What Jobs Can Sex Offenders Get in Texas?

In Texas, registered sex offenders are prohibited from working in schools, childcare, transportation services like Uber and Lyft, sexually oriented businesses, many licensed professions, and positions requiring home visits, while opportunities exist in warehouses, construction, manufacturing, commercial landscaping, and back-of-house food service—settings with defined worksites and less direct contact with minors.

Further challenges for sex offenders looking for work include; private employers retain the right to refuse hiring based on criminal history, and local ordinances often create additional workplace restrictions beyond state requirements.

This guide explains what’s barred and what’s possible under Texas law, how licensing rules and local ordinances affect eligibility, and practical legal options that may expand employment opportunities while staying compliant.

Jobs Sex Offenders Are Not Allowed To Have In Texas

In Texas, a “reportable conviction” is a sex-offense conviction that triggers sex-offender registration. If you’re required to register, state law and local rules place real limits on where you can work, especially in roles that would put you in unsupervised contact with minors or other vulnerable groups. Knowing the boundaries helps you plan a lawful job search and avoid new charges.

Jobs that are generally off-limits

• Jobs involving kids. Roles that put you in charge of or in close contact with minors—like coaching, tutoring, or youth program staff—are usually off-limits because of safety-screening rules.
• Public and for-hire transportation. Positions that transport passengers for pay (bus, taxi, limousine, rideshare) are generally not eligible due to regulatory screening and employer policy.
• In-home services. Positions that require you to enter someone’s home (cable or internet installs, HVAC, appliance repair, pest control) are often barred since the setting is private and unsupervised.
• Amusement ride operations. Operating rides at theme or carnival parks is commonly not allowed due to child-focused environments and state permitting requirements.
• Sexually oriented businesses. Adult bookstores, clubs, and similar venues are typically off the table under local ordinances and employer policies.

Areas effectively closed off by screening

Even when a statute doesn’t expressly name the job, mandatory background checks in fields like healthcare, childcare, and education commonly disqualify applicants with qualifying sex-offense histories.

Supervision and local rules

If you’re on probation or parole, additional conditions usually apply—such as avoiding “child safety zones” (areas within 500 feet of schools, daycare centers, parks, and playgrounds) for both residence and employment. Some cities and counties also impose local ordinances that add to the state restrictions.

Restrictions are context-specific—offense type, supervision status, and local rules all matter. Consult a qualified advisor before accepting roles with minor contact, in-home work, or licensure.

Which Texas laws limit jobs like rideshare, taxi, in-home services, school roles, or adult-industry work?

Employment limits for registered individuals in Texas come from several statutes. These laws are clear and strictly enforced to protect public safety.

• Professional licenses. The Texas Occupations Code §108.053 permits the state to revoke certain professional licenses when a person is required to register as a sex offender.
• Rideshare driving. The Texas Transportation Code—along with measures such as HB 3418—prohibits registered individuals from driving for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft.
• Sex offender registration framework. Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the Sex Offender Registration Program and outlines many of the employment-related restrictions. It is often applied alongside local ordinances and licensing board rules that create additional barriers to work.

Together, these provisions restrict roles in rideshare and certain transportation jobs, in-home service positions, school settings, and sexually oriented businesses. Local rules and licensing board decisions frequently add further limits beyond the statewide requirements.

Which Jobs Commonly Hire Registered Sex Offenders In Texas?

Although many doors close after a conviction, some industries do offer second-chance opportunities—especially roles without direct, unsupervised contact with minors or the general public. Success usually comes from persistence and targeting employers that weigh current reliability and work ethic over past conduct.

Industries that may be more open include:

• Warehousing and logistics. Order picking, packing, forklift operation, and loading in controlled, nonpublic areas.
• Commercial job sites that don’t require entering private residences.
• Assembly-line and plant roles across a range of product sectors.
• Food service (back of house). Prep cook, dishwasher, and similar positions, subject to each employer’s policy.
• Commercial landscaping. Crews serving offices and other nonresidential properties.

Practical tip: Night shifts often widen your options, and many people land these roles through staffing agencies that specialize in second-chance hiring.

What Are Realistic Job Examples In Warehousing, Construction, Manufacturing, Landscaping, Food Service, And Remote Work?

When searching for jobs that sex offenders can get, focusing on specific job titles makes your search more effective. You should always verify each opportunity against your specific supervision conditions before applying.

Look for these specific positions:

• Warehouse roles: “Warehouse Associate,” “Forklift Operator,” or “Order Picker” at large distribution centers
• Construction jobs: General laborer, roofer, or concrete worker on commercial building sites
• Manufacturing positions: “Production Associate” or “Assembly Line Worker” in factories producing goods from car parts to food products
• Landscaping work: “Groundskeeper” or “Lawn Maintenance Crew Member” for commercial clients
• Food service jobs: “Dishwasher,” “Prep Cook,” or “Line Cook” in restaurants
• Remote opportunities: Some telecommunications companies offer remote, entry-level positions that do not require public interaction, though internet usage restrictions may apply

Can A Sex Offender Get A CDL In Texas?

