Best Jobs for Convicted Felons in 2026: High-Paying Options, Employers, and Reentry Guide

Reentering the workforce after a felony conviction can feel overwhelming, but 2026 offers more opportunities than ever. With labor shortages in trades, the gig economy booming, and "ban the box" laws expanding, convicted felons have access to high-paying trades like welding and CDL trucking, remote customer service roles, and flexible gigs like DoorDash. This comprehensive guide covers the best jobs for felons--tailored for no-experience entry, specific felony types (drug, violent, nonviolent), states like California, Texas, and Florida, and life situations like single parents or those over 40. We'll highlight employers like Amazon and UPS, quick certifications, apprenticeships, and a step-by-step plan to land a job paying $45k–$55k+ annually.

Whether you have a GED, no college, or prison-acquired skills, second-chance hiring is real. Unemployment for ex-offenders hovers at 27%, but programs boast 90% placement rates. Let's dive in.

Quick Answer: Top 5 Best Jobs for Convicted Felons in 2026

For immediate value, here are the top 5 highest-paying, most accessible jobs based on BLS projections (13–16% growth in trades) and felon-friendly hiring trends:

1. CDL Truck Driving – $700–$1,000/week starting ($55k+ avg). High demand; many companies hire felons if no vehicle-related convictions.
2. Welding – $45k–$55k avg. Severe shortages (e.g., 70k+ needed); prison training transfers seamlessly.
3. HVAC/Construction – $45k–$52k. Entry-level apprenticeships nationwide; no experience needed.
4. Manufacturing/Warehouse (Amazon, UPS) – $40k–$50k. Felon-friendly giants hiring en masse.
5. Gig Delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats) – $15–$25/hr flexible. Quick start for single parents; case-by-case felony review.

These roles often skip strict background checks or focus on rehabilitation. Trades lead for pay and stability.

Key Takeaways: Quick Summary of Opportunities

Scan these 12 insights for fast wins:

• 37 states + 150 cities have "ban the box" laws delaying criminal history questions (expanding in 2026).
• Fair Chance Pledge companies like Amazon, Google, Dropbox, UPS hire felons (100+ signers).
• Gig apps: $15–$25/hr; DoorDash/Uber approve many nonviolent felons (time since conviction key).
• Trades growth: Welding/HVAC 13–16% BLS-projected; avg retention 75–96% for ex-offenders.
• Remote: Customer service/sales at Prudential, Under Armour; no commute for parents over 40.
• CA/TX/FL: Strong reentry programs (CEO Works: 90% placed in 10 days).
• Certs: Food handler/BASSET (4 hrs online, no check).
• Federal: USAJOBS/DHS open to felons post-conditional offer.
• Grants: Amber ($10k for women-owned), LISC for ex-prisoner startups.
• Sex offenders: Strict limits (registries public); avoid public-facing roles.
• No experience? Apprenticeships via NMI (resilience praised by employers).
• Unemployment fix: 27% rate drops with certs/networking.

High-Paying Trades and Entry-Level Careers for Felons (No Experience Needed)

Trades dominate for felons: hands-on, high-demand, minimal barriers. BLS notes mechanic/welder pay at $45k avg, with shortages driving hires. Prison welding programs align perfectly.

Truck Driving Jobs for Felons: CDL Guide

Step-by-step to CDL (despite record):

1. Check disqualifiers: Federal bans on DUI (3+), reckless homicide, vehicle felonies. States vary (e.g., CA/TX allow nonviolent).
2. Get medical card, pass written/skills tests.
3. Train: 3–4 weeks ($3k–$5k, often company-sponsored).
4. Apply: Companies like TDI hire ex-felons; earn $700–$1,000/week OTR.

No vehicle crimes? You're eligible. Companies value responsibility.

Welding, HVAC, and Construction: Training Programs

• Welding: $45k–$55k; augmented reality prison training available. Nationwide hiring.
• HVAC: $52k avg; apprenticeships (18–36 months).
• Construction: Factories/landscaping seasonal ($40k); Amazon-adjacent warehouses.

NMI apprenticeships: "Prison discipline becomes career drive" (90% success stories).

