10 Best Jobs for People with Autism
According to the Autism Association of Western Australia, there is an estimated 1 in 100 people in Australia who have autism. If you have autism or support someone who does, you are not alone. More and more communities are growing awareness and understanding of autism as well as better identification of autism characteristics.
And while finding autism-friendly jobs can feel daunting, there are employers and disability employment services like Nexus that help people with autism find jobs that align with you or your loved one’s individual talents and skills.
Autism shouldn’t be a barrier to finding professional success. Here, we’ll explore a range of jobs ideally suited for high-functioning adults with autism in Australia. These career opportunities are listed based on their scope of work, flexibility, and low-stress environments, including requirements and salaries1 that may align with your needs and goals.
Please note this is a sample of jobs that may be suitable, but you are not limited to these roles. Please reach out to your employment coach to work out what is suitable to your individual situation.
1. Data Entry
Data entry is one of the best and easiest jobs for people with autism. If you enjoy creating a sense of order, working as a data entry specialist may be a good fit. The job often involves organising and categorising data. It’s an autism-friendly job that does not require much social interaction, and it can be done independently. Some companies also offer the flexibility for people in this role to work from home.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Average salary range: $56,550 to $68,215 per year
2. IT Support
IT support is another ideal job for people with autism since it generally involves assisting users with computer hardware or software problems. People with autism often have very strong problem-solving skills, which can be advantageous in this field.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or Computer Science or another related field
Average salary range: $70,000 to $98,800 per year
3. Lab Technician
If you have strong attention to detail, working as a lab technician may be a perfect career match for you. Lab technicians work in many fields related to science or medicine. It’s a good job option for people with autism who are comfortable working with numbers, conducting tests, keeping accurate records, and maintaining equipment in the lab.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Pharmacy, Biology or another related field
Average salary range: $66,503 to $105,000 per year
4. Accounting
An accounting job is a good job opportunity for people with autism, especially if they excel in maths and are more comfortable working individually or with less social interaction. Aside from working with numbers, the role also requires having strong attention to detail. Accountants typically work independently or in small teams, so that they interact less with others.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Average salary range: $88,975 to $160,000 per year
5. Computer Programmer
Working as a computer programmer may be one of the best jobs for people with autism, especially if they’re visual thinkers with a curiosity for learning coding. Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software to function properly. Computer programmers can also work as freelancers or as part of a larger company.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer and Information Technology or another related field
Average salary range: $90,000 to $115,919 per year
6. Mechanic
If you enjoy problem-solving and having a clear end point for your work, working as a mechanic may be a good fit. The work involves building and repairing different types of machinery, such as cars, air conditioning or bicycles. A mechanic also performs basic care and maintenance and explains automotive problems and repairs to clients.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Average salary range: $70,000 to $108,594 per year
7. Journalism
Journalism can be a rewarding career choice for those who love to write. Journalists investigate and write stories for newspapers, magazines, television, and online outlets. This profession allows people with autism to get creative while offering structure, routine, and opportunities to work from home.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications or another related field
Average salary range: $73,375 to $115,103 per year
8. Researcher
Some people with autism have a particular passion for learning, which can benefit a research career. Research is a fulfilling job opportunity for high-functioning adults with autism who enjoy exploring different topics. A researcher’s work involves collecting and analysing data in diverse fields, from mathematics to literature, physics, etc.In addition, researchers collect samples, make reports, and design experiments.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Science or a degree related to your chosen field
Average salary range: $90,138 to $133,351 per year
9. Librarian or Archivist
Some people with autism have a keen ability for intense focus and superior memory for details like dates, times, and places. Working as a librarian would be an autism-friendly job since the workspace maintains low decibel levels and less social interaction. The role involves ordering books from publishers, processing late fees, cataloguing books, and organising book displays.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree of Library Science or Information Science, higher-level positions may require a Master of Library and Information Science and other professional certifications
Average salary range: $78,732 to $103,053 per year
10. Graphic Designer
A graphic designer career is a perfect job for those who enjoy creative work such as designing logos, illustrations, editing, or composing images and presentations. Creating art can also be a therapeutic outlet for people with autism when they feel overwhelmed. It is also a good opportunity that allows you to be creative and work independently.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Arts or Design. Professional certifications related to the field are optional
Average salary range: $75,000 to $109,151 per year
More Jobs for People with Autism
11. Equipment Engineer
Equipment engineers monitor and improve equipment for a wide range of industries. It’s a great career opportunity for visual thinkers who enjoy problem-solving and decision-making.
