Felon Friendly Jobs in Charleston | Second Chance Employment
In Charleston, South Carolina, 75% of employers consider hiring individuals with felony convictions, with 40% reporting successful hires. Felon-friendly jobs are available in construction (60%), hospitality (50%), and manufacturing (45%). Companies like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, and the City of Charleston offer fair chance hiring practices. Organizations like CEO and the South Carolina Department of Corrections’ Work Release Program provide job training and placement services. These efforts help reduce recidivism rates and promote community rehabilitation.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Charleston
Searching for “felon-friendly jobs near me” and living in Charleston? Here are the latest opportunities hiring individuals with criminal records in the area. Residents of Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, and other nearby cities in South Carolina are encouraged to explore these options. Charleston’s job market offers a diverse range of roles in industries like logistics, hospitality, retail, and skilled trades, providing individuals with felony convictions a chance to secure stable employment and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future.
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in Charleston
| Job Title | Company/Employer | Average Pay | Requirements |
|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Schneider, JB Hunt | $60,000–$85,000/year | CDL license, clean driving record. |
| Electrician | Local Contractors | $50,000–$70,000/year | Apprenticeship or certification, physical fitness. |
| HVAC Technician | Local HVAC Companies | $50,000–$75,000/year | Certification in HVAC, technical skills. |
| Construction Foreman | Local Construction Firms | $55,000–$80,000/year | Experience in construction, leadership skills. |
| Welders | Manufacturing Companies | $45,000–$65,000/year | Welding certification, attention to detail. |
| Delivery Route Salesperson | PepsiCo, Coca-Cola | $50,000–$70,000/year | Valid driver’s license, good communication skills. |
| Fleet Mechanic | Ryder, Penske | $50,000–$65,000/year | Certification or experience in mechanics. |
| Plumber | Local Plumbing Services | $50,000–$75,000/year | Certification or apprenticeship. |
| Manufacturing Technician | Bosch, Cummins | $45,000–$65,000/year | Technical skills, ability to follow safety protocols. |
| Industrial Painter | Local Painting Companies | $45,000–$70,000/year | Experience with industrial-grade paints, safety training. |
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Charleston
- Schneider
Schneider is a leading trucking company offering long-haul and regional delivery opportunities. Known for its inclusive hiring practices, the company provides CDL training programs and flexible scheduling. Schneider offers competitive salaries and benefits, making it an excellent option for felons seeking stable employment in the logistics industry. - JB Hunt
JB Hunt specializes in transportation and logistics, with a strong focus on regional trucking jobs. The company supports second-chance hiring, providing opportunities for individuals with a valid CDL and a clean driving record. JB Hunt also offers comprehensive training and advancement opportunities, fostering long-term careers. - PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry. The company offers a range of roles, including warehouse operations, delivery drivers, and sales representatives. PepsiCo is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, frequently offering felon-friendly opportunities with competitive pay and benefits. - Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola provides employment in various sectors, including manufacturing, delivery, and merchandising. The company is reputed for offering felons a chance to rebuild their careers through positions that offer fair wages, consistent schedules, and opportunities for growth. - UPS
United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global shipping and logistics company. They hire felons for roles such as package handlers, warehouse associates, and delivery drivers. UPS is known for offering part-time and full-time opportunities, along with benefits like tuition reimbursement and career advancement programs. - Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a program that allows individuals to work as independent delivery drivers. The program provides felons with an opportunity to earn income by delivering packages on a flexible schedule. A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and insurance are typically the only requirements. - Bosch
Bosch, a leading manufacturer of industrial and consumer goods, hires felons for roles in manufacturing and assembly. The company values skills over past mistakes and provides a supportive work environment with training programs to help employees succeed. - Ryder
Ryder specializes in fleet management and logistics solutions. They are open to hiring felons for roles such as mechanics, warehouse staff, and delivery drivers. Ryder provides on-the-job training and growth opportunities, making it a solid choice for individuals looking to build a career in logistics. - Marriott
Marriott is one of the largest hotel chains globally, offering roles in housekeeping, maintenance, and customer service. They emphasize second-chance hiring, providing stable employment with opportunities for advancement in the hospitality industry. - Publix
Publix is a well-known grocery chain in the Southeast. The company is open to hiring felons for positions like grocery stockers, cashiers, and warehouse associates. Publix provides a positive work environment and competitive pay, along with opportunities to grow within the company.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Charleston?
