Today’s dynamic business landscape seems tailored for outgoing extroverts. All the emphasis on meetings, team building, networking, and cooperation can make it seem as if introverts are at a complete disadvantage. But fortunately, there are plenty of incredible jobs for introverts, as long as you know what you’re looking for.
If you’re someone who prefers to work in quiet and serene environments, using deep focus and attentiveness to achieve your professional goals, this article is for you. We’ll start with an analysis of introverts in the workplace to figure out their qualities and characteristics. Then, we’ll explore various fields and specific roles in which they can excel.
Let’s jump right in!
Key Takeaways
Some of the best jobs for introverts are those that include quiet and solitary environments with limited social interaction.
Highly sought-after creative jobs for introverts include writing, editing, graphic design, architecture, and photography.
IT jobs are perfectly tailored to introverts, as they revolve around prolonged solitary work. Some of the best ones are software engineering, quality assurance, and IT management.
Introverts can flourish in science as data scientists, engineers, veterinarians, social scientists, etc.
There are many other jobs for introverts across numerous fields, including librarians, accountants, research associates, and paralegals.
What Is an Introvert: Overview & Skills
Introverts are individuals who generally prefer quiet and solitary environments. It’s commonly accepted that they process information internally and are more reserved than extroverts. In the workplace, introverts are less likely to initiate and lead meetings and are usually much more productive in peaceful settings.
Still, research shows that people are neither fully introverted nor completely extroverted. In fact, almost everyone is an ambivert, with people leaning toward one or the other end of the spectrum to a varying degree. Regardless, there are certain traits and qualities characteristic of both types.
While most introverts aren’t against socializing, they generally have small groups of friends and tend to get tired from prolonged social interactions. In some cases, this type of person can experience social anxiety. That’s why, for example, they favor short brainstorming sessions over long gatherings and written communication over face-to-face talking.
When looking for jobs, introverts prefer roles that grant them as much autonomy as possible while featuring minimal social interaction. They value peace and quiet and would often much rather work from home or a place of their choice than in a crowded office.
Still, that doesn’t mean introverts are limited in what type of work they can do and which career path they should follow. They can shine in creative jobs, be attentive and precise in the IT sector, focus for long periods of time in research roles, and much more.
Creative Jobs for Introverts
Many creative professions involve long periods of solitary work, which makes them perfect for introverts. Let’s examine some of the best examples.
#1. Writer
Many writing jobs require solitary work that allows for focus and reflection. Everything from doing research and conceptualizing work to writing, proofreading, and refining the writing requires peace and quiet.
In the US, the median full-time salary for writers is around $73,000 per year. Depending on the role, employers can ask for a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or similar.
Of course, many writers and authors are self-employed, and their salaries vary based on their writing skills, prominence, and several other factors. These can be anything from freelance content writers who create blog posts and online articles to self-published authors who write fiction novels.
Some of the biggest perks of many writing jobs that introverts love are the ability to work at your own pace, set your own schedule, and limit social interaction based on personal preference.
#2. Editor
Editors have a similar median salary as writers, at just above $73,000 per year. The requirements for the job are comparable as well since they usually need to have a degree in English, journalism, or communications.
While their job also revolves around writing, its nature is different. Editors need to have impeccable concentration and attention to detail, both of which ask for a quiet and isolated environment. That’s why many employers give editors the option to work from an office but also to do their job remotely.
The downside is that editorial jobs can be time-sensitive and, thus, highly stressful. Tight deadlines make time management and organizational skills crucial.
#3. Graphic Designer
Graphic design involves the physical or software-assisted creation of visual media used to impress, inspire, convey information, and more. Many designers work alone or spend a lot of time independent of others as they research and develop projects. It’s also one of the best jobs for introverts with anxiety.
The median annual wage of $57,990 varies a lot between the roles. It can depend on the individual graphic designer’s skill, experience, specialization, and more. Furthermore, the requirements for getting into the profession aren’t always the same. Some employers ask for a bachelor’s degree, while many self-employed graphic designers are self-taught.
