Felon Friendly Jobs in Kentucky | Second Chance Employment
In Kentucky, individuals with felony convictions have access to various second chance employment opportunities, aiming to reintegrate into society. Approximately 95% of individuals incarcerated will eventually reenter their communities, and to support this transition, Kentucky offers felon-friendly jobs in industries like construction, manufacturing, and food service.
Notably, 75% of Kentucky employers are willing to hire individuals with criminal records, demonstrating a commitment to 2and chance employment. The construction industry leads the way, with 60% of jobs held by individuals with felony convictions, followed by manufacturing at 40%, and food service at 30%.
Through the Second Chance Employment program, Kentucky provides resources and support for both employers and individuals with felony convictions, aiming to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reentry. By offering felon-friendly job opportunities, Kentucky works towards creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all individuals.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Kentucky
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
What are the Felon-Friendly Jobs in Kentucky That Require No Experience?
Finding employment as a felon in Kentucky can be challenging, but many companies and industries are open to hiring individuals with a criminal record, even with no prior experience. Below is a comprehensive list of felon-friendly job opportunities that can help you restart your career:
1. Warehouse and Distribution Jobs
- Roles: Picker/Packer, Loader, Forklift Operator (training provided).
- Employers: Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and local warehouses.
- Why They Hire Felons: High turnover rates and demand for reliable labor.
- Salary: $15–$20/hour.
2. Construction and General Labor
- Roles: General Laborer, Demolition Worker, Apprentice.
- Employers: Local contractors, companies like Turner Construction or regional developers.
- Why They Hire Felons: Focus on skills over background; physical labor jobs rarely require experience.
- Salary: $14–$18/hour.
3. Hospitality and Food Services
- Roles: Dishwasher, Busser, Housekeeping, Fast Food Crew Member.
- Employers: McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Marriott Hotels, local diners.
- Why They Hire Felons: Many entry-level positions prioritize reliability over experience.
- Salary: $12–$15/hour plus tips in some roles.
4. Retail and Customer Service
- Roles: Stocker, Cashier, Sales Associate.
- Employers: Walmart, Dollar Tree, Lowe’s, Home Depot.
- Why They Hire Felons: Large corporations often have second-chance hiring policies.
- Salary: $13–$17/hour.
5. Manufacturing and Assembly
- Roles: Machine Operator (entry-level), Assembler, Quality Checker.
- Employers: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Lexmark, GE Appliances.
- Why They Hire Felons: High demand for labor in industrial sectors.
- Salary: $16–$22/hour.
6. Delivery and Courier Services
- Roles: Delivery Driver, Package Handler.
- Employers: DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, Amazon Flex.
- Why They Hire Felons: Flexible roles that rely on consistent performance rather than a clean record.
- Salary: $15–$25/hour (depending on tips).
7. Cleaning and Maintenance Services
- Roles: Janitor, Custodian, Office Cleaner.
- Employers: ABM Industries, local cleaning companies.
- Why They Hire Felons: Entry-level nature of the work and ongoing demand.
- Salary: $13–$18/hour.
8. Online Freelance and Remote Work
- Roles: Data Entry, Virtual Assistant, Customer Support Representative.
- Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, FlexJobs.
- Why They Hire Felons: Independent contractors are judged on skills rather than history.
- Salary: $10–$20/hour.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Kentucky
Many companies in Kentucky are known for their second-chance hiring policies, offering felons an opportunity to reintegrate into the workforce. Below is a categorized list of companies across various industries actively hiring individuals with criminal records.
Amazon
Amazon hires for roles like warehouse associates and delivery drivers, offering competitive pay and benefits. They focus on reliability and performance rather than background, making them felon-friendly.
UPS
UPS provides opportunities for package handlers, drivers, and warehouse staff. Their high demand for seasonal and permanent employees makes them open to hiring individuals with criminal records.
FedEx
FedEx frequently hires for positions in material handling, sorting, and operations. The company values dependability, creating opportunities for felons in Kentucky.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK)
Located in Georgetown, TMMK offers jobs in production and maintenance. They are known for hiring based on skills and training provided on the job.
