Jobs For Felons In Chicago (2024 Guide)

In today’s economy, finding with a felony conviction is more challenging than ever before, but Chicago offers numerous opportunities for those willing to put in the effort.

Lets take a close look at the best jobs for felons in Chicago, average salaries, top companies that hire felons, and job training opportunities available in the city.

Top Jobs for Felons in Chicago

Here are some of the most popular jobs that people with a felony conviction can find in the Chicago area.

1.Construction Worker

Construction is a booming industry in Chicago, with constant development and infrastructure projects. Jobs include laborers, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.

Average Salary: $35,000 – $55,000 per year.

2.Warehouse Worker

Chicago’s logistics and warehousing sector is extensive, offering positions such as forklift operators, packers, and inventory managers.

Average Salary: $28,000 – $40,000 per year.

3. Truck Driver

The transportation industry in Chicago is robust, and obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can open doors to well-paying trucking jobs.

Average Salary: $45,000 – $65,000 per year.

4. Food Service Worker

Restaurants, fast food chains, and catering services frequently hire felons. Positions include cooks, servers, and kitchen staff.

Average Salary: $22,000 – $32,000 per year.

5. Retail Associate

Retail jobs, including cashier, stocker, and customer service roles, are often available to felons. Large retail chains are known for hiring individuals with criminal records.

Average Salary: $23,000 – $33,000 per year.

6.Maintenance and Janitorial Services

Jobs in cleaning and maintenance services are accessible to felons. These roles involve cleaning buildings, maintaining facilities, and performing minor repairs.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year.

7.Landscaping and Lawn Care

Landscaping jobs include maintaining gardens, lawns, and outdoor spaces. Tasks involve mowing, planting, and trimming, with many companies hiring felons.

Average Salary: $27,000 – $37,000 per year.

8.Manufacturing Worker

Chicago’s manufacturing industry offers positions in assembly lines, machine operation, and quality control. Many of these jobs come with training programs.

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year.

9.Customer Service Representative

Customer service positions can include working in call centers, helping customers over the phone, or providing online support. These roles require good communication skills.

Average Salary: $30,000 – $40,000 per year.

10.Personal Care and Service Worker

Jobs such as barbers, hairstylists, and personal trainers can be suitable for felons. Certification programs are available and can enhance employability.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $50,000 per year.

Top Companies in Chicago That Hire Felons

Here is a list of top companies in Chicago and surrounding areas that have a track record of hiring felons.

Aon

Aon is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement, and health solutions. They have a history of hiring individuals with criminal records.

Average Salary: Varies by position.

The Home Depot

The Home Depot is known for its inclusive hiring practices, offering positions such as sales associates, cashiers, and warehouse workers.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $40,000 per year.

McDonald’s

Many McDonald’s locations in Chicago hire felons for various roles such as cooks, cashiers, and maintenance staff.

Average Salary: $22,000 – $30,000 per year.

UPS

UPS hires felons for roles including package handlers and delivery drivers, providing stable employment and benefits.

Average Salary: $28,000 – $45,000 per year.

Goodwill Industries

Description: Goodwill hires felons for positions in their retail stores, warehouses, and donation centers, and offers job training programs.

Average Salary: $23,000 – $32,000 per year.

Starbucks

Starbucks hires felons for barista positions and other roles within their stores, offering a supportive work environment and opportunities for advancement.

Average Salary: $24,000 – $32,000 per year.

Cintas

Cintas provides uniforms and other business services and hires felons in various roles, including production and sales.

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year.

Walmart

Walmart hires felons for positions such as stockers, cashiers, and warehouse workers, providing job stability and benefits.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services

J.B. Hunt is a large trucking and transportation company that hires felons for various positions, including drivers and warehouse workers.

Average Salary: $40,000 – $65,000 per year.

Amazon

Amazon hires felons for roles in their fulfillment centers, including packers, sorters, and delivery drivers.

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year.

Jewel-Osco

A major grocery chain in Chicago that hires felons for various positions, including stockers, cashiers, and warehouse workers.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware hires felons for positions in their retail stores and distribution centers, offering roles such as cashiers, stockers, and warehouse workers.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year.

Job Training Opportunities for Felons in Chicago

Safer Foundation

Safer Foundation provides comprehensive employment services to individuals with criminal records. Programs include job readiness training, job placement, and educational opportunities.

Impact: Helps felons develop skills, gain employment, and reduce recidivism.

Chicago Jobs Council

The Chicago Jobs Council works to improve employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, including felons. They offer training programs, job placement services, and advocacy.

Impact: Enhances job prospects and supports economic self-sufficiency.

National Able Network

This organization provides job training and employment services, including career coaching, skills training, and job placement assistance for felons.

Impact: Facilitates reentry into the workforce and career development.

North Lawndale Employment Network

Focused on helping individuals with criminal records, this network offers job readiness training, financial literacy programs, and employment placement services.

Impact: Empowers felons with skills and resources for successful employment.

Heartland Alliance

Heartland Alliance offers reentry programs that include job training, education, and support services for individuals with criminal records.

Impact: Supports successful reintegration and long-term employment.

Community Renewal Society

This organization advocates for criminal justice reform and provides job training and placement services for felons.

Impact: Improves employment outcomes and promotes social justice.

Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC)

JARC provides training in manufacturing and construction, focusing on individuals with barriers to employment, including felons.

Impact: Offers industry-recognized credentials and job placement support.

Chicago Urban League

The Chicago Urban League offers workforce development programs that include job readiness training, career counseling, and job placement services for felons.

Impact: Enhances employment opportunities and economic stability.

Cara Chicago

Cara provides job training, placement, and support services for individuals facing significant barriers to employment, including those with criminal backgrounds. Their comprehensive programs include skills training, coaching, and job placement.

Can Felons Get Work In Chicago?

While finding a job as a felon in Chicago can be challenging, the city offers a variety of opportunities and resources to help individuals reintegrate into the workforce.

From construction and warehousing to food service and customer service, there are numerous job options available. Additionally, several top companies in Chicago are known for hiring felons and providing opportunities for career growth.

Job training programs offered by organizations like the Safer Foundation, Chicago Urban League, and others play a crucial role in helping felons acquire the skills needed to secure stable employment.

By leveraging these resources and demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and rehabilitation, felons can successfully navigate the job market in Chicago and build a brighter future.