Best Careers for Female Felons in 2025

Finding a job with a felony on your record is hard—no sugarcoating it. Now imagine being a woman on top of that. You’re not only battling a criminal past but also facing gender bias, limited access to resources, and often the responsibility of caring for kids or family. 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 6.1 million adults in the U.S. have a felony conviction, and thousands of them are women striving to rebuild their lives. Whether you were convicted a year ago or twenty years ago, the challenge of getting back on your feet is real—but not impossible.

What Types of Crimes Impact Job Opportunities the Most?

Let’s be specific. Some convictions may restrict you from working in certain sectors:

Laws vary by state. Expungement or certificate of rehabilitation can widen your options. Look into your state’s process.

Best Careers for Female Felons 

Let’s jump straight into real jobs you can get started with today. These careers aren’t just “possible”—they’re powerful.

1. Freelance Writing & Editing

• Why It Works: No background checks. 100% remote.
• Skills Needed: Good grammar, creativity, research.
• Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer
• Potential Income: $20 to $150 per article

Nicole, 37, started freelance blogging after her release and now earns $3,000/month writing tech reviews.

2. Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)

• Why It Works: Many trucking companies hire felons after 3-5 years.
• Training Time: 4–8 weeks
• Earnings: $55,000/year avg.

Apply to companies like CRST and Swift—they’re known to hire felons.

3. Home Health Aide

• Why It Works: High demand, some leniency on non-violent records.
• Certification: 75-hour program (can be done online)
• Earnings: $13–$20/hr

4. Welding or Skilled Trades

• Industries: Construction, oil rigs, manufacturing
• Why It Works: Skill trumps background
• Earnings: $22–$35/hr
• Training: Trade school (6–12 months)

Female-focused trade schools are expanding! Look into Weld Like A Girl and Women Who Weld.

5. Entrepreneurship (Start Your Own Business)

• No Background Checks!
• Popular Ideas: Cleaning services, baking, nail art, braiding, online stores
• Startup Cost: As low as $200

Lisa opened a mobile pet grooming van and now pulls in $6,000/month.

6. Customer Support (Remote)

• Why It Works: Many online companies skip background checks.
• Skills: Communication, typing
• Earnings: $15–$25/hr
• Companies: Arise, LiveOps, Alorica

7. Peer Recovery Coach / Addiction Counselor

• Why It Works: Your experience is an asset.
• Requirement: Certificate in Peer Support or Counseling
• Earnings: $18–$30/hr

Organizations like NAADAC offer training and job placement.

8. Landscaping or Lawn Care

• Great for: Outdoorsy types, no customer-facing pressure
• Start Up: $500–$1,000
• Income Potential: $40,000–$70,000/year with recurring clients

9. Tattoo Artist / Body Piercer

• Why It Works: Skill-based, portfolio over past
• Apprenticeship Required: 6–12 months
• Earnings: $100/hour once established

Felons with artistic talent often thrive in these spaces.

10. Virtual Assistant

• Tasks: Email management, scheduling, bookkeeping
• Training Needed: Basic computer skills
• Platforms: Belay, Boldly, Upwork
• Earnings: $20–$50/hr

11. Blogger / YouTuber / Digital Influencer

• Zero background checks
• Startup: Website ($30/year), Camera ($100), Time
• Earnings: Unlimited, ad revenue, sponsorships

Focus on niches like prison reform, parenting, budgeting, or healing.

12. Mechanic / Auto Technician

• Why It Works: Certifications > Resume
• Earnings: $50,000–$80,000/year
• Trade Schools: Look into programs with second-chance grants

13. Dog Walker / Pet Sitter

• Apps: Rover, Wag
• Start-up Cost: None, just a background check in some cases
• Earnings: $25–$40/hr

14. Social Media Manager

• Work From Home
• Skills: Content creation, scheduling tools
• Certifications: Hootsuite, Hubspot (free)
• Income: $500–$5,000/month per client

15. Retail (Second-Chance Employers)

• Known Brands: Walmart, Costco, Ace Hardware
• Why It Works: Some branches of these retailers hire felons

Apply in person and speak directly to hiring managers when possible.

More Opportunities: Prisoner Reentry Programs for Ex-Offenders

Training and Education Programs That Help Female Felons

• Hope House (for mothers post-incarceration)
• The Last Mile (teaches coding in prison)
• Dress for Success (job training & clothing)
• Job Corps (free training for ages 16–24)
• CareerOneStop (government-run career navigator)

Final Thought

Your record is a chapter, not the whole story. There are millions of women rebuilding their lives, raising families, and thriving after a felony conviction.

Start small, build consistently, and don’t be afraid to try something new—even if it’s outside your comfort zone.

FAQs