GE Appliances
GE Appliances in Louisville hires for assembly and machine operation roles. They focus on meeting labor demands and offer training for entry-level positions.
Ford Motor Company
Ford’s assembly plants in Louisville offer opportunities in production and quality inspection. They provide stable jobs with good benefits, hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Walmart
Walmart hires for a range of roles, including stockers, cashiers, and warehouse workers. They actively support second-chance hiring policies in their stores and distribution centers.
Dollar General
Dollar General provides jobs as store associates and warehouse staff. They emphasize dependability and offer flexible schedules, making them accessible to felons.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s employs stockers, retail associates, and delivery drivers. They value customer service skills and offer a supportive work environment.
Marriott Hotels
Marriott hires for housekeeping, maintenance, and front desk roles. They are committed to diversity and provide opportunities for second-chance hires.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s offers flexible, entry-level roles such as crew members and cooks. Many franchises actively support hiring felons to meet staffing needs.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel hires for dishwashing, hosting, and server roles. They prioritize teamwork and reliability over prior experience.
Turner Construction
Turner Construction offers jobs in general labor and skilled trades. They provide on-the-job training and hire individuals based on their willingness to work hard.
Gray Construction
Gray Construction, based in Lexington, hires for project support and maintenance roles. They focus on building local communities and providing opportunities to a wide range of workers.
Tradesmen International
This staffing agency connects individuals with construction and skilled trade jobs, offering short-term and long-term opportunities.
ABM Industries
ABM hires for janitorial, maintenance, and cleaning positions. They prioritize dependability and have a history of second-chance hiring.
Molly Maid
Molly Maid employs house cleaners and offers flexible schedules. They focus on consistency and professionalism, providing work for felons.
ServiceMaster Clean
This company specializes in commercial cleaning and hires individuals for janitorial and floor care roles, often without requiring prior experience.
DoorDash
DoorDash offers flexible, independent contractor positions as delivery drivers. A simple background check and valid driver’s license are required.
Instacart
Instacart hires shoppers and delivery drivers, allowing individuals to work flexible hours. They focus on customer satisfaction rather than applicants’ backgrounds.
Ryder
Ryder hires for trucking, material handling, and logistics roles. They value dependability and offer training for many entry-level positions.
Integrity Staffing Solutions
This staffing agency connects felons with warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics jobs, offering pathways to permanent employment.
Hire Dynamics
Hire Dynamics provides opportunities in logistics, industrial, and customer service roles. They partner with second-chance employers across Kentucky.
PeopleReady
PeopleReady specializes in day labor jobs across construction, hospitality, and general labor industries, providing immediate opportunities for felons.
Part-Time Felon-Friendly Jobs in Kentucky
Here’s a list of part-time jobs in Kentucky that are felon-friendly, including job roles and average salaries:
| Job Role | Salary | Description |
|---|
| Warehouse Associate | $15–$20/hour | Loading, unloading, and organizing packages in warehouses. Flexible evening and weekend shifts. |
| Package Handler | $14–$18/hour | Sorting and stacking packages at logistics centers. Requires physical stamina but minimal experience. |
| Retail Stocker | $13–$16/hour | Restocking shelves, organizing merchandise, and maintaining store cleanliness. |
| Customer Service Associate | $13–$17/hour | Assisting customers with inquiries, returns, and purchases in retail settings. |
| Crew Member (Fast Food) | $12–$15/hour | Taking orders, preparing food, and cleaning dining areas. Flexible schedules. |
| Dishwasher | $12–$14/hour | Cleaning kitchenware and assisting with maintaining cleanliness in restaurant kitchens. |
| Delivery Driver | $15–$25/hour | Picking up and delivering food or packages. Flexible hours and limited management interaction. |
| Grocery Shopper | $14–$22/hour | Shopping for groceries and delivering them to customers. Requires a smartphone and transportation. |
| Janitor/Custodian | $13–$16/hour | Cleaning and maintaining facilities like schools, offices, or commercial spaces. |
| Construction Laborer | $14–$18/hour | Assisting on construction sites with tasks like carrying materials and basic labor. |
| Mover/Helper | $13–$17/hour | Assisting moving companies with packing, lifting, and transporting items. |
| Event Staff | $12–$16/hour | Helping with event setup, ticketing, or crowd control during concerts, sports games, or fairs. |
| Cleaner/Housekeeper | $12–$15/hour | Cleaning residential or commercial spaces. Evening and weekend shifts available. |
| Farm Laborer | $12–$14/hour | Seasonal work involving harvesting, planting, or maintaining crops. Requires physical stamina. |
| Parking Attendant | $13–$16/hour | Monitoring parking lots, assisting customers, and handling ticketing or valet services. |
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, most background checks for employment typically go back seven years. This is in line with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which limits the reporting of certain negative information, such as arrests without convictions, to seven years. However, some exceptions exist:
Key Factors Affecting Background Check Duration
- Type of Job
- For jobs in healthcare, education, law enforcement, or positions involving vulnerable populations, background checks can go back further, sometimes indefinitely.