In Charleston, most employment background checks typically cover the past seven years, following the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This federal law limits the reporting of criminal records, arrests, and other related information to a seven-year timeframe in most cases. However, exceptions can apply based on the type of job or industry. For example, positions in financial services, law enforcement, healthcare, or roles involving vulnerable populations may require more extensive background checks that go beyond seven years.
Additionally, while arrests or non-convictions might not appear after the seven-year period, felony convictions can remain on record indefinitely unless they are expunged under South Carolina’s specific laws. Employers often evaluate the relevance of any past offenses to the job and consider the time elapsed since the conviction when making hiring decisions.
What are the Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers in Charleston?
Ban-the-Box Legislation
While South Carolina does not have statewide ban-the-box laws, some employers in Charleston voluntarily remove questions about criminal history from initial job applications. This practice encourages fair hiring by evaluating candidates based on qualifications first.
Negligent Hiring Protections
Employers in Charleston are protected against negligent hiring claims if they can demonstrate reasonable steps to evaluate a candidate’s suitability. South Carolina law encourages hiring individuals with criminal records by reducing liability for employers acting in good faith.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Employers who hire individuals with felony convictions are eligible for the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This program provides tax credits of up to $9,600 per qualified hire, incentivizing second-chance employment.
Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program offers free insurance bonds to employers hiring individuals with criminal records. These bonds, typically valued at up to $5,000, protect employers from potential losses due to employee dishonesty, increasing confidence in hiring.
South Carolina Expungement Laws
If an individual has expunged records under South Carolina’s laws, employers are not legally allowed to access or consider these during hiring. This ensures a clean slate for eligible candidates.
Part-Time Felon-Friendly Jobs in Charleston
| Job Title | Company/Employer | Job Description | Average Pay | Requirements |
|---|
| Retail Associate | Walmart, Target | Assisting customers, stocking shelves, and operating the cash register. | $12–$15/hour | High school diploma (preferred), customer service skills. |
| Delivery Driver | Amazon Flex, DoorDash | Delivering packages or food to customers in a timely manner. | $15–$20/hour | Valid driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance. |
| Warehouse Worker | UPS, FedEx | Sorting packages, loading/unloading trucks, and maintaining the warehouse. | $14–$18/hour | Ability to lift 50+ pounds, night shifts available. |
| Food Service Worker | McDonald’s, Burger King | Preparing food, taking orders, and maintaining cleanliness. | $10–$14/hour | No prior experience required; training provided. |
| Landscaping Assistant | Local Landscaping Companies | Maintaining lawns, planting, and other outdoor tasks. | $13–$16/hour | Physical stamina, basic landscaping tools knowledge. |
| Housekeeping/Janitorial Staff | Marriott, Hilton | Cleaning rooms, replenishing supplies, and maintaining cleanliness standards. | $12–$15/hour | Attention to detail, flexible schedule. |
| Call Center Representative | Alorica, Concentrix | Handling inbound/outbound calls, resolving customer queries. | $13–$16/hour | Basic computer skills, good communication. |
| Construction Laborer | Local Contractors | Assisting in construction tasks such as digging, lifting, and site preparation. | $14–$20/hour | Physical fitness, safety gear. |
| Grocery Stocker | Publix, Harris Teeter | Stocking shelves, assisting customers, and maintaining inventory. | $12–$15/hour | Basic organizational skills, flexible shifts. |
| Car Wash Attendant | Local Car Washes | Washing and detailing vehicles, customer service tasks. | $10–$13/hour | No prior experience required. |
Conclusion
In Charleston, the pathway to rebuilding a career is increasingly supported by employers who recognize the value of second chances. With a growing emphasis on inclusive hiring practices, individuals with felony convictions have access to a range of opportunities across industries such as logistics, hospitality, and skilled trades. These roles not only provide a stable income but also pave the way for personal and professional growth. By leveraging available resources, such as local training programs and job placement services, and connecting with supportive employers, individuals can overcome barriers and thrive in Charleston’s vibrant job market. The city’s commitment to fostering second-chance employment reflects a broader shift towards a more equitable and productive workforce.
