Dyslexics have a reading disability that affects their ability to read and understand written text. While it is important for dyslexics to consider the long-term implications of their career choices, there are still plenty of good jobs out there for people with dyslexia (and some bad ones too!).
The best jobs for people with dyslexia require more than just reading and writing since they need to think critically, solve problems, and be creative. Research suggests that dyslexia is often connected to strong attention to detail, keen observation skills, and creativity.
That said, the best jobs for dyslexics are jobs that involve creative and artistic expressions, and there are many of those. This article will focus on just a handful of them.
The best jobs for people with dyslexia
Below we highlight 15 of the best jobs for dyslexics. Most of these jobs pay more than 50K a year, which means dyslexics can still get well-paying jobs and enjoy financial stability doing jobs best suited to their unique abilities.
1. Graphic designer
Graphic design is a creative field that involves using visual communication to create designs. Graphic designers use design software to create images, logos, and other visual elements for print, web, and other media.
Graphic designers have many different responsibilities in their work. They’re responsible for coming up with ideas for projects, creating mockups (sketches) of those projects, working on the final product, putting it into production, and making sure it looks good when it’s printed or displayed online.
They need to be good at working with others on projects as well as keeping track of deadlines so they can stay ahead of the game while still having fun.
Graphic design is a well-paying job for creative personalities, with the average annual salary for graphic designers in the United States being $59,970 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Landscape architect
If you’re a problem solver, then landscape architecture might be the right career for you. Landscape architects design parks and gardens, but they also work on cities’ infrastructure (such as roads or airports) and large-scale projects like sports stadiums.
This job requires an ability to think of multiple solutions to a problem and then present them in a logical order for others to follow. A good example of this is designing a garden with water features that benefit birds while being aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
As with any other field, there are different levels of experience required depending on what kind of project you’re working on. However, most entry-level jobs require little more than basic knowledge about plants, trees, and soil composition (soil type).
Being a landscape architect is among the best jobs for dyslexics as it involves little reading but requires more creative and intellectual traits.
Landscape architects in the US earn an average annual salary of $74,980. You can learn more about being a landscape architect through the American Society of Landscape Architects’ official website.
3. Electrician
Electricians are and will always be in high demand. They install and repair electrical systems such as lighting, heating and ventilation, appliances, and home automation products like thermostats or plug-in nightlights. They may also be called upon to replace failed parts or make improvements to existing systems.
Electricians need to be able to read and interpret diagrams and circuit diagrams. This usually includes instruction manuals for specific products or components used within an installation process (such as wiring diagrams).
Most electricians have their own tools—such as screwdrivers, spanners, or hammers. You’ll definitely need these in your arsenal if you’re going into any kind of construction environment.
Electrician jobs tend to not only pay well but also offer good benefits packages including health insurance coverage for those who work full-time hours during peak season periods (like wintertime).
The average annual salary for electricians in the US is $63,310. It is one of the best-paying low-stress jobs for dyslexics and you can earn as high as $99,800 a year.
4. Industrial designer
If you’re looking for a creative field with plenty of room for growth, industrial design is an ideal fit. Industrial designers work on both large and small projects designed to be functional and beautiful in their own right.
They often use 3D modeling software (like AutoCAD) to create mock-ups of their designs before they begin production. They also collaborate with engineers and other departments within the company, which can lead to different types of challenges as well as new opportunities for growth.
The average annual salary for an entry-level industrial designer varies depending on experience level. However, according to PayScale’s Salary Survey, their average annual salary is $61,765 with the top earners getting more than $91,000 a year.
5. Photographer
Photographers shoot pictures of places, things, people, and other phenomena for the purpose of recording and recalling them. In an age where anyone can point a camera at anything and take a picture, a photographer has to know how to hold the camera, how to frame the shot, how to set exposure levels, and—most importantly—how to make people happy.
Artistically inclined photographers are usually required to go through training to become pros. There is no specific degree necessary but some schools offer photography as a major or separate area of study.
Photographers may also need training in other areas such as graphics design or computer programming. All this training will help with various aspects of photography like composition, lighting quality, or color setting.
Photography is a great career option for dyslexics because it involves little reading and writing. The core focus is on the acquisition of practical photography skills and the ability to take professional photos.
Apart from being an ideal job for dyslexics, being a photographer is also a well-paying job for introverts. The highest-paid are wedding photographers, who earn an average annual salary of $67,750 and as high as $125,000 a year.
Keep in mind that there are different types of photographers, which play a key role in how much one can earn.
6. Chef
As a chef, you’ll be responsible for cooking food in large kitchens with many different stations. You should be able to multitask and perform well under pressure. Because of this, dyslexics are often good candidates for this career path because they can focus on the task at hand without getting distracted by other things around them.
As a chef, you’ll need good organizational skills and attention to detail—both of which are incredibly important if you want to succeed in your job. Another trait dyslexics have that makes this job ideal for them is the ability to think outside the box.
While there is a routine and well-defined way of preparing certain foods, dyslexics often come up with excellent, unorthodox ideas that make their meals unequivocally unpredictable. This is good because monotony can be boring.
