Top Companies Offering Jobs For Felons In Texas

One of the best places to find solid employment after a felony conviction is the state of Texas.

It turns out that in Texas there are numerous opportunities, training programs, and a supportive legal framework to help felons reintegrate into the workforce.

Lets take a close look and explore job opportunities available to felons in Texas, prison job training programs, relevant state laws about hiring felons, as well as list of top companies in Texas that are known for hiring individuals with criminal records.

Additionally, we will delve into the background check laws in Texas and how they impact the hiring process.

Jobs for Felons in Texas

Here are the top job opportunities for felons in Texas.

Construction Worker

Construction is a robust industry in Texas, offering numerous job opportunities for felons. These jobs include laborers, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. Skills can be learned on the job, and many companies are willing to give felons a second chance.

Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year.
Warehouse Worker

Description: Warehousing and logistics are thriving sectors in Texas, with positions such as forklift operators, packers, and inventory managers. These roles often require physical labor but can provide stable employment.
Average Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year.
Truck Driving

Description: Truck driving is a high-demand job in Texas, especially with the state’s extensive transportation networks. Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can open doors to well-paying jobs.

Average Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year.

Manufacturing

Texas has a strong manufacturing industry, offering positions in assembly lines, machine operation, and quality control. These jobs often come with training programs and can be a good fit for felons.

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

Food Service

Restaurants, fast food chains, and catering services frequently hire felons for roles such as cooks, servers, and kitchen staff. These jobs can offer flexible hours and opportunities for advancement.

Average Salary: $20,000 – $30,000 per year.

Retail

Retail positions, 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: $20,000 – $30,000 per year.

Landscaping and Lawn Care

Landscaping jobs involve maintaining gardens, lawns, and outdoor spaces. Tasks include mowing, planting, and trimming, and many companies hire felons without requiring extensive background checks.

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

Cleaning and Janitorial Services

Cleaning services for offices, schools, and other facilities often hire felons. These jobs require reliability and attention to detail.

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

Personal Care and Service

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

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

Freelance and Gig Economy

The gig economy offers opportunities in various fields like driving for ride-sharing services, delivery, and freelance work in writing, graphic design, and more. These roles offer flexibility and independence.

The average salary varies widely based on the job and hours worked.

Prison Job Training Programs in Texas

Texas has several job training programs aimed at preparing inmates for employment upon release. These programs provide valuable skills and certifications that can improve job prospects for felons:

Windham School District

This district operates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and offers vocational training programs in areas such as automotive technology, electrical trades, welding, and computer technology.

Impact: Inmates gain industry-recognized certifications that enhance their employability.
Project RIO (Re-Integration of Offenders)

Description: Project RIO provides employment services to inmates before and after release. Services include job readiness training, job placement assistance, and post-release support.

Impact: Helps felons secure employment by connecting them with potential employers and offering ongoing support.

Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)

PEP is a nonprofit organization that provides business and entrepreneurship training to inmates. The program includes business plan competitions, mentoring, and post-release job placement.

Impact: Empowers inmates to start their own businesses or find meaningful employment in the business sector.

Laws in Texas About Hiring Felons

Texas has several laws and regulations that affect the hiring of felons:

Ban the Box

Texas does not have a statewide “Ban the Box” law, but some cities like Austin have implemented it.

“Ban the Box” policies prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications.

Impact: Increases the chances of felons getting job interviews, as they are not immediately disqualified based on their criminal record.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws

Employers must comply with federal EEO laws, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. While these laws do not specifically cover criminal history, they do ensure fair hiring practices.

Impact: Protects felons from discrimination in the hiring process.

Occupational License Restrictions

Some professions in Texas require occupational licenses, and certain convictions may disqualify individuals from obtaining these licenses. However, Texas has implemented measures to reduce these barriers.

Impact: Felons should research licensing requirements for their chosen profession and seek guidance on overcoming any barriers.

Top Companies in Texas Hiring Felons

Here are the top companies hiring felons, that are located in Texas.

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 – $60,000 per year for drivers.

Check out other trucking companies that are hiring felons.

Nabors Industries

Nabors Industries, an oil and gas drilling contractor, hires felons for positions such as roustabouts and roughnecks.

Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 per year.

ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, a major energy corporation, offers opportunities for felons in roles such as maintenance technicians and operators.

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

AT&T

AT&T hires felons for customer service, sales, and technical positions. They provide training and opportunities for career advancement.

Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year.

Schlumberger

Schlumberger, a leading oilfield services company, hires felons for roles such as equipment operators and technicians.

Average Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year.

Hilton Hotels

Hilton hires felons for various roles in their hotels, including housekeeping, maintenance, and front desk positions.

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

H-E-B

H-E-B, a large grocery store chain, hires felons for positions such as stockers, cashiers, and warehouse workers.

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

Background Check Laws in Texas

Here is an overview of the background check laws in Texas.

Texas Business and Commerce Code

This code allows employers to conduct background checks on potential employees. Employers must obtain written consent from the applicant before performing the check.

Impact: Felons should be prepared to discuss their criminal history and demonstrate rehabilitation and positive changes.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The FCRA requires employers to follow specific procedures when using background checks for employment purposes. This includes providing a pre-adverse action notice if the background check results may affect the hiring decision.

Impact: Ensures transparency and allows applicants to correct any errors in their background check reports.

Negligent Hiring Liability

Employers in Texas may be concerned about negligent hiring liability, which occurs if an employee with a known criminal history causes harm. This concern can affect hiring decisions.

Impact: Felons should be ready to provide evidence of rehabilitation and positive references to mitigate employer concerns.

Many Job Opportunities For Felons In Texas

While finding employment as a felon in Texas can be challenging, numerous opportunities and resources are available to support reintegration into the workforce.

From diverse job opportunities and prison training programs to supportive laws and top companies willing to hire felons, Texas offers a pathway to gainful employment and a fresh start.

By leveraging these resources, maintaining honesty, and demonstrating rehabilitation, felons can successfully navigate the job market and build a better future.