The most suitable jobs for people with ADHD are those that provide a unique and innovative experience but also require short-term concentration.
Finding and pursuing a career that suits their interests and adheres to these individuals’ specific needs can be rather challenging. Not only do they need help transitioning between tasks, but they also have to find ways to maintain their focus on the job.
This article serves as a guide that helps people with ADHD explore possible careers where they can thrive and showcase their skills and capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood.
- This disorder disrupts an individual’s concentration, attention span, and ability to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
- People with ADHD often struggle with fixed work schedules or 9-to-5 routines because of their increased levels of impulsivity, restlessness, and hyperactivity.
- The best jobs for people with ADHD are career paths that allow them to explore their passions, express their creativity, and channel their energy productively.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s capability to pay attention, focus, or listen well.
People diagnosed with it experience continuous patterns of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. As a result, it becomes almost impossible for them to:
- Keep an organized schedule or environment
- Stick to a task
- Have self-control
- Deliberate the long-term consequences of a specific action
- Sit or stand still
It is important to note that while it may be common for people to have bouts of impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, the said symptoms are significantly magnified for people with ADHD.
The onset of ADHD usually begins to manifest as early as between the ages of 3 and 12. It can also be diagnosed in adulthood and may require a series of tests and assessments to be confirmed.
How ADHD Can Affect Work
ADHD can affect work by making it challenging for people diagnosed with the said condition to follow fixed work schedules, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
Besides this, people with ADHD struggle to develop good time management skills and are often prone to procrastination, particularly if the task is mundane or not as stimulating.
A perfect example of how ADHD can impede productivity at work is exhibited by people with ADHD in a 9-to-5 job. Office-based positions usually follow fixed schedules wherein employees must finish routine tasks while sitting at a desk or computer all day. When working in such positions, people with ADHD feel out of place and cannot exhibit or explore their full potential.
13 Excellent Jobs for People With ADHD
The best jobs for people with ADHD are the ones that enable these individuals to channel their energy more efficiently and explore their full potential. These tend to be more flexible than office jobs, which follow a fixed routine and can be unpredictable regarding the daily work demands.
For example, a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity, exploration, and high energy levels may be more fulfilling for people with ADHD.
The following section lists some of the most ADHD-friendly career paths divided into three categories: passion-driven, creative, and fast-paced (or high-intensity).
5 Passion-Driven Career Paths for People With ADHD
Passion-driven ADHD careers highlight an individual’s interests and consequently enable them to channel their energy and concentration into something they will enjoy.
#1. Journalist
Journalists research, investigate, and cover current events locally or nationally. They use different media channels, such as online platforms, television, newspapers, print media, and radio.
Despite the possible risks and challenges that come with journalism—one of them being its demanding and stressful nature—it is a suitable job for people with ADHD. It allows people with this disorder to utilize their energy to adapt to a fast-paced and competitive work environment.
Sometimes, people with ADHD may also find opportunities to utilize their creativity when thinking of a catchy headline for their news articles or writing copy. All in all, a career like this can bring them an average salary of $57,500 annually.
Becoming a journalist usually entails completing a bachelor’s degree in journalism or any related fields, such as communications and liberal arts.
However, aspiring journalists can still pursue the said career without formal training. Gathering relevant work experience by interning at a broadcast station, TV network, or college or university publication is an excellent way to boost one’s portfolio and journalism skills.
#2. Chef
The position of a chef, or practically any role in the food industry, works well for people with ADHD and anxiety. Since chefs work in the kitchen only, they don’t need to worry about the pressure of constantly interacting with customers.
Besides that, the hands-on setup and keen attention to detail that being a chef demands is the perfect avenue for these people to let their spontaneity and ingenuity shine.
Earning a culinary arts certificate or degree is not necessary to become a chef. Still, it might help candidates who are interested in such a job boost their resumes and stand out among the competition.
People diagnosed with ADHD can start training to be a chef by practicing cooking different dishes and cuisines at home. Better yet, they can find a culinary arts curriculum that lets them explore and develop various chef skills and techniques.
Depending on the chef’s level of experience, they can earn at least $58,920 annually.
#3. Daycare Teacher
What makes teaching one of the perfect jobs for people with ADHD is that such a position requires an employee to be animated, lively, and alert. The demands and challenges of this profession are even more magnified for daycare teachers, as they must match the children’s energy.
Luckily, individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD can easily adjust to a dynamic and lively environment; spontaneity, enthusiasm, and being energetic at all times are second nature to them.
