Felon Friendly Jobs in South Carolina | Second Chance
In South Carolina, individuals with felony convictions have various employment opportunities through second-chance programs. According to the South Carolina Department of Corrections, approximately 20,000 people are released each year, and about 70% will be employed within the first year of release. Felon-friendly jobs in South Carolina include construction, manufacturing, and warehousing, with companies like Home Depot, Walmart, and UPS actively hiring individuals with criminal records.
Industries like food service, hospitality, and transportation also offer 2and Chance employment opportunities. With a recidivism rate of around 25%, South Carolina’s second chance initiatives aim to reduce recidivism by providing job training programs, education, and employment assistance to individuals with felony convictions, helping them reintegrate into society and build a productive life.
Latest Second chance Jobs in South Carolina
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 South Carolina
Finding part-time employment as a felon in South Carolina can present challenges, but many companies and industries are open to hiring individuals with criminal records. Below is a comprehensive guide to opportunities, industries, and resources available to felons seeking part-time employment in the state.
| Industry | Company/Employer | Example Positions | Hourly Wage | Details |
|---|
| Hospitality & Food Service | McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Marriott | Cashier, Cook, Housekeeper | $10–$15 | Flexible schedules; ideal for customer service roles and kitchen work. |
| Retail | Walmart, Dollar General, Lowe’s | Stock Associate, Cashier | $11–$16 | Entry-level positions with potential for career growth and employee discounts. |
| Warehousing & Logistics | Amazon, FedEx, UPS | Package Handler, Inventory Clerk | $14–$20 | Evening and weekend shifts available; physically demanding roles with steady hours. |
| Construction & Trades | Local contractors, Temp agencies | General Laborer, Apprentice | $15–$22 | No experience required for entry-level roles; on-the-job training often provided. |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | ABM Industries, Local services | Janitor, Cleaner | $12–$18 | Part-time shifts available in offices, schools, and public buildings. |
| Non-Profit & Donation Services | Goodwill Industries | Retail Assistant, Donation Processor | $10–$13 | Second-chance employer focused on skill development; flexible schedules offered. |
| Fast Food Chains | Taco Bell, Burger King, Chick-fil-A | Team Member, Drive-Thru Operator | $10–$14 | Quick hiring process; suits individuals seeking evening or weekend work. |
| Staffing Agencies | Kelly Services, Express Employment | Various Roles | $13–$20 | Provides access to short-term or part-time jobs across multiple industries. |
| Local Small Businesses | Local retailers, startups | Customer Service, Stock Clerk | $10–$15 | Family-owned businesses often have fewer hiring restrictions and flexible working hours. |
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in South Carolina
Here is a list of specific companies known to hire felons in South Carolina:
Goodwill Industries
Known for its second-chance hiring programs, Goodwill offers various retail and donation center roles.
Amazon
Operates warehouses and fulfillment centers in South Carolina, providing opportunities for package handlers and logistics roles.
Lowe’s
Frequently hires for retail and stocking positions, offering flexible part-time schedules.
Offers roles such as cashiers, stock clerks, and customer service associates, with locations across the state.
McDonald’s
Known for hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with criminal records, for team member and cook roles.
Taco Bell
Offers part-time positions in food service, including kitchen staff and drive-thru operators.
Provides opportunities for package handlers and warehouse workers in their logistics facilities.
ABM Industries
Hires for janitorial and cleaning roles in schools, offices, and public spaces.
Dollar General
Offers part-time retail positions, including cashiers and stock associates, at various locations throughout the state.
Express Employment Professionals
A staffing agency that connects individuals with temporary or part-time roles in industries like manufacturing and logistics.
Kelly Services
Another staffing agency that offers a variety of short-term and part-time positions, often in felon-friendly workplaces.
Burger King
Frequently hires for entry-level roles such as team members and kitchen staff.
Chick-fil-A
Offers roles in food preparation and customer service, with a focus on community engagement.
Provides positions for part-time package handlers and warehouse workers, particularly during peak seasons.
Manpower
A staffing agency with connections to felon-friendly companies, offering roles in construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, most employment background checks go back 7 years for criminal convictions, following the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This limit applies to non-federal positions, but federal offenses and felony convictions may be reported indefinitely. For sensitive roles, such as those in healthcare or finance, employers may review records beyond 7 years.
Driving records typically cover 3 to 10 years, while education and employment verifications can span your entire history. South Carolina does not impose additional restrictions on background checks, so employers have flexibility within FCRA guidelines. Expunged or sealed records are generally excluded.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in South Carolina
| Industry | Job Title | Estimated Hourly Wage | Details |
|---|
| Skilled Trades | Electrician | $20–$30 | Requires technical skills and certifications, which can often be earned through apprenticeships. |
| Construction | Construction Foreman | $22–$35 | Supervisory roles available for those with experience; demand is high in growing cities like Charleston. |
| Transportation & Logistics | CDL Truck Driver | $22–$30 | Many trucking companies hire felons and offer training programs for obtaining a CDL license. |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machine Operator | $18–$28 | Skilled positions in South Carolina’s thriving manufacturing sector; training often provided. |
| Warehousing | Logistics Coordinator | $18–$25 | Higher-paying roles involving inventory management and operational planning in warehouses. |
| Healthcare Support | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $15–$22 | Certification programs are accessible, and healthcare facilities often hire felons for support roles. |
| Sales | Insurance Sales Representative | $20–$30 (commission-based) | Licensed sales roles may be open to felons depending on the company’s policies. |
| Automotive | Auto Mechanic | $18–$25 | Skilled trade with consistent demand; certification programs available in technical schools. |
| Technology | IT Support Specialist | $20–$30 | Certification programs like CompTIA or Google IT Support can open doors to higher-paying tech roles. |
| Entrepreneurship | Self-Employed Contractor | Varies | Starting a business or freelancing in construction, cleaning, or similar fields offers high earning potential. |
What are the Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, several legal protections and incentives are available to encourage employers to hire individuals with felony convictions. These measures aim to reduce discrimination and support reintegration into the workforce.
Legal Protections for Employers
South Carolina provides liability protections for employers against claims of negligent hiring when reasonable steps, like background checks, are followed. While there is no statewide “Ban-the-Box” law, local initiatives promote delaying inquiries about criminal records. Employers must also comply with EEOC guidelines, which prohibit discrimination unless a criminal record is job-related.
Incentives for Employers
Employers can benefit from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), offering $2,400 to $9,600 per hire, and free fidelity bonds through the Federal Bonding Program to mitigate risks. Additionally, programs like SC Works and on-the-job training reimbursements support hiring and training individuals with criminal records.
Conclusion
In South Carolina, second-chance employment opportunities for individuals with felony convictions are steadily growing. The combination of felon-friendly employers, supportive reentry programs, and financial incentives for businesses creates a pathway for meaningful reintegration into the workforce. While challenges remain, industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, construction, and retail continue to provide reliable job options. Legal protections and tax incentives further encourage businesses to hire individuals with criminal records, fostering an environment of inclusivity and economic growth. For those seeking to rebuild their lives, South Carolina offers a foundation of opportunities to create a brighter future.