Remote and Work-from-Home Jobs for Ex-Offenders

Remote roles suit GED-only or over-40 felons: customer service, sales. Companies like Amazon (remote-adjacent warehouses), Prudential, Under Armour sign Fair Chance Pledge.

• Customer Service: $40k; no experience via online certs.
• Sales: No-check entry; $45k+ commission.
• Cybersecurity/IT: Challenging (trust checks, polygraphs), but possible with 6+ months training (analyst roles). Avoid gov contracts.

Dropbox/Google hire tech felons post-pledge.

Gig Economy and Flexible Jobs: Uber, DoorDash, Delivery Apps

Perfect for single parents/flex hours: $15–$25/hr. DoorDash/Uber Eats review felonies individually (nonviolent/drug OK if 7+ years ago; violent/sex tougher). Requirements: 18+, vehicle, license. Pros: Instant cash. Cons: No benefits, vehicle wear.

Grubhub/Uber Eats in all 50 states.

Felon-Friendly Employers and Second Chance Programs (2026 List)

National: Amazon/UPS warehouses, USAJOBS (DHS benefits: health/retirement post-offer). CA: CEO Works (Sacramento/LA/Riverside; 90% placed in 10 days). TX/FL: Reentry orgs via state labor depts. Others: Georgia Justice Project, NMI.

State-Specific Laws and Ban the Box in 2026 (CA, TX, FL Focus)

Ban the box: 37 states delay checks. CA/TX/FL expanded 2025–26: No inquiry pre-interview; 7–10yr limits (vs. indefinite). Drug/nonviolent: High demand. Violent: "Direct bearing" test. Sex offenders: Public registries block many (e.g., no childcare).

50-state: AL/2025 reforms aid licensing.

Certifications, Degrees, and Entrepreneur Paths (No Background Check)

• Quick certs: Food handler/BASSET (4 hrs, $10–20; cooking/waitress jobs).
• Degrees: Online 18–36 months (game design $77k, social work $80k; 13–16% growth).
• Entrepreneur: Amber Grant ($10k), LISC microgrants; startups for ex-prisoners.

Jobs by Felony Type and Life Situation

• Drug convictions: Trades/gigs (high demand).
• Violent/nonviolent: Manufacturing/warehouse.
• Sex offenders: Warehouse/factory (avoid public; registries limit).
• GED/single parent/over 40: Remote/gigs (flexible).

Trades vs Gig Economy vs Tech: Comparison for Felons

Trades win for pay/stability (27% unemployment fix).

Pros & Cons: Remote Work vs On-Site Felon-Friendly Jobs

Remote: Pros: Flex (parents), no commute. Cons: Tech checks.
On-Site (Trades): Pros: Higher pay, hands-on. Cons: Travel.

Step-by-Step Checklist: How to Land a Felon-Friendly Job in 2026

1. Expunge/seal record if eligible.
2. Get certs (CDL/food handler).
3. Tailor resume: Skills over record.
4. Network: Backchannel (LinkedIn to hiring managers).
5. Apply ban-the-box/Fair Chance employers.
6. Disclose post-offer.
7. Leverage reentry (CEO/NMI).
8. Gig for cash flow.
9. Practice interviews: "I've changed."
10. Follow up relentlessly.

Apprenticeships and Reentry Programs: Your Second Chance Roadmap

NMI/CEO: Hands-on training, 90% placement. Stories: "From prison discipline to mechanic pay."

FAQ

Can felons get a CDL for truck driving jobs?
Yes, unless vehicle/DUI felonies; many companies sponsor.

What remote jobs hire ex-offenders with no experience?
Customer service at Amazon/Prudential; sales gigs.

Are there high-paying cybersecurity jobs for felons?
Possible (analyst $50k+), but trust checks; 6 months training.

Which companies hire felons (Amazon, UPS, Google)?
Yes--all Fair Chance signers; warehouses prime.

Jobs for sex offenders or violent felony convicts?
Warehouse/factory; avoid public-facing due to registries.

Best certifications for felons with no background check?
Food handler, BASSET, CDL--quick and job-ready.

Your past doesn't define you. Start today--trades await.