, violent offenses). Industries like finance, education, transportation, and healthcare often have statutory bars or strict licensing requirements that exclude individuals with felony records, though some exceptions and review processes exist.
 

What is worse, felony 1 or 4?

Despite the fact that a Class 4 felony is a relatively lesser charge than being charged with a Class 1 felony, it can still lead to serious consequences, such as a state prison sentence of up to one year or longer, and having to pay fines of up to $10,000 or more.

What states don't care about felonies?

Ten of these states have mandated the removal of conviction history questions from job applications for private employers:

  • California.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • Illinois.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Minnesota.
  • New Jersey.
  • Oregon.

Can I get hired at Amazon if I have a felony?

Yes, Amazon does hire people with felonies, but it's on a case-by-case basis, depending on the crime's nature, time since the conviction, and the specific job role, with factors like violent offenses or recent crimes often being more problematic than older, non-violent ones, as Amazon follows EEOC guidelines for individualized assessments. While a felony doesn't automatically disqualify you, serious offenses, recent crimes, or those related to driving (for driving roles) or theft can hinder your chances, though some applicants with significant records have been hired, often after time has passed and with community rehabilitation. 

How do I find a job if I have a felony?

To get a job with a felony, focus on fair-chance employers, utilize reentry organizations, highlight your new skills & positive attitude, and be honest but strategic about your past, possibly starting with smaller businesses or freelance work where background checks might be less stringent. Build strong references, gain new certifications, and consider options like "ban the box" initiatives and online platforms like Honest Jobs to connect with inclusive employers. 

What looks bad on a background check?

What looks bad on a background check includes criminal records (especially job-related ones like theft or fraud), significant discrepancies in your application (lying about degrees, titles, dates), unexplained gaps in employment, frequent job changes (job-hopping), poor credit history, and unprofessional social media activity, all of which signal potential dishonesty, instability, or poor judgment to employers. 

What is the 10 second rule in an interview?

The "10-second rule in an interview" refers to two main concepts: the first impression you make upon entering (appearance, greeting, confidence) and the time it takes for a recruiter to screen your resume (they often decide in under 10 seconds). It also applies to the silence during the interview, where interviewers should wait 10 seconds before rescuing a candidate who pauses, allowing them time to think, while candidates should aim to deliver clear, impactful information quickly. 

What makes you fail a background check?

You fail a background check due to criminal history, lying on your resume (inaccurate education, job titles, dates), failing a drug test, a poor driving record (especially for driving jobs), bad credit (for financial roles), negative references, or unverifiable employment/education, with serious offenses and discrepancies often leading to disqualification.