Having problems with mobility or the use of your hands is more common than people realize.
If you are unable to use your hands, it shouldn’t mean you can’t find work.
Fortunately, there are plenty of carpal tunnel-friendly jobs that allow you to shine in other ways.
Top 19 Best Jobs With Limited Hand Use in 2023
19. Customer Service Representative
Working in customer service might like it requires using your hands, but many positions only need you to relay information to customers.
The great thing about this position is that it’s low impact and almost always seated, so you can solve problems and inform customers without needing to rely on your hands.
Due to the minimal education requirements, customer service is also a popular way teenagers earn money.
Average yearly income: $35,164 (Salary.com)
18. Color Expert
Working as a color consultant requires intensive knowledge on color combinations, color psychology, and which colors are currently trending.
Landing a role as a color expert is not always easy though, so make sure you avoid the biggest reasons people don’t get hired.
The job’s main responsibility is to help companies come up with compelling color design for their products and advertisements.
Average yearly income: $42,978 (Ziprecruiter)
17. Voice Acting
Voice acting is a fantastic job for working without your hands.
You can focus on honing your vocal skills instead of worrying about the mobility of your hands or arms.
Plus, if you have a great microphone and a quiet space in your home, you can do this job fully remotely.
Average yearly income: $47,196 (Glassdoor)
16. Quality Control Inspector
A quality control inspector works with companies to determine if their products meet industry requirements.
Although you don’t necessarily need your hands for this job, it’s a good idea to seek out a business that would be well suited for your situation.
For example, scent and flavor testing would be perfect for those who cannot use their hands! Before applying, make sure you use the latest strategies for finding a job to boost your likelihood of getting hired.
Average yearly income: $47,633 (Career Explorer)
15. Radio Talk Show Host
Radio talk shows have been a hit since the early 1920s, and they can still attract huge audiences.
In this role, you won’t need to use your hands, but instead focus on building a personality into your voice and create interesting conversations.
Another perk is that radio hosts don’t have dress codes which means they get to wear comfy clothes every day.
Average yearly income: $51,630 (Learn.org)
14. Sports Commentator
Sports commentators give the play-by-play and additional commentary throughout sporting events.
They have a keen eye for the action, and clarity on key events taking place.
As you can imagine, hands aren’t a necessity in this position.
Therefore, it’s a great job for people with carpal tunnel who also love sports.
Average yearly income: $52,593 (Salary.com)
13. Language Interpreter
Language interpreters are fluent in two or more languages, and help their clients communicate with others who don’t speak the same language.
These professionals need to be fantastic communicators, and skilled at perceiving social cues.
You’ll be a helpful resource in meetings and conferences, and become a valuable addition to any team.
Average yearly income: $53,907 (Ziprecruiter)
12. Life Coach
Working as a life coach depends more on your mental abilities than what you can do with your hands.
Life coaches work with clients to improve their mental and physical health through the use of goal setting and planning.
It’s an incredibly rewarding role that gives you the opportunity to watch people grow over time and achieve their dreams.
Average yearly income: $62,500 (JRNI)
11. Podcaster
If you have deep knowledge in a particular field, or you’re a fantastic conversationalist, working as a podcaster might be for you.
It’s something you’ll have to build up over time, unless you already have an audience. But if you can keep people interested, this job has unlimited earning potential and lots of flexibility.
The nice thing about this field is that you can include a cohost to make the conversations more natural, which encourages listeners to feel more connected.
Average yearly income: $67,000 (WNYCStudios)
10. Novelist
Although most people assume you need to type by hand to be a novelist, that’s not the case.
Most computers and phones have fantastic voice-to-text options, today. Google Docs even has voice-to-text capabilities for free.
You’ll probably still need help with the editing process, but that’s true for all novelists.
Authors can publish their own projects on Kindle, partner with a publishing company, or become a ghostwriter for others.
Average yearly income: $67,230 (Work.Chron)
9. Speech Pathologist
Also known as speech therapists, speech pathologists help patients ease the symptoms of any vocal tics or speech impediments.
You won’t need to use your hands for their treatment, and instead focus on offering vocal stretches and rehabilitation techniques.
Average yearly income: $79,120 (USNews)
8. Singer
That’s right, you don’t have to be on stage to be a singer!
Singing options that don’t involve hands include: backup singers, track accompaniments, and selling audio samples online.
There are more ways than ever to make it as a singer without leaving your home.
Average yearly income: $79,918 (Ziprecruiter)
7. Historian
Studying and preserving history can be hands-off if you have a university or museum that’ll work with you.
If historians have expertise on the material, they can use voice to text to write papers and books on their findings.
This position gives you a chance to share interesting knowledge with others about humanity’s past.
Average yearly income: $80,499 (Indeed)
6. College Professor
Teaching is arguably one of the most rewarding jobs available! As a college professor, you’ll teach students material that impacts their future careers and life beyond work.
Most grading can be done online, and you can use an aid to help with any paperwork.
Average yearly income: $87,018 (OnlineDegrees.Bradley.Edu)
5. Public Speaker
Public speakers give speeches in front of crowds, and educate audiences on topics they’ve studied.
You can talk about virtually anything, from self-help topics to space travel.
Average yearly income: $105,034 (Ziprecruiter)
4. Television Talk Show Host
Similar to radio hosts, the main thing that matters is your personality and ability to hold conversations.
If you want to be successful in this role, you should hone your people skills, and spend time developing your video presence.
Unfortunately, the entertainment business is notoriously hard to break into, but working at a startup can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
Average yearly income: $114,692 (Ziprecruiter)
3. Expert Witness
We need expert witnesses for nearly every industry in our society.
In court, your role is to explain the evidence and introduce ideas based on your expertise.
This role can be unpredictable, but the pay for your professionalism is quite high.
Average yearly income: $117,635 (Ziprecruiter)
2. Attorney
Lawyers are experts on local and general laws, and have a strong understanding of the legal system.
If you have great stage presence and have no issue recalling information, this may be the perfect position for you!
Average yearly income: $144,230 (Forbes)
1. Psychiatrist
This is the highest paid position, mainly because it requires the most education.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health.
To do this job, you have to work directly with patients to discuss their symptoms and lives. It can be a great position for someone with limited use of their hands.
Average yearly income: $208,000 (USNews)
Wrapping Up
If you’re unable to use your hands, it shouldn’t mean you can’t earn a living. Hopefully these ideas provide inspiration on the job hunt.
Erin is a business teacher and mother of three. When she’s not in the classroom or fulfilling her obligations as an A+ hockey and lacrosse mom, she’s working on her latest article.
