It is interesting to note that there are several jobs for felons in the United States. There are already about 19 million people in the US who have a felony on their permanent record. With a scarlet letter on their résumé, those looking for a second chance, whether it be in employment or housing, are up against the odds. To establish a more balanced job-hunting environment, some governments and towns are fortunately moving by passing ban-the-box laws and policies. Fair chance employment, sometimes referred to as “ban the box,” lets applicants highlight their credentials and abilities during the hiring process without having their prior offenses immediately investigated. The stigmas associated with convicted criminals or people with a criminal history are lessened by delaying such questions until after a conditional job offer has been made.
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Highest Paying Jobs for Felons in the USA
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A Videographer
The average pay for this role is $49,922 a year. Videographers use a video camera to capture events. They might record special occasions like weddings, interviews, live performances, or manufactured material for TV series, documentaries, and business advertisements. Many videographers are independent contractors, although they can also work for a media firm, a television station, or a film team. To draw clients, aspiring videographers can concentrate on developing a portfolio of superior work or seek a degree in film. To start, look for online classes and tutorials on film and video editing.
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Barber
This role offers an average of $51,919 a year in the United States. A barber offers customers hair cutting, shampooing, styling, and trimming services. They might also provide shaving and beard care services. They may work in barbershops, spas, or hair salons. Before they can start working, barbers may need to obtain a state license, which frequently entails finishing a curriculum approved by the state. Instead of attending barber school to obtain your license, you might be able to finish an apprenticeship, depending on local laws and restrictions.
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Truck Driver
Truck drivers in the United States earn an average of $74,931 a year. To move goods from one place to another, truck drivers drive tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and long-haul trailers. Depending on their delivery route and the business they operate in, they convey a variety of goods. For instance, they may move retail goods, cattle, heavy equipment, food, and drink. Truck drivers are in charge of loading and unloading goods, performing regular truck inspections, and ensuring timely deliveries. Obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and keep your driver’s license current to work as a truck driver. There are jobs for felons in truck driving in the USA.
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Web Developer
Web developers earn up to $77,791 a year. A web developer writes code for websites and applications using computer languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They could be independent contractors or employees of a web design firm. To ensure every website they work on functions properly, web developers may also debug problems, examine user feedback, perform regular maintenance, and offer improvements. Web developers can obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Still, those who wish to improve their skills and expand their online portfolio can also take advantage of a variety of online certification programs, coding boot camps, and video tutorials.
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Entrepreneur
The average pay for this role is $78,056 a year. A person who looks for business prospects is an entrepreneur. They frequently take on financial risk and launch their own companies. Successful entrepreneurs are inventive, imaginative, and committed.
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Salesperson for Automobiles
This role pays up to $74,658 a year. A car salesperson’s main responsibilities include assisting clients in selecting the automobile they want to buy. To match clients with the appropriate car, they collaborate with them to ascertain their needs, budget, and financing choices. Executives in charge of car sales also finish paperwork and guarantee the financial approval of purchasers. Many businesses provide on-the-job training for entry-level automobile sales executive positions, even if having a background in marketing, customer service, or business helps impress potential employers.
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A CNC Machinist
In the United States, this role pays up to $58,670 a year. A computer numerically controlled machine is used by a CNC machinist. This kind of heavy machinery is used by manufacturing organizations to create tools, parts, and components out of metal and plastic. These machines must be installed, set up, maintained, inspected, and operated by CNC machinists. Many CNC machinists obtain credentials from technical universities that encompass subjects like computer technology and engineering, even though they do not require a graduate degree.
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Maintenance Worker
For this role, the average pay in the United States is $45,584 a year. An individual who is adept at carrying out a broad range of maintenance duties is a handyperson, handyman, or handyworker. They might provide everything from painting and shelf installation to gutter cleaning and light fixture replacement. Many handymen are independent contractors, while they may work in a single organization’s maintenance department. Each state has different certification requirements for becoming a handy person, so be sure to check the laws in your jurisdiction. The United Handyperson Association and the Association of Certified Handyperson Professionals are two well-known organizations that provide certification programs.
