8 Jobs That Felons Cannot Do

While many employers are open to hiring felons, there are certain jobs that are often off-limits due to legal restrictions or societal norms.

While it’s impossible to provide an exhaustive list, as the restrictions can change and vary, we will focus on some of the most common jobs that are typically off-limits to individuals with a felony conviction.

The List of Restricted Jobs:

1. Alcohol-Related jobs
2. Firearms-Related Jobs
3. Money-Related Jobs
4. Work with Children
5. Healthcare Professions
6. Government Jobs
7. Teaching and Education
8. Aviation and Transportation

Let’s delve into the specifics.

1.) Alcohol-Related Jobs

When it comes to Alcohol-Related jobs, individuals with felony convictions, particularly those related to alcohol offenses, face significant barriers to employment.

The legal restrictions and employer discretion often converge to create a challenging job market for felons in this sector.

For instance, a person with an alcohol-related felony may find it legally impossible to work in positions such as:

• Liquor store clerks: Where the sale of alcohol is the primary business.
• Bartenders: Who are responsible for mixing and serving alcoholic beverages.
• Servers in restaurants that sell alcohol: Where serving drinks is a part of the job.

The rationale behind these restrictions is to minimize the risk of recidivism and to ensure that individuals who have been convicted of alcohol-related offenses are not placed in environments that could potentially trigger past behaviors.

Moreover, these restrictions are in place to protect the safety and well-being of the public.

In addition to these specific roles, there are broader implications for employment opportunities.

Many jobs that involve the handling, distribution, or sale of alcohol require a clean criminal record.

This is because these positions often entail a high level of responsibility and trust, and employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a history of alcohol-related offenses.

Furthermore, certain professional licenses required for these jobs may be difficult or impossible for felons to obtain.

For example, many states have regulations that prevent individuals with certain types of convictions from obtaining the necessary licenses to work in bars or restaurants that serve alcohol.

It’s important to note that while these restrictions are common, they are not universal.

Some states and organizations may offer rehabilitation programs or allow for exceptions where individuals with felony records can work towards regaining employment in these fields.

However, this often requires a significant amount of time and effort to demonstrate rehabilitation and trustworthiness.

2.) Firearms-Related Jobs

For individuals with felony convictions, particularly those related to firearms offenses, the job market presents unique challenges.

The legal restrictions are stringent, and employer discretion further narrows the scope of employment opportunities in this sector.

Federal Law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, which directly impacts their ability to work in any job that requires handling guns.

This includes positions such as:

• Gun store employees: Where the primary business is the sale of firearms.
• Armed security guards: Who must carry a weapon as part of their duties.
• Law enforcement officers: Where carrying a firearm is a standard requirement.

The rationale for these restrictions is rooted in public safety concerns and the prevention of crime.

Allowing individuals with a history of firearms-related offenses to work in positions where they have access to guns could potentially lead to dangerous situations.

Moreover, many jobs in the firearms industry require a Federal Firearms License (FFL), which felons are typically ineligible to obtain.

Without an FFL, it’s impossible to engage in various activities related to the sale, manufacture, and importation of firearms and ammunition.

In addition to federal laws, state laws may impose further restrictions.

For example, some states have their own set of regulations that prevent felons from obtaining the necessary permits or licenses to work in jobs that involve firearms.

However, there are some exceptions to these restrictions.

As noted, some states allow felons to obtain gun permits and possess firearms under certain conditions, such as after a set period has passed since the conviction or after their rights have been restored through a legal process.

But these exceptions are not widespread and typically require a rigorous review process.

3.) Money-Related Jobs

Individuals with felony convictions, especially those related to financial crimes, often find themselves excluded from a range of employment opportunities within the financial sector.

The restrictions in this area are both legal and practical, as trustworthiness and integrity are paramount in jobs dealing with money.

For example, a person with a felony related to financial misconduct may be legally barred from working in positions such as:

• Bank tellers: Who handle cash transactions and sensitive customer information.
• Financial advisors: Who provide investment advice and manage clients’ financial portfolios.
• Loan officers: Who evaluate and approve loan applications.

The primary reason for these restrictions is to safeguard the financial system and its customers from potential fraud and embezzlement.

Employers in the financial sector are particularly cautious about hiring individuals with a history of financial crimes due to the risk they pose in handling money or sensitive financial information.

Additionally, many financial positions require certifications or licenses that are difficult for felons to obtain.

