Felon Friendly Jobs in Louisiana | Second Chance Employment
In Louisiana, approximately 18,000 people are released from prison each year, and about 60% find employment within the first year. Felon-friendly jobs in Louisiana include industries like construction, oil and gas, and hospitality, with companies like Walmart and Sodexo hiring individuals with criminal records.
Louisiana’s recidivism rate is around 42%, but initiatives like the Louisiana Reentry Program and the Federal Bonding Program aim to reduce this rate by providing job training, education, 2and chance apartments, and employment assistance. Notably, New Orleans has implemented a Ban the Box policy, and Louisiana employers can receive tax credits and incentives for hiring felons.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Louisiana
Searching for felon-friendly jobs and living in Louisiana? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in the area. Residents of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, Monroe, Alexandria, and other nearby cities in Louisiana are encouraged to apply for the positions listed below.
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 Louisiana
For individuals with felony convictions seeking part-time employment in Louisiana, various opportunities are available across different industries. These jobs are not only accessible but also provide a pathway toward financial stability, skill development, and a positive future. Below are some options for part-time felon-friendly jobs in Louisiana:
| Job Title | Salary (per hour) | Key Skills | Why It’s Felon-Friendly |
|---|
| Retail and Customer Service | $9 – $14 | Communication, Customer Service, Problem Solving | Retail stores often hire felons for part-time cashier, sales associate, or stock clerk positions. |
| Food Service Industry | $8 – $12 | Fast-paced work, Customer Service, Teamwork | Food service chains and local restaurants hire felons for roles like cook, dishwasher, or waiter. |
| Delivery and Driver Jobs | $10 – $20 | Driving, Customer Service, Time Management | Companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash offer part-time driving roles for felons with clean records. |
| Construction and Manual Labor | $12 – $18 | Physical Stamina, Manual Labor, Safety Protocols | Many construction and landscaping companies offer part-time physical labor jobs to felons. |
| Warehouse and Inventory Jobs | $11 – $15 | Organization, Attention to Detail, Time Management | Logistics companies, including Amazon, hire felons for part-time roles in warehouses and inventory management. |
| Janitorial and Cleaning Services | $9 – $13 | Attention to Detail, Physical Stamina, Reliability | Cleaning companies, both independent and part of larger facilities, hire felons for flexible, part-time cleaning jobs. |
| Security and Loss Prevention | $10 – $16 | Vigilance, Observational Skills, Communication | Security companies and retail stores hire felons for part-time security guard or loss prevention officer roles. |
| Landscaping and Lawn Care | $10 – $15 | Outdoor Work, Physical Strength, Attention to Detail | Landscaping and groundskeeping companies are open to hiring felons for part-time manual labor roles. |
| Personal Care Services | $9 – $14 | Empathy, Physical Stamina, Daily Assistance | Agencies offering care for elderly or disabled individuals often hire felons for part-time caregiver roles. |
| Freelance and Online Jobs | $10 – $25 (varies widely) | Computer Literacy, Writing, Communication, Time Management | Freelance platforms offer flexible, part-time opportunities for felons, such as data entry or virtual assistant work. |
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Louisiana
Walmart
Walmart is one of the largest employers in the U.S., with numerous locations in Louisiana. The company is known for offering second-chance employment opportunities and has a history of hiring individuals with felony convictions. Walmart values work ethic and customer service skills, and many felons have found part-time and full-time roles in positions such as cashier, stock clerk, and customer service representative. Walmart also offers advancement opportunities for dedicated employees.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s franchises are widespread in Louisiana and have a long-standing reputation for hiring individuals with criminal records. The fast-food chain offers various entry-level positions, including cook, cashier, and maintenance staff. McDonald’s looks for employees who are reliable, motivated, and ready to work in a fast-paced environment. The company also provides flexible hours and opportunities for growth within the organization.
Amazon
Amazon’s fulfillment centers, which are located in multiple parts of Louisiana, regularly hire individuals with criminal backgrounds. The company offers part-time and full-time jobs in roles such as warehouse worker, packer, and delivery driver. Amazon values efficiency, organization, and a strong work ethic, and has made it a priority to offer jobs to people with felony convictions. The job environment is fast-paced, and employees often have the chance to transition into higher-paying positions.
Home Depot
Home Depot is another major retailer that is known for hiring individuals with criminal records. The company offers a wide variety of part-time and full-time positions in Louisiana, such as sales associate, stocker, and cashier. Home Depot is particularly known for its commitment to second chances, offering career development programs and training for its employees. Many workers have found long-term employment and career advancement through Home Depot.
Kroger
With several locations in Louisiana, Kroger is a supermarket chain that often hires individuals with criminal records. The company typically offers part-time roles in customer service, cashiering, and stocking. Kroger values work ethic and is known to provide a supportive work environment. In addition to hourly wages, the company offers benefits such as employee discounts, which are an added perk for part-time workers.
Target
Target commits to hiring felons, and providing opportunities in part-time and full-time positions. Job seekers can find roles as cashiers, sales associates, or stock clerks. Target values diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is known for offering competitive pay and benefits, even for part-time employees. The company also provides ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement.
CVS Health
CVS Health has a policy of offering employment to individuals with criminal records, particularly for positions like cashier, pharmacy technician, and stock clerk. The company operates pharmacies across Louisiana and looks for individuals who are dependable and detail-oriented. CVS provides a structured work environment, and employees have the chance to move up within the company or transfer to different roles.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s, a home improvement retailer, is another employer that hires individuals with criminal backgrounds in Louisiana. The company offers part-time and full-time positions in various roles, including sales associate, cashier, and stock associate. Lowe’s values the skills of its employees and offers opportunities for training and career growth. Their commitment to second-chance employment helps many felons get back into the workforce.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s, a popular pizza chain, is known for hiring felons in Louisiana. The company typically hires workers for part-time positions like delivery drivers, cooks, and pizza makers. Papa John’s looks for individuals who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and are committed to the job. For delivery driver roles, a clean driving record is essential, but the company does hire felons for other positions if their criminal history does not involve driving offenses.