- High-security roles or government jobs may also require comprehensive background checks with no time limit.
- Salary Threshold
- If the job pays $75,000 or more annually, the seven-year limit under the FCRA does not apply. Employers can review your entire record.
- Criminal Convictions
- Kentucky does not restrict how far back criminal convictions can be reported. Employers can access conviction records regardless of age, unless sealed or expunged.
- Expunged Records
- If a record has been expunged in Kentucky, it will not show up on a background check. Kentucky allows some felonies to be expunged after five years of completing the sentence.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in Kentucky
Here’s a list of high-paying jobs that are accessible to felons in Kentucky, including their typical salaries and descriptions:
| Job Role | Average Salary | Description |
|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $50,000–$80,000/year | Driving freight across states, requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Training programs are often available. |
| Construction Manager | $60,000–$100,000/year | Managing construction projects, budgets, and teams. Opportunities exist for those with experience in construction trades. |
| Skilled Trades Worker | $45,000–$75,000/year | Includes electricians, plumbers, and welders. Vocational training or apprenticeships are typically required. |
| HVAC Technician | $40,000–$70,000/year | Installing and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Certifications like EPA 608 can boost pay. |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $40,000–$65,000/year | Operating machinery such as bulldozers and excavators on construction sites. Training is often available. |
| Auto Mechanic | $35,000–$60,000/year | Diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Certification from ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) can increase earnings. |
| Welder | $40,000–$70,000/year | Fabricating and repairing metal structures. Skilled welders are in high demand across industries. |
| Forklift Operator | $30,000–$50,000/year | Operating forklifts in warehouses or distribution centers. Training and certification may be required. |
| Warehouse Supervisor | $45,000–$65,000/year | Overseeing warehouse operations, inventory management, and staff supervision. |
| Solar Panel Installer | $40,000–$70,000/year | Installing and maintaining solar energy systems. Requires basic training and offers growth opportunities. |
| Delivery Driver (Long-Haul) | $50,000–$75,000/year | Transporting goods over long distances. Positions often include benefits and signing bonuses. |
| Diesel Mechanic | $45,000–$70,000/year | Maintaining and repairing diesel-powered vehicles. Training programs are available for felons. |
| Sales Representative | $40,000–$90,000/year | Selling products or services, often with commission-based earnings. Strong communication skills are beneficial. |
| Industrial Maintenance Technician | $50,000–$80,000/year | Maintaining and repairing industrial equipment in factories and warehouses. Certification can increase pay. |
| IT Support Specialist | $45,000–$65,000/year | Troubleshooting and maintaining computer systems. Entry-level roles may require minimal IT certifications. |
Conclusion
Kentucky offers a range of second-chance employment opportunities for individuals with a felony conviction. From high-paying skilled trades and logistics roles to flexible part-time jobs, felons can find pathways to rebuild their careers and lives. Employers across industries, including construction, transportation, retail, and customer service, are increasingly embracing inclusive hiring practices. By leveraging available training programs, certifications, and second-chance resources, individuals can access rewarding jobs that provide financial stability and growth potential. Kentucky’s evolving job market reflects a commitment to providing fair opportunities for all, fostering hope and empowerment for those seeking a fresh start.
