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Get my free resume reviewKey takeaways
- Jobs for people with dyslexia include electrician, software developer, designer, chef and nurse, with median pay from $44,660 to $135,980 (BLS 2025).
- Dyslexia affects reading and spelling, not intelligence. The best fit depends on your interests and strengths, which vary from person to person.
- The ADA requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations. You decide whether and when to disclose.
- Keep your resume clean and results focused, and check it with our free ATS resume checker.
Dyslexia is a common difference in how the brain processes written language. It affects reading, spelling and sometimes writing speed, and it says nothing about intelligence or ability. Many people with dyslexia build strong, well paid careers. This guide covers jobs for people with dyslexia that make use of visual thinking, hands on skill and communication, with honest notes about the reading and writing each job involves.
We use real pay data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (via O*NET OnLine), describe workplace accommodations in general terms and avoid any medical claims. Everyone is different, so treat this as a starting list, not a rulebook. If you think visually, see our guide to the best career for right brain dominant people, and if you prefer independent work, see jobs for people who like working alone.
What should you look for in a job if you have dyslexia?
Instead of searching for a “dyslexia friendly” label, look at what a job asks of you day to day. Ask how much of the work is reading dense text, how much writing is required and how much relies on speaking, visuals or hands on skills. Then ask what tools and support the employer offers.
Many people with dyslexia say they prefer work with variety, clear goals and room to use visual or practical strengths, though experiences differ. Training programs and employers are more flexible than many people expect, and assistive technology such as text to speech, speech to text and spell checkers is now standard in many workplaces.
The 10 best jobs for people with dyslexia
Every pay figure is the median annual wage from BLS 2025 data, accessed through O*NET OnLine. Pay varies by state, employer and experience. We note the reading or writing load where it matters so you can plan.
1. Electrician
Electricians install, test and repair wiring and equipment. Training combines classroom learning with paid, hands on apprenticeship hours, and daily work is practical problem solving: tracing a fault, reading a layout, working with your hands.
Why it can fit: much of the learning is hands on and visual, and employers value reliability and careful work. Codes and exams involve reading, so ask apprenticeship programs about study support and exam accommodations. BLS projects much faster than average growth (7% or higher) with about 821,000 jobs.
Median pay: $63,190 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (electrician). Resume tip: list your hours, licenses and the types of work you have done, such as residential, commercial or industrial.
2. Software developer
Developers build apps, websites and systems. Code is read and written differently from prose, and many developers rely on syntax highlighting, autocomplete, linters and screen readers to work comfortably. Strengths vary by person, but pattern spotting and big picture thinking are often valued. See our software engineer resume sample.
Why it can fit: tools handle much of the spelling and formatting load, and results matter more than neat typing. Demand is strong (about 1.7 million jobs, growth much faster than average), although entry level competition is real.
Median pay: $135,980 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (software developer). Resume tip: link your GitHub or projects and list languages and frameworks so applicant tracking systems can match them.
3. Graphic designer
Designers communicate with images, layout and color. Many people with dyslexia are drawn to visual work, and a portfolio lets your output speak first. Typography also teaches you what makes text readable, which is a skill clients pay for.
Why it can fit: the work is visual and portfolio led. Be realistic about the market: BLS projects a decline for the occupation through 2035, so specializing in motion, UX or branding helps. Our graphic designer resume samples show how to present your work.
Median pay: $62,960 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (graphic designer). Resume tip: put your portfolio link in the header and describe the project goal and result in one line each.
4. Film and video editor
Editors assemble footage into stories for film, news, ads and online video. The job is about pacing, sequencing and spotting what works on screen.
Why it can fit: the main medium is visual and audio, and the software is the workspace. The field is small (about 39,400 jobs) with average growth, so a strong reel is your calling card.
Median pay: $75,420 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (film and video editor). Resume tip: link a reel and name the editing software, since recruiters search for those exact names.
5. Chef or head cook
Chefs run kitchens, design menus and manage cooks. Kitchens are fast, physical and team based, and reading is mostly recipes, orders and tickets, many of which follow a repeated format. Many chefs learn through years on the line.
Why it can fit: learning by doing is the norm and advancement depends on skill and reliability. BLS projects much faster than average growth (7% or higher). Ordering and inventory involve reading and writing, so ask about the software the kitchen uses.
Median pay: $62,470 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (chef or head cook). Resume tip: list the kitchen size, covers served and team size you led, as plain numbers.
6. Registered nurse
Nurses assess patients, give treatment and coordinate care. Nursing involves a lot of documentation, so it demands attention to process, but it also depends on observation, communication and calm under pressure. Our registered nurse resume sample and nursing resume service help with the application.
Why it can fit: many nurses with learning differences succeed through study systems, extra time on exams and electronic charting tools. Check licensing board and school policies on accommodations early. About 3.47 million jobs exist, with faster than average growth.
Median pay: $97,550 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (registered nurse). Resume tip: lead with your license, specialty and unit type, then add patient ratios or protocols you handled.
7. Sales representative
Sales reps build relationships, understand customer needs and close deals. Success depends on conversation, trust and follow through more than on written polish. Customer relationship tools and email templates cover much of the writing.
Why it can fit: strong spoken communication is rewarded. BLS projects a decline for this specific occupation, so look at related roles in tech and healthcare sales as well. Our sales resume service covers the field.