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Painter
The average painter’s salary in the United States is $48,051 per year. Painters’ main responsibilities include painting the outside and interior surfaces of residential and commercial buildings. To assist property owners in achieving the desired aesthetic, they could also install wallpaper or other finishes. Painters may work as independent contractors, for maintenance departments, or construction and home remodeling firms. Although they frequently receive training on the job, obtaining safety and professional certifications can make an impression on prospective employers. Think about obtaining certificates from the Society for Protective Coatings or finishing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renovation, Repair, and Painting program.
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Freelance Designer
Freelance designers earn up to $54,263 a year in the United States. Graphics and visual material for print and digital media are the work of freelance designers using their technical and artistic skill sets. Newsletters, websites, product packaging, brochures, software programs, ads, and print publications are a few of the projects they might work on. Additionally, freelance designers are in charge of creating their client lists and placing bids on tasks. For prospective freelance designers who wish to expand their skill sets, there are many online graphic design tutorials and courses available. Make an effort to establish a professional profile on a freelance employment board and build an impressive online portfolio.
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Independent Copywriter
This role pays an average yearly salary of $72,657. Independent contractors known as freelance copywriters employ their writing abilities to produce technical reports, feature stories, marketing emails, social media content, sales copy, and other PR materials. They might focus on writing on subjects related to a certain sector, such as manufacturing, entertainment, or healthcare. Although a bachelor’s degree in English, creative writing, or journalism is often pursued by freelance copywriters, starting a career in this profession can be facilitated by building a solid work portfolio with your best writing examples. To bid on work openings, you can also register for a professional account on a freelance job portal.
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Digital Marketer
Digital Marketers in the United States earn up to $62,307 a year. Creating online advertising campaigns and managing brand messaging are the areas of expertise for digital marketers. They might produce material for websites, digital display ads, landing pages, social media platforms, and press releases. Many internet marketers operate from home. However, some can work for PR or advertising agencies in offices. To start your career as a digital marketer, think about getting a bachelor’s degree in marketing or becoming a Professional Certified Marketer in Digital Marketing. Notably, digital marketing jobs for felons are available in the United States.
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Are There Government Jobs for Felons?
If you have a criminal record and have served time in prison, you are eligible to work for the Federal Government. Although there are certain exceptions, most federal positions are open to applicants with criminal records. Depending on the offense you committed, you might not be qualified for several government jobs due to specific legislation or laws that forbid employment.
For instance:
- Federal employment is not for life under some federal statutes, such as those that forbid treason.
- Federal employment is not for a specific number of years under other federal legislation.
- National security posts are subject to restrictions under the Bond Amendment.
- According to Public Law 1-4-208 Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, individuals convicted of minor domestic violence offenses under either federal or state law are “prohibited from employment in any position requiring the individual to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition.”
To lessen the burden on those with criminal records, California has taken important steps. The Fair Chance Act, which was passed in 2018, forbids companies with five or more workers from asking about a candidate’s criminal background before offering them a position. Additionally, it requires employers to evaluate a candidate’s criminal history. They are taking into account elements like the length of time since the conviction and whether the crime is directly related to the position.
Does Felony Affect Travel?
A criminal charge has the power to permanently alter your life in a variety of ways. In particular, a criminal charge may prevent you from exercising certain liberties that others take for granted. Travel is one of these liberties. If you are a felon, you will not be able to travel abroad or even inside your own country as freely as people who are not. Those who attempt to travel may face numerous challenges due to their criminal history. Continue reading to find out more about convicted felons’ travel limitations.
In the US, obtaining a passport can be a laborious and occasionally demanding procedure. Being a felon will not make the procedure any simpler. If you have a criminal record, you may not get a passport and will not even be allowed to apply. If you are found guilty of a crime, your passport might be revoked. Passport revocation is overseen by the Secretary of State.
Conclusion
Finding the right jobs for felons in the United States can be challenging. However, this is not impossible. There are progressive laws to give a fair chance in hiring practices. Many high-paying jobs for felons are financially rewarding, with strong work ethics. Notably, a felony may limit certain freedoms and opportunities. With the right certification, there are opportunities for people with a criminal record to work and earn a living.