Regulatory bodies often conduct thorough background checks before granting these credentials, and a felony conviction can be a significant barrier.

It’s also worth noting that while some financial jobs are off-limits, not all hope is lost for individuals with felony convictions.

Some organizations may be willing to consider the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Moreover, there are roles within the financial sector that do not directly involve handling money or sensitive information, which may be more accessible to those with felony records.

4.) Work with Children

Individuals with felony convictions, especially those involving crimes against children or of a sexual nature, are often legally prohibited from working in professions that involve direct contact with children.

This is due to the sensitive nature of these roles and the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of minors.

Such legal restrictions typically include a ban on employment in positions such as:

• Child therapists: Who provide psychological support and counseling to children.
• Social workers: Especially those working in child welfare services.
• School teachers: Who are responsible for the education and supervision of students.
• Pediatric doctors and nurses: Who provide medical care to children.
• Daycare workers: Who look after young children during the day.

The rationale for these restrictions is clear: to protect children from potential harm and to prevent individuals with a history of offenses against minors from being in a position of authority or trust over them.

The presence of such individuals in these roles could pose a significant risk to children’s safety.

Moreover, many of these jobs require background checks and clearances, such as the Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) clearance and criminal background checks, which individuals with relevant felony convictions would not pass.

Additionally, professional licenses in these fields are often contingent upon a clean criminal record, further limiting the employment opportunities for felons.

It’s important to note that these restrictions are not only legal but also societal.

There is a strong public sentiment towards keeping individuals with certain types of felony convictions away from jobs that involve caring for or supervising children.

Employers in these sectors are typically very cautious and may have policies that go beyond legal requirements to ensure the safety of the children in their care.

5.) Healthcare Professions

The healthcare sector is particularly sensitive when it comes to employing individuals with felony convictions, especially those related to drug abuse, patient harm, or other serious offenses.

The stringent legal and ethical standards in this field often preclude felons from holding many positions.

For instance, individuals with such felony convictions may find it challenging to secure employment in roles like:

• Nurses: Who provide direct patient care and have access to controlled substances.
• Pharmacists: Who are responsible for dispensing medication and ensuring its proper use.
• Medical assistants: Who perform various clinical and administrative tasks within healthcare settings.

The primary concern is patient safety and the integrity of the healthcare system.

Employers in this sector are understandably cautious, as the potential for relapse into criminal behavior could have dire consequences in a healthcare environment.

In addition to direct patient care roles, there are also restrictions on employment in related fields, such as pharmaceutical sales or medical equipment sales, where a clean criminal record is often a prerequisite.

Professional licenses in healthcare are typically contingent upon passing rigorous background checks, and a felony conviction can be a significant barrier to obtaining such credentials.

Regulatory bodies are tasked with protecting the public and maintaining high standards of practice, which often means excluding individuals with certain types of felony records.

However, it’s important to recognize that not all healthcare roles are completely off-limits to felons.

Some positions may not require direct patient contact or access to medications, and some employers may be willing to consider the individual circumstances of a conviction, particularly if a significant amount of time has passed and the individual has demonstrated rehabilitation.

6.) Government Jobs

For individuals with felony convictions, pursuing a career within government agencies can be particularly complex.

The nature of government work often involves a level of security and trust that may not align with the background of someone who has a felony record.

This is especially true for positions that require security clearance or involve access to sensitive information, which are typically off-limits to felons.

Positions in the government that may be inaccessible to individuals with felony convictions include:

• Law enforcement roles: Such as police officers or FBI agents, where a clean criminal record is a fundamental requirement.
• Military service: Where certain convictions can disqualify individuals from enlisting or obtaining a security clearance.
• Public office: Elected positions often have eligibility criteria that exclude individuals with certain types of felony convictions.
• Judiciary roles: Positions such as judges or court clerks may be barred to those with felony records due to the integrity expected in the judicial system.

The restrictions in government jobs are not solely based on the nature of the felony; they also consider the time elapsed since the conviction and the individual’s behavior post-conviction.

Some agencies may conduct a case-by-case assessment to determine an applicant’s suitability, considering factors such as the relevance of the conviction to the job duties, the severity of the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Moreover, certain government jobs may be governed by state laws that specify which types of convictions are disqualifying.

For example, some states prohibit individuals with convictions for financial crimes from holding positions that involve fiscal responsibilities.

Despite these challenges, not all doors within the government sector are closed to felons.

