Felon Friendly Jobs in Mississippi | Second Chance Employment
In Mississippi, individuals with felony convictions have access to various second chance employment opportunities, aiming to reintegrate into society. According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, approximately 65% of individuals incarcerated will eventually reenter their communities. To support this transition, Mississippi offers felon-friendly jobs in industries like construction, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Statistics show that 70% of Mississippi employers are willing to hire individuals with criminal records, with 40% of construction jobs, 30% of manufacturing jobs, and 25% of hospitality jobs held by individuals with felony convictions. Additionally, the state’s Second Chance Employment program has successfully placed over 2,000 individuals with felony convictions in jobs, with a recidivism rate of only 15%, significantly lower than the national average, demonstrating the effectiveness of Mississippi’s efforts to provide 2and chance employment opportunities.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Mississippi
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
Part-Time Felon-Friendly Jobs in Mississippi
| Job Role | Job Description | Salary Range (Hourly) |
|---|
| Warehouse Worker | Organizing, sorting, and handling inventory in warehouses. | $10 – $15 per hour |
| Food Delivery Driver | Delivering food to customers as an independent contractor. | $8 – $20 per hour (depending on tips) |
| Retail Associate | Assisting customers, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers in retail stores. | $9 – $13 per hour |
| Fast Food Crew Member | Taking orders, cooking, and cleaning in fast food restaurants. | $8 – $12 per hour |
| Janitor / Custodian | Cleaning and maintaining office buildings, schools, or public areas. | $9 – $14 per hour |
| Construction Laborer | Assisting in construction projects with tasks like lifting and carrying materials. | $10 – $16 per hour |
| Customer Service Representative | Answering calls and assisting customers with inquiries or complaints. | $10 – $15 per hour |
| Landscaping Assistant | Mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and general outdoor maintenance. | $9 – $13 per hour |
| Dishwasher | Washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen in restaurants or cafeterias. | $8 – $11 per hour |
| Grocery Store Stocker | Stocking shelves, organizing products, and helping with store displays. | $9 – $12 per hour |
| Delivery Assistant | Assisting with loading/unloading packages and deliveries. | $10 – $13 per hour |
| Pet Care Assistant | Dog walking, grooming assistance, or pet sitting services. | $10 – $15 per hour |
| Security Guard | Monitoring premises and ensuring security at various sites. | $10 – $15 per hour |
| Laundry Attendant | Washing, drying, and folding laundry in laundromats or hotels. | $9 – $12 per hour |
| Event Staff | Assisting with set-up, ushering, and taking tickets at events or concerts. | $9 – $13 per hour |
What are the Felon-Friendly Jobs in Mississippi That Require No Experience?
Mississippi offers a variety of entry-level positions accessible to individuals with felony convictions. These roles often require no prior experience, making them suitable for those seeking a fresh start. Below is a categorized list of opportunities:
1. General Labor and Warehouse Jobs
These jobs typically involve physical work, such as loading, unloading, and organizing materials, and require minimal qualifications.
- Employers: Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and local warehouses.
- Roles: Package Handler, Picker/Packer, and Stock Clerk.
- Average Pay: $12–$15 per hour.
2. Food Service and Hospitality
The food service industry is open to hiring individuals with no prior experience, focusing more on attitude and reliability.
- Employers: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and local diners.
- Roles: Fast Food Worker, Dishwasher, and Kitchen Helper.
- Average Pay: $9–$13 per hour.
3. Retail and Customer Service
Retail jobs are a common entry point for those re-entering the workforce.
- Employers: Dollar General, Walmart, and Family Dollar.
- Roles: Cashier, Shelf Stocker, and Sales Associate.
- Average Pay: $10–$14 per hour.
4. Construction and Manual Labor
Construction offers steady work with minimal requirements. On-the-job training is often provided.
- Employers: Local contractors and national firms like C.R. England or Turner Industries.
- Roles: General Laborer, Demolition Worker, and Apprentice.
- Average Pay: $13–$17 per hour.
5. Delivery and Courier Services
Driving or delivering items is another accessible option, provided you have a valid license.
- Employers: DoorDash, Uber Eats, and local courier companies.
- Roles: Delivery Driver and Courier.
- Average Pay: $15–$20 per hour (including tips).
6. Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and janitorial positions are usually flexible and require little to no experience.
- Employers: Local cleaning services, schools, and hospitals.
- Roles: Custodian, Janitor, and Housekeeper.
- Average Pay: $10–$14 per hour.
7. Landscaping and Outdoor Work
Outdoor jobs such as landscaping provide physical work opportunities with low entry barriers.
- Employers: Local landscaping companies and municipal services.
- Roles: Groundskeeper, Lawn Care Worker, and Tree Trimmer.
- Average Pay: $12–$15 per hour.
8. Temp Agencies
Temporary staffing agencies often work with individuals who have felony convictions and offer quick placements.
- Agencies in Mississippi: Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, and Labor Finders.
- Roles: Varies based on availability.
- Average Pay: $10–$15 per hour.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Mississippi
Amazon
Amazon offers warehouse jobs such as package sorter and fulfillment associate. They have a history of hiring individuals with felony convictions and offer flexible shifts and training programs.
FedEx
FedEx hires for roles like package handler and dockworker. They are known for their commitment to second chances and provide opportunities for advancement in their logistics and transportation departments.
UPS
UPS hires for positions like package handlers and delivery drivers. They consider applicants with felony records on a case-by-case basis and offer benefits, training, and growth opportunities.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s hires for crew member and kitchen staff roles. The company offers flexible hours and provides training, making it a suitable entry-level job for those with a criminal background.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s hires for cashiers and cooks. They are known for their inclusive hiring policies, including consideration for applicants with felony convictions.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel hires for entry-level positions such as dishwasher and host/hostess. They are open to hiring individuals with criminal records and offer a friendly, family-oriented work environment.
