Trade Career Comparison
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This tool provides general information only, not professional career or financial advice. Salary and outlook data are based on national Bureau of Labor Statistics figures and may vary by location, employer, and experience. Consult a career counselor or licensed professional for advice specific to your situation.
Data last verified March 2026· View sources
We verify our data against official sources. Verification dates show when we last checked — they do not guarantee the information is still current. Laws, rates, and thresholds can change at any time. Always confirm critical information at the official source or with a qualified professional.
National Employment Law Project (NELP) — Fair Chance Hiring
General trade accessibility levels for people with felony convictions — categorized as generally-accessible, varies-by-state, often-restricted, or highly-restricted
https://www.nelp.org/policy-issue/criminal-records-and-employment/ (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
trade-schools.net — Jobs for Felons
Trade accessibility and reentry employment guidance for specific trades
https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/jobs-for-felons (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
Hire Felons — Reentry Employment Guide
Employer reentry hiring policies and trade accessibility for people with felony convictions
https://www.hirefelons.org/ (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
ASE — About ASE Testing
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification — no criminal history screening
https://www.ase.com/certification-series/ (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
OSHA — Powered Industrial Trucks
OSHA forklift certification — employer-provided, no criminal history screening
https://www.osha.gov/powered-industrial-trucks (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification
EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification — no criminal history screening
https://www.epa.gov/section608 (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
Federal Student Aid — FAFSA Simplification Act
Pell Grant eligibility restored for people with drug convictions and incarcerated individuals, effective July 1, 2023; PELL_GRANT_RESTORED_DATE: "July 2023"
FAFSA Simplification Act, Pub. L. 117-103 (2021); 20 U.S.C. § 1070a
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-simplification (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) — Ban the Box Legislation
Ban-the-box and fair chance hiring laws — 37+ states + DC + 150+ localities as of 2026; BAN_THE_BOX_STATE_COUNT: 37; BAN_THE_BOX_CITY_COUNT: 150
https://www.ncsl.org/labor-and-employment/ban-the-box-legislation (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
NELP — Ban the Box: U.S. Cities, Counties, and States
Fair chance hiring law coverage — 37+ states + DC + 150+ localities; BAN_THE_BOX_PRIVATE_EMPLOYER_STATES: ["California", "Illinois", "New Jersey", "Washington"]
https://www.nelp.org/publication/ban-the-box-fair-chance-hiring-state-and-local-guide/ (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
U.S. Department of Labor — Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO)
WIOA Section 169 workforce funding for reentry — job training, career counseling, and supportive services
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. § 3224; WIOA Sec. 169
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/reentry (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
Legal Information Institute — 18 U.S.C. § 922
18 U.S.C. § 922(g) — federal prohibition on felons possessing firearms, effectively barring law enforcement careers
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922 (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
FDIC — Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
FDIC Section 19 prohibition on people convicted of crimes involving dishonesty or breach of trust from working at FDIC-insured institutions
12 U.S.C. § 1829 (Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act)
https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/applications/section19.html (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
TSA — HAZMAT Threat Assessment Program
CDL obtainability with felony convictions; HAZMAT endorsement requires TSA background check with disqualifying offenses
49 C.F.R. Part 1572
https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat (opens in new tab)Verified March 2026
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