Although people with dyslexia face unique challenges in the workspace, that doesn’t mean they cannot build a career and be extremely successful. If you’re a person with dyslexia, there’s no reason you shouldn’t aspire to a prosperous life, and the following make for excellent job opportunities for you.
People with dyslexia can build successful careers in the food and service industry, entertainment, sports, art, and numerous trade jobs. Despite reading difficulties, people with dyslexia can get well-paying jobs in several fields and earn a decent living.
Keep reading to learn more about the best jobs and careers people with dyslexia can choose to get paid a fair wage without worrying about reading difficulties.
Workplace Challenges for Professionals With Dyslexia
While more people are aware of dyslexia now than ever before, very few know the true impact of this condition. In the workplace, professionals with dyslexia deal with challenges beyond difficulties in reading. These challenges include:
- Inability to follow written instructions quickly.
- Difficulty reading maps.
- Copying information inaccurately.
- Problems in writing down addresses and appointments.
Supporting people with dyslexia in the workplace is the responsibility of the Human Resources (HR) department. Employers that don’t consider the needs of people with dyslexia are gravely mismanaging their employees.
Regardless of the management strategies different employers may use, you might want to steer clear of jobs that are naturally difficult for people with dyslexia. So, without further ado, let’s move on to the best jobs and careers for dyslexic professionals.
Jobs in the Service Industry for People With Dyslexia
People with dyslexia can thrive in the service industry. That doesn’t just mean taking smaller jobs like waiting tables and pouring drinks (which can also make for lucrative careers in some instances). The hospitality and service sector offers many growth opportunities, and there’s little reading involved in most of these jobs.
1. Chef And Food Preparation
- Salary: $20 per hour.
- Workload: 91% of positions are full-time.
- Medium Demand: 7,800 food jobs are available on
One of the most famous Chefs Jamie Oliver has dyslexia. Jobs in food preparation, such as a chef or kitchen hand, are incredibly competitive, but there’s room for building a career there. If you’re passionate about food, consider getting into this industry. However, remember that the training is especially tough, and success doesn’t come easily.
Requirements
- High School diploma
- Relevant training at a restaurant or culinary school
2. Catering Jobs
- Salary: $19 per hour.
- Workload: 91% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 481 catering jobs are available on
While becoming a chef is a tough race to win, those who are passionate about food but can’t handle the heat of the kitchen might want to get into catering. Starting a catering business is relatively easy if you’re a good cook and can ensure that your food meets the government’s health and safety standards.
Caterers provide pre-cooked food for significant events such as weddings and funerals. Running a catering business also requires hiring wait staff and kitchen helpers.
Requirements
- Food safety certification
- Cooking experience
3. Jobs In The Hospitality Industry
- Average Salary: $50,000 per year.
- Workload: 89% of positions are full-time.
- Medium Demand: 14,807 hospitality jobs are available on
People with dyslexia have historically taken up low-level jobs in the hospitality and service industry because of the assumption that service staff doesn’t need to focus too much on reading. However, there is room for building a serious career in the service industry. This is especially true for positions such as a host or a flight attendant.
However, keep in mind that professional wait staff in high-class establishments (such as luxury hotels) gets paid more. The same goes for bartending.
Requirements
- Hospitality training
- Relevant experience
Art-Related Jobs for People With Dyslexia
There is a well-known association between artistic creativity and dyslexia. Many art-related careers are suitable for people with dyslexia, but keep in mind that success in this field tends to be an uphill battle.
4. Artist, Painter, Or Sculptor
- Salary: $19 per hour.
- Workload: 84% of positions are full-time.
- High Demand: 29,260 artist jobs are available on
The various works of art that our collective cultures celebrate are made by artists such as painters, sculptors, and even calligraphers. Anyone with an artistic tendency can become an artist with practice and passion.
Most artists start their careers long before they have full-time jobs after college. Just make sure that you’re passionate about the type of art you intend to make.
Requirements
- Artistic vision
- Practice and determination
5. Graphic Designer
- Salary: $25 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 59 graphic designer jobs are available on
For those who are more tech-savvy and have an artistic side, a career in graphic design can be very lucrative. Although there may be some studying involved in the beginning stages, most graphic designing is practical. Some graphic designers learn entirely on their own.
Graphic designers work with movie production companies, marketing departments, and many more companies to provide digital art. There is a lot of room for growth in this field.
Requirements
- Graphic design course in relevant software
- Relative experience
6. Musician
- Salary: $23 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 5 musician jobs are available on
Music is another avenue for artistic expression. Most musicians are self-taught, and today, some artists make their music using software, so learning to play an instrument is not compulsory.
Of course, to succeed as a musician, you will need to be interested in making music.
Requirements
- Learning to play an instrument or use a DAW
- Course on music theory
Trade Jobs for People With Dyslexia
For years, people with dyslexia have attended trade schools to get certified for a trade job instead of going to college. While there is an educational requirement for this type of job, these jobs are much easier to excel in. Moreover, these jobs pay a lot of money and are often unionized.
7. Construction Worker
- Salary: $21 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 14 construction worker jobs are available on
Despite being a strenuous job, those who can handle it can make a decent living working construction. It’s ideal for people with dyslexia because most of the work is physical and does not depend on reading any reports or such.
However, if you have dyscalculia (a related disorder), I would recommend staying clear of construction jobs because there’s a wide array of numbers and measurements you’ll have to deal with in your day-to-day tasks.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Specialty certifications
8. Plumber
- Salary: $30 per hour.