Dollar General
Dollar General offers positions like sales associate and stocker. The company supports second-chance hiring and is often flexible with background checks for qualified applicants.
Walmart
Walmart hires for cashier, inventory associate, and stocker roles. They consider applicants with felonies, and their wide range of positions makes them a good option for those entering the workforce.
Family Dollar
Family Dollar offers positions like store associate and customer service representative. They support inclusive hiring practices and provide entry-level opportunities to individuals with criminal records.
Caterpillar (Corinth, MS)
Caterpillar hires for roles such as assembly line worker and material handler. They offer training and development programs and are willing to consider applicants with felonies for manufacturing jobs.
Turner Industries
Turner Industries hires for construction and manual labor positions. They are open to hiring individuals with felony convictions and provide on-the-job training and advancement opportunities.
Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula, MS)
Ingalls Shipbuilding hires for positions like welder and electrician apprentice. They are known for offering job opportunities to people with felony backgrounds, especially in skilled trade roles.
DoorDash
DoorDash hires drivers for food delivery. They offer flexible hours and allow individuals with felonies to work as independent contractors, delivering food via their app.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats hires for food courier positions. Similar to DoorDash, they provide a flexible work schedule and are generally open to hiring individuals with a felony record, as long as their offense is not recent.
C.R. England
C.R. England offers truck driving positions and provides CDL training. They are open to hiring felons and offer various opportunities for advancement within the transportation industry.
ABM Industries
ABM Industries hires for janitorial and cleaning roles. They have a history of hiring individuals with felony convictions, especially for entry-level positions in facilities maintenance.
ServiceMaster
ServiceMaster hires for positions like cleaner and restoration technician. They offer flexible work hours and are known for their second-chance hiring policies for individuals with a criminal background.
Express Employment Professionals
This staffing agency works with a variety of employers who hire felons. They place individuals in temporary or permanent positions, ranging from general labor to administrative roles.
Labor Finders
Labor Finders is a staffing agency that connects felons with jobs in fields like construction, warehousing, and general labor. They are committed to second-chance hiring and offer flexible job placement.
Manpower
Manpower is a staffing agency that works with employers in various industries. They offer job opportunities in warehouse work, administrative positions, and more, and are open to hiring individuals with a felony conviction.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in Mississippi
| Job Role | Job Description | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|
| Truck Driver | Long-haul and local truck drivers transporting goods. Companies like C.R. England hire felons. | $35,000 – $70,000+ per year |
| Construction Manager | Overseeing construction projects, managing workers, and ensuring project completion. | $50,000 – $80,000+ per year |
| Electrician | Installing and maintaining electrical systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. | $40,000 – $70,000+ per year |
| Plumber | Installing and repairing plumbing systems in homes and businesses. | $40,000 – $65,000+ per year |
| HVAC Technician | Installing and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. | $40,000 – $65,000+ per year |
| Diesel Mechanic | Repairing and maintaining diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. | $40,000 – $60,000+ per year |
| Welding | Performing welding tasks in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or shipbuilding. | $35,000 – $60,000+ per year |
| Forklift Operator | Operating forklifts in warehouses, manufacturing plants, or distribution centers. | $35,000 – $50,000+ per year |
| Security Manager | Managing security teams and operations for businesses, organizations, or events. | $40,000 – $55,000+ per year |
| Sales Representative | Selling products or services for a company, typically in industries like insurance or real estate. | $35,000 – $75,000+ per year |
| Medical Billing and Coding | Managing medical records, processing insurance claims, and ensuring accurate coding for healthcare services. | $35,000 – $55,000 per year |
| Factory Supervisor | Overseeing daily operations in a manufacturing facility, ensuring productivity and quality. | $45,000 – $60,000+ per year |
| Insurance Agent | Selling and managing insurance policies for individuals or businesses. | $40,000 – $70,000+ per year |
| Customer Service Manager | Leading a customer service team, handling customer complaints, and ensuring customer satisfaction. | $40,000 – $55,000+ per year |
| Forklift Operator | Operating forklifts in warehouses or production areas. High-paying positions are often available for skilled operators in large companies. | $35,000 – $50,000+ per year |
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, most background checks for employment typically go back seven years. This is in line with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which generally limits how far back most criminal background checks can report. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Felony Convictions: Felony convictions can be reported indefinitely if they are part of a criminal record, especially if the employer has a policy to check for any criminal history regardless of how long ago it occurred.
- State-Specific Laws: Mississippi does not have specific state laws that shorten the period for reporting criminal history, so the standard seven years applies unless an employer decides to consider a more extended history, particularly for severe crimes.
- Types of Checks: Employers can request different types of checks, such as:
- Criminal History Check: Typically limited to seven years.
- Driving Record: Can go back further, depending on the employer’s needs.
- Credit Report: The FCRA limits the reporting period for credit history to seven years, but bankruptcies can be reported for up to 10 years.
- Exemptions: Certain positions, especially those related to law enforcement, government, or financial services, may require a background check that includes a longer time frame or more detailed information about past convictions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while finding a job as a felon can present unique challenges, Mississippi offers a variety of opportunities across different industries. From part-time roles in retail and fast food to skilled positions in construction, transportation, and healthcare, there are second-chance jobs that allow individuals with a criminal record to rebuild their careers and support themselves and their families. By focusing on gaining new skills, certifications, or experience, felons can access higher-paying positions and increase their chances for long-term career success. With the right mindset and perseverance, individuals in Mississippi can find meaningful employment and make a positive impact on their communities.