Yes. Texas law does not bar a registered sex offender from obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). If you meet the eligibility requirements and apply in person with the Texas Department of Public Safety, you can be issued a CDL. That said, getting the license is only the first step.

Employment is the harder hurdle. Many carriers enforce strict hiring policies and insurance rules that may disqualify applicants with certain criminal histories. Some endorsements—like hazardous materials—trigger additional federal background checks, which can limit opportunities even further.

Interstate work adds compliance challenges. Long-haul routes involve frequent travel across state lines, and registration duties can vary by state. Many states require advance notice or check-ins if you remain there beyond a set number of days (often seven). Plan routes and layovers with those rules in mind to avoid violations.

Can I Drive For Uber Lyft Or Taxi In Texas If I Am Registered?

No, you cannot drive for Uber, Lyft, or any taxi service in Texas if you are required to register as a sex offender. State law explicitly prohibits individuals with a reportable conviction from operating as a driver for a transportation network company or other public transport services.

This restriction is one of the clearest employment prohibitions under Texas sex offender restrictions. The law applies to all rideshare services, traditional taxi companies, and limousine services.

Can I Do In Home Residential Service Work In Texas If I Am Registered?

Generally, no. Jobs that require you to enter private residences are typically off-limits for registered individuals. That includes roles like residential plumbing or electrical work, HVAC repair, cable or internet installation, and pest control.

These limits are meant to prevent unsupervised contact in private home settings and align with Texas employment and living restrictions aimed at reducing risk. If your situation is unique, consult counsel about any supervision terms, local ordinances, or licensing rules that could apply.

Texas Licenses That Are Hard To Get With A Sex Offense

A conviction that requires registration creates major hurdles for many Texas licenses. Under Occupations Code Chapter 53, licensing agencies can deny, suspend, or revoke a license based on criminal history—especially when the offense relates to the duties of the job. Registration status is a significant factor in those decisions, and in practice many boards treat it as disqualifying.

Licenses that are especially difficult to obtain or keep include:

• Healthcare licenses. Nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and similar fields are rarely approved given the vulnerability of patient populations and mandatory background checks.
• Education certificates. Teaching, school counseling, and administrator credentials are effectively off-limits under state hiring and certification rules.
• Financial and real estate licenses. Real estate, insurance, and securities roles carry fiduciary duties that criminal history can undermine, making approval unlikely.
• Legal-related credentials. Admission to the bar or appointment as a notary public is generally not attainable with a qualifying sex offense.
• Certain trades regulated by TDLR. Licenses such as massage therapy and other TDLR-regulated occupations may be denied when the offense is deemed relevant to the work.

Boards look at factors like time since the offense, rehabilitation, and the exact job duties. In most licensed professions, however, those considerations rarely outweigh the barrier created by sex-offender registration.

How Do I Check A Specific Texas License Before I Invest In Training?

Before you spend time or money on a licensed profession, ask the licensing agency for a Criminal History Evaluation Letter (CHEL). It’s a preliminary, non-binding review of whether your record would likely block a specific license, so you can decide whether training is worth it.

How to request a CHEL:

1. Identify the agency. Find the board that regulates the license (e.g., TDLR, Texas Board of Nursing, etc.).
2. Complete the agency’s form. Submit the criminal history evaluation request and include detailed information about your offense.
3. Pay the fee. Most agencies charge $25–$100.
4. Receive the letter. The agency will issue a written opinion on whether you’re likely eligible.

A CHEL can prevent costly training if the board signals you’re not a viable candidate. For tailored guidance—especially if your offense is recent or serious—speak with a Houston sex-crimes defense attorney before committing to a licensed career path. At Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers we can also help you potentially get deregistered as a sex offender.

Can Texas Employers Deny Me Because Of A Sex Offense?

Yes. Texas is an at-will state, and there’s no statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. Companies can ask about criminal history on initial applications and may decline to hire if they view a conviction as a risk to their business, employees, or customers. Because the sex-offender registry is public, many employers screen applicants against it.

The EEOC urges employers to weigh factors like the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and how closely it relates to the job—but that guidance doesn’t require an employer to hire you.

Bottom line: employers have broad discretion, and many will not hire registered individuals, especially for roles with public contact or access to vulnerable populations.

How Do Houston And Local Rules Affect Where I Can Work?

Beyond state laws, city and county ordinances can impose additional, often stricter, restrictions on where a registered person can work. These local rules typically expand the definition and size of “child safety zones.”

