We studied 822 kidney transplant recipients followed 1-9 years to determine the dynamics of their entering and leaving the work force.

Multivariate analysis revealed that not being diabetic and that being employed pretransplant were associated with a higher rate of posttransplant employment.

Some recipients in all pretransplant employment categories, including those receiving disability benefits pretransplant, returned to full-time work posttransplant.

The most rapid return to work was in those who had been working full-time or attending school pretransplant.

After returning to work, a higher percentage of diabetic recipients stopped working ; of those who stopped working, 50% received disability benefits.

In contrast, nondiabetic recipients who stopped working full-time were more likely to be retired or working part-time ; only 22% received disability benefits.