Ragged Riches

Author’s Note: As a CSA victim, I do not condone violence of this kind. However, it’s important to remember that sex offenders aren’t always predators. Sometimes, it’s the kid who sent an X-rated photo to the wrong person or the guy who got caught streaking. Regardless, the spirit of Ragged Riches is personal finance for the rest of us. This article is for the individuals who made a mistake and want to rebuild their lives.

If there was ever a group of criminal offenders that was really, truly abhorred by society, it’s sex offenders. Sex offenders are treated as the worst of the worst that society has to offer, but once in a while, someone ends up on that registry that didn’t actually do anything bad.

Did you know that teenagers can end up on sex offender registries for life for sending nudes to a predator after being groomed? Or that getting caught taking a peeing on the side of the road can put you on the registry too? Most people don’t think about that.

Being on the registry greatly limits your career options. It also can lead to higher rates of re-offending. So, what jobs tend to work well for people who end up being convicted of a sex crime? Well, these are options to consider…

Warehouse Work

Warehouses are famous for always being in need of workers. If you are physically able-bodied and are willing to put in the hours, it might be a quick and easy option to consider. The hours are long and the pay is low, but it can help you get back on your feet again.

A good place to start would be Amazon, though almost any local warehouse might be amenable to offenders if you prove your desire to work.

Truck Driving And Airline Companies

Sex offenders who are willing to spend weeks or even months away from home will be relieved to know they have high-paid options in the travel sphere. Companies are always desperate for truck drivers, so a CDL will get you far.

If you have a flying license or prior experience as an airline mechanic, traffic controller, or baggage handler, you also might be able to get a job in the flight industry. With that said, airline jobs are often more difficult to obtain due to the glut of applicants.

Companies that might hire you include: Adams Trucking, American Airlines, American West Air, Builders Transportation Co, CalArk Trucking, Celadon Trucking, Davis, DeBoer, Freymiller Trucking, J&R Schugel Trucking, JB Hunt Transport, Schaffer Transport, and United Airlines.

Food Service

If you have been in jail, you already know that food service is a go-to for people who have been incarcerated. Sex offenders are no exceptions to this rule. Depending on the employer you work with, this can be a lucrative field.

The most highly-paid food service jobs are at local upscale restaurants. Most restaurants do not do background checks, and tips can be fairly high. WIth that said, a clean appearance, bartending certificate, and fine dining training is often required for top jobs.

Companies that might hire you include: Aramark, McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Taco Bell, McLane Foodservice, and almost any chain restaurant outside of Chuck E. Cheese’s.

Retail

Retail stores are more amenable to sex offenders these days, primarily because the wages associated with retail are so low. With that said, it really varies from store to store. Some will be open to sex offenders, others won’t be.

If you are hardworking, you may be able to move up the corporate ladder starting from the bottom.

Companies that might hire you include: Verizon, Wal-Mart, Target, T-Mobile, AT&T, Home Depot, Lowes, almost any grocery store.

Construction

If there was ever an industry that was as open to sex offenders as food service, it is probably construction,. It’s extremely rare to see a construction company hold a background check on potential employees. Mandated bans on sex offenders are also unheard-of.

Depending on your luck, you may be able to get an apprenticeship or certification in jail. Some construction and trade skills can actually outearn white collar wages. This is especially true of plumbing, welding, and industrial cleanup.

Companies that might hire you include: Virtually any construction crew. Literally.

Factory Assembly Line Work

Admittedly, factories are increasingly rare in America. However, they are making a comeback and many factories are remarkably short-staffed. Factory labor can earn well above minimum wage, if you are able to snag a job in one.

The hard part is finding a factory or manufacturing plant near you. If you can find one, applying might be the best move you made in your life.

Companies that might hire you include: Ford, Chevrolet, Frito-Lay, Wise, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, and any other factories that have American-based factories.

Web Design And Graphic Design

While most of the industries that are open to sex offender applicants tend to be physical in nature, not all of them are. Many sex offenders are able to make a living with their own graphic design or web design firms.

It’s important to note that this option isn’t always feasible. Some sex offenders, particularly dangerous internet offenders, may not be allowed to use the internet. Ask your PO if this option is available to you.

Companies that might hire you include: Your own freelance design firm.

Landscaping

Whether it’s the dead of winter or the dog days of summer, one thing will always be true: landscaping services will be needed. Snow removal, planting new gardens, lawn care, and tree trimming can also fetch a pretty penny.

Much like construction, landscaping is back-breaking work that can lead to a great paycheck. This field is also notorious for looking the other way when it comes to criminal records.

Companies that might hire you include: Virtually any landscaping company. You can also start your own, too.

Salon And Spa Care

Many sex offenders tend to opt for trades because background checks are generally not necessary. Trades also offer a higher wage than you might think. If you are looking for a less rigorous job that still pays well, you might want to check out hair care, nail care, aesthetic work, or massage work.

The salon industry is excellent for women who have criminal records and a keen eye for fashion. Most salons will not care about your criminal record as long as you have a good portfolio. Of course, you can also set out on your own as a freelance artist.

Companies that might hire you include: Supercut, Great Clips, and any local salon that is in need of techs.

Tailor/Garment Care

Another excellent trade choice to consider involves garment care. Organic laundry, dry cleaning services, and tailoring can all lead to a fairly decent career. This is especially true if you live in a big city like New York.

With this type of work, your portfolio will be the key to your success. So, if you were already a good seamster earlier on, this could be a smart way to turn a hobby into a career.

Companies that might hire you: Almost any laundromat.