How to Find Jobs That Accept Felony Records in 2024
Finding work with a felony conviction feels impossible — but fair-chance hiring has grown significantly in recent years. Here's what actually works.
Start with Fair-Chance Employers
Not all employers are equal. Fair-chance employers have explicitly committed to evaluating candidates before running background checks. OpenPath lists 17+ employers who accept applicants with records across logistics, construction, healthcare, and technology.
Know Your Ban-the-Box Rights
37 states and hundreds of cities now have ban-the-box laws that prevent employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. This means you get to interview first — your record comes up later, when the employer already has a reason to hire you.
Industries with the Lowest Barriers
- Logistics and warehousing — CDL and forklift roles, many with skills-first hiring
- Construction — OSHA certifications, framing, electrical, plumbing apprenticeships
- Food service — ServSafe certification opens kitchen management paths
- Technology — Entry-level IT certifications (Google IT, CompTIA A+) accepted by many employers
The WOTC Advantage
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit gives employers up to $9,600 per hire when they hire people with certain criminal records. Use this in conversations with employers. They may not know it exists — and it changes the math.
OpenPath's Jobs Board
Every job on OpenPath includes an explicit policy on which offense types the employer accepts. Filter by state, industry, and offense type to find real matches.