List of High Paying Jobs for Felons

Finding a job can be something that is full of challenges for anyone, especially for those with a felony. Whether people like it or not, many employers tend to avoid hiring individuals with a criminal record because they are worried about many things. While it is hard to find a job for a felon, it does not mean it is impossible. The felons still have the opportunities to get a job and earn money.

In this post, you will be able to find the list of high paying jobs for felons. Apart from that, you will also be able to find some other information, including about the primary duties, requirements, and benefits of each job. Before anything, please remember that the salary that is mentioned is only estimates and may vary depending on a few things, including employer, location, experience, and some other factors.

List of High Paying Jobs for Felons

There are a dozen high paying jobs for individuals with a felony. The list includes:

1. Welding

Welding is known as a rewarding career. The main duties of a welder include cutting, joining, and repairing parts of various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and construction. There are many ways to learn welding, including from on-the-job experience, apprenticeships, and vocational training.

As reported by Indeed.com, a welder in the United States can earn $40,912 per year or $19.67 per hour. Aside from the salary, some other benefits of working as a welder include:

• It should be easy to get a job as the demand for a welder is high.
• There are a lot of kinds of welding, including gas welding, plasma welding, and arc welding.
• It is possible for you to work in different settings and environments, including outdoors, indoors, or underwater.
• It is easy to advance your career by obtaining certifications, such as the Certified Welder (CW) or the Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) from the American Welding Society.

2. Electrician

The second job that felons can consider is electrician. The average annual salary of a qualified electrician is $54,772. The jobs as an electrician may include installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment for residential, commercial, or industrial clients. Besides, it is also possible for them to do a few things, such as performing inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.

For anyone who wants to be an electrician, you will have to complete a formal apprenticeship program. In case you are not familiar with this program, it is the one that combines classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training. It usually takes about for years to complete. Not only that, but also you will have to get a license from your state. For this one, you may have to pass an exam and meet other criteria. Before applying, make sure to check the requirements because restrictions on licensing felons may be different, depending on the state.

There are a number of advantages working as an electrician, including:

• The tasks vary and are challenging because every electrical job is different.
• It is easy to earn more money by focusing on a specific area, such as security systems, solar power, or smart home technology.
• It is possible to work independently or with a team. Everything depends on the project and the client.
• As more buildings and devices rely on electricity and renewable energy sources, the demand of an electrician is growing.

3. HVAC technician

If you are a felon, you may want to consider working as an HVAC technician. HVAC is the abbreviation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. As a HVAC technician, your jobs include installing, servicing, and repairing these systems. It can be done both in homes or businesses. A year, a HVAC technician can earn about $48,360.

In order to become an HVAC technician, one has to complete a postsecondary program in HVAC technology. There are several topics taught during the program, including air quality, refrigeration, and electrical wiring. To be able to handle refrigerants, they also have to obtain a certification issued by the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA. In addition, they may also have to get a license from their state.

People who work as a HVAC technician can get several benefits, including:

• There are various settings and climates, such as commercial, residential, or industrial buildings. Besides, it can also be indoor or outdoor.
• There are different kinds of HVAC systems, including central air, heat pumps, and ductless units.
• It is pretty easy to improve skills and knowledge, which is by obtaining extra certifications, such as the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) or the HVAC Excellence credentials.
• As there are a lot of people who need efficient and comfortable heating and cooling systems, the demand for the HVAC technicians is high.

4. Truck driver

One of the high paying jobs for felons is truck driver. Truck drivers are the ones that are responsible for transporting items from one place to another. The vehicle that they use can be tractor-trailer, tanker, or dump truck. Within a year, a truck driver can bring approximately $45,092 home.

If you are a felon and are interested in becoming a truck driver, you have to get a commercial driver’s license or CDL. In order to get it, you have to pass both a written and road test. Apart from that, you should also meet the physical and medical standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA. During the process, you may have to go through a drug test and a background check. Before applying, do not forget to check the requirements because some states may have restrictions on issuing CLDs to felons like you.