Jiffy Lube
Jiffy Lube, an automotive maintenance chain, hires individuals with felony convictions, especially for roles like automotive technician, customer service associate, and oil change technician. Many Jiffy Lube locations across Louisiana offer part-time opportunities, and the company provides on-the-job training. Jiffy Lube is committed to giving people a second chance, and employees can earn certifications that help them progress within the company.
FedEx
FedEx is a global logistics company that hires individuals with felony convictions, particularly for positions like warehouse worker, package handler, and delivery driver. With facilities in Louisiana, FedEx offers part-time and full-time roles that allow workers to advance their careers. The company has a reputation for valuing hard work and reliability, and many felons have been able to build successful careers at FedEx.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill is an organization dedicated to helping people with barriers to employment, including felons. Goodwill provides job training and placement assistance, along with offering part-time work in retail positions such as cashier, stock associate, and donation attendant. Goodwill focuses on providing a supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to develop new skills and improve their chances for long-term success.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, most background checks for employment typically go back 7 years. However, certain types of convictions, such as those related to violent crimes or sex offenses, can be reported indefinitely. Employers in Louisiana are generally allowed to inquire about felony convictions, but they must comply with federal and state laws, which limit the use of criminal history in hiring decisions. It’s also important to note that some employers may conduct background checks that go back further than 7 years, particularly for sensitive positions or industries that require a higher level of security clearance.
What are the Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, there are several legal protections and incentives for employers who hire individuals with felony convictions, aimed at encouraging second-chance employment:
1. The Louisiana “Ban the Box” Law
Louisiana has enacted a “Ban the Box” law that prohibits state employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history on job applications. This law is designed to prevent discrimination based on a past conviction during the initial stages of hiring. However, employers can still inquire about criminal history later in the hiring process, typically after an interview or when a conditional offer is made.
2. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Employers in Louisiana may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal program that provides tax incentives for hiring individuals from certain target groups, including felons. The WOTC offers a tax credit of up to $2,400 per qualified individual hired, with the amount increasing for certain employees who face additional barriers to employment, such as those with long-term unemployment or certain felony convictions.
3. Fair Chance Hiring Laws
Louisiana does not have statewide “Fair Chance Hiring” laws, but local ordinances in cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans may have specific provisions that encourage employers to hire individuals with criminal records, such as prohibiting blanket bans on hiring felons for certain positions.
4. Exclusion from Liability for Hiring a Felon (Certain Employers)
In Louisiana, some employers are protected from liability if they hire a felon and that individual causes harm or damage during the course of their employment, as long as the employer follows appropriate procedures in conducting background checks and training. This is particularly applicable to certain industries where hiring felons is seen as a part of social rehabilitation.
5. Eligibility for State Employment Programs
Louisiana offers various state-run programs and incentives that encourage the hiring of people with criminal backgrounds. These programs provide training, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals, and employers who participate in these initiatives may be eligible for financial incentives, including wage subsidies or training funds.
6. Louisiana Second Chance Initiative
Some employers may also participate in the Louisiana Second Chance Initiative, a program designed to help ex-offenders re-enter the workforce by connecting them with job training programs and employment opportunities. Employers participating in this initiative are often offered resources and support to assist with the integration of felons into the workplace.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in Louisiana
| Job Title | Salary (per hour) | Key Skills Required | Why It’s Felon-Friendly |
|---|
| Construction Manager | $30 – $50 | Leadership, Project Management, Knowledge of Building Codes | Construction companies often hire felons for higher-paying managerial roles. |
| Truck Driver | $18 – $30 | Driving, Navigation, Time Management | Many companies, including those in logistics, hire felons for truck driving positions. |
| Plumber | $20 – $35 | Technical Skills, Problem-Solving, Physical Stamina | The trade industry values skilled workers and often offers high-paying roles to felons. |
| Electrician | $20 – $40 | Electrical Systems, Safety Protocols, Physical Dexterity | Electricians with experience can find high-paying jobs, and many companies hire felons. |
| Welder | $18 – $30 | Welding Techniques, Attention to Detail, Physical Strength | The welding industry hires felons, especially those with certification and skills. |
| HVAC Technician | $18 – $30 | HVAC Systems, Troubleshooting, Customer Service | HVAC companies hire skilled technicians, and felons with proper training are often given opportunities. |
| Oil and Gas Worker | $20 – $40 | Heavy Equipment Operation, Safety Protocols, Physical Stamina | The oil and gas industry hires felons for various field positions in Louisiana. |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $18 – $35 | Equipment Operation, Safety Awareness, Physical Stamina | Many companies in construction and mining hire felons for high-paying equipment operation jobs. |
| Carpenter | $18 – $30 | Carpentry Skills, Measurement, Attention to Detail | Carpenters with experience are in demand, and many companies hire felons in this trade. |
| Commercial Diver | $25 – $50 | Diving, Physical Stamina, Technical Skills | Commercial diving jobs, particularly in oil and gas, offer lucrative opportunities for felons with certifications. |
Conclusion
Louisiana presents numerous opportunities for individuals with felony convictions to reintegrate into the workforce. With a variety of industries open to hiring felons, from retail to skilled trades, those willing to put in the effort can find meaningful, well-paying work. The state’s legal protections, coupled with incentives for employers, create an environment where second-chance employment is not only possible but encouraged. By leveraging these resources and remaining committed, felons can overcome past barriers and build successful careers.