12. Manufacturing
Manufacturing may be a good fit for those who appreciate predictability and consistency. This industry involves assembly, shipping, and receiving, as well as robotics, which may appeal to some people with autism.
13. Military
Some people with autism excel in the structured environment provided by the armed forces. This can also be beneficial for those interested in technology and science, which are some specialties within the military.
14. Pet Grooming or Animal Care
If you enjoy interacting with animals, working in animal care and pet grooming can be a rewarding experience and provide therapeutic benefits.
15. Taxi Driver
For people with autism who have strong memory and a good sense of spatial awareness, taxi driving might be a good fit. Taxi drivers have excellent knowledge of local areas and choose the most efficient way to bring people to places.
16. Shelf Stocker
Being a shelf stocker works best if you thrive on routine tasks. The role involves lifting boxes and organising and stocking grocery or department store shelves.
17. Factory Assembly
If you appreciate defined responsibilities, you could be a great factory worker. The job involves assembling parts, sorting and packing products, and operating machinery.
18. Laboratory Technician
Lab technicians run tests and record data accurately. This job is perfect for people with autism who pay close attention to details and are skilled at scientific thinking.
19. Photographer or Computer Generated Effects
A person with autism can offer unique perspectives which can be an asset in the visual arts field. Whether through photos or special effects, it allows creative expression that isn’t easily obtained in other jobs.
20. Building Trades
Trades like carpentry or welding require good visual skills. Entrepreneurial-minded people with autism could also venture in starting their own businesses.
Jobs to Avoid for People with Autism
There is no such thing as a perfect job. However, there are career opportunities that tend to be better or worse matches for people with autism. While the jobs listed below do not always determine or limit what adults with autism are capable of, they can present challenges because of the work environment or tasks involved in these roles.
1. Sales Representative
Working as a sales representative can be one of the worst jobs for people with autism as it involves constant social interaction and negotiating with heated or demanding customers and clients.
2. Teacher
While schools offer set schedules, it can be a demanding profession that requires managing unpredictable situations and interacting with students, their parents, and even other administrators.
3. Food Server
A food server requires constantly interacting with customers which can be particularly stressful for those with autism. It can be difficult for them to pick up on social cues, which make it challenging to gauge what customers want.
4. Receptionist
A receptionist works near other people, which can be overstimulating for people with autism. Additionally, receptionists are often expected to multitask, which can also be demanding for anyone but, more significantly, challenging for those with autism.
5. Politician
Working as a politician means frequently interacting with the public, giving speeches, and handling complex negotiations. The role makes it extremely difficult for those who often have trouble communicating and find socialising exhausting.
6. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives interact with customers daily which can be extremely stressful for someone with autism. It can also be overstimulating because the role requires meeting social demands alongside accompanying noises, smells, and other sensations beyond their control.
7. First Responder
A first responder job can be very stressful and unpredictable for anyone, more especially for those with autism who require structure and routine. It can be demanding since it requires fast decision-making and dealing with high-stress environments.
Tips for Finding the Right Job for People with Autism
While people with autism may experience challenges searching for autism-friendly jobs, being autistic shouldn’t hinder you from exploring career choices and achieving your individual goals.
Managing these challenges is possible with the proper support from disability employment services like Nexus which can offer individualised training programs, and ensure your future employer has a comprehensive understanding of autism. In the meantime, here are tips to get you started in finding the right jobs for people with autism.
- List down your strengths. Provide a list of what you do best and what you enjoy doing. This narrows down your job search to options that fit your interests.
- Create a list of your aspirations and future goals. Write down jobs that you are interested in learning about and note which ones match best with your strengths.
- List work opportunities that meet your needs of accessibility. Create a list of businesses that are accessible to you via public transportation, walking distance, or a ride share.
