Hi, my name is Yechiel Binet. As the director of ICA, I have the privilege of being at the forefront of the job market in the frum world. I get to witness firsthand the life-changing decisions that young men and women face when choosing a career. I wrote this article to offer guidance in my own small way.

My goal is to help you as you explore which career path might be the right fit for you. To that end, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 career options that are well-suited for frum Jewish men and women.

Before we get to the list, it’s important to understand something fundamental about career decisions. People tend to fall into two camps: those who say “follow your dreams and do what you love,” and those who say “go for the job with the highest earning potential.”

Both perspectives have some truth to them, but also real drawbacks. If you choose based only on salary, you might end up in an environment that doesn’t match your values, character, or risk tolerance. As an extreme example, consider a gang member who robs a bank. The money might come fast, but the risks are obviously enormous—and the outcome is often jail or worse.

On the other hand, if you only follow your passion without considering financial viability, you may end up chasing a dream that doesn’t exist in the job market or one that doesn’t pay enough to support a family.

The sweet spot is a combination of the two: a career that you enjoy, that’s in demand, and that people are willing to pay well for. That’s the trifecta of a great career.

With that in mind, here is my list of the top 10 career options for frum individuals starting out.

1. Accounting / Bookkeeping

Average Starting Salary: $50,000–$70,000

Education Required: Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Accounting; CPA optional but valuable

Why it fits: Many frum businesses need reliable accountants. It’s a stable, high-demand field with flexible hours and good growth. Ideal for those with attention to detail and strong math skills.

2. Web Development / Programming

Average Starting Salary: $60,000–$90,000

Education Required: Coding bootcamp, online courses, or degree in Computer Science

Why it fits: You can work remotely, choose your own hours, and often start freelancing without a formal degree. Popular in the frum world because of its flexibility and high income potential.

3. Real Estate Agent

Average Starting Salary: Commission-based; $40,000–$100,000+ depending on sales

Education Required: Real estate licensing course (few weeks to a few months)

Why it fits: Flexible schedule, potential for high earnings, and many frum neighborhoods offer a ready-made client base. Good for outgoing personalities and those with a strong network.

4. Healthcare (PA / Nurse / Ultrasound Tech)

Average Starting Salary:

PA: $90,000–$110,000

RN: $65,000–$85,000

Ultrasound Tech: $60,000–$80,000

Education Required:

PA: Master’s (5–6 years total

RN: Associate or Bachelor’s

Ultrasound Tech: 2-year certification

Why it fits: High demand, meaningful work, and relatively short training times for certain tracks. Good option for those seeking job security and the ability to help others.

5. Special Education / Therapy (Speech, OT, ABA)

Average Starting Salary: $55,000–$80,000

Education Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s in relevant field

Why it fits: Many frum communities value therapists who understand their lifestyle. High demand in Jewish schools and clinics. Flexible hours possible, and often rewarding work.

6. E-commerce / Amazon Seller

Average Starting Salary: Varies widely; $30,000–$100,000+

Education Required: None formal, but courses and mentorship help

Why it fits: Popular in the frum world due to flexibility and potential for big profits. You can run a business from home, scale it slowly, and involve family members.

7. Graphic Design / Marketing

Average Starting Salary: $45,000–$65,000 (freelance can scale higher)

Education Required: Online courses, bootcamps, or Associate’s degree

Why it fits: Ideal for creative minds. Many frum publications, schools, and businesses need designers and marketers. Freelance work allows schedule control and modest dress environments.

8. Law / Paralegal

Average Starting Salary:

Paralegal: $45,000–$60,000

Lawyer: $80,000–$120,000+

Education Required:

Paralegal: Certificate (6 months–1 year)

Lawyer: Bachelor’s + Law School (7+ years total)

Why it fits: A great path for those who love halachic thinking or argument-based logic. Legal fields like real estate, estate planning, or corporate law can align with frum values.

9. Business Management / Office Admin

Average Starting Salary: $45,000–$65,000

Education Required: Often just a high school diploma or Associate’s; business degree can help

Why it fits: Great for someone organized and responsible. Many frum-owned businesses need trustworthy people to run the day-to-day. Often stable hours and respectful environments.

10. Chinuch / Jewish Education

Average Starting Salary: $30,000–$50,000 (can increase with seniority or administrative roles

Education Required: Seminary, yeshiva background, sometimes a degree in Education or Judaic Studies

Why it fits: Ideal for those who feel a calling to teach and inspire. While the starting pay is modest, it’s meaningful work with strong community support. Some schools offer housing or tuition discounts for teachers’ children