[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many high-paying, growth-oriented careers in business, IT, healthcare, education, and the arts are increasingly accessible to people with physical disabilities, largely due to the rise of remote work options.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many roles, such as marketing manager or software developer, require only a bachelor’s degree and offer accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fields such as social work, art, and teaching provide inclusive environments where professionals with physical disabilities can leverage their personal experiences and adaptive technologies to succeed.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]The rise of remote work has created both opportunities and challenges for job-hunters and employees with physical disabilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]People with physical disabilities can pursue wide-ranging and growing career opportunities, especially with the increased reliance on remote work. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.t06.htm/”]quarter of Americans[/hen-ui-link] worked from home, but that number has increased significantly.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regardless, individuals with disabilities can work in many different roles beyond remote work. Careers in management, education, business, technology, and healthcare all offer opportunities with few physical dexterity, stamina, or mobility requirements. Many of these careers also offer opportunities for people with visual or hearing impairments.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Under the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employers/accommodations/”]Americans with Disabilities Act[/hen-ui-link], employers must make reasonable accommodations for job candidates and employees with disabilities. In many high-paying careers that take place in an office setting, these accommodations can be as straightforward as ensuring the workplace is not mobility-limited, implementing assistive technologies, and offering schedule flexibility.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on to learn about the fastest-growing careers in the business, information technology, medicine, education, and social work fields — all of which are well suited to professionals with disabilities. We also cover education requirements and typical salaries for these roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″] Highest-Paying Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]People with disabilities have many high-paying career options. In fact, many of the highest-paying careers have little physical requirements. This includes careers in management, business, or information technology, and many of them require only a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following list is by no means exhaustive; it is just a place to start your research. People with disabilities can find [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/bachelor-degrees/”]well-paying careers[/hen-ui-link] in many other fields and industries, too.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”tertiary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Computer and Information Systems Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $169,510[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: These managers oversee companies’ computer-related activities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Computer and information systems managers usually work in office settings within manufacturing firms or government agencies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Most computer and information systems managers possess a bachelor’s in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-science/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link] or another information technology degree. Many also hold graduate degrees in management information science.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Marketing Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $156,580[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Marketing managers plan the strategy for selling products or services effectively. This job requires an analytical mind and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Marketing managers usually work in office environments, generally in advertising, public relations, or management settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Most marketing managers hold bachelor’s degrees in advertising, journalism, or marketing, along with significant work experience in advertising, marketing, and promotion. Some employers prefer candidates with MBAs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Financial Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $156,100[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Financial managers oversee organizations’ financial health and create detailed reports to help them reach long-term financial goals. This analytical job requires an independent mind and self-directed work ethic.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Financial managers work in offices, usually in financial services and insurance, management of enterprises, or professional services settings. They often collaborate with top executives.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: A financial manager typically has a bachelor’s degree and significant experience in finance, accounting, and business administration. Some employers may prefer candidates with MBAs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Sales Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $135,160[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Sales managers set sales goals for organizations based on their analyses of sales data.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Sales managers usually work in an office environment, often in wholesale trade, retail trade, or professional services companies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Most sales managers hold bachelor’s degrees in sales management or business administration, along with extensive experience as sales representatives. Some employers look for applicants with MBAs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Natural Sciences Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $157,740[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Natural sciences managers supervise scientists and researchers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: These professionals usually work in offices or laboratories, generally in research, academia, the public sector, or manufacturing. Some natural sciences managers work on field sites.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: These professionals typically need a bachelor’s with a concentration in natural sciences management. However, some natural sciences managers earn postgraduate degrees to launch their careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″] Top Business Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”tertiary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Chief Executives” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $206,680[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Chief executives oversee organizations’ from the top down, setting company goals and gameplans.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Chief executives work across public and private sectors in professional and technical services, healthcare, and government.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: These professionals usually need a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/”]business administration-related bachelor’s[/hen-ui-link] and at least ten years of business-related experience to work as an executive. Many chief executives also hold [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/”]MBAs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Human Resources Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $136,350[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Human resource managers oversee companies’ administrative functions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: These managers work in offices in nearly every industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Human resources managers need a bachelor’s in business administration or human resource management. Some employers prefer candidates with MBAs focusing on human resource management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Training and Development Managers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $125,040[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: These managers oversee training and internal effectiveness at organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Training and development managers work in offices, usually in professional and technical services, manufacturing, or management of enterprises, though