- Niche Companies
Best Jobs for Individuals with a Criminal Record in 2026
Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone deserves a second chance. Finding a job is a vital step towards rebuilding your life and achieving your goals. While starting a job search can be challenging, it is ultimately a rewarding journey towards personal growth and stability.
Although many employers have historically been hesitant to hire individuals with felony records, a growing number are now committed to creating inclusive workplaces. It is entirely possible to secure a job and turn your life around, regardless of your past.
This guide provides valuable insights to help you navigate your job search effectively in 2026.
Key Takeaways:
-
The top three job opportunities for individuals with a criminal record are construction worker, truck driver, and electrician.
-
Start your job search with entry-level positions and gradually work your way up.
-
Finding a job may take time, so persistence is key—don’t give up!
14 Jobs That Hire Individuals with a Criminal Record
If you’re seeking employment, starting with entry-level jobs can provide the necessary experience to advance your career. These positions can serve as stepping stones to skill development and career growth.
While these are not the only job options for individuals with felony records, they are popular choices among those looking to rebuild their lives:
-
Average Annual Salary: $86,000
Do you have a passion for a product or service? As an entrepreneur, you can create your own path and build a business that reflects your vision.
Prepare thoroughly and conduct research to set up your venture, and enjoy the reward of seeing your dreams materialize with your own business.
Skills needed:
- Business management
- Communication
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
-
Average Annual Salary: $23,000
Construction offers hands-on work that is in high demand across the country. This field provides numerous opportunities, allowing you to specialize in various skills as you gain experience.
Skills needed:
- Physical strength and stamina
- Hand-eye coordination
- Memory
- Building and engineering knowledge
- Willingness to learn
-
Average Annual Salary: $38,000
Learning a trade skill like welding is a solid entry point into a stable industry. Start as a generalist and specialize in a specific skill or type of welding over time.
Skills needed:
- Attention to detail
- Steady hands
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Physical strength and stamina
- Communication
-
Average Annual Salary: $59,000
Truck driving is an excellent option for those who enjoy being on the road. Short-haul opportunities are available for those on probation, while long-haul routes allow you to explore the country.
Skills needed:
- Excellent communication
- Navigation skills
- Driving proficiency
- Organizational skills
- Basic mechanical knowledge
- Patience
-
Average Annual Salary: $43,000
Locksmiths are always in demand due to the frequent need for their services. You can earn a vocational certificate and choose to work independently or at a company.
However, be cautious, as some criminal charges may restrict your ability to pursue this career.
Skills needed:
- Patience
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Flexibility
- Quick thinking
-
Average Annual Salary: $49,000
With every building requiring an HVAC system, skilled technicians are needed for maintenance and repair. You can enter this field through trade schools or company training programs.
Skills needed:
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Time management
- Physical strength and stamina
- Customer service
- Critical thinking
-
Average Annual Salary: $26,000
The restaurant industry is another popular choice for individuals with criminal records. Numerous roles are available, from cooks to bartenders, offering flexibility in work environments.
Consider applying to hotels or event venues, as many have lenient hiring policies. Opportunities for advancement are also prevalent in this sector.
Skills needed:
- Customer service
- Time management
- Memory
- Organization
- Communication
- Attention to detail
-
Average Annual Salary: $53,000
Electricians are in high demand, offering numerous job opportunities. Many companies provide on-the-job training, making it easier for you to enter this field.
Skills needed:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Technical skills in electrical work
- Teamwork
- Physical strength and stamina
- Basic math skills
-
Average Annual Salary: $42,000
Freelancing has become increasingly popular, allowing you to work from home in areas like design, writing, or customer service. Starting with freelance customer service or telemarketing can help you identify your strengths.
Consider your skills or interests in fields like coding, marketing, or project management to pitch your services and begin building your portfolio.
Skills needed:
- Communication
- Marketing
- Negotiation
- Creativity
- Writing and research
-
Average Annual Salary: $45,000
If you have a passion for cars and enjoy fixing things, consider becoming a mechanic. Look for positions that offer on-the-job training or attend a trade school to enhance your competitiveness.
