Careers

Best Jobs for Autistic Adults

Updated on March 14, 2024
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See all posts Frank Gogol

Finding the right job can be a challenging task for anyone, but for autistic adults, the quest for a suitable career path can be particularly nuanced. This blog aims to shed light on the top ten job options for autistic adults, highlighting the diverse strengths and unique talents they can bring to the workplace.

Actuary

  • Average Salary: $111,000
  • Job Description: Actuaries analyze the financial cost of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to study uncertain future events, particularly those of concern to insurance and pension programs.
  • Responsibilities: Actuaries determine the likelihood of various events and assess the financial consequences of these events for their employers.
  • Required Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or a related field.

Software Developer

  • Average Salary: $110,000
  • Job Description: Software developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.
  • Responsibilities: They are responsible for the development, testing, and maintenance of software.
  • Required Education: Most software developer roles require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

Software Tester

  • Average Salary: $110,000
  • Job Description: Software testers assess software quality through manual and automated testing. They are responsible for finding and reporting bugs and glitches.
  • Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include designing tests to mitigate risk and managing the defect life cycle.
  • Required Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, along with relevant industry certifications.

Information Security Analyst

  • Average Salary: $104,000
  • Job Description: These professionals plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
  • Responsibilities: Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.
  • Required Education: Requires a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, and many employers prefer candidates who have an MBA in information systems.

Meteorologist

  • Average Salary: $100,000
  • Job Description: Meteorologists study the weather and climate and use scientific principles to observe, explain, and forecast atmospheric phenomena.
  • Responsibilities: Their work involves the use of mathematical models and technology to predict weather and climate patterns.
  • Required Education: This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science, along with specialized training in forecasting.

Mechanical Engineer

  • Average Salary: $90,000
  • Job Description: Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
  • Responsibilities: They analyze problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might help solve a particular problem.
  • Required Education: Requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.

Data Analyst

  • Average Salary: $86,000
  • Job Description: Data analysts interpret complex datasets to help companies make better business decisions.
  • Responsibilities: They collect, process, and perform statistical analyses on large datasets; they discover patterns and trends and provide reports, visualizations, and actionable insights.
  • Required Education: Often requires a degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field.

Financial Analyst

  • Average Salary: $84,000
  • Job Description: Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.
  • Responsibilities: They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.
  • Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration is often required.

Architect

  • Average Salary: $82,000
  • Job Description: Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.
  • Responsibilities: They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Required Education: Requires a professional degree in architecture, a period of internship, and passing the Architect Registration Examination.

Clinical Psychologist

  • Average Salary: $82,000
  • Job Description: Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
  • Responsibilities: They provide psychotherapy and develop treatment plans.
  • Required Education: Requires a doctoral degree in psychology, an internship, and one to two years of professional experience. Also, licensure is mandatory in most states.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career is a significant decision for anyone, but for autistic adults, it involves considering various factors that align with their unique strengths, preferences, and needs. The jobs listed above not only cater to the strengths commonly found among autistic individuals, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a preference for structured environments, but they also offer rewarding career paths with competitive salaries. It’s essential for autistic adults to explore careers that resonate with their skills and interests and for employers torecognize and foster an environment that leverages the unique perspectives and capabilities autistic individuals bring to the workplace. By focusing on inclusivity and understanding, we can create a work culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully.

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Sources

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Author Frank Gogol

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See author's posts

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