they can work in any industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: A training and development manager needs at minimum a bachelor’s in business administration or a related field. Some also hold degrees in education, while others possess MBAs with a specialization in training and development management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″] Top Information Technology Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”tertiary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Computer Network Architects” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $129,840[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Computer network architects design and oversee data communication network capabilities for organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: These architects spend most of their time in offices and server rooms, often working for large businesses with a lot of [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/information-technology/”]information technology[/hen-ui-link] needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Computer network architects typically need a bachelor’s in computer science, information science, or engineering. Experience with building LAN, WAN, and intranet networks also helps candidates stand out from the competition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Computer and Information Research Scientists” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $145,080[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Research scientists work toward discovering new applications for computer and information technology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Computer and information research scientists usually work in the private sector, academia, or computer systems design services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: To work as a computer and information research scientist, you need a master’s or higher in computer or information science. An area of specialization, such as artificial intelligence or biomedical technology, also helps.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Information Security Analysts” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $120,360[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Information security analysts protect computer networks from cybersecurity threats such as viruses and hackers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: These analysts typically work for computer services companies, financial services organizations, and consulting firms.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Information security analysts usually hold bachelor’s [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]degrees in computer science[/hen-ui-link] or information technology. Many also possess certificates in cybersecurity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″] Top Medical Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”tertiary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Speech-Language Pathologists” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $89,290[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Speech-language pathologists use their strong listening and verbal communication skills to help diagnose and correct clients’ speech disorders.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: Speech-language pathologists typically work within school systems, hospitals, and residential care. Some professionals are self-employed or work in private clinics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Working as a speech-language pathologist requires a master’s in speech-language pathology from a Council on Academic Accreditation accredited program. Many states also require licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Occupational Therapists” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $96,370[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What They Do: Occupational therapists help people with disabilities, injuries, or chronic illnesses navigate their workplaces.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where They Work: These therapists work in hospitals, residential care facilities, and schools. Many also work for home health services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education or Skills Required for the Role: Occupational therapists need a master’s in occupational therapy and state licensure. Some employers prefer therapists with doctoral degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Fields and Careers to Consider[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Art and Design[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The art and design field offers diverse opportunities for people with physical disabilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Creative careers often take place in inclusive settings, including for remote workers and people with visual or hearing impairments. Artists, for example, often work in a variety of settings and set their own schedules.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many grants, funds, and communities provide opportunities specifically for artists with disabilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are a few top careers in art and design.[/hen-ui-text]
  • Art directors
  • Multimedia artists and animators
  • Special effects artists and animators
  • Fashion designers
  • Digital designer
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/”]educational field[/hen-ui-link] also presents unique possibilities for people with disabilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public schools offer an inclusive environment for both educators and students with disabilities. Educators can work in a variety of settings, including remotely.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are a few top careers in education.[/hen-ui-text]
  • Postsecondary education administrators
  • Postsecondary teachers
  • Instructional coordinators
  • High school teachers
  • Self-enrichment education teachers
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Social Work[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many people with physical disabilities find success in social work careers. The career attracts people who are empathetic and enjoy teaching, counseling, and providing services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many social work organizations prioritize accessibility, making them a good place for employees with disabilities. Case managers and disability social workers who have disabilities can assist their clients by drawing on their personal experiences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are a few top careers in social work.[/hen-ui-text]
  • Social work teachers
  • Social and community service managers
  • School and career counselors
  • Marriage and family therapists
  • Health educators
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Careers for People With Disabilities[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is a Good Job for Someone With a Physical Disability?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Any job that the person feels ready to pursue. People with physical disabilities are not restricted to a narrow range of options: The [hen-ui-link href=”https://adata.org/factsheet/reasonable-accommodations-workplace/”]Americans with Disabilities Act[/hen-ui-link] (ADA) stipulates that employers must make “reasonable accommodations” for individuals with disabilities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Do I Get a Job if I Have a Disability?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://adata.org/factsheet/reasonable-accommodations-workplace/”]Americans with Disabilities Act[/hen-ui-link] (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of ability. You can visit your state’s vocational rehabilitation services office for leads on career options.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Jobs Can People With Disabilities Do From Home?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Web developer, information security analyst, multimedia artist, and animator are all popular careers for work-from-home professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Matthew Sweeney” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859758/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/matthew-sweeney.jpg” img-alt=”Matthew Sweeney” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Matthew Sweeney[/hen-ui-link] received his Bachelor of Arts in English with a specialization in English literature from Portland State. His writings on music and culture have appeared in the publications Eleven PDX Magazine and Secret Decoder. In his free time he enjoys reading, cinema, hiking, and cooking.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: Maskot | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”187,170,163″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]