Understanding these local regulations is critical because a workplace that is permissible under state law might be illegal under a city ordinance. Where can sex offenders live in texas often determines where they can work, as many local ordinances create large exclusion zones.

Houston and other major Texas cities may have local ordinances that establish exclusion zones around schools, parks, and other child-oriented facilities, potentially limiting where registered individuals can live or work. These restrictions can make large portions of urban areas off-limits for both living and working.

Some cities also prohibit registered individuals from working in businesses that primarily serve families or children, even if state law does not explicitly ban such employment. You must research the specific ordinances in any city where you plan to work.

What Happens If I Violate Texas Work Related Restrictions Or Registry Rules?

If you break Texas work-related limits or any registry rule, prosecutors can charge Failure to Register. It’s a felony. The level depends on your original offense and whether you’ve had prior violations. Some cases are a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years). More serious cases are a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years). For lifetime registrants or repeat violations, it can be a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years).

A new conviction can also get your probation or parole revoked, which means serving the rest of your original sentence on top of the new time. Texas treats compliance as a public-safety issue, so even something that seems minor—like taking a job in a prohibited setting—can lead to arrest and prison.

If you’re unsure about a role or location, clear it with our attorneys at Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers or supervision officer before you accept it.

Can I Deregister Or Reduce Restrictions To Improve Job Options?

In some cases, yes. Texas allows a narrow path to deregistration—early termination of the duty to register—but it’s complex and available only to people who meet strict statutory criteria.

Who may qualify

Eligibility depends on the exact offense, case details, and state requirements. You must also complete a minimum registration period—often 10 years—with no new offenses.

How the process works

1. Apply to the Council on Sex Offender Treatment (CSOT).
2. Complete a risk assessment with a licensed sex-offense treatment specialist.
3. Petition the court that handled your case, asking to be removed from the registry.
4. Attend a hearing where the judge decides whether to grant deregistration.

What success means

If granted, your name comes off the public registry and the related employment and residency limits are lifted. That typically opens far more job options and career paths.

What to expect

The process can take months—or longer—and you’ll need solid documentation of rehabilitation. Texas makes deregistration hard by design, but for those who qualify, it’s the most direct way to restore employment opportunities.

Need Legal Guidance On Jobs And Registration?

Texas registration rules, local ordinances, and licensing requirements overlap in ways that are easy to miss. One misstep can mean a new felony case. That’s the risk we help you avoid.

At Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we explain what the law actually requires in your situation and how it applies at work—job sites, schedules, background checks, child-safety zones, and travel. We also handle deregistration for clients who qualify.

Grant Scheiner is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. That credential reflects years of focused criminal practice and deep familiarity with Texas sex-offense rules.

What you can expect from us:

• Clear answers about what you can and can’t do under your specific terms.
• Practical steps to stay compliant on the job.
• An honest read on your options, including whether deregistration is realistic.

If employment limits or registry questions are blocking your next step, contact us for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you protect your rights and move forward within the law.

Texas Jobs For Sex Offenders FAQs

Can A Sex Offender Get A Commercial Driver’s License In Texas?

Yes. Texas can issue a CDL to a registered individual who meets the usual eligibility rules. The bigger hurdle is getting hired. Many carriers—and their insurers—have strict policies that screen out applicants with certain convictions.

Can I Drive For Uber Or Lyft If I’m Registered As A Sex Offender?

No. Texas law bars registered individuals from driving for rideshare companies. It also prohibits working as a taxi driver.

Can I Work In Restaurants Or Retail With A Sex Offense Conviction?

It depends on the employer’s policy, but most opportunities will be back-of-house in restaurants or non-customer-facing roles in retail.

Can I Get A Barber License Or HVAC License With A Sex Offense?

Possibly. Both licenses are issued by TDLR, which will review your criminal history before deciding. Approval isn’t guaranteed—outcomes turn on the specifics of your case and TDLR’s fitness review.

Can I work in healthcare or education with a sex-offense conviction?

Generally, no. Mandatory background checks and rules protecting vulnerable populations make these fields effectively off-limits for registered individuals.

Can I start my own business if I’m a registered sex offender?

Yes—self-employment is possible. You’ll still need to follow all restrictions (e.g., no entering private homes, no contact with minors) and comply with any licensing, zoning, and permit requirements.

Do Texas employers have to hire me despite my sex offense?

No. Private employers may lawfully decline to hire based on criminal history, and Texas has no statewide “ban-the-box” law for private employers.

Do Houston city laws create additional work restrictions for sex offenders?

Often, yes. Houston has local ordinances—such as expanded child-safety or exclusion zones—that can add limits beyond state law and may restrict where you can work. The specific impact depends on the location and your supervision terms.