10 High Paying Jobs for Felons in 2025-26

Many people in this circumstance think that the only way to earn money is to go back to committing crimes, and the cycle continues. It gets more difficult for them to get out of the trap each time the cops capture them committing a crime. Getting a good job is difficult enough if you have one crime on your record, but it is nearly impossible if you have others. Knowing where to look will make it easy for you to go past that issue and resume your life’s course.

Despite your beliefs, you can get well-paying jobs if you have a little perseverance and a persistent desire to improve your life. A fantastic place to start is with this list of the top 10 high paying jobs for felons. With an open mind, go over the list and think about which positions best fit your interests and skill set. You’ll be pleased to hear that many businesses provide on-the-job training if you don’t think you’re qualified for any of the positions listed. The first and most important step in getting back on your feet is finding a good job.

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Factors that Influence Job Opportunities for Felons

Securing a high paying jobs for felons is possible, but several key factors can affect your chances. Understanding these can help you target the right opportunities and better prepare for the application process:

• Type of Felony: Non-violent or drug-related offenses may be viewed more leniently by employers compared to violent or financial crimes, especially in certain industries.
• Time Since Conviction: The more time that has passed since your offense particularly with no repeat offenses the better your chances of being hired. Many employers consider the recency of the conviction.
• State Laws and Restrictions: Employment laws vary by state. Some restrict felons from holding licenses for certain professions, while others have fair-chance hiring laws that prohibit asking about criminal history too early in the hiring process.
• Rehabilitation and Work History: Completion of job training programs, rehabilitation, or consistent work history (even in freelance or volunteer roles) demonstrates a commitment to change and reliability.
• Education and Certifications: Additional training or certifications in fields like construction, trucking, IT, or skilled trades can significantly improve your eligibility.
• Employer Policies: Some companies actively support second-chance hiring, while others may have strict background policies research before applying.

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Top 10 High Paying Jobs for Felons in 2025–26

1. Online Freelancing

One of the high paying jobs for felons is online freelancing, regardless of their background, situation, or level of competence. A computer and an internet connection are all you need to get started. As a freelance writer, graphic designer, salesperson, customer service representative, and more, you can earn money. Your skill level and daily effort level determine how much you make. You start at the bottom and work your way up if you don’t have much experience.

You may believe that if you don’t have the necessary abilities, you can’t work as a freelancer. You can attend online lessons and learn as you go, even if you’re not an expert yet. Professionals of all skill levels can be hired by many people on a tight budget. You’ll succeed if you locate freelance websites that link you with clients in need of your services. For other clients to know what to anticipate when employing you, the people you work for post evaluations on your profile.

After you receive a few good evaluations and demonstrate that you are capable of fulfilling your promises, you can begin charging more. No matter how good you do, you may anticipate receiving bad ratings. Don’t forget to provide your perspective as they arise. Additionally, get in touch with the customer who posted the review and inquire about their thoughts on how you may have improved. Some folks are never satisfied and constantly leave negative evaluations, regardless of how good you do.

2. Entrepreneur

Among the high paying jobs for felons is Entrepreneur, imaginative people who require a constructive outlet for their energy. You will frequently get entrepreneurs if you take those skills and steer them in the appropriate direction. The best thing about being an entrepreneur is that you get to choose what conditions must be met to proceed. While you work for someone else, the HR department considers your background and application while determining whether to hire you. When hiring an entrepreneur, employers consider their abilities and the outcomes they can provide for them.

Not everyone is suited for the unique and difficult professional path of entrepreneurship. Being an entrepreneur means accepting responsibility for every success and failure you experience. If you want to succeed in the long run, you need to have business skills in addition to your industry-specific expertise. Entrepreneurs are enthusiastic about what they do every day and start enterprises from the ground up. If you enjoy helping people and have a high risk tolerance, this can be a wise decision.

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3. Marketing

Another one of the high paying jobs for felons is marketing, which can be the best fit for you. The average annual salary for marketers is $132,000. As a marketer, you assist businesses in producing sales collateral that deeply engages and persuades their target audience to make a purchase. You learn about the most important wants and preferences of your employer’s ideal client after conducting market research to determine the demand for the goods or services they offer. By using that data, you may produce ads that attract attention and provide results, increasing your company’s profit.

After becoming a marketer, many people decide to work for someone else. You can work for yourself both online and offline, which is wonderful news. You can sign up to market a variety of affiliate items to those who are most in need of them if you want to work online. To meet your monthly sales target, you employ a variety of strategies, including pay-per-click advertising, social media, and SEO.

You can purchase goods in bulk online and resell them at retail establishments, trade exhibitions, or flea markets if you prefer to sell things in person. Before hiring you for their marketing team, many organizations ask that you hold a bachelor’s degree. If you can demonstrate your abilities and have relevant experience, certain businesses are open to working with you. You can work for yourself without any training and learn new talents as you go. To increase your skills and sales rate, think about reading books and enrolling in online courses.

