In a Nutshell
Finding the best job as an introvert can help energize you instead of drain you. Careers that can be a good path include accountants, editors, artists, photographers and some medical professions.When you’re navigating your career decisions, finding something that aligns with your personality is an important factor. Luckily, if you consider yourself an introvert, there are many options.
Understanding the best jobs for introverts is a good first step to discovering what career may suit you best.
Keep reading to learn more about these jobs — or jump to our infographic for some job interview tips.
- What is an introvert?
- Best jobs for introverts
- What career is best for an introvert?
- What to look for in a job as an introvert
What is an introvert?
Introversion and extroversion are popular terms you’ve probably seen if you’ve taken a personality test, and most people have some degree of both.
Introverted people tend to be more reserved, enjoy time alone to recharge and usually prefer less stimulating environments. Although not all introverts fit one standard definition, here are some common characteristics of introverts.
- Quiet and reserved
- Introspective
- Get tired from social interactions
- Enjoy being alone
- Self-aware
- Have a small group of friends
- Independent
- May experience shyness and social anxiety
Qualities of introverted people
Image: Qualities of introverted people: good listeners, hyperfocused, observant, compassionate leaders, empathetic, independent, disciplinedBest jobs for introverts
What jobs are introverts good at? And what are the highest-paying jobs for introverts?
We gathered data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook to determine which jobs may help these quiet but ambitious people find job satisfaction. Salaries are based on 2021 median pay for these roles, except as otherwise noted. Requirements are based on the BLS typical entry-level education.
1. Accountant/auditor
If you like working with numbers, becoming an accountant or auditor may be the career for you. Accountants examine and prepare financial records and analyze opportunities or risks. This is a job more often done on your own and with some one-on-one client meetings.
- Median Salary: $77,250
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Certified Public Accountant license (recommended)
2. Actuary
Do you love working with statistics, math and financial theories? Becoming an actuary can be a great job option for introverts. Actuaries determine financial risks and help businesses develop policies to minimize those risks. (Many work for insurers.)
- Median Salary: $105,900
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Casualty Actuarial Society or Society of Actuaries certification
3. Anesthesiologist
If you enjoy working in the medical field but don’t want to practice bedside manner or interact as much with patients, anesthesiology may be a good field for you. Anesthesiologists administer pain-relieving drugs during surgery or other medical procedures.
- Mean Salary: $331,190
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, state license, residency (four years)
4. Software developer
Application developers design, create and update programs and apps for devices. In this job you’re able to work for different industries and companies and may have full-time or self-employed options, with the possibility of working remotely. If you want to convert your ideas into a reality and help develop applications, this can be the job for you.
- Median Salary: $120,730
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
5. Architect
Spending much of their time working independently, architects plan and design houses, office buildings and other structures. If you are a creative that loves problem-solving, architecture might be right for you.
- Median Salary: $80,180
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree (recommended), paid internship (three years, generally), state license
6. Archivist
People who are introverted may find working as an archivist a great opportunity to work mostly on their own. Archivists can work at universities, libraries and research institutions, overseeing and maintaining collections of historical items and artwork.
- Median Salary: $50,120
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
7. Artist
With endless mediums to choose from, becoming an artist is a job for all personality types. Whether you want to become a textile artist, a painter or a sculptor, this is a great career for creative-minded people who want to work at home or in a studio independently.
- Median Salary: $49,960
- Requirements: Postsecondary degree (recommended)
8. Content manager
If working with clients to build their market strategy and develop creative content, such as videos, blogs and interactive elements sounds exciting, becoming a content manager might be the right fit for you. Many content managers are able to work remotely since they oversee a company’s content creation and strategy, as well as manage writers.
- Median Salary: $133,380
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
9. Data architect
Data architects manage and design data systems, as well as research new opportunities for data acquisition. If you enjoy working with data and technology, this is a challenging and rewarding job that won’t require a lot of social interactions and could be done from home.
- Median Salary: $101,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, certifications may be required
10. Digital marketing manager
One of the many jobs with work-from-home capability is digital marketing. If you love problem-solving and promoting products and services, becoming a digital marketing manager might be what you’re looking for. Digital marketers use technology to promote content, reach customers and increase brand awareness.
- Median Salary: $135,030
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
11. Editor
If you love the written word, you might find it fulfilling to become an editor. You may have the option to work from home, reading and revising content to be published. Editors can span many media industries, including magazines, book publishing and even company communications.
- Median Salary: $63,350
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, industry experience
12. Executive chef
If you’re a foodie at heart and love to please people with your cooking, you might have to look into becoming an executive chef. They manage the kitchen to ensure everything is prepared to the right standards, as well as train the staff and create menus.
- Median Salary: $50,160
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, culinary school or industry experience recommended
13. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers use digital tools to create visuals that communicate ideas. From creating logos to app designs, this is the perfect job for those creative-minded introverts that love technology. Since graphic design jobs can done from home, this is a very rewarding and flexible profession that’s great for introverted people.
- Median Salary: $50,710
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
14. Information technology manager
Information technology managers don’t need to be outgoing as long as they have a passion for technology and problem-solving. This is a fast-growing job. These workers fix software and hardware issues and provide upgrades, as well as work with the security of the company’s information systems.