Some agencies may offer entry-level positions that do not require security clearance or access to sensitive information.

Additionally, there are rehabilitation and re-entry programs designed to help individuals with felony convictions reintegrate into society and find employment, including in some government roles.

7.) Teaching and Education

The field of education is one where trust, safety, and responsibility are paramount.

Consequently, individuals with felony convictions, especially those related to violence, drugs, or sexual offenses, may find significant obstacles when seeking employment in educational settings.

Schools, colleges, and universities commonly conduct thorough background checks as part of their hiring process to ensure the safety of students and maintain the integrity of the educational environment.

Positions in the educational sector that may be inaccessible to individuals with felony convictions include:

• Teachers: Who are responsible for the direct education and supervision of students.
• Administrative roles: Such as principals or deans, where leadership and a clean record are essential.
• Support staff: Including counselors and psychologists, where a history of certain offenses may be deemed incompatible with the role.
• Coaching positions: Where mentors are expected to be role models for young athletes.

The restrictions in educational jobs are often rooted in state laws and institutional policies.

For example, many jurisdictions have specific statutes that prohibit individuals with certain types of felony convictions from working in roles that involve regular contact with children.

This is to protect students from potential harm and to prevent individuals with a history of serious offenses from influencing young minds.

In addition to legal barriers, there is also the matter of public perception and trust.

Parents and the community at large expect schools to be safe spaces, free from the influence of individuals who have been involved in serious criminal activities.

As such, even if legally permissible, schools may choose not to hire felons due to concerns about reputation and the trust of the community.

However, it’s important to note that not all educational roles are categorically off-limits to individuals with felony convictions.

Some positions, such as janitorial or food service roles, may be available to felons, particularly if the felony is unrelated to children or the specific duties of the job.

Additionally, some private institutions may have more flexible hiring practices, although they still tend to err on the side of caution to avoid potential liability.

Furthermore, there are initiatives and programs aimed at rehabilitation and re-entry into the workforce for individuals with felony records.

These programs can sometimes provide pathways to employment in the educational sector, though they often require a significant demonstration of rehabilitation and a commitment to change.

8.) Aviation and Transportation

The aviation and transportation industries are highly regulated sectors where safety is of utmost importance.

For individuals with felony convictions, this can mean facing significant barriers when seeking employment in roles such as pilots, air traffic controllers, or commercial drivers.

The stringent safety concerns and the sensitive nature of these positions often lead to strict hiring policies.

Positions in aviation and transportation that may be inaccessible to individuals with felony convictions include:

• Pilots: Who must pass rigorous background checks and obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.
• Air Traffic Controllers: Who require a high level of security clearance due to the critical nature of their job in maintaining the safety of the skies.
• Commercial Drivers: Especially those involved in the transport of hazardous materials or operating in ports and airports, where security is a priority.

The restrictions in these jobs are often due to federal regulations and the need for a clean criminal record to ensure the safety of passengers and goods.

For example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducts security threat assessments for airport employees, which can be a hurdle for felons.

Additionally, criminal history records checks and airport operator badging requirements may pose challenges for individuals with felony convictions seeking employment in these areas.

Moreover, certain convictions, such as those related to terrorism, drug trafficking, or other serious crimes, can lead to immediate disqualification from many aviation and transportation roles.

The FAA and TSA have specific lists of disqualifying offenses that are considered when evaluating an individual’s eligibility for employment in sensitive positions within the industry.

Despite these challenges, not all opportunities within aviation and transportation are closed to felons.

Some roles may be available, particularly if the felony is unrelated to the specific duties of the job or if a significant amount of time has passed since the conviction.

Rehabilitation programs and initiatives by some organizations can also help felons reintegrate into the workforce and potentially find employment in less sensitive positions within these sectors.

The Path Forward: Overcoming Obstacles 

Despite these limitations, there are paths forward for felons seeking employment. Various organizations offer assistance in obtaining proper licensing, and some companies are known for being felon-friendly.

One smart move is to find someone with a similar background to yours who has already gotten the job. You can search for these people using people search tools or background check tools, reach out to them, and ask for help.

It’s crucial for individuals with a felony record to be aware of their rights, seek support from relevant organizations, and focus on industries known to be more accepting.

In conclusion, while certain jobs may be off-limits, opportunities still exist.

With determination, support, and a focus on attainable careers, felons can find meaningful employment and reintegrate successfully into society.