Jobs for people with shoulder pain | Inclusive Employment Australia

Shoulder pain or injury can make some types of work feel harder, especially roles that involve lifting, repetitive movements, or working above your head.

But that doesn’t mean you have to stop working altogether.

With the right support and a job that suits your needs, many people living with shoulder pain continue to work, build confidence, and move forward in their careers.

The key is finding roles that reduce strain on your shoulders while still using your skills and strengths.

Get support

Explore job options when you’re living with shoulder pain

If you’re living with shoulder pain or a shoulder or upper arm condition, it’s normal to feel unsure about your work options.

Pain or reduced movement can make tasks like lifting, reaching, or repetitive work more difficult. This can also affect your confidence and how you think about your next steps.

The good news is, you still have options.

With the right support and a role that suits your needs, many people continue working or return to work in a way that feels manageable and rewarding.

At APM, we help you find jobs for people with shoulder pain that match your strengths and comfort levels, whether you’re returning to your industry or trying something new.

Finding the right job can help you:

Rebuild confidence and feel more in control
Create a routine that supports your wellbeing
Access income to support your daily needs
Stay connected through work and community
Use your skills without unnecessary strain

Below, you’ll find practical guidance and job ideas to help you explore what could work for you.

Get support

Physiotherapist assisting a man with shoulder movement exercises in a clinical setting.

What to look for in a job when you’re living with shoulder pain

Living with shoulder pain can change how you approach work, especially if certain movements or tasks cause discomfort.

You might need to avoid heavy lifting, repetitive arm use, or working above shoulder height.

Over time, this can affect the type of roles that feel comfortable and sustainable.

The right job should support your physical needs, not make them harder.

Look for roles that reduce strain on your shoulders, allow for flexibility, and help you work at a pace that feels manageable. A supportive environment can also make a big difference to your confidence and overall wellbeing.

Because everyone’s experience of shoulder pain is different, it helps to think about what works best for you. Understanding your limits, strengths, and preferences can make your job search feel clearer and more achievable.

Below are a few helpful questions to guide you.

What tasks feel comfortable on my shoulders?

With shoulder pain, certain movements can be more difficult, especially lifting, reaching overhead, or repetitive arm use.

You may feel more comfortable in roles that limit these movements and focus on lighter, more controlled tasks. Jobs that are desk-based or allow you to keep your arms in a neutral position can help reduce strain throughout the day.

Thinking about which tasks feel manageable can help you avoid discomfort and find work that supports your recovery.

What type of work setup supports my physical wellbeing?

Your work setup can make a big difference when managing shoulder pain.

You might benefit from an ergonomic workstation, adjustable seating, or equipment that helps reduce pressure on your shoulders. Some people also find that working from home or in a flexible environment allows them to manage their comfort more easily.

A setup that supports good posture and minimises strain can help you stay comfortable and productive.

What support or adjustments would help me at work?

The right support can make everyday work tasks easier to manage.

This could include flexible hours, regular breaks, modified duties, or equipment to reduce lifting and repetitive movements. Supportive employers and open communication can also help you feel more confident asking for what you need.

Understanding what workplace adjustments work for you can make it easier to find a role where you can settle in and succeed.

Job ideas for people living with shoulder pain

Living with shoulder pain doesn’t mean you have to stop working. The right job can help you stay active, build confidence, and support your wellbeing.

Roles that are desk-based, low-impact, or flexible can reduce strain and make work more manageable. You may prefer jobs that limit lifting and repetitive arm movements, with options to adjust your pace or take breaks.

Focusing on your strengths can help you find work that suits you, including using your existing skills in new ways.

If you’re not sure where to start, Inclusive Employment Australia can support you to explore suitable job options.

Here are some job ideas that may suit people living with shoulder pain:

Smiling man sitting at a desk in an office, working on a laptop in a comfortable, ergonomic workspace.

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

Jobs that reduce physical strain on your shoulders

These roles focus on lighter tasks and minimise lifting, overhead movement, or repetitive arm use, helping you stay comfortable throughout the day.

Jobs with lower physical demands can make it easier to manage shoulder pain while still building a routine and staying engaged at work.

Data entry or document processing roles
Transcription or captioning services
Bookkeeping or payroll support
Scheduling or appointment coordination
Quality checking or proofreading
Email or chat-based customer support

Jobs with flexible or desk-based work options

Flexible or desk-based roles can give you more control over your setup and pace, which can help reduce strain on your shoulders.

