Top 20 Best Jobs for Mentally Disabled Adults in 2024
According to WHO, a mental disability or mental disorder is a health condition characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning, which affects people of all ages, income levels, and cultures and can have a severe impact on an individual’s life.
In the United States, one in five adults lives with a mental disability. This represents 21% of all U.S. adults.
Unfortunately, when it comes to employment, the statistics of jobs for the mentally disabled are not positive. In 2019 the labor force participation rate for individuals with a disability was 19.1%, compared to 63.7% for those without a disability. Additionally, the unemployment rate for individuals with a disability was 10.1%, compared to 5.1% for those without a disability.
Furthermore, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), people with serious mental illnesses are unemployed at rates three to four times higher than the general population.
Only 25% of adults with serious mental illnesses are employed.
Despite the figures, individuals with mental disabilities are just as capable of working and contributing to society as anyone else. However, finding the right job can be a challenge for anyone, and even more so for those with mental disabilities.
Looking for a job as a mentally disabled adult? We invite you to have a look at our jobs for disabled people to find and apply for disabled-friendly jobs that might interest you.
Top 20 Jobs for People with Mental Disabilities:
The good news is that many jobs are well-suited for individuals with mental disabilities. We summed up for you a list of the best jobs for mentally disabled people
1. Art therapy
Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses art-making as a means of expression, communication, and healing. It can be a great job for individuals with mental disabilities, as it allows for creativity, self-expression, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Additionally, it can be a form of self-care and healing for them.
Becoming an art therapist requires a degree in art therapy and meeting the qualifications for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. As an art therapist, one can work in various settings such as hospitals, schools, community centers, and rehabilitation facilities, with arts such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage.
Employment Outlook
The average salary for art therapy workers can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and type of employer.
Currently, the salary average for art therapists is $48,000. Many art therapists are self-employed or work in non-profit organizations and their salary may vary from the median.
2. Retail jobs
Retail jobs are beneficial for people with mental disabilities as they often involve tasks such as stocking shelves, assisting customers, and operating cash registers. These tasks are structured and give a routine to the worker creating a safe and predictable environment.
Retail jobs also provide opportunities for social interaction with customers and opportunities to learn new skills such as customer service techniques and technology devices operation.
Employment Outlook
The employment of retail salespersons, which includes many retail jobs, is projected to grow by 2% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is expected to be caused by an increase in online sales.
The average salary for retail jobs in the United States falls around $27,000.
3. Animal-assisted therapy:
Animal-assisted therapy is a form of therapy that uses animals, such as dogs, horses, or even birds, to help individuals with mental disabilities improve their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive abilities. It is typically provided by trained professionals, however, there are also opportunities for individuals with mental disabilities to work as animal caretakers, trainers, or handlers as part of the AAT team.
Working in AAT allows individuals with mental disabilities to develop important skills such as communication, empathy, responsibility, and self-esteem. It also allows them to work in a supportive and understanding environment, which can be crucial for individuals with mental disabilities.
Employment Outlook
Animal-assisted therapy is a valuable and rewarding job option.
The average salary for an animal-assisted therapy coordinator is around $44,000 per year. An animal-assisted therapist can earn around $55,000 per year, and an animal-assisted therapy program manager can earn around $60,000 per year.
4. Packaging and assembly
Simple tasks such as packaging and assembly are easy jobs for disabled people. These tasks involve putting together small components, such as toys, electronic devices, or other consumer goods. Assembly line jobs can be repetitive, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to be productive.
Moreover, these jobs are umbrella terms for different types of industries such as manufacturing, fabrication, packaging, and others. Meaning that there is a wide scope of tasks and opportunities.
Employment Outlook:
The outlook varies depending on the specific industry. In general, it is projected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming years, but faster than the average for all occupations in the manufacturing and packaging industries.
The median annual wage for assembly and fabrication workers is $33,000. With an average of $34,850 for assembly and fabrication workers in the manufacturing industry and $33,850 for packaging and filling machine operators and tenders in the packaging industry.
5. Landscaping
Tasks such as gardening, mowing lawns, and planting flowers can be enjoyable for individuals with mental disabilities. Landscaping jobs can be physically demanding, which can be beneficial for mentally disabled workers as physical activities can be therapeutic and help with stress management.
In addition, landscaping jobs can boost creative expression and provide the opportunity to work with different plants and materials. It also requires working in a team, which helps to improve social skills and gives a sense of belonging. And can not forget to mention the schedule flexibility in these jobs which can be key for a disabled person.
Employment Outlook
Landscaping occupations are projected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming years, driven by an increasing population and a corresponding increase in demand for landscaping services for both residential and commercial properties.
For 2020, the median annual wage for landscaping and groundskeeping workers was $26,000. However, it’s important to note that the salary can vary depending on the location, the level of experience and education, and the specific sub-industry within the landscaping field.
6. Office Support
Office Support jobs for mentally disabled people can offer opportunities to learn new skills such as computer programs, customer service, and communication skills while they work in a variety of activities such as Data entry, Filing, Answering phones, Scheduling appointments, Assisting with invoicing and billing and other administrative tasks.
Employment Outlook
The employment of office and administrative support jobs are projected to grow more rapidly in healthcare and social assistance, compared to other industries. With an average salary of $38,000.
