Best Jobs for Felons in 2026: High-Paying, Felon-Friendly Careers and How to Land Them
Reentering the workforce after a felony conviction can feel daunting, but 2026 offers real opportunities. With 70 million Americans carrying criminal records and 37 states enforcing Ban the Box or Fair Chance laws, high-paying jobs in trades, tech, driving, and more are accessible. Drawing from BLS projections, Prison Policy Initiative data, and reentry program stats, this guide highlights top roles, felon-friendly employers like Amazon and UPS, success stories, and step-by-step strategies. Whether you're in Texas, Florida, or California, learn how employment slashes recidivism--CA reentry programs prove participants reoffend less the longer they're employed (Stanford study)--and bridges the 51.7% wage gap costing $55B yearly (US Chamber).
Quick Answer: Top 10 Best Jobs for Felons in 2026
For immediate value, here's a ranked list of the highest-paying, most accessible jobs based on median salaries (BLS 2026 projections), entry ease, and felon-friendliness. Prioritized by pay potential ($50K+), quick certifications (<6 months), and low barriers.
| Rank | Job | Median Salary (2026) | Entry Requirements | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Truck Driver (CDL) | $60K–$80K | CDL training (4–8 weeks), MVR check | High demand, OTR flexibility | Driving record scrutiny |
| 2 | Welder | $50K–$65K | 3–6 month cert, no license often needed | Prison training transferable | Physical demands |
| 3 | HVAC Technician | $55K–$70K | 6-month bootcamp | Growing field, steady work | Some licensing reforms ongoing |
| 4 | Solar Panel Installer | $50K–$60K | On-job training | +247% growth since 2011 | Grueling outdoor work |
| 5 | Delivery Driver (Uber/DoorDash/FedEx) | $45K–$60K | Clean MVR, app-based | Flexible gigs | Non-violent records preferred |
| 6 | Warehouse Worker (Amazon/UPS) | $40K–$55K | Entry-level, Ban the Box | Remote locations, benefits | Shift work |
| 7 | CNA (Healthcare) | $40K–$50K | 4-week cert | Stable demand | Background limits for some |
| 8 | Cybersecurity Specialist | $70K+ (entry) | Coding bootcamp (3–6 months) | Remote, high growth | Competitive |
| 9 | Freelance Writer/Coder | $45K–$70K | Self-taught/portfolio | Work-from-home, no checks | Inconsistent income |
| 10 | Construction Laborer | $40K–$55K | No experience | Felon-friendly sites | Weather-dependent |
Key Stat: Employment cuts recidivism--over 60% of ex-incarcerated are rearrested in 3 years without jobs, but CA programs lower it significantly (Governor's report). Reentry initiatives like CEO Works boast 90% placement in 10 days.
Key Takeaways: Essential Stats and Trends for Felon Employment in 2026
Ex-offenders face 27% unemployment (Prison Policy) and a 51.7% wage gap ($55B annual loss, US Chamber), but trends are shifting. 70M Americans have records; 37 states plus 150 localities have Ban the Box/Fair Chance laws delaying criminal inquiries. BLS data shows trades and green energy booming. Reentry success: 60% employed within 30 days post-release (US Chamber); CEO Works achieves 90% in 10 days. Contradictions: CMU study says expungement doesn't boost jobs, yet Fair Chance Act (Treasury) and EEOC Green factors improve access. Motivation: 3.8% of small biz owners have records (Rand).
High-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs and Industries in 2026
Trades and Manual Labor: Construction, Welding, HVAC for Ex-Convicts
Trades top the list for quick entry and pay. Welding ($50K+) and HVAC ($55K+) need short certifications; many firms skip licenses for felons amid reforms (NBC News). Construction hires ex-cons freely--no license for laborers ($40K+). Solar installers ($50K, +247% growth since 2011, Guardian) and wind techs welcome prison-trained workers. Mini Case: Ex-cons in Athmar Park, CO, drill solar rails post-release, defying low-pay myths.
