If you’ve spent your whole life being told that you’re introverted, you may have wondered what the point of it all is. Why should you try to make a career for yourself if you’re just going to be stuck in a cubicle at a desk for most of it?
Well, let’s put the power back into your hands. Here are some of the most satisfying careers for introverts:
1) Psychiatrist/therapist: You’ll get to spend all day talking to people and helping them with their mental health issues. This is one of the best jobs for introverts because it lets them explore their own interests and talk about things they’re passionate about.
2) Writer: Writers don’t really have to be extroverts—they just need to be able to sit down and write, which is something introverts do all day anyway! Writers can also work from home if they want, so they won’t even have to interact with anyone at all if they don’t want to.
3) Artist: If writing isn’t your thing but art is, then being an artist might be perfect for you! You’ll get plenty of alone time while working on your craft, plus there’s plenty of inspiration right outside your door.
Most Satisfying Careers For Introverts
When navigating which career is right for you, finding something that aligns with your personality is no doubt a fine place to start. But if you fancy yourself as an introvert, you might want to avoid careers involving a lot of social interactions. Thankfully, there are many careers introverted people can excel at while still feeling comfortable.
Studies show that your personality has important effects on early career outcomes. Therefore, success does not depend on your extroversion, but on your ability to put your skills, experiences, and personality to work in your favor. So if you’re an introvert, knowing the best jobs for introverts is the first step to discovering what career suits you best. Keep reading to find out what are some of these jobs or jump to our infographic for some interview tips.
What Is an Introvert?
Introversion and extroversion are popular terms you might’ve seen if you’ve taken a personality test, and most people have some degree of both. Introverted people tend to be more reserved, usually prefer less stimulating environments, and enjoy time alone to recharge. Although not all introverts fit one standard definition, here are some common characteristics of introverts:
- Quiet and reserved
- Introspective
- Feel tired from social interactions
- Enjoy being alone
- Self-aware
- Have a small group of friends
- Independent
- May experience shyness and social anxiety
Best Jobs for Introverts
What jobs are introverts good at and what are the highest paying jobs for introverts? We gathered data from Mint’s salary tool to discern just that, and to help these quiet but ambitious people find true job satisfaction. Get your resumes ready, introverts!
1. Accountant
If you like working with numbers and having the opportunity to work in almost any industry, becoming an accountant can be the career for you. As a stable and growing job field, accountants prepare and examine financial records and analyze any opportunities or risks. This is a job more often done on your own and with some one-on-one client meetings.
- Average Salary: $66,500
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Certified Public Accountant license
2. Actuary
Do you love working with statistics, math, and financial theories? Becoming an actuary can be a great introverted job option. Actuaries determine the financial risks for certain outcomes and help businesses develop policies to minimize those risks. Since most of the work is done from a computer, this is a good career for introverts who like to spend time working on their own.
- Average Salary: $113,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Casualty Actuarial Society certification
- Society of Actuaries certification
3. Application 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, full time or self-employed, and with the possibility of working remotely. If you want to bring ideas to life and help develop applications, this can be the job for you.
- Average Salary: $79,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Google Developers Certification (recommended)
- Apple Developers Certification (recommended)
- Industry experience
4. Architect
Spending most 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 just right for you. This job also won’t require much social interaction, other than meeting with clients and going to construction sites.
- Average Salary: $76,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree (recommended)
- Paid internship (three years, generally)
- State license
5. Archivist
People who are especially introverted could 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.
- Average Salary: $49,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Industry experience
6. 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.
- Average Salary: $32,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
- Industry experience
7. Content Manager
If working with clients to develop content, such as blog posts, videos, and interactives, and building a strategy for them to perform better sounds interesting, becoming a content manager might be the right career for you. Many content managers are able to work remotely as they oversee a company’s content creation and strategy, as well as manage writers.
- Average Salary: $54,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
- Content management systems course (recommended)
- SEO course (recommended)
- Industry experience
8. 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.
