Jobs for felons, state by state

Pick your state on the map. Each state page lists the employers we found that hire people with records, with the proof and the date we checked it, plus free local help like your job center and reentry programs.

More than most people think: warehouse and manufacturing, construction and the trades, food service, trucking, landscaping, and plenty of office and customer service work. Some jobs are closed by law for certain convictions, like some health care, school, banking and security jobs. The employer matters more than the industry.

There's no official list. What really changes from state to state is when an employer can ask about your record, whether you can seal or expunge it, and which licenses have rules about it. Your state page has all three, with the law linked.

Never lie on an application. A lie found later can cost you the job. When they can ask depends on your state and the job. Plan what you will say before you apply. Coaching, not legal advice.

Under federal law a background check company can report a conviction no matter how old it is. Arrests that did not lead to a conviction generally drop off after seven years, except for jobs paying $75,000 or more. Some states add their own limits; check your state page.

We only mark an employer when there is dated evidence: the employer's own policy or program, a confirmed hire, or the owner telling us. Every mark shows its source and runs out unless we check it again. It means they have said it or shown it. It does not promise you a job.

Yes. The Forge builds your resume, cover letter and career report from your story with a free account. The Refinery helps you aim it at a job, plan the record conversation and practice interviews.