4. Truck Driver

Truck driver is one of the high paying jobs for felons as there is more demand nationwide as a result of the surge in internet shopping over the past few years. The high turnover rate is a result of the stress that comes with operating a commercial truck. However, you benefit from the turnover rate because it indicates that trucking companies are constantly in need of fresh drivers. You won’t have any problems finding employment if you possess a commercial driver’s license and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

If you don’t like spending a lot of time away from home, this isn’t the career for you. The annual average salary is around $43,690. Truck drivers are only allowed to work 14 hours a day, however many choose to put in extra hours to boost their pay. Before returning, many truck drivers spend days or weeks away from their hometowns. You can work for yourself without any training and learn new talents as you go.

Be aware that some employers guarantee that you will remain at home for a specific number of days per week; however, you should confirm that these conditions are included in your employment contract before to starting work. Otherwise, it will be difficult to prove a verbal contract, and the organization you work for may alter the terms with little to no notice. If you live in a state that allows one-party consent, you can record the conversation. Always read the terms before applying for a commercial truck driver job, regardless of the route you decide to choose.

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5. Military

It’s not necessarily true that someone with a felony record cannot enlist in the military, despite what some people believe. When determining whether or not to allow you to join the military, they consider a number of things. You may be disappointed to hear that no single response provides the complete picture if you are looking for information on salaries and employment growth. There are various branches of the military, and the pay scale for each branch is based on ranks and occupations. You may be eligible for military housing, which lowers your monthly costs, depending on your rank and marital status.

If you want to enlist in the military but have a felony conviction on your record, you must first speak with your recruiter. The military favors hiring individuals with high moral standards for apparent reasons. Over time, the military experiences fewer disciplinary problems when it recruits individuals with strong moral convictions. Although a felony record raises a red signal that your recruiter may use to reject your application, it may not automatically disqualify you.

Your recruiter will interview you and consider a number of things before deciding whether to hire you. You may be able to join despite your criminal history if your recruiter grants a waiver. However, some offenses, such as credit card fraud, assault with a hazardous weapon, sex crimes, and kidnapping, prevent you from receiving a waiver. Most recruiters will instantly exclude you for lying on your application, regardless of your prior criminal history.

6. Welding

Welding is considered as a high paying jobs for felons. Depending on where you reside and the field you want to concentrate in, a welder can do a variety of welding operations. The average welder makes about $41,380 a year, but if you have no expertise, you might only make $25,000. You could make up to $60,000 or more annually if you decide to advance your career and focus on a field that is in high demand.

As directed by your business, you assemble pieces of metal using shapers, cutters, and welding equipment. Some welders assist in the construction of big structures, bridges, and novel materials. If you receive the appropriate training, you might even be able to work at an auto repair business. Other welders fix damaged metal to maintain the safety of buildings, machinery, and structures. Some companies will train you on the job if you don’t know how to weld.

While in training, you shouldn’t expect to earn a lot of money, and you may be required to sign a contract committing to work for the organization for a certain number of years after training is over. Companies frequently demand payment for your training if you leave before the deadline. There are other noteworthy options for those who live close to the coast. You could make about $30 per hour by learning how to weld underwater and fix ships and boats. As long as you put up the effort to develop and progress, welding careers have numerous opportunities for career advancement.

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7. Electrician

Electrician is also one of the high paying jobs for felons. The average annual salary for qualified electricians is $55,000, and analysts predict that over the next ten years, there will be a 14% increase in demand for electricians. When you choose this professional path, you work both indoors and outdoors. Depending on the organization you work for, you install, maintain, and fix electrical systems for residences, commercial buildings, and governmental structures.

In addition to preventing fire concerns, you could assist in fixing short circuits. Make sure you are prepared for any situation because electricians work in a variety of settings and climates. The good news is that you will frequently work in cozy settings that won’t strain your body. You probably want to know how to start down the professional path if you are still interested in this job.

With just a high school degree, you can begin working for many companies. Many states and towns have requirements that you must fulfill in addition to those set forth by the organization. Some states need you to obtain a license, while others merely require liability insurance. If you want to avoid any unforeseen issues along the way, make sure you are aware of the local legislation in your area before proceeding.

8. HVAC Technician

Working as an HVAC technician is a good high paying jobs for felons. You may anticipate earning an average of $47,610 year if you choose this option. Occupational experts predict that between 2016 and 2026, this career will expand by 15%. In a range of environments, HVAC professionals install, replace, and fix heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Homes, workplaces, schools, industries, hospitals, and more could be your place of employment.