- Median Salary: $159,010
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree (recommended), IT management certifications (recommended), industry experience
15. Landscape architect
If you love the outdoors and want to flex your creativity, a career as a landscape designer combines both. They develop landscaping plans for parks and other outdoor spaces with features such as gardens, water fountains, walkways and ponds.
- Median Salary: $67,950
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, state license
16. Librarian
If your preferred workplace is a quiet one, becoming a librarian could be just what you’re looking for. Librarians help visitors find and check out books, prepare catalog books and periodicals, and possibly manage the library budget and oversee events.
- Median Salary: $61,190
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, teaching credential (for public school librarians), Praxis II Library Media Specialist test (for public school librarians, requirement varies by state)
17. Mechanic
If you enjoy working with your hands and fixing things, becoming a mechanic is a job that won’t necessarily require much social interaction since a big part of it is spent working on vehicles. Mechanics repair, inspect and perform maintenance, as well as use tools and technologies to maintain and modify vehicles.
- Median Salary: $46,880
- Requirements: Complete an automotive education program, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification
18. Paralegal
If you’re interested in the legal system, working as a paralegal might be the perfect fit for you. Paralegals assist lawyers by organizing files, drafting legal documents, conducting research, reading through cases and gathering evidence.
- Median Salary: $56,230
- Requirements: Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, paralegal certification
19. Photographer
If you see the world in a creative way and like to capture moments, becoming a photographer is a great flexible job for introverts. With many genres to pick from, such as wedding, portrait, travel and landscape photography, this job can lead to many different experiences and is a good way to put your creativity to work.
- Median Salary: $38,950
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, photography courses
20. Pilot
Do you enjoy traveling but hate crowds? Becoming a pilot may be the profession you’ve been looking for. Airline and commercial pilots navigate and fly airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft carrying cargo, people, or agricultural chemicals.
- Median Salary: $134,630
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Federal Aviation Administration certified flight training, commercial pilot certification, industry experience
21. Radiologic technologist
If you’re interested in working in the medical field without attending medical school, becoming a radiologic technologist may be the perfect fit for you. Also known as radiographers, radiologic technologists operate MRI machines, CT scanners, mammography equipment and X-rays to perform diagnostic imaging on patients.
- Median Salary: $61,980
- Requirements: Associate’s degree, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification (recommended), state license in most states
22. Research scientist
If you’re fascinated by science and performing experiments, look into becoming a research scientist. Working in laboratories for the government, environmental organizations and educational institutions, research scientists perform trials and experiments and can work in many different fields.
- Median Salary: $79,760
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D.
23. Software test engineer
Another great career for techies is to become a software test engineer. They analyze software programs by creating and implementing methods of testing and recommend improvements. There’s a variety of opportunities for this job since you can work for different companies and even as a contractor.
- Median Salary: $98,220
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (recommended), industry experience
24. Truck Driver
If you don’t mind a lot of traveling, a truck driver might be a good profession for you. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers operate trucks carrying goods from one place to another. Introverts can enjoy the peace and quiet and take in the sites as they drive across the country.
- Median Salary: $48,310
- Requirements: High school diploma, professional truck driving school, commercial driver’s license
25. Veterinarian
Although you’ll have to interact with pet owners, as a veterinarian you will spend much of your time caring for animals. If you have a passion for animals, becoming a veterinarian might be a career that will make you happy and fulfilled.
- Median Salary: $100,370
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, experience working with animals, North American Veterinary Licensing Examination,state license
26. Web developer
If you’re an introvert, a career as a web developer may be a good job for you. Web developers design, create, code and test interface layouts and navigational features for websites. Most are self-employed or work in agency settings, so you can pick the type of work environment you prefer.
- Median Salary: $78,300
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (recommended), industry experience
27. Wind turbine technician
Often known as wind techs, wind turbine technicians install, maintain and repair wind turbines. This is a growing industry with a 44% predicted growth rate from 2021 to 2031.
- Median Salary: $56,260
- Requirements: Trade school, industry experience
28. Writer
Introverts can be great at expressing themselves in writing. If you have a passion for creating stories, writers have a wide possibility of jobs, such as content writing, copywriting, technical writing and creative writing, which can be done from the comfort of your home.
- Median Salary: $69,510
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, industry experience (recommended)
What career is best for an introvert?
Introverts often thrive in independent work environments. When picking a career, it’s important to consider your strengths as an introvert and avoid stimulating environments that might drain your energy and ultimately cause burnout.
Qualities of introverted people
- Good listeners
- Hyper-focused
- Observant
- Compassionate leaders
- Empathetic
- Independent
- Disciplined
Just because you’re an introvert doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re shy or soft-spoken. You just need time to rest and recharge after putting energy into socializing. Flex your skills as an introvert and try to choose career paths where you can excel using the qualities you naturally have.
Some of the best jobs for introverts are …
- Accountant
- Artist
- Executive chef
- Editor
- Graphic designer
- Photographer
- Research scientist
- Veterinarian
- Web Developer
- Writer
What to look for in a job as an introvert
When looking for jobs as an introvert, it’s important to find something that will energize you instead of draining you.
Try finding jobs where you can limit your social interactions and work independently, such as a graphic designer or a writer. Opting for a remote job can also be a great way to limit draining interactions since meetings tend to be less frequent and are done virtually.
You can also look for side gig job opportunities that let you work independently and at your own pace.
Best jobs for introverts
Image: The best jobs for introverts include web developer, editor, accountants and other roles that can help energize instead of drain you.