AI Job Opportunities For Felons In 2025

If you have a felony conviction and are having a hard time finding work, consider breaking into the booming AI industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world, and it’s creating new job opportunities for everyone, including felons. If you’re a felon looking for a fresh start, AI jobs could be a great path for you.

This article will explain what AI jobs are, why they might work for you, and how to get started.
Let’s dive in!

What Are AI Jobs?

AI jobs are roles where you work with technology that thinks and learns a bit like people do. Here are some examples:

Data Entry: Typing info into computers so AI can use it.
Customer Service: Helping people with questions, sometimes with AI tools.
Content Moderation: Checking online stuff to keep it safe and okay.
AI Training: Teaching AI by giving it examples or feedback.

These jobs matter because they help AI get smarter and better.

Why AI Jobs Are Great for Felons

AI jobs can be perfect for felons for a few reasons:

Flexible Work: Many jobs let you work from home or pick your hours.
Skill-Based: They care more about what you can do than your past.
Lots of Jobs: More companies need AI workers every day.

Specific AI Jobs For Felons To Consider

Here are some AI jobs you might like:

1 Data Entry Clerk

What You Do: Type data into a computer.
Why It’s Good: Easy to learn and often remote.

2. Customer Service Representative

What You Do: Answer questions and help people, maybe with AI help.
Why It’s Good: Builds skills and is in demand.

3. Content Moderator

What You Do: Check online content for safety.
Why It’s Good: Can be done from home and helps others.

4. AI Trainer
What You Do: Help AI learn by giving it info or feedback.
Why It’s Good: Fun projects with real impact.

Practical Tips for Getting AI Jobs

Here’s how you can start working in AI:

Get Certified:

Take online classes on sites like Coursera or Udemy.
Certificates show you know your stuff.

Build a Portfolio:

Put together examples of your work, like data you’ve typed or tasks you’ve done.
It helps bosses see what you can do.

Network:
Meet people in AI online or at events.
They might help you find a job.

Practice Your Skills:

Try small projects or volunteer to get better.
Practice makes you ready for real work.

Be Honest About Your Past:

If asked, tell the truth but talk about how you’ve grown.
Some bosses will give you a chance.

Top 10 AI Companies Looking To Hire Entry Level Workers

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, numerous companies are rapidly expanding their AI workforce and seeking entry-level talent.

Below is a list of 10 companies leading AI innovation, along with brief descriptions of entry-level positions they offer:

OpenAI: AI Research Assistant – Support the development and testing of AI models, focusing on natural language processing and reinforcement learning. Requires strong Python skills and a solid grasp of machine learning fundamentals.

Google: Machine Learning Engineer – Implement and optimize machine learning algorithms for applications like search and ads. Needs proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, and experience with large-scale data.

Amazon: Data Analyst – Analyze vast datasets to enhance AI systems, such as recommendation engines and Alexa. Requires SQL expertise, data visualization skills (e.g., Tableau), and basic statistics knowledge.

Microsoft: AI Ethicist – Evaluate AI’s societal impact and develop ethical guidelines. Needs a background in ethics, technology, and policy analysis.

IBM: AI Software Developer – Build AI applications for enterprise clients, integrating AI into software systems. Requires programming skills (Java or C++) and familiarity with AI frameworks like Watson.

NVIDIA: Deep Learning Engineer – Optimize neural networks for GPU acceleration in deep learning projects. Needs expertise in frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow and GPU programming knowledge.

Tesla: Autonomous Vehicle Engineer – Develop AI for self-driving cars, emphasizing computer vision and sensor fusion. Requires skills in robotics and real-time systems.

Facebook (Meta): AI Product Manager – Oversee AI-driven product development, such as content moderation tools. Needs project management skills and AI technology understanding.

Apple: AI Research Scientist – Research machine learning and computer vision innovations. Requires a PhD, strong publication record, and collaboration skills.

Salesforce: AI Consultant – Assist clients with AI solutions like chatbots and predictive analytics. Needs communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.

These companies are driving AI advancements and provide dynamic entry-level opportunities for aspiring professionals in this fast-growing field.

Here is a list of companies hiring felons for a variety of positions

Top Cities For Felons To Find AI Jobs

Here are five cities where felons are most likely to find AI jobs. These cities combine thriving AI job markets with fair chance employment policies that support individuals with criminal records.

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is a global tech hub with a high concentration of AI companies and startups. The city’s innovative culture often prioritizes skills over background, which can benefit felons.

California’s Fair Chance Act prohibits employers from asking about criminal history before making a job offer, leveling the playing field for applicants with records.

Check out other jobs for felons in California.

2. Seattle

Seattle boasts a booming tech scene, anchored by giants like Amazon and Microsoft, both heavily invested in AI. The city’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance protects felons by delaying background checks until after a conditional job offer, allowing candidates to demonstrate their qualifications first.

3.New York

New York’s diverse economy includes a growing AI sector, offering numerous opportunities for skilled workers. The city’s fair chance policies ensure employers evaluate applicants based on merit before considering criminal history, making it a promising location for felons seeking AI roles.

4.Boston

Boston is a leader in AI innovation, driven by its strong educational institutions and research environment. Massachusetts’ ban-the-box law delays background checks until after a conditional offer, giving felons a fair shot at proving their expertise in AI fields.

5. Austin

Austin’s tech scene is expanding rapidly, with companies like Tesla boosting its AI job market. Though Texas lacks statewide fair chance laws, Austin’s progressive culture may encourage employers to overlook criminal records, especially for in-demand AI talent.

These cities stand out for their robust AI industries and policies that reduce hiring barriers, making them ideal for felons pursuing AI careers.