Can Felons Get Hired in Texas?
Yes. Many companies in Texas do hire individuals with felony records, especially those who demonstrate accountability, have gained new skills, or are part of a reentry program like PEP. While some industries have restrictions based on licensing, there are still plenty of pathways to meaningful work.
What Industries Commonly Hire Felons?
Certain industries are known to be more open to second-chance hiring. These include:
- Construction (laborers, equipment operators, roofing, framing)
- Manufacturing (assembly line, warehouse, plant operations)
- Food Service (dishwashers, cooks, delivery, fast food)
- Transportation & Logistics (truck driving, delivery services, inventory handling)
- Maintenance & Janitorial Services
- Landscaping and Lawn Care
- Retail & Warehouse (stockers, forklift operators, fulfillment centers)
These jobs often prioritize dependability and trainability over background, and many offer upward mobility with time and experience.
What Companies in Texas Are Known to Hire Felons?
Some employers have policies or track records of hiring returning citizens. While hiring decisions vary by location and offense type, examples include:
- Goodwill Industries
- UPS and FedEx (for warehouse or delivery roles)
- Cintas
- Waste Management
- American Airlines (via subcontractors)
- Temp agencies like PeopleReady, Labor Finders, or TrueBlue
- Hospitality chains such as Hilton and Marriott (for housekeeping or kitchen roles)
Many local small businesses and PEP alumni-run companies are also open to hiring individuals with records.
Tips for Finding Work After Prison
- Be honest on your application, especially when asked directly about convictions.
- Highlight any certifications, training, or program participation, such as PEP’s business curriculum.
- Start with temp work or staffing agencies to build recent employment history.
- Network through reentry programs that offer employer connections and resume help.
- Practice your explanation, focusing on what you’ve learned and how you’ve changed.
How PEP Helps With Employment
PEP offers job placement support, coaching, and referrals to felon-friendly employers across Texas. Participants also receive help with resumes, interview preparation, and goal setting. Many graduates find employment within weeks of release and build stable careers over time.
Final Word
Having a criminal record does not mean you cannot succeed. In Texas, thousands of people with prior convictions are working hard, supporting families, and building new lives. With the right tools and a strong work ethic, a second chance is within reach.