The average annual salary for a chef in the US is $52,386 while an executive chef earns more than $86,000 on average.
7. Interior designer
An interior designer will do more than just make your house beautiful. They can help you create the perfect environment for your lifestyle, from efficient work spaces to storage-friendly homes. They can also help create spaces that keep your possessions safe and organized without losing the aesthetic appeal to the eye.
Interior designers not only help you create spaces that reflect who you are and what you love to do; they can also teach about sustainable practices for your home, which will reduce your carbon footprint and save money too!
Being an interior designer is a good job for people with dyslexia because it is creative, interesting, and rewarding, which are all qualities that dyslexic people need in life.
The average annual salary for interior designers in the United States is $65,500. The highest-paid interior designers make more than $91,000 a year.
8. Carpenter
Carpenters are not required to have a lot of formal education. They can also work in the field, which is suitable for those with dyslexia who may struggle with reading or writing.
Carpenters are paid well and have an average annual salary of $55,190. The highest-paid carpenters earn more than $80,940 a year, which explains why it is among the best-paying jobs for people with dyslexia.
9. Jewelry designer
Jewelry designers are responsible for creating the designs, patterns, and textures that make up the finished product. They often work with other designers to create their jewelry line, which can include necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Jewelry designers must have excellent graphic design skills as well as computer skills—they might be asked to create 3D images or work on a project involving cutting-edge technology like 3D printing or laser engraving.
As with other creative fields, jewelry design requires strong attention to detail and focus in order to produce high-quality products on time while maintaining strict quality standards at all times.
The average annual salary for jewelry designers in the US is $55,100 and the highest-paid designers earn more than $81,000 a year.
10. Sales marketer
What sales marketers do is help businesses sell their products or services. They work as part of a team, helping customers understand how they can benefit from buying from them.
Sales marketers must be able to learn new skills quickly and communicate clearly with clients about what’s best for them. The average annual salary of sales marketers in the US is $55k but this varies depending on experience level and location. The highest-paid get more than $100K a year.
11. Fashion designer
Fashion designer work with models and photographers to create clothing and accessories that look good on the runway.
It is one of the best jobs for dyslexics as it relies heavily on one’s creativity and ingenuity. It has little to do with reading or understanding long forms of written text.
Fashion designers in the US earn a median annual salary of $75,810. The highest-earning fashion designers earn more than $125,000 a year, which makes it one of the best-paying jobs for people with dyslexia.
12. Social worker
Social workers are known for their compassion and sensitivity. They help people with their mental, emotional, and physical needs. Social workers work in hospitals and schools, helping people overcome problems such as poverty or homelessness. Some social workers also work with prisoners at correctional institutions to address the root causes of crime.
The average annual salary for a social worker in the United States is $63,000 per year. However, it’s not uncommon for professionals who have more experience or education (like bachelor’s degrees) to earn much more on average than those who choose less specialized fields later in life – some salaries can exceed $100K.
13. Personal trainer
Personal trainers are in high demand, and dyslexics can be great at the job. Most personal trainers have a background in either sports or physical fitness, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t learn to become a personal trainer if you’ve always been interested in helping people get fit.
Personal trainers help their clients achieve their goals by helping them understand how to exercise correctly and safely. They also teach clients how to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
Being a personal trainer is one of the quick certifications that pay well and you can complete training and accreditation in less than nine months.
The median annual salary for personal trainers in the US is $64,874 while the highest-paid earn more than $93,000 a year.
14. Sports coach
Sports coaches are responsible for helping others develop their skills and abilities. You can work with athletes who have physical disabilities or learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or ADHD.
Because you have a special understanding of what it’s like to struggle with reading and writing, you will make an excellent teacher when it comes to teaching your clients how to manage their condition effectively.
How much a sports coach earns depend on the specific sport in question, their experience levels, location, and coaching level. On average, they earn between $41,350 and $63,400. The highest-paid coaches earn more than $80,700 a year.
15. HVAC technician
As an HVAC technician, your job is to install and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Your work may include installing the equipment in new homes or in old buildings.
Some of your duties may include measuring the air quality in a home or office, inspecting gas valves for leaks, and repairing broken glass fins on furnaces. You should be able to wirelessly transmit data about malfunctions or repairs from remote locations.
In some cases, you may be required to build ducts and blowers from scratch. You will need to use hand tools, power drivers and drills, pipe cutters, wrenches, and saws. You will also test the system’s performance with testing instruments such as ammeters and voltmeters.
HVAC technicians work with boilers and furnaces to heat water for buildings. They have to remove oil-burning furnaces that old people used in the past because they were environmentally unfriendly and replace them with the latest ones.
The average annual salary for an HVAC technician in the United States is $54,690. The highest-paid technicians earn more than 78,000 a year. You can check these short certificate programs that pay well if you’re looking for alternatives for this job option.
Conclusion
If you’re dyslexic, chances are you have a number of great options for finding the right job. You may need to be more flexible and adaptable than others, but rest assured that there are people out there who understand your condition and help make things easier for you.
Here’s a video on finding a job with dyslexia. Credit: Attitude.