Skills needed:
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Physical strength and stamina
-
Average Annual Salary: $42,000
Individuals with personal experience navigating the criminal justice system can provide valuable insights as counselors. While it may take time to acquire the necessary education and certifications, this career can be profoundly rewarding.
Skills needed:
- Communication
- Active listening
- Patience
- Confidence
-
Average Annual Salary: $56,000
If you possess strong people skills and enjoy engaging with others, a career in sales may be a great fit. Entry-level positions are widely available across various industries.
Sales roles offer opportunities for travel and meeting new people, with numerous chances for advancement.
Skills needed:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Active listening
- Storytelling
- Time management
-
Average Annual Salary: $40,000
Carpentry offers a variety of specializations. Research local job opportunities to determine the skills and qualifications required for your desired path, as some states may require licenses or specific training.
Skills needed:
- Math skills
- Physical strength and stamina
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Communication
-
Temporary Work
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Temporary jobs can provide valuable experience across various roles and industries, making them an excellent option for those entering the workforce.Consider connecting with staffing agencies to find temporary positions that match your skills while you explore your career path.
Skills needed:
- Flexibility
- Social skills
- Communication
Companies That Hire Individuals with Criminal Records
If you’re interested in exploring job opportunities, consider applying to these companies. They are known for hiring individuals with felony records and may have positions that align with your interests.
This list is not exhaustive; many local businesses are also open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds.
- 1-800-Flowers.com
- Ace Hardware
- Adecco Staffing
- Aetna
- Alamo Rent a Car
- Alaska Airlines
- Amazon
- American Airlines
- American Express
- Apple Inc.
- Applebee’s
- Aramark Food Services
- ATT
- Bahama Breeze
- Bally’s Hotel & Casino
- Baskin-Robbins
- Baxter International
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- Best Buy
- Best Western
- The Body Shop
- Boeing
- Bonefish Grill
- Bridgestone
- British Airways
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Calvin Klein
- Carl’s Jr.
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Chase Bank
- Cheesecake Factory
- Chick-fil-a
- Chili’s
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Coldwell Banker
- Comcast
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- CVS Health
- Dairy Queen
- Dell Corporation
- Delta Air Lines
- Denny’s
- Dollar General
- Dollar Tree
- Domino’s Pizza
- Dropbox
- Dunkin Donuts
- Exxon Mobil
- Fairfield Inn
- Family Dollar
- Five Guys Burgers and Fries
- Food Giant
- Freymiller Trucking
- Frito-Lay
- Golden Corral
- Goodwill Industries
- Goodyear Dunlop Tires
- Great Clips
- Greyhound
- Hampton Inn
- The Hershey Company
- Hilton Hotels
- Home Depot
- IHOP
- IKEA
- JiffyLube
- The Johnson Group
- Kellogg’s
- KFC
- Kohl’s
- LG Electronics
- Lyft
- Lowes
- Macy’s
- Marriott Hotels
- Maverick Transportation
- McDonald’s
- Melton Truck Lines
- Men’s Warehouse
- Microsoft
- Nordstrom
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Panera Bread
- Papa John’s
- Pepsi-Co
- Perdue Farms
- PetSmart
- Prudential
- Publix
- Red Lobster
- Red Robin
- Residence Inn
- Ross
- Sam’s Club
- Sara Lee Corporation – Bimbo Bakeries USA
- Showtime Networks
- Shoprite
- Sonic Drive-In
- Sony
- Springhill Suites
- Sprint
- Staples
- Starbucks
- Starwood Hotels
- Subway
- Sysco
- Target Stores
- Tesla
- TGI Fridays
- Trader Joe’s
- Tyson Foods
- Uber
- U-Haul
- Unilever
- United Airlines
- United Parcel Service (UPS)
- Verizon
- Walgreens
- Wal-Mart
- Wendy’s
- Wyndham Hotels
- Niche Companies
Author
Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.