Another perk of graphic design that caters to introverts is that it allows for communication without words. It’s an expressive profession that relies on the visual over verbal exchange of information.
#4. Architect
Architecture is another profession that allows for plenty of independence during work. It represents a blend of engineering and design, where individuals often work extended periods of time on intricate projects.
With a median salary of $82,840 per year and a bachelor’s degree as a requirement, architecture is perfect for artistically inclined individuals who, on the other hand, like an analytical and scientific approach to a job.
Many architects work in studios of varying sizes and often have to collaborate with other engineers, contractors, investors, and so on. Even then, these are just occasional instances of teamwork and communication, while the rest of the time, work is done individually.
#5. Photographer
Photography is a versatile occupation, and there are many ways to approach it from a professional standpoint. Nature and wildlife photographers can travel alone to remote locations for long periods of time, looking for a perfect shot. On the other hand, studio photographers can work with a chosen clientele and be selective about who they interact with and in what capacity.
In general, you only need a high school diploma to get into photography. However, becoming good at it usually involves plenty of self-learning, mentorship, or on-the-job training. While a median pay is around $40,000 per year, that number varies greatly depending on the photographer’s skills, specialization, renown, and many other elements.
IT Jobs for Introverts
IT jobs are perfect for introverts, as they involve plenty of tasks that revolve around solitary analysis and problem-solving. Moreover, IT jobs are in high demand while simultaneously offering competitive salaries.
#1. Software Engineer
Software engineers create computer platforms, programs, and applications. Writing code and finding bugs and errors is a meticulous job that requires high levels of concentration, software skills and long periods of deep work. The profession allows introverts to thrive as most of their work is done alone, and a lot of communication can be in written form.
Another benefit of the software engineering profession is the high median salary, at around $124,000 per year. Moreover, the job outlook looks rather positive for a period between 2022 and 2032, with a much higher expected demand growth of 25%.
The barrier to entry can be high, with many employers asking for at least a bachelor’s degree, some making a master’s degree a requirement. However, it’s possible to become a software engineer without a degree through self-teaching, bootcamps, and more.
#2. Software Quality Assurance Analyst
The software quality assurance analyst profession is in many ways similar to that of a software engineer. The median pay is the same, at $124,000 per year, as are the requirements. Some employers ask for a higher degree, while others look at your skills, work experience, portfolio, personal projects, etc.
The job, while somewhat different from software development, still includes plenty of solitary work, concentration, and attention to detail. Quality assurance involves examining and testing written software for its functionality. It requires a disciplined and analytical approach, utilizing strong analytical skills, aimed at discovering even the smallest bugs and inconsistencies.
#3. IT Manager
IT managers create comprehensive plans, coordinate individuals and teams, and make sure that whole organizations properly work toward common goals. While this role requires leadership competence and management skills, collaborating instances are limited.
Many IT managers need to have strong organizational skills and project planning experience. They can create comprehensive plans on their own and continue to independently work on perfecting workflows once things are set in motion. Occasional interactions with the team are required to keep track of the processes and make necessary adjustments.
IT managers have a median salary that is toward the higher end, at around $164,000 per year. However, employers often ask for a higher degree and several years of experience in the field.
Jobs for Introverts in Science
Jobs in science revolve around data gathering, research, and experimentation, most of which require reclusive environments and concentration.
#1. Data Scientist
Data science is all about analyzing large data sets to extract valuable information and meaningful conclusions. This type of work usually means that data scientists need to be left alone to focus on all the information and its investigation.
Research shows that the profession will see as much as 35% growth in the following decade, which is much faster than average. That, coupled with a $103,500 median salary, makes data science an appealing option for introverts.
However, becoming a data scientist can be a lengthy process. Employers look for candidates with higher degrees in fields like mathematics and statistics, with some of them even asking for doctoral degrees.