- Consider joining social networking sites or job boards. Creating a profile helps expand your professional network and contacts list. Explore platforms such as LinkedIn,, Indeed, CareerOne and others.
- Speak with a disability employment consultant online. Disability employment services like Nexus are available for people with autism to achieve job opportunities that prioritise their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities, and capabilities.
- Create or update your resume. Make sure your name, contact number, and e-mail address are updated. List your education, training experiences, and work history. You can also include non-paid work experiences, such as internships and volunteer activities.
- Write a cover letter. Your cover letter will introduce you to potential employers. Keep it simple and concise by sharing who you are, why you are applying for the job, and what makes you the most qualified candidate for the position. Be sure to invite the employer to contact you for an interview and include a copy of your resume.
- Fill out several job applications. While some companies receive applications on their websites under their Career or Job Posting section, you can also fill out or submit your application on job sites. Another approach is visiting the job site directly to leave your resume or ask for an application. If you do this, be sure to look presentable and wear clean and ironed clothes. Be polite and have a pen and a copy of your resume.
- Practise your interviewing skills. Ask a friend or support person to help you by asking practice questions. Practise introducing yourself, storytelling, making eye contact, and thanking the interviewer for their time at the end of the interview. Consider taping your interviews to learn from what you did well or see what you can improve on.
- Work with recruitment companies experienced in helping individuals with autism find jobs. Receiving guidance and the proper support from disability employment service providers like Nexus can benefit you in navigating your career choices and finding the right job that aligns with your needs.
Let us Help You Find Your Dream Job
Autism shouldn’t have to be a barrier to finding your career path and success. In everything you do for your job application process, always remember to focus on your abilities, not your disabilities. Be proud of your strengths and accomplishments and share them.
Seeking guidance and getting the proper support from disability employment service providers like Nexus can help you start your career goals by finding the right job that meets your needs.
Nexus has a team of disability employment consultants, mentors, and counsellors who understand your challenges and can help you navigate your job choices to bring you closer to your career goals. With support, you can thrive in jobs prioritising your well-being and professional growth. Find what jobs work best for you by meeting with a disability employment consultant today.
FAQ
What does high-functioning autism look like in adults?
When a person is described to have “high-functioning autism”, it is an informal term some people use when getting to know different variations of autism symptoms. People with high-functioning autism are more likely to live independently and are able to speak, read, write, as well as handle basic life skills like eating and getting dressed.2
Can a person with autism lead a normal life?
Yes, a person with autism can absolutely live a normal life with the right support and resources. By recognising symptoms early and receiving appropriate support, people with autism can live a fulfilling life on their own terms and receive the same career opportunities with autism-friendly jobs.
What is hard for people with autism to do?
People with autism may experience difficulties with social interaction and communication. They tend to have trouble assessing social cues and easily feel overwhelmed by social situations, even two-way conversations. They may also experience sensory overload in things beyond their control, such as unfamiliar situations, bright lights, loud noises, tastes, and other sensations.
Can people with autism have a good career?
Yes, many adults with autism can do great work in various fields. With the right support, career training and counselling, they can find their career path and utilise their strengths in autism-friendly jobs. High-functioning people with autism can find jobs in Australia and work independently. Having autism does not define your ability to succeed in what you want as long as you are prepared to work to get there.
What tasks do people with autism struggle with?
People with autism experience challenges in social interaction. They may have difficulty initiating and maintaining friendships or participating in group activities. They can also have trouble with executive functions that may affect their work performance.
Is it hard to keep a job with autism?
Some may experience challenges with certain workplace physical requirements, especially when they have sensitivities to light, sound, and other stimuli beyond their control. With the right support and increasing awareness of autism in the workplace, employers can be equipped to provide autism-friendly jobs and growth opportunities.
How to get a job if you have autism?
Get support from local and national organisations as well as disability employment services like Nexus that specialise in tailored support for people with autism in finding work. These services can range between mentoring services and skill-building, as well as connecting you to employers who can offer you an autism-friendly work environment that prioritises your needs, abilities and capabilities.