7. Textile manufacturing
Sewing, cutting, and assembling textiles are perfect jobs for mentally disabled people. They provide an easy-to-follow structure and routine, teamwork, and development of capabilities and new skills such as machine operation and textile production techniques.
The textile manufacturing industry also has a variety of options for different skills and abilities, for example, some jobs may include simple tasks like folding and packing textiles or more complex tasks such as operating specialized machinery. This allows workers with a wide range of abilities to find a suitable role that meets their skillset.
Employment Outlook
It is essential to take into account that the employment outlook for textile manufacturing jobs in the United States is projected to decline by 9% by 2030, driven by increasing competition from imports and automation. The average annual salary for textile manufacturing jobs is about $33,000.
8. Mail and delivery
Mail and delivery jobs can be good for individuals with mental disabilities because they involve simple tasks that can provide a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to be productive, they can provide a sense of routine and predictability as well.
It provides opportunities to work independently, learn new skills, and work in outdoors. Additionally, mail and delivery jobs may offer flexible schedule options which can be very helpful.
Employment Outlook
It is expected that this industry to grow at a moderate rate in the coming years, especially due to the increase in e-commerce. On the other hand, the average salary for mail and delivery jobs was $60,770 in May 2020.
9. Home health aide
Home health aid jobs can be good for those with mental disabilities because they involve caring for and assisting individuals who are elderly or disabled. These tasks can provide a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a positive impact on others’ lives. Additionally, home health aid jobs allow workers to work one-on-one with clients developing social interaction and belonging.
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook for home health aid jobs in the United States is projected to grow at a high rate in the coming years. This is because of the aging population and the increasing demand for home healthcare services.
Up to now, the average salary for home health aid jobs in the United States is $25,000 but it will depend on the location, the level of experience, and education.
10. Pet grooming
Pet grooming jobs are excellent for mentally disabled people since include activities such as bathing, brushing, and styling pets’ hair. These tasks could be entertaining and therapeutic for the worker as having contact with animals can help with stress and emotions.
Furthermore, pet grooming jobs can provide opportunities to learn new skills such as animal handling, grooming techniques, and customer service.
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of non-farm animal caretakers, which includes many pet grooming jobs, is projected to grow by 4% from 2020 to 2030. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Average salary: $25,000 per year.
11. Foodservice
This time not cooking but in tasks such as dishwashing, bussing tables, and others can be well-suited for individuals with mental disabilities. Food service jobs provide a sense of routine and the opportunity to be part of a team.
Average salary: $24,800 per year.
12. Housekeeping
This option combines cleaning and home aid in tasks such as making beds, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Those can be well-performed by mentally disabled adults. Housekeeping jobs help build a sense of routine and productivity. They also allow for the opportunity to work independently and take pride in keeping a space clean and tidy.
Average salary: $24,300 per year.
13. Telemarketing
This job has also some of the perks and skills mentioned in other jobs. It involves making phone calls and taking orders developing teamwork and technology and communication skills.
Average salary: $33,500 per year.
14. Auto detailing
Another option is working in the auto detailing field performing activities such as washing, waxing, and vacuuming cars. Individuals can improve mechanical knowledge as well as teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Average salary: $24,200 per year.
15. Maintenance and repair
A mostly autonomous job performing activities like painting, repairs, and maintenance that can help people with disabilities to develop a wide skill set and physical abilities.
Average salary: $39,100 per year.
16. Food packaging
Packaging food products and preparing them for shipment can be well-suited for individuals with mental disabilities. Food packaging jobs require a strong routine interest and allow the workers to improve their performances day to day.
Average salary: $30,800 per year.
17. Delivery driver
Transporting goods and packages is an increasing job opportunity for many people and can fit perfectly for those mentally disabled. Delivery driver jobs allow for independent employment, flexible schedules, and the chance to be active and outdoors.
Average salary: $30,000 per year.
18. Farmhand
Planting, harvesting, and caring for animals are perfect jobs for mentally disabled people. Working with living being in outdoors can be therapeutic and calming for mental disabilities and stress.
Average salary: $24,600 per year.
19. Food preparation
Another great job for mentally disabled adults is cooking. Cutting vegetables, mixing ingredients and baking are activities that allow for creativity in food preparation and presentation. This job also helps individuals to learn new skills and techniques in the culinary field, enhance teamwork abilities and develop a sense of progress.
Average salary: $23,000 to $27,000 annually.
20. Cleaning
Cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, and mopping can be well-suited for mentally disabled adults. These jobs create a strong sense of accomplishment and one of the perks is the possibility of working autonomously and developing self-reliance.
Average salary: $27,000 per year in a full-time job.
Consult our Recommended Job Lists Depending on the Mental Disability:
Final Thoughts
The jobs listed above are just a few examples of jobs that may be well-suited for them, but it is important to remember that everyone is unique and may have different strengths and interests. Individuals with mental disabilities need to explore their options and find a job that aligns with their skills and passions.
It is also important for employers to recognize the value and potential of individuals with mental disabilities and to provide equal opportunities and accommodations in the workplace such as flexible schedules, additional training or support, and modifications to the work environment. By working together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
FAQ
Yes! With the right job and accommodations, people with mental disabilities can be successful and enjoy a sense of purpose and accomplishment.