Being deaf does not mean that you can’t have a successful career. In fact, there are jobs for deaf people available in almost every work sector.
People who are deaf work in education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, finance – the list goes on!
With the right education and skills, you can excel in any industry. Whether you are looking for jobs for people with disabilities, or deaf career opportunities, then this list is for you.
Below, you’ll find a list of the top 10 jobs for deaf people. You’ll be amazed at what you can do!
Ultrasound Technician (Sonographer)
You may think of pregnancy when you hear “ultrasound,” but diagnostic ultrasound technicians also take images of the brain, muscles, breast tissue, spinal cord, ligaments, joints, tendons, and organs in the torso. Doctors use these images to diagnose patients.
What education is needed to become a sonographer
You will have to pass classes in the core sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and physics) to be eligible for an ultrasound technician program. The time it takes to complete a program varies; program options include:
- 1-year diploma or certificate,
- 2-year associate’s degree,
- 4-year bachelor’s degree.
What is the salary of a sonographer
The average salary for an ultrasound technician is about $67,080 per year or $32.25 per hour.
Medical Lab Technician (MLT)
Medical lab technicians conduct lab tests on specimens collected from patients. In general, medical lab technicians:
- Set up, calibrate, clean, maintain, and test the sterility of equipment.
- Prepare solutions to combine with specimen samples.
- Collect blood, tissue, or other samples from patients.
What education is needed to become a medical lab technician
An associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate is required to become an MLT.
There is also the potential for MLTs to advance into a position as a medical technologist and specialize.
Specialties include phlebotomy, microbiology, and immunology.
What is the salary of a medical lab technican
Some states require certification to become be licensed as a medical laboratory technician/technologist. On average, MLTs make about $52,330 per year.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding specialists are responsible for translating information about a patient’s tests, treatments, diagnoses, and procedures into the standardized codes that are used to bill patients and insurance companies.
What education is needed to become a medical billing and coding
Neither a formal training nor a certificate is required to become a billing and coding specialist; however, many employers are searching for certified applicants.
It proves that you have the skills needed to properly do the job. Programs are available as certificates and associate’s degrees.
What is the salary of a medical billing and coding
This is a great handicap job or job for a deaf person because you can work from home! On average, medical billing and coding specialists earn $40,350 per year.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist
A computer numerical control machinist uses computer-operated equipment to make tools, machine parts, and other mass-produced items.
You may work as an expert in installing, programming, maintaining and operating CNC technology.
What education is needed to become a CNC Machinist
Only a high school diploma is needed to begin your career as a CNC machinist. However, there are some certificate and associate’s degree programs available.
Most candidates also receive on-the-job training through apprenticeships.
What is the salary of a CNC Machinist
The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offers three levels of certification.
Although it is not required, certification can provide more advanced jobs for deaf people. The average salary for a CNC machinist is $46,634.
Automotive Technician (Mechanic)
If you love cars, then a career as an auto technician might be for you. Automotive technicians inspect, sustain, and fix cars and trucks.
They perform routine car services, such as oil changes.
What education is needed to become a mechanic
A high school diploma or GED and completion of a training program are required to become a mechanic.
Certificate and associate’s degree programs are available in community colleges, trade schools, and car manufactures.
What is the salary of a mechanic
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides specialty certification for mechanics.
Certification improves your job prospects, through which you will also receive on-site training. On average, automotive technicians make $40,710 per year.
Web Designer (Web Developer)
A career as a web designer is a really cool job for people with hearing loss. Web developers meet with clients to create the concepts and designs of a website.
This is a great deaf employment opportunity if you are creative and have strong problem-solving skills.
What education is needed to become a web designer
An associate’s degree in web design is generally required for entry-level jobs. You can expect to take classes such as animation, digital imaging, and programming concepts throughout your program.
What is the salary of a web designer
Keep all of your projects! If you want to be a web designer, make a portfolio of your work. You can even try some freelance gigs to boost your portfolio.
On average, web designers make $69,430 per year.
Deaf Interpreter
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! A deaf interpreter specializes in translating and interpreting communications in American Sign Language for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
As a deaf person, you can pick up on linguistic and cultural messages that hearing ASL-English interpreters may miss.
What education is needed to become a deaf interpreter
Deaf interpreters typically have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in sign language interpretation.
As a deaf or hard-of-hearing person, you may be able to obtain training through professional organizations instead of a degree.
What is the salary of a deaf interpreter
On average, deaf interpreters make $46,120 per year.
Freelance Writer
Becoming a writer is a great job for a deaf person. Freelance writers use their experiences and creativity to write articles, blogs, news reports, stories, and more!
What education is needed to become a freelance writer
No formal education is required to become a writer. However, there are some things that you can do to improve your writing, such as:
- Start a blog.
- Enroll in an online writing class.
- Read more.
As a freelance writer, you set your own rates. The opportunities are limitless – you can write op-ed articles for a fashion magazine or create colorful children’s books, or both!
What is the salary of a freelance writer
The flexibility of freelancing means that average salaries vary – ranging anywhere from $18,000 to $104,000 per year.
Chat Support Agent
Chat support agents are a blessing in today’s super-fast-paced world. Many people hate calling customer support, instead preferring to use chat-based customer support systems.
What education is needed to become a chat support agent
There are no formal requirements to become a chat support agent. If you have great written communication skills and can clearly explain directions, then you are qualified.
What is the salary of a chat support agent
There are many remote job opportunities for chat support agents, and moving the conversations from the phone to the chatroom makes this one of the top jobs for deaf people.
The average salary for chat support agents is $33,730.
Online Tutor
Online tutors teach students on several school subjects through virtual learning environments (VLE).
These learning environments allow you to talk with your students verbally and visually, write on a whiteboard, post homework, give tests, and share resources.
What education is needed to become a online tutor
Most tutors have a high school diploma and proof that they are experts in their subjects. The National Tutoring Association provides training and three levels of certifications for online tutors.
More advanced levels of certification may require some college coursework.
What is the salary of a online tutor
The ability to talk through chatrooms and other online tools makes online tutoring one of the best deaf jobs. On average, online tutors make $39,540 per year.