Becoming a daycare teacher includes earning a high school or GED diploma, completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, and acquiring the necessary professional licenses and certifications for the job. Building work experience by job shadowing at a daycare school, offering tutoring services, or volunteering is also a plus.
A daycare teacher’s average annual earnings would be around $30,370.
#4. Inventor
Inventors create new products, devices, or equipment that help improve various day-to-day functions.
They also enhance the existing design of machinery or products to boost their functionality and address customer needs and concerns. To do all this, they need an inquisitive mind, solid persistence to test different ideas, and problem-solving skills.
ADHD-diagnosed individuals are known visionaries who think outside the box. They usually do not conform to existing patterns and rules. In other words, building new concepts is something that comes naturally.
It is also worth noting that while people with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus, this is usually the case if the topic or task at hand does not interest them. However, if they are asked to focus their attention on a project that delves into their interests or piques their curiosity, these individuals can dedicate time and effort to successfully fulfill a task or meet a goal.
On average, inventors make between $81,601 and $110,588 per year. Their job is also flexible because they can work in different industries depending on their interests.
#5. Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are usually ambitious individuals who materialize their vision into a new business or venture. They are known as risk-takers who can adapt to customer demands and market trends, possess strong leadership skills, and embrace opportunities for learning with open arms.
Aside from struggling with work, people with ADHD may also encounter difficulties in school. Classrooms and school settings require students to follow strict guidelines or sit and listen to lectures for hours, which is pretty challenging for them.
But, since entrepreneurship can be pursued even without formal education or training, this career path allows individuals with ADHD to push the traditional boundaries of learning and success.
Entrepreneurship is also considered one of the highest-paying jobs for people with ADHD. If they objectively consider their strengths and weaknesses and choose a venture or business they are deeply passionate about, they can find ways to generate rather high income.
The average annual salary for entrepreneurs ranges from $37,900 to $174,614.
5 Creative Career Paths for People With ADHD
Creative jobs for people with ADHD are similar to the passion-driven careers described above, but they are less demanding and underscore the inclination to think outside the box.
Here are some of the best creative careers for people with this diagnosis:
#1. Hairstylist
A hairstylist or a hairdresser cuts, styles, and colors customers’ hair according to their preferred style or appearance. Aside from salons, they may also work in film, fashion, or theater or contribute to special events such as weddings, dinner parties, and formal gatherings.
The creative range offered by a career in hairstyling makes it a suitable job for people with ADHD, as they can cater to multiple clients daily, which keeps them from experiencing boredom at work.
Besides that, as hairstylists, people struggling with this disorder can seize the opportunity to experiment with new ideas or introduce fresh concepts to their clientele. They can start a career as a hairstylist by completing a professional training program that focuses on honing the skills required in the field.
On average, a hairstylist can earn as much as $35,080 yearly.
#2. Entertainer
Entertainers perform for small or large audiences at private or public events. They also host gatherings and ensure guests who attend the event have a positive and memorable experience. In the US, they typically make from $38,606 to $52,433 annually.
An entertainer’s work entails spontaneity, inventiveness, and high energy levels, making it a perfect job for people with ADHD.
Namely, individuals diagnosed with ADHD can channel their energy to match the mood and atmosphere of the crowd easily. Plus, they can use the stage as a perfect venue for their dynamic self-expression; since they are also known to be good at public speaking, experiencing stage fright may not be a problem for them.
These people can also use their inventiveness to develop original ideas for skits depending on their client’s requests or expectations. They can start working as entertainers after earning a performing arts degree or developing their music, acting, dancing, and comedy skills.
#3. Fashion Designer
Fashion designers use their skills to conceptualize fresh and new clothing, footwear, and accessories. These professionals also closely monitor fashion trends and design collections based on a specific theme.
Besides that, some other responsibilities of a fashion designer include working closely with production teams in fashion photoshoots and coordinating with manufacturers in producing their designs. They also participate in local fashion shows and network with fellow designers to make their expertise known in the industry.
Just like being a hairstylist, a career in this field allows people with ADHD to utilize their originality, collaborate with fellow creatives in the field, and stay inspired to do more in their field. To become a fashion designer, they should attend a fashion design school and complete a bachelor’s, master’s, or associate’s degree.
The average yearly earnings for this position is $79,290.
#4. Artist
An artist’s job encompasses different fields, including fashion, film, photography, painting, dance, and music.
Pursuing an art career also provides more suitable jobs for people with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Creative roles enable people with these diagnoses to immerse themselves in their imaginative and unique world while having more opportunities to work at their own pace.
