Explore the earnings potential in promoting web inclusivity. See accessibility coordinator salaries.

Accessibility coordinator salary

In today's digital age, ensuring that products, services, and content are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, is not just a legal necessity but also a moral imperative. Accessibility coordinators play a pivotal role in ensuring that companies adhere to accessibility standards and best practices. But as this profession gains traction and importance, many are left wondering about the financial aspects of such a role. How much do accessibility coordinators earn? What factors influence their salary? This article delves into the intricacies of the accessibility coordinator's salary, providing insights into the factors that determine their compensation and how it compares across regions.

What is an accessibility coordinator?

An accessibility coordinator is an integral professional dedicated to ensuring that organizations and businesses provide services that align with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other related legislations. Their role is pivotal in promoting web accessibility and guaranteeing reasonable accommodation for those with disabilities in various sectors.

Duties and role of an accessibility coordinator

The job description for an accessibility coordinator is vast and varied. Their primary role involves ensuring that services, products, and facilities are accessible to all, especially those with disabilities. This means coordinating with human resources, information technology teams, and various service providers. Mastery of tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel is often a requirement. Accessibility coordinators play a supervisory role in implementing and monitoring compliance with the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and current web accessibility guidelines. Effective communication skills are paramount as they often serve as a bridge between multiple departments.

Benefits of being an accessibility coordinator

Holding the job title of an accessibility coordinator comes with several benefits. Foremost, there's the satisfaction of making genuine, positive changes in the lives of individuals with disabilities. The field is ripe with advancements, particularly in sectors like healthcare and information technology, offering substantial professional growth. Financial benefits like a competitive base salary and life insurance add to the perks. Depending on eligibility, one can opt for full-time or part-time roles.

Steps to becoming an accessibility coordinator

The journey to becoming an accessibility coordinator is both a testament to a commitment to inclusivity and a foray into one of the most pivotal roles in modern business and technology landscapes. As champions for creating environments that are welcoming and usable for everyone, including those with disabilities, accessibility coordinators are the bridge between compliance mandates, ethical business practices, and user experience, so let’s explore the pathway to becoming an accessibility coordinator:

• Educational background — Start with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field like human resources, information technology, or any domain specific to disabilities.
• Gaining experience — Work experience is crucial, especially in roles that have supervisory tasks, accessibility issues, or program coordination.
• Legal acquaintance — A sound understanding of the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and web accessibility guidelines is mandatory.
• Skillset development — Proficiency in English and effective communication skills are typically essential, as are competencies in Microsoft tools.
• Certifications — Some roles might require certifications in assistive technology or other areas of expertise.

Average salary for accessibility coordinators jobs

The average salary for accessibility coordinator jobs fluctuates based on factors like the location, years of experience, and the specific sector one is employed in so let’s take a look at factors influencing accessibility coordinator salaries and how much you could potentially bring in with this job depending where you live.

Factors influencing salary

Location

• Urban areas not only have a higher cost of living but also house many large companies and tech firms. As a result, the salaries in these areas tend to be more competitive.
• Additionally, some regions may have specific accessibility laws and regulations, necessitating more expertise and potentially resulting in higher pay.

Experience

• Senior accessibility coordinators, with years of experience, not only bring knowledge but also an understanding of evolving accessibility standards and practices.
• Their ability to lead teams, conduct extensive audits, and implement large-scale changes can command higher salaries.

Education and certification

• While a degree related to digital design or IT can be beneficial, certifications specific to accessibility can make a candidate more desirable. For example, certifications from organizations like the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) can bolster one's qualifications.
• Continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field can also contribute to a higher paycheck.

Size and type of employer

• Multinational corporations or universities might have more extensive infrastructure, necessitating a higher level of accessibility coordination. This complexity often comes with a heftier paycheck.
• Non-profits, while valuing accessibility, might have budget constraints affecting salary scales.

Industry

• Industries that rely heavily on digital platforms, like fintech or e-commerce, recognize the importance of accessibility for a broader user base. Their willingness to invest in making platforms user-friendly can translate to competitive salaries for accessibility coordinators.

Inflation and economic shifts

As with any profession, inflation, economic shifts, or global events (like the pandemic) can influence salary scales. Additionally, as awareness and importance of accessibility grow, demand for such roles might push salaries upward.

Salary based on location

United States

Accessibility coordinators in the U.S. have an average salary bracket ranging from $40,000 to $80,000. This wide range can be attributed to several factors:

• Industry variation — The tech industry, for instance, where digital accessibility is paramount, might offer higher salaries than traditional sectors such as manufacturing.
• Location — Major tech hubs like San Francisco, California or New York, with their high living costs, tend to have higher salary ranges and base pay compared to midwestern states. For example, the access coordinator salary might be on the higher side in places like New York when compared to Virginia or Ashburn.
• Company size — Larger corporations with more extensive budgets might allocate more funds for accessibility, leading to higher salaries for these coordinators.

Canada

Accessibility coordinators in Canada saw an average annual earning between CAD 45,000 and CAD 75,000. The disparity in the range can be attributed to:

• Provincial differences — Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, with bigger cities and tech hubs, may have higher salaries than the Maritime provinces.
• Industry focus — Industries that prioritize digital platforms, such as e-commerce, could potentially pay more than sectors like agriculture.

United Kingdom

In the UK, accessibility coordinators earned between £30,000 and £55,000. Factors affecting this range include:

• Regional differences — London, a global city with a high concentration of businesses, typically offers higher salaries than the North or the Midlands.
• Industry — The finance sector in London, which requires accessible digital platforms, could be a higher payer than traditional sectors.

How to find accessibility coordinator jobs near you

To unearth accessibility coordinator jobs in your vicinity, kickstart your search on job posting websites and set a job alert specific to this role. Tailor your search to accommodate preferences such as full-time or part-time positions, or by specific locales like Ashburn or California. Organizations with a staunch commitment to equal opportunity or those operating in the healthcare or information technology sectors are more likely to have openings for this role. Delving into the human resources pages of potential employers on pertinent industry forums might also yield positive results.

Speechify — A must-have tool for accessibility coordinators

Accessibility coordinators, entrusted with the noble mission of bridging the divide between information and its users, can significantly benefit from integrating Speechify into their arsenal of tools. For clients who grapple with reading challenges, whether due to visual impairments, dyslexia, or other cognitive differences, Speechify becomes an invaluable ally. This software effortlessly converts written materials, be they books, documents, or web content, into fluid auditory experiences.

By doing so, it empowers clients to consume information in a mode that best suits their individual needs. Furthermore, with its multilingual capabilities, it ensures non-native speakers aren't left behind, as content can be read aloud in various languages, fostering a deeper understanding. As coordinators incorporate Speechify, they're not just leveraging technology; they're crafting tailored pathways for each client, ensuring that learning and information accessibility are no longer privileges but rights that all can enjoy. Try Speechify for free today.

FAQ

What is the highest salary of an accessibility coordinator?

The highest salary of an accessibility coordinator can vary widely based on location, industry, and experience, often reaching into the six-figure range in some regions and industries.

What is the typical starting salary of an accessibility coordinator?

The typical starting salary of an accessibility coordinator can also vary, but entry-level positions in the U.S. often start in the range of $40,000 to $60,000, depending on location and sector.