- Workload: 93% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3,138 plumber jobs are available on
This is a job that requires a little physical activity but can also be difficult for some people to handle because of its nature. However, independent plumbers are known to earn more than other trade jobs professionals.
Becoming a plumber is relatively easy if you’re good with tools and are handy around the house. Plumbers repair and install bathroom and kitchen fixtures as well as water pipes. They also deal with sanitation systems in households.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Relevant certification from a trade school
9. Auto Mechanic
- Salary: $25 per hour.
- Workload: 90% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 298 auto mechanic jobs are available on
Without car mechanics to diagnose and fix problems with our automobiles, most people wouldn’t invest in buying a car. Luckily, becoming a car mechanic requires little reading and writing. If you’re interested in cars and can understand how they work, this is the perfect job for you.
Not only that, but car mechanics can work both as independent contractors and in companies. In both cases, they earn a decent salary.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Relevant experience
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Specialty certifications
10. Landscaper
- Salary: $25 per hour.
- Workload: 93% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 812 landscaper jobs are available on
Landscape design is a job that combines physical labor, artistic creativity, gardening knowledge, and architectural principles. Your job would be to help create, oversee, and maintain a landscape for individuals and/or companies.
I recommend trying this career path if you’re interested in horticulture and have a creative side. There is room for growth, and if you find that you’re good at the job, you can try starting your own business as a landscape designer.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in landscape design or landscape architecture
11. Jeweler
- Salary: $23 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 47 jeweler jobs are available on
Jewelry-making is another outlet for creativity that people with dyslexia might be interested in. There are various levels to this field, whereby you can make jewelry out of various metals, ranging from the affordable to the more luxurious.
If you have a passion for making jewelry of any kind, you might want to consider making money that way. Attention to detail and steady hands are a must for this job.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Computer proficiency
- Apprenticeship
Jobs in Entertainment and Sports for People With Dyslexia
Some people with dyslexia excel in artistic expression, whereas others are very good at sports. Both recreational activities are part of multi-billion dollar industries where people with dyslexia can easily build careers.
12. Sports Coach
- Average Salary: $85,304 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 5 sports coach jobs are available on
People with dyslexia often excel in sports because they develop the right reflexes, and some scientists hypothesize that there is a link between spatial awareness and dyslexia disorder. Nonetheless, whether there’s a positive or negative relationship, many people with dyslexia take an interest in sports, and becoming a sports coach is a great career to pursue.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Knowledge of the rules of the chosen sport (football, soccer, baseball, etc.)
- Leadership potential
13. Podcasting And Radio
- Salary: $23 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3 radio host jobs are available on
Before movies and television shows, entertainment came in the form of the spoken word. Podcasting is a slightly different form of radio, and millions are listening worldwide.
There’s no need for podcasts to be scripted, making the job a perfect match for those with dyslexia disorder. If you’re especially interested in a particular niche topic or have an idea for a podcast, setting it up for monetization is relatively simple.
Requirements
- Microphone, recording software
- Podcast idea
- Talking and conversation skills
14. Actor
- Average Salary: depends on reputation.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 41 actor jobs are available on
It may surprise you to find out that many famous actors have dyslexia. In fact, famous personalities such as Jennifer Aniston, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Cruise, and even Anthony Hopkins are among the list of actors with the disorder.
Acting is a talent, and while there is a requirement to read a script and remember lines, there are many workarounds you can rely on to make your job easier.
Requirements
- Ability to act well
15. Personal Trainer
- Salary: $32 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 44 personal trainer jobs are available on
Staying fit and healthy is easier for some people than for others. Personal trainers help their clients achieve their fitness goals and keep them accountable so they can stay on track.
If you’re someone who has the discipline to lose weight or gain muscle, this job is a perfect match for you. It helps to have the latest scientific knowledge on the topic, but depending on the path you choose, there’s not always a specific degree or higher level of education you’ll need.
Requirements
- Discipline regarding fitness
- Communication
- Relevant education
Other Careers
Even though many of the careers mentioned in this list are mainly focused on artistic expression or labor-intensive work, there are still other jobs suitable for people with dyslexia. As long as you can think outside of the box and you’re determined, you can build a career out of any job.
16. Sales Representative
- Average Salary: $53,000 per year.
- Workload: 91% of positions are full-time.
- Medium Demand: 8,024 sales representative jobs are available on
People with dyslexia can earn their living as a salesperson. This could be in a showroom (like a car dealership), a store, or even through the phone. The only requirement for success in this field is to have the skillset suitable for sales. That includes confidence, emotional intelligence, empathy, and, most importantly, communication.
The key is to understand what your customer wants and find a way to provide that through your product. Becoming a great salesperson is a skill that can only be practiced on the job, and no amount of reading can compensate for that.
Requirements
- Communication skills
- Relevant retail experience
17. Life Coach
- Salary: $30 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 39 life coach jobs are available on
More and more people are trusting others to help them get their lives together. Because people with dyslexia are no strangers to adversity, some might be especially capable of guiding others in dealing with their personal problems.
Life coaches help their clients overcome obstacles in their lives and attain their goals. They provide encouragement and counseling to help clients visualize their life goals and make strides toward achieving those goals.
While a bachelor’s degree in psychology or similar educational background is good for credibility, many successful life coaches don’t have any type of formal certification.
Requirements
- No legal requirements