Working in a comfortable environment, whether at home or in an office, can also make it easier to take breaks and adjust your position when needed.

Administrative assistant roles
Virtual assistant or remote support roles
Online order processing or e-commerce support
IT support or helpdesk roles
Digital marketing or content support
Graphic design or creative roles

Jobs that use your experience in new ways

Living with shoulder pain might mean changing how you work, but it doesn’t mean starting over.

You can often use your existing skills in roles that place less strain on your shoulders. This might involve lighter duties, more structured tasks, or positions that focus on planning, organising, or supporting others.

With the right adjustments, your experience can still be valuable in a way that feels more manageable.

You could consider roles like:

Office support roles within your previous industry
Quality assurance or checking roles
Customer follow-up or aftercare support roles
Training support or assistant trainer roles
Compliance or process support roles
Coordination or administrative support roles

Get support

Smiling woman working at a desk using a computer in an office, with Australian and Aboriginal flags visible on the desk.

Support available through Inclusive Employment Australia

If you’re living with shoulder pain, you don’t have to navigate work on your own. Support is available to help you find a job that suits your needs, abilities, and goals.

If you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), APM can support you to find roles that match your strengths while reducing strain on your shoulders.

Whether you’re returning to work after an injury, changing roles, or looking for something more suitable, we take the time to understand what works for you and build a plan around your needs.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, you may be able to access:

Job advice tailored to your condition and comfort levels
Support to find suitable job opportunities
Help with resumes and interview preparation
Access to training or courses to build your skills
Workplace assessments and practical recommendations
Assistance with workplace adjustments, such as modified duties or flexible hours

Get support

Take the next step towards suitable work

If you’re thinking about your next step, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Support is available to help you find work that fits your needs, reduces strain on your shoulders, and works with your lifestyle.

Get support

Building a path to suitable work

A personalised plan to help you get ready for work

At APM, we support people living with shoulder pain to find work that suits their strengths, preferences, and support needs. Here’s how we can help:

Identifying your strengths and skills

Your strengths go beyond your past jobs. They also come from your life experience.
Living with shoulder pain can build resilience, problem-solving skills, and new ways of approaching tasks. You may have developed strong planning skills, attention to detail, or the ability to adapt how you work.
It’s not always easy to see these strengths yourself. We’ll work with you to understand what you’re good at and explore job options that feel realistic and meaningful.

Choosing a job that fits your day-to-day needs

The right job should support your comfort, movement, and daily routine.

We’ll help you explore roles that reduce strain on your shoulders and feel manageable over time.

Explore job options that minimise lifting and repetitive movement
Create a personalised plan for your job search, resume, and interviews
Talk with employers about your support needs and workplace adjustments
Identify tools or setups that support comfort and posture
Plan the support you may need when starting and settling into a new role

3 steps to help you move towards suitable work

Step one

Register with APM to check if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia. It’s a simple way to start exploring job options that suit your needs and comfort levels.

artwork of a job seeker registering for DES with APM

Step two

You’ll meet with an APM employment consultant who takes the time to understand your experience with shoulder pain, including what tasks feel manageable, your strengths, and the type of work that suits you best.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant

Step three

With personalised support, you can explore suitable roles, build confidence at your own pace, and take practical steps towards work that fits your routine and reduces strain on your shoulders.

Success stories from people with shoulder and arm pain who achieved their goals

"I feel like a new person"

Julie's story

Read a full transcript of this video.

"It’s given me my self-esteem back"

Sharon's story

Read a full transcript of this video.

"It's something that I really love and I don't take lightly"

Leonie's story

Read a full transcript of this video.

Woman speaking with an APM employment consultant at a desk, reviewing paperwork together in an office setting.

Ongoing help to keep you on track

Starting a new job with shoulder pain can feel like a big step, and our support doesn’t stop once you start work.

We work with you and your employer to create a setup that helps reduce strain on your shoulders.

This might include adjusting tasks, improving your workstation, or building in flexibility so you can work comfortably throughout the day.

Depending on your role, we can provide on-the-job support, additional training, or practical workplace adjustments to make your work more manageable.

We also help employers understand how to support people with injuries or health conditions, creating a more inclusive workplace.

As your needs change, we’ll continue to work with you to adapt your plan and make sure you feel supported.

Our goal is to help you feel confident, comfortable, and capable in work that’s right for you.

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

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