Median pay: $72,080 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (sales representative). Resume tip: state quota attainment or territory results in plain numbers you can discuss in an interview.
8. Child, family and school social worker
These social workers support children and families and connect them with services. The role runs on listening, judgment and persistence. A degree and often a license are required, and documentation is part of the job.
Why it can fit: people skills are central, and speech to text and templates reduce the paperwork load. Ask about caseloads, since the work is emotionally demanding. Growth is average, about 3% to 4%.
Median pay: $59,550 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (child, family and school social worker). Resume tip: describe cases managed and services coordinated, with outcomes you can honestly state.
9. Photographer
Photographers capture portraits, events, products and news. The craft is visual and hands on, and many photographers run their own business.
Why it can fit: the work is visual and portfolio based. It is the lowest paid role on this list and BLS projects a decline, so a specialty such as commercial or real estate photography, plus business skills, helps.
Median pay: $44,660 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (photographer). Resume tip: show a portfolio link, your client types and any publications.
10. Architect
Architects design buildings and spaces and manage projects from concept to construction. Strong spatial thinking is central, and modeling software does much of the technical drawing. Licensing requires a degree, supervised experience and exams.
Why it can fit: the work is visual and three dimensional. Specifications and codes involve heavy reading, so plan for study support and ask about exam accommodations. BLS projects average growth, 3% to 4%, with about 124,600 jobs.
Median pay: $99,280 a year BLS 2025 wage data via O*NET OnLine (architect). Resume tip: list project types, sizes and your role on each, and link a portfolio.
| Job | Median pay (BLS 2025) | What you use instead |
|---|---|---|
| Software developer | $135,980 | Pattern spotting, tools |
| Architect | $99,280 | Spatial thinking |
| Registered nurse | $97,550 | Observation, communication |
| Film and video editor | $75,420 | Pacing, visual sense |
| Sales representative | $72,080 | Conversation, trust |
| Electrician | $63,190 | Hands on problem solving |
| Graphic designer | $62,960 | Visual communication |
| Chef or head cook | $62,470 | Learning by doing, teamwork |
| Social worker (child, family, school) | $59,550 | Empathy, advocacy |
| Photographer | $44,660 | Composition, client skills |
Median annual pay for five roles on this list (illustrative)
A snapshot from the highest paid role to the most accessible. Exact pay varies.
Illustrative, based on BLS 2025 median annual wage data via O*NET OnLine.
“Your resume is a marketing document, not a spelling test. Lead with results, keep the format clean, have a second reader proofread it, and let your strengths do the talking.”
ResumeCroc resume team
How to write a resume that shows your strengths
A resume is a short document, so you can polish it carefully. Prefer expert help? Our resume writing service handles the writing and proofreading. Otherwise, follow these steps.
Lead with what you do well
Open with a short summary naming your two or three strongest skills and the type of work you want. Hiring managers read the top third first.
Do: “Visual problem solver with 6 years in video editing and a track record of on time delivery”
Keep the format simple and readable
A clean single column layout with clear headings and plenty of white space helps every reader, and it keeps applicant tracking systems from misreading your file. Many readers find sans serif fonts at 11 or 12 points easier.
Check it free: ATS resume checker
Use tools to proofread, then ask a person
Read your resume aloud or use text to speech, run a spelling and grammar checker, then ask a trusted friend or a professional to read it. Fresh eyes catch what tools miss.
Do: “Read each bullet aloud and fix any that you stumble on”
Quantify results simply
Short numbers such as team size, volume and time frames make impact clear without long sentences.
Do: “Edited 120 videos in 2024, delivering every project on schedule”
Decide when and how to disclose
You are not required to mention dyslexia on a resume. If you want an accommodation, you can ask at the offer stage or once hired. Our free resume review can help you present your strengths first.
Do: keep the resume about skills and results; request accommodations through HR when you choose
From job search to offer
A simple process keeps the search manageable.
Want a second pair of eyes on your resume?
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Frequently asked questions
What are good jobs for people with dyslexia?
Many people with dyslexia do well in hands on, visual or people centered work. Electrician, software developer, graphic designer, film editor, chef, nurse and sales roles on this list pay medians from $44,660 to $135,980 (BLS 2025 data via O*NET OnLine). The right job depends on your interests and skills, not on a label.
Do I have to tell an employer I have dyslexia?
No. Disclosure is a personal choice. If you want a workplace accommodation, you generally need to tell your employer at some point so they can respond, but you can wait until after an offer or after you start. The EEOC publishes guidance on what employers may ask.
What workplace accommodations might help?
Examples include text to speech software, spell checkers, extra time on written tasks, written instructions in a clear format, quiet workspaces and recorded meetings. The Job Accommodation Network at askjan.org lists ideas by condition. What works varies by person.
What does the ADA say about dyslexia at work?
Under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless doing so causes undue hardship. Whether dyslexia counts depends on the individual situation, so check the EEOC website or speak with a legal professional.
Can I be a nurse or developer with dyslexia?
Yes. People with dyslexia work in both fields, often with study systems, assistive technology and accommodations during training and exams. Ask your school and licensing body about their policies early.
How should I format my resume if I have dyslexia?
Use a clean single column layout, clear headings, short bullets and a readable font. Read it aloud, use a spell checker and have someone proofread. A professional resume review can help you focus on strengths.
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