Individuals who aspire to become full-time artists can get a good start with their chosen career path by completing a degree in fine arts, music, film, or any field related to their interest. Once they do, they can earn up to $52,910 annually.
#5. Video Game Designer
Video game designers create and build gameplay, rules, and systems to ensure users get a unique and enjoyable gaming experience. They also collaborate with programmers, artists, developers, and sound designers to build mockups and test their ideas or vision for the game.
The job of a video game designer caters to the creative and unconventional mind of a person with ADHD. After all, the opportunity to create a new world out of nothing in video game design will feel like home to someone with a vibrant and animated perspective about the world.
Video game designers earn up to $84,960 annually. To get there, they should complete a bachelor’s degree in game design, software engineering, programming, or animation. Besides that, they can also hone their skills by turning to video game development companies that offer internships, boot camps, or graduate programs.
Fast-Paced or High-Intensity Career Paths for People With ADHD
Fast-paced or high-intensity jobs for people with ADHD keep these individuals from experiencing stagnancy or boredom. Also, such jobs usually require high energy levels, ensuring these people almost never run out of tasks.
Here are some of the most suitable high-intensity and dynamic jobs for people with ADHD:
#1. Emergency First Responder
As the name suggests, emergency first responders are highly trained professionals who are usually the first point of contact during an emergency or a disaster.
The role of an emergency first responder is crucial in saving lives and subduing the severity or impact of a crisis. Emergency first responders include paramedics, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), and police officers.
Since people diagnosed with ADHD often have energy levels that are higher than that of an average individual, they have no qualms about keeping up with the physical demands of being in this field. They easily thrive in such an unpredictable work environment and are well-known as big risk-takers with rather resilient personalities.
The average annual salary for emergency first responders varies depending on their specific role. EMTs earn approximately $44,780 annually, firefighters make at least $57,120 a year, while police officers can earn up to $74,910.
Once they decide whether to be an EMT, a paramedic, a police officer, or a firefighter, people with ADHD can enroll in the appropriate training program and acquire the necessary licenses and certifications.
#2. Dog Trainer
Working as a dog trainer is one of the best jobs for people with ADHD and autism.
One of the struggles of people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders is that they are often misjudged as insensitive or lacking empathy. Even though that’s not true, people with ADHD do have impulsive tendencies and may find themselves interrupting people all the time, which might make them come off as insensitive.
ADHD jobs that involve training and caring for animals perfectly balance two things: the hyperactive nature and unique emotional expression of people with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. By teaching dogs new tricks and behaviors, they learn how to become more patient, expressive, and better attuned to their emotions.
Compared to socializing with other people, interacting with animals is also less stressful for people with ADHD since they do not need to worry about other people’s biases regarding their condition.
Dog trainers earn an average annual salary of up to $44,910.
Earning relevant work experience and credentials would also boost the chances of getting hired. Some ways to gain experience include volunteering at animal shelters and acquiring certifications from organizations offering animal training programs and certifications such as:
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
- American Humane Association
#13. Professional Athlete
Professional athletes earn a living by competing in specific sports, participating in tournaments or leagues, or joining professional teams. They are highly disciplined and physically agile individuals who undergo vigorous training and follow a strict regimen to develop and maintain their stamina and physique.
People with ADHD might find the intense physical workout required to become a professional athlete rewarding, as it usually matches their energy levels. To become pro athletes, they must find a sport that piques their interest and adheres to their strengths and weaknesses, as well as find a professional coach to help them train and condition their bodies.
The average annual salary for professional athletes is $70,280.
12 Worst Careers for People With ADHD
The worst careers for people with ADHD are the ones that limit their physical activity and confine them within a single space for hours. Additionally, jobs that involve repetitive or predictable tasks will easily make these people feel restless and magnify their inattentive tendencies.
The same goes for careers that require quick decision-making and intense concentration. Indecisiveness is common for people diagnosed with ADHD, and their endless bouts of energy prevent them from focusing on one task at a time.
Here are some of the most impractical career choices for people with ADHD:
- Accountant
- Administrative clerk
- Air traffic controller
- Assembly line worker
- Customer support agent
- Event coordinator
- Legal practitioner
- Librarian
- Proofreader
- Stock organizer
- Surgeon
- Truck driver
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is the best job if you have ADHD?” you can feel more confident knowing that there is an occupation that best suits your interests if you have this condition.
The most important point is that there is no shortage of jobs for people with ADHD—the key is to find a work environment or setup that underscores their strengths and unique capabilities.