Almost any building with an HVAC system will be the site of your work. Make sure you are aware of the types of workplaces you can encounter when contemplating this career option. You will frequently work in extremely hot and cold temperatures because the majority of your clients will be experiencing issues with their HVAC system. Additionally, HVAC professionals frequently work odd hours and on the weekends.

Since many HVAC companies provide emergency repair services around-the-clock, this vocation may need you to spend a lot of time on call. Although it requires a bit more effort than it did in the past, being an HVAC technician is not as difficult as some people believe. In the beginning, you may have entered this field with little to no training. But keep in mind that during the past few years, HVAC systems have become more complicated.

To start down this path early, you can enroll in a trade school or choose to receive training on the job. If you decide to pursue this job, you will invest a great deal of time and energy into it. Being a successful HVAC specialist takes time and effort, but if you persevere and stay dedicated to your goal, it can also be rewarding.

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9. Carpenter

Carpentry is a popular choice for high paying jobs for felons. With an average growth prognosis, this career offers a median salary of $46,509 annually. If you desire a job that provides both steady work and opportunities for advancement, go down this road. Some people enter this line of work before they completely comprehend the requirements.

If you make the same mistake they did, you can wind yourself in a career that isn’t for you. You work both indoors and outside as a carpenter in a range of weather situations, from hot to cold. Some carpenters mold and shape plastic and other materials using tiny tools. As a carpenter, you assist with the installation of halls, cabinets, and other buildings.

Depending on your degree of experience and the organization you work for, you may even be able to operate cranes and other heavy machinery. To find out if you need a license to work as a carpenter in your area, check the regulations set forth by your state. Most employers expect you to finish an apprenticeship before you start working independently, regardless of what your state mandates.

If you want to take your skills to the next level, you can also try attending a local trade school. You can eventually start your own carpentry business using the skills you acquire, much like many of the other occupations covered in this guide. Carpentry can be the career path you’ve been looking for if you like making things or building structures.

10. Oil Field Jobs

Oil Feild Jobs is among the high paying jobs for felons, Fossil fuels will continue to be used for many years to come, even though many businesses are switching to solar and wind power. For convicts who are prepared to put in a lot of effort every day, oil field employment is an excellent option because the demand for gas and oil is still growing. The precise role you attempt to get will determine the compensation and employment prospects. Operators of oil rigs may anticipate earning about $50,000 a year, and many support jobs pay similarly. You may earn $65 per hour if you set your goals high and become a petroleum engineer.

By 2026, there will likely be a 15% increase in the need for petroleum engineers. You must travel for this job and put in a variety of hours, including weekends and evenings. A bachelor’s degree is typically required to work in the oil fields. Being a rig operator is a hard job that calls for physical stamina and strength, just like most positions in the oil sector. At the end of the day, some felons find that working in this profession provides them with a healthy outlet that helps them de-stress. There is a lot of opportunity for progress in the oil sector for those who are prepared to further their education and demonstrate responsibility.

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How Can a Felon Get a Job?

It might be challenging to find employment as a felon, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Anyone with a criminal conviction who wishes to improve their life circumstances by landing a high paying jobs for felons would find this list ideal. Numerous employment possibilities provide on-the-job training, and many of the jobs employ criminals. For new jobs, many others merely need a trade school qualification.

Before choosing a course of action, be sure to check your local legal requirements, as certain states demand a license for some of these occupations. Consider your hobbies and passions if you’re still unsure about what career path might be best for you. One of the positions will undoubtedly fit your style in a way that will allow you to have a successful career of which you can be proud. Your criminal history is not who you are!

Your new career is just the beginning of the life you are creating for yourself. To avoid getting into the same predicament you just got out of, make sure you keep your hands clean once you get your foot in the door. You offer yourself the best chance of succeeding in the long term by becoming knowledgeable about the rules and regulations of the job you are attempting to get.

If you are serious about creating a better life for yourself and the people you care about, you should always seek out new ways to enhance your abilities and earning potential. If you stay focused on your long-term objectives and vision, you can overcome any obstacles you encounter along the path. You may take the crucial initial steps toward your desired job today, and it’s closer than you previously believed.

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In conclusion, finding a high paying jobs for felons isn’t easy but it’s far from impossible. In 2025-26, industries like skilled trades, transportation, technology, and construction are expanding, creating pathways for individuals determined to rebuild their lives. From truck driving and plumbing to freelancing in IT, the opportunities are real especially for those who pursue certifications, gain practical experience, and connect with second-chance employers.

Remember, your past doesn’t define your future; employers increasingly value dedication, reliability, and skill over a criminal record. Take advantage of resources like reentry programs, trade schools, and expungement support. Every step you take today is an investment in your freedom, stability, and personal success tomorrow. Stay focused, build your network, and believe in your ability to thrive. A brighter future with financial independence and meaningful work is within your reach start pursuing it now.