Tech and Remote Work: Coding, Freelance, Work-from-Home for Felons
Remote gigs bypass checks. Coding bootcamps accept felons for cybersecurity ($70K+ entry). Freelance writing/coding on Upwork or online tutoring (no background reqs). Fair Chance signers like Under Armour and Facebook hire remotely. Growth: Tech fields open to reformed felons via self-taught paths.
Driving and Delivery: Truck, Uber, DoorDash Jobs for Felons
CDL truckers earn $60K+; many carriers overlook non-violent felonies if MVR clean (iProspectCheck). Delivery averages $60K (Upper)--Uber/DoorDash check driving only, FedEx hires broadly. Caveat: Violent records may bar.
Felon-Friendly Employers and Companies Hiring in 2026 (Updated List)
Target these second-chance hirers:
- Amazon/UPS: Warehouses ($40K+), Ban the Box; Amazon eyes $485B revenue.
- FedEx: Drivers/logistics.
- Virgin Group analogs: Inclusive policies.
- Pret a Manger/Timpson US ops: Train ex-offenders.
- Fair Chance Pledge: 100+ firms. Case: Amethyst turned felon to entrepreneur via job platforms. Rand: 3.8% small biz owners have records.
Jobs for Felons with Specific Records: Violent Felonies, Sex Offenders, Over 50
Violent felonies: Trades/remote ok, avoid security. Sex offenders (TX): No minors/vulnerable roles; manual labor viable (Scheiner Law pre-reviews). Over 50: Entry warehouse/driving; reentry programs tailor support.
State-Specific Opportunities: Best States and Programs (TX, FL, CA, Federal)
CA leads--reentry lowers recidivism (Stanford/Governor). TX/FL: Lenient trades. Federal: Fair Chance Act eligibility for some jobs (Treasury). CEO Works (CA sites): 90% placement. BLS regional: TX construction booms.
Remote and Entrepreneur Paths: Work-from-Home, Gigs, No-Capital Startups
Gig economy: Freelance, tutoring. Entrepreneurship: 14 grants/loans (FedEx $50K, SBA). Stat: Felons earn 40% less but own 3.8% biz (Rand). Story: Amethyst's redemption platform.
Pros & Cons: Trades vs. Tech/Remote Jobs for Felons + Entry-Level vs. Certified
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Trades | High pay ($50K+), quick certs, local | Physical, licensing blocks (reforms help) |
| Tech/Remote | Flexible, growing, no commute | Training time, competition |
| Entry-Level (Warehouse) | Immediate hire | Lower pay ($40K) |
| Certified (CDL/HVAC) | $60K+, stable | 1–6 months training |
How to Get Hired as a Felon: Step-by-Step Checklist and Certifications
- Assess Record: Expungement limited impact (CMU), but apply.
- Target Ban the Box: Amazon, UPS apps.
- Get Certs: HVAC/welding bootcamps (<6 months), CDL.
- Join Reentry: CEO Works, Amos House (90% success).
- Resume Tips: Skills-first; 34.5% criminal justice workers have degrees (NU). Case: Prison trades to job via programs.
Fair Chance Hiring Laws, Expungement, and Reentry Programs in 2026
EEOC Green factors guide checks. 2026 trends: Hoyer Law expansions. Federal Fair Chance Act delays inquiries. Reentry: 60% employed in 30 days.
Success Stories: Real Felon Employment Wins in the USA
- Amethyst: Felon to entrepreneur, college grad aiding reentry.
- Solar Crew: Ex-cons install panels, stable pay.
- Amazon Hires: Thousands via Fair Chance.
- UK analogs (Timpson): Prisons-to-jobs. Impact: Jobs drop recidivism 60%+.
FAQ
Does Amazon hire felons in 2026?
Yes, warehouses via Ban the Box; case-by-case for others.
Can felons get CDL truck driving jobs?
Yes, if MVR clean; $60K+ average.
What are the best remote jobs for ex-offenders?
Freelance coding/writing, Under Armour/Facebook roles.
Jobs for sex offenders or violent felony records?
Sex: Manual labor (TX limits minors); Violent: Trades/remote.
Best certifications for felons with no experience?
HVAC, welding, CDL--quick, high-ROI.
Felon-friendly jobs in Texas, Florida, California?
TX/FL: Construction/driving; CA: Reentry programs, solar.