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Jobs for people with rheumatoid arthritis

Banner feature Jobs for people with rheumatoid arthritis
Jobs for people with rheumatoid arthritis

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can make finding the right job feel harder than it should be, but you're not alone. 

With the right support, you can discover work that suits your strengths and health needs.


Get support

Explore job opportunities that fit your needs

If you're living with rheumatoid arthritis and looking for work, you're not alone.

Around 514,000 Australians live with rheumatoid arthritis, and many face similar challenges in finding work that supports their health and goals.

Managing joint pain, fatigue, or flare-ups can make job hunting feel overwhelming. That’s where APM can provide support. We’re here to help you find meaningful work that fits your lifestyle and supports your wellbeing.

Finding the right job when living with rheumatoid arthritis can:

  • Give you a sense of purpose and achievement
  • Support your physical and mental wellbeing
  • Build your confidence and independence
  • Provide social connection and routine
  • Support financial stability and security

Below, you’ll find tips to help you identify your strengths, understand what you need in a workplace, and explore job ideas that can suit your abilities and support needs.

Your situation is unique, and finding a job that works for you is an empowering step forward.

Get support

What to look for in a job when you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis 

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can make work feel more complicated, especially during flare-ups or when dealing with fatigue and joint pain. But it doesn’t mean meaningful employment is out of reach.

The right job should support your health, match your strengths, and offer enough flexibility to help you manage symptoms as they arise.

Everyone’s experience with rheumatoid arthritis is different, so it’s important to reflect on your own needs, limits, and preferences.

Thinking about the type of tasks, environments, and routines that suit you can help you find work that fits your lifestyle, and keeps you feeling supported.

Below are some helpful questions to consider before starting your job search.

What environment do I work best in?

You might feel more comfortable in a quiet, low-stress environment, or you may prefer a social setting with regular interaction. 

Workplaces with flexible hours, work-from-home options, or ergonomic equipment can also help you stay comfortable and productive.

What is my capacity for physical labour?

Jobs that avoid heavy lifting, long periods on your feet, or repetitive movements may be easier to manage. 

Consider how your joints feel on a good day (and during a flare-up) and look for roles that won’t push your limits.

What kinds of things do I find rewarding? 

Feeling fulfilled at work matters. 

Whether it’s helping others, being creative, solving problems, or working independently, knowing what motivates you can help guide your career in a direction that’s both satisfying and sustainable.

Job ideas for people living with rheumatoid arthritis 

When living with rheumatoid arthritis, the right job can make a big difference to your wellbeing.

You might benefit from roles that offer flexibility, involve low physical effort, or allow you to work from home.

Thinking creatively about your skills can help you find work that suits your lifestyle and health needs.

You may even be able to adapt your current skills to new roles in different industries.

Register now to talk to our employment consultants who can provide you with personalised job advice.

Jobs for people with arthritis includes project managers and trainers

* Please note that these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone with rheumatoid arthritis. These job suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances including, but not limited to, their current experience with rheumatoid arthritis.

Jobs with flexible hours or locations

  • Virtual assistant
  • Freelance writer or editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Online tutor or trainer
  • Small business owner


Jobs with low physical demands 

  • Administration assistant 
  • Receptionist 
  • Data entry clerk
  • Customer service representative 
  • Call centre operator 


Jobs that use your experience in new ways

  • Team leader or supervisor
  • Sales representative 
  • Industry trainer or mentor
  • Project coordinator 
  • Office-based roles
Get support

What employment support can I access? 

If you’re living with disability, injury or a health condition, there is support available to help you reach your goals. 

Whether you’re trying to find a job or need support to stay in work, APM can help.

We can work with you to understand your needs and tailor a plan that suits your situation.

Our team is here to support you with practical tools, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.

Support through Inclusive Employment Australia may include:

  • Career advice and goal setting
  • Help finding suitable job opportunities
  • Support with writing applications and preparing for interviews
  • Access to training or upskilling
  • Workplace assessments and recommendations
  • Help accessing workplace modifications or flexible arrangements
Get support
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Register now

Start your journey to employment support by registering to see if you qualify for Inclusive Employment Australia with APM.

Get support

Finding a job that suits your strengths  

Your tailored plan to meaningful employment

At APM, we support people living with rheumatoid arthritis to find work that suits their health, skills, and lifestyle. We help you by:

Identifying your strengths

  • Your experience living with rheumatoid arthritis may have helped you build strengths like adaptability, determination, time management, or empathy. These qualities can be highly valuable in many workplaces.

  • We know it’s not always easy to recognise your own strengths, that’s where we come in. Our team is here to help you uncover your abilities and use them to find a job that works for you.

Building a job around your needs

  • Discover job options that support your health and wellbeing

  • Create a tailored plan covering job searching, resumes, and interview preparation

  • Talk with potential employers about any workplace support you may need

  • Explore equipment or adjustments that could make your job more accessible

  • Plan ahead for the support you’ll need when starting a new role

3 steps to making a positive change in your life

Step one

Register with APM to see if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia. It’s the first step toward finding work that suits your needs.

artwork of a job seeker registering for DES with APM
Step two

Meet with an APM employment consultant who’ll get to know you, your health needs, and what kind of work could be a good fit.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant
Step three

Start your journey with personalised support to build your confidence, explore job opportunities, and take steps toward lasting employment.

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Success stories from people with health conditions who achieved their goals

"To be back in the workforce again... it's great"

Gary's story

Read a full transcript of this video.

"I feel like I can go home feeling proud" 

Dan's story

Read a full transcript of this video. 

"It’s given me confidence and also freedom, and a future." 

Ngaire's story

Read a full transcript of this video.

When you find a job

Ongoing support to help you succeed at work

Our support doesn’t end when you start work, it continues for as long as you need it.

We’ll make sure you and your employer have the right tools, knowledge, and adjustments in place so you can succeed together.

Depending on your needs and the type of role you begin, we can help you access things like workplace modifications, training, job coaching, or assistive tools to make your job easier to manage.

We also work with employers to help them understand how rheumatoid arthritis may impact your workday, so they can provide the support and flexibility you deserve.

If long-term support is needed, we’ll work with you to build a plan that helps keep you confident, safe, and thriving in your role.

Get in touch with our team to learn how we can support your success at work.

Ongoing support is a feature of Inclusive Employment Australia
Register now

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

Good jobs for people with rheumatoid arthritis (and jobs to avoid)

Explore jobs for someone with rheumatoid arthritis and jobs to avoid as well as ways to manage symptoms in the workplace and where to get support if you need it.

Read more

Good jobs for people with rheumatoid arthritis (and jobs to avoid)
Living with rheumatoid arthritis? Here are tips that might make life that little bit easier

There is no one-size-fits-all experience when it comes to living and working with rheumatoid arthritis, and everybody has varying experiences with the condition.

Read more

What is rheumatoid arthritis?
What is an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, which vary depending on the specific condition and the organs affected.

Read more

What is an autoimmune disease?

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Inclusive Employment Australia in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au