- Average Salary: $115,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Industry experience and certifications
9. Digital Marketer
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 marketer might be what you’re looking for. Digital marketers utilize technology to promote content, reach customers, and increase brand awareness.
- Average Salary: $57,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Digital marketing course (recommended)
- Google Analytics certification (recommended)
- Industry experience
10. Editor
If you’re a language fanatic and like reading, you might find it fulfilling to become an editor. They work mostly alone with 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.
- Average Salary: $57,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Industry experience
11. 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.
- Average Salary: $55,000
- Requirements:
- Culinary school (recommended)
- Industry experience
12. 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 many graphic design jobs are done from home, this is a very rewarding and flexible profession that’s great for introverted people.
- Average Salary: $40,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Adobe Creative Suite courses (recommended)
- Industry experience
13. 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, where you would fix software and hardware issues and provide upgrades, as well as work with the security of the company’s information systems.
- Average Salary: $85,500
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- IT management certifications (recommended)
- Industry experience
14. Landscape Designer
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 water fountains, ponds, walkways, and gardens.
- Average Salary: $50,500
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Industry experience
15. 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.
- Average Salary: $48,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Teaching credential (for public school librarians)
- Praxis II Library Media Specialist test (requirement varies by state)
16. Mechanic
If you enjoy working with your hands and fixing things, becoming a mechanic is a job that won’t 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.
- Average Salary: $45,500
- Requirements:
- Complete an automotive education program
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification
17. 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.
- Average Salary: $30,000
- Requirements:
- Photography courses
- Industry experience
18. Psychiatrist
If you’re interested in how the mind works and understanding the importance of mental health, becoming a psychiatrist might be right for an introvert. Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders, as well as prescribe medication and recommend hospitalization in some cases.
- Average Salary: $190,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Medical school
- State license
- Certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- Residency (four years)
19. 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.
- Average Salary: $66,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) certification (recommended)
- Industry experience
20. Social Media Manager
If you enjoy creating content for Instagram, Facebook, and other social media but don’t necessarily want to post about yourself, consider becoming a social media manager. They plan and create social media posts and marketing campaigns for clients, as well as analyze social media performance and engage with followers and customers.
- Average Salary: $41,500
- Requirements:
- Social media experience
- Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
- Internship experience
21. 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.
- Average Salary: $70,500
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- ISTQB Foundation Level Certification (recommended)
- Industry experience
22. Therapist
If you love helping people, becoming a therapist may be the path to take. Some common qualities of introverted people include empathy and the ability to listen, which are also characteristics of a good therapist. They listen to their patients’ challenges and help with strategies to improve their lives.
- Average Salary: $82,030
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree (recommended)
23. Translator
If you are fluent in more than one language and want to find a job that lets you work from home, a translator might be right for you. This is a flexible job since you would work translating and converting information into another language.
- Average Salary: $40,500
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
- Industry experience and training
24. Veterinarian
Although you might have to interact with pet owners often, as a veterinarian you will spend most of your time caring for animals. So if you have a passion for animals and love to see them grow healthy, becoming a veterinarian might be a career that will make you happy and fulfilled.
- Average Salary: $91,500
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working with animals
- Certification from an accredited veterinary program
- North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
- State license
25. Writer
Introverts can be great at expressing themselves in writing rather than verbally, which makes becoming a writer a great option. 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.
- Average Salary: $51,000
- Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Industry experience
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 instead of drain you. Although some introverts might enjoy jobs that require a lot of social interaction like sales or customer service, they can often be mentally and even physically draining.
Instead, focus on jobs in which you can be independent and have limited social interactions, such as a graphic designer or a translator. 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 freelance job opportunities that let you work independently and at your own pace.
Bottom line: Don’t let your introversion hold you back. An inherent desire to work independently doesn’t mean you can’t become a CEO or take on traditionally extroverted roles. It’s all about finding ways to leverage your introverted qualities in your favor. Once more, that begins with learning about the best jobs for introverts.