Just like the other jobs, being a truck driver also offers some benefits, such as:

• You get the chance to visit different places and meet different people.
• The job is flexible and has an independent working style.
• If you want to earn more, you can just drive longer distances, transport heavier loads, or work for specialized companies, such as oversized cargo carriers or hazardous materials.
• The demand for truck drivers is high due to the growth of both the economy and population.

5. Plumber

Plumber is the next promising job for felons. They are the ones who are in charge of installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes and fixtures that carry gas, water, or sewage. Someone who is working in this field can earn about $52,936 a year.

Those who want to become a plumber must complete a formal apprenticeship program. Plus, they also have to get a license from their state by passing an exam and meeting other criteria. In some states, the restrictions may be different, so make sure to check the requirements first.

By becoming a plumber, you can get several benefits. Some of them are as follows:

• The work settings and conditions vary, including new construction, remodeling, or emergency repairs, and indoors or outdoors.
• Feel free to use any kind of plumbing, including residential, commercial, or industrial.
• Improving skills and knowledge can be done by getting additional certifications, such as the Master Plumber or the Journeyman Plumber credentials from the National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation or NITC.
• The demand for plumbers is high as more buildings and systems need plumbing services and maintenance.

6. Carpenter

Not everyone may know this but carpenter is counted as one of the highest paying jobs for felons, earning $46,800 per year or $22.50 per hour. The main jobs as a carpenter include constructing, repairing, and installing wooden structures and fixtures, including cabinets, floors, roofs, and furniture.

Becoming a carpenter requires a completion of a formal apprenticeship program. In addition, a license from the state is also needed. These efforts will not go to waste as this job offers a lot of benefits, including:

• The demand is high as more buildings and structures need carpentry services and maintenance.
• The work settings and projects vary.
• There are several kinds of carpentry to choose from, such as custom, finishing, or framing.
• Improving skills and knowledge is considered easy, which is by obtaining certifications, such as the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) or the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the American Institute of Constructors (AIC).

7. Chef

If you are good at cooking, why not pursue a career as a chef? You can work for a restaurant, hotel, catering company, or anywhere. Every year, you can expect to earn $32,384. To become a chef, having skills is usually not enough. To be a professional, you should also complete a culinary arts program and learn many things, including about cuisine, nutrition, safety, and so on. At first, you can start from the entry-level positions, such as working as prep cook or line cook. After that, you can work your way up to higher-level positions.

Working as a chief is definitely beneficial. The benefits include:

• There are many different kinds of establishments and cuisines, including casual, ethnic, or fine dining.
• This job can sharpen your creativity because you get the chance to create new menus, recipes, and dishes.
• As more individuals and businesses need food and service, the demand for this job is high.
• You can get certifications, such as the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) or the Certified Master Chef (CMC) from the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

8. Web developer

Web developer is also a high paying job for felons. They are in charge of designing, creating, and maintaining websites and web applications. When working, they use various programming languages, tools, and frameworks. A web developer can collect an annual salary of $80,600. In addition to the salary, they can also get some other advantages, such as:

• The demand for web developers is high in this modern era.
• Working can be anywhere, including from the comfort of your home, as long as there is a computer and an internet connection.
• There are many different kinds of web development to choose from, including front-end-back-end, or full-stack.

9. Graphic designer

Graphic design is also a job for felons that offer a decent amount of money, about $45,912 a year. They earn money by creating logos, websites, posters, or flyers. When working, they use various tools, software, and techniques.

Working as a graphic designer requires some skills and knowledge, including layout, typography, color theory, software, and so on. There are many ways to learn graphic design, including through formal education, online courses, and self-study.

The advantages of working as a graphic designer include:

• Working remotely or from anywhere.
• Working independently or as part of the team.
• Sharpening your brain as it involves creativity and style.

10. Entrepreneur

Another high paying job for felons to consider is entrepreneur. This one is the most recommended as it is you who becomes the boss and you don’t have to get through the background check that may prevent you from getting a job. Unlike the other jobs, the earnings from this job can vary, depending on the success and profitability of the ventures.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, even though people with a felony may face obstacles when looking for a job, there are high-paying jobs that are available for those who are eager to restart their career. By building relevant skills, obtaining certifications, and showing that they are committed to both personal and professional growth, they can secure a fulfilling and well-paying job.