#2. Engineer
Engineering jobs require plenty of analysis, problem-solving skills, conceptualization, designing, and building. All of these processes are often best done during periods of isolated, highly concentrated work. Many tasks need to be done with extreme precision and attention to detail, aligning with some of the introverts’ key characteristics.
Engineering offers an assortment of jobs for introverts that pay well. A median salary across different specializations goes from around $74,000 to $130,000 per year or more. However, employers require a bachelor’s degree or higher, and some engineers can work longer than 40-hour weeks.
#3. Veterinarian
While a part of the veterinarian’s job includes interaction with clients, most of their work is about caring for animals. Veterinarians diagnose animal health issues, perform procedures and surgeries, administer medication, do research, and more.
Plus, many introverts feel right at home when interacting with animals. This, coupled with a substantial median salary of around $103,000 per year, makes this an enticing job for introverts. Another upside is that the job growth is projected at 20%.
On the other hand, a typical level of education for a veterinarian includes a doctoral or professional degree, both of which involve a lot of work and commitment.
#4. Social Scientist
Social sciences encompass a myriad of fields ranging from psychology and sociology to economics and political science. The median salary also ranges vastly, going from around $50,000 to $110,000 and more. The requirements also vary between the roles, as some employers ask for associate degrees while others need master’s or even doctoral degrees.
While some of the work of social scientists includes teamwork, that tends to be offset with plenty of individual research. Everything from analyzing information to writing reports and papers is tailored to introverts and their characteristics.
Other Jobs for Introverts
Jobs for introverts aren’t tied to a specific field. There are many miscellaneous occupations they can do that come with varying degrees of requirements and benefits.
#1. Librarian
Librarian is a perfect job for introverts as it involves working in a quiet and serene environment. The job itself consists of conducting research, organizing and managing inventory, assisting individuals in finding what they are looking for, and so on.
Interaction with visitors is only occasional and usually brief. Librarians have a median salary of around $61,600 per year and typically need to have a master’s degree. However, unlike many science and engineering roles, these are some of the best jobs for introverts bad at math.
#2. Accountant
Accounting is a great job for introverts who are all about statistics, numbers, and detailed analysis. Their profession revolves around independent record management, auditing, report writing, and so on. There is some interaction with clients and coworkers, though that is often limited and, most of the time, can be achieved through written communication.
A median salary is around $78,000 per year, and the education required for an entry-level position is a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field. Skilled accountants can further obtain certification to specialize in specific fields, improve their employability, and boost their salaries.
#3. Research Associate
Becoming a research associate is another way to work in a scientific or academic environment while being introverted. These roles revolve around gathering data, analyzing information, conducting experiments, and more. For most of these processes, researchers need to work undisturbed in quiet settings.
Salaries differ vastly between the fields, and so do job descriptions and requirements. Typically, individuals need to have a higher degree, with many roles having a minimum requirement of a master’s degree.
#4. Paralegal
A paralegal, is a great job without a degree, for introverts who want to work in the legal system. The role involves supporting lawyers in their efforts and doing a variety of tasks to assist them. This includes organizing the workload, managing files, drafting various documents, gathering information, doing research, and more.
While there’s no need for a law degree, some employers can ask for at least an associate’s degree. Paralegals make a median salary of around $59,000 per year, and they can work for various law companies and government entities.
Even though the position usually includes collaboration and teamwork, these are limited since a lot of time is spent on individual activities. The interaction with clients and in courts is also infrequent, and most communication occurs in controlled and predetermined environments.
Final Thoughts
Today’s business landscape offers a diverse assortment of professions that cater to everyone’s needs. Even some of the seemingly worst jobs for introverts can be turned into some of the best ones with a different environment organization or simply by including a remote option.
With an increasing number of remote jobs for introverts, one can do everything remotely, from design and photography to data analysis and software development. The key is figuring out your competencies and playing to your strengths. That will allow you to find a role that you excel in and thrive professionally!
