If you’re looking for good career paths for introverts, then this article is for you.
There are quite a few high-paying, in-demand careers for introverts, including some that you wouldn’t expect.
Below, we’ll look at the best jobs for introverts, including business careers for introverts, creative careers for introverts, and even medical careers for introverts.
10 Great Careers for Introverts
1. Technical Writer
Average salary: $61,497 (according to Payscale.com)
You may not think writers make a lot, but writers who specialize in certain types of writing jobs, like technical writing or copywriting, can earn six figures and above.
When I worked as a recruiter in the biotech and pharma industries, I spoke to medical writers earning $150,000 and higher, and they were working fully remotely.
These medical writers typically only had a bachelor’s degree in nursing. So this is an example of one of the medical careers that introverts can pursue, where you can write instead of working in a hospital or other health center.
If you don’t have a health background, you can go into all sorts of other forms of technical writing, where you’ll have very little social interaction while earning a great salary.
Technical writers also write technical guides for products, technical reviews and reports, assembly manuals, user guides, and more.
Copywriters are another type of technical writer that earns a great salary. Copywriters who produce marketing materials (video scripts, text/content for online sales pages, social media ads, etc.) can earn six figures and above, just like technical writers. This is considered to be well above an average salary.
In all of the writer jobs above, you’ll have few social interactions and are primarily paid to communicate ideas in writing, which makes writing an ideal career for introverts.
2. Software Engineer
Average salary: $88,280 (according to Payscale.com)
Remember back in 2015 when everyone wanted to be a “coder”? Coding is the primary task of a software engineer and if your idea of a dream job is to create, test and monitor computer code for software programs, this might be the perfect job for you.
A big reason why so many introverts are software engineers is that they are usually left to work independently. Introverts thrive in this sort of setup where there is minimal social interaction and lots of quiet time.
I recently ran into a software engineer at a cafe who was from the Netherlands. He said he was a digital nomad and had been traveling for the past six months, visiting different countries and doing his coding through his laptop. This is the independent work that many introverts prefer.
One thing you should know if you’re considering a career in this industry is that there are many different areas you can focus on:
- There’s “front-end” development, which has to do with what the user sees on the computer screen.
- There’s “back-end” software development, which is more about servers, algorithms and computer systems that aren’t seen by the user.
- And then there’s “full-stack” development which focuses on both.
You could also choose to specialize in infrastructure engineering which is all about building out the layer underneath the back-end.
There are many routes you can take within the field of software engineering, all of which offer a high average salary.
You might also decide to be an SRE (Site Reliability Engineer) which is not so much about building the infrastructure but making sure the organization’s information systems are running smoothly.
You can bet that the majority of your day as a coder will be spent staring at your computer.
However; many people with this career describe their workplaces as stimulating environments. There’s always a new problem to solve and you’re constantly collaborating with your fellow coders.
So, even though most introverts tend to need quiet spaces and alone time, there are still lots of opportunities for one-on-one interaction.
Further reading: Are coding bootcamps worth it?
3. Content Manager
Average salary: $60,976 (according to Payscale.com)
“Content manager” is considered one of the best business jobs for introverts. Why? Most of a content manager’s communication happens in written form: comments on blog posts, feedback on social media graphics, messages on collaboration apps, etc.
A content or social media manager might have a weekly video call with their team to plan out their organization’s content creation schedule. However, the bulk of a content manager’s day is spent focusing on the content itself. This is why it’s the perfect job for introverted personality types.
Content managers are usually required to have at least two years of experience in marketing, project management or communications so if you are looking for an entry-level position, you might want to start as a content writer and then move up from there.
Important skills to have under your belt include SEO, basic coding, time management, data analysis and leadership.
The workload of a content manager depends on the size of the company. A small start-up might hire you as a one-person marketing team and put you in charge of creative writing, performing content audits, doing research, scheduling and publishing.
You also might be expected to create custom visuals, social posts and blog posts for the company’s social media channels.
A larger company will have you focus more on editing, scheduling and publishing the content. You will also be in charge of coming up with ideas for content campaigns and approving any content your team produces.
Content managers are expected to lead a team of content writers, but not all introverts are comfortable leading a group, so this is something to keep in mind when considering this role.
One thing is for sure, job postings for content and social media managers are popping up across many industries. It’s one of the most popular jobs for introverts with a relatively high average salary.
4. IT Manager
Average salary: $89,000 (according to Payscale.com)
Information Technology or “IT” managers are often portrayed as being introverted personality types who spend their day in a basem*nt tinkering at computers. There is a lot of truth to this stereotype, but in reality, an IT manager does so much more than just “fix computers”.
IT managers are responsible for monitoring their company’s information systems, recommending upgrades, overseeing IT policy, supervising projects within the IT team and setting up new software/hardware.
Since this is a managerial position, there will be some social interactions involved. However, most of these interactions will be within a small team of programmers and administrators, making this one of the best jobs for introverts who thrive in a more intimate work setting.
When it comes to qualifications, an IT manager will usually start out as a code writer or system administrator before being hired in this role.
Otherwise, a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be required.
Key skills to have as an IT manager include a good understanding of computer languages, strong communication skills, whether that be written or verbal, and the ability to execute strategy development processes.
Since IT managers deal with both software and hardware, it’s rare that they would ever work remotely.
So, if you are the type of introvert who likes a busy work environment while spending most of the day focusing on independent tasks, Information Technology Manager might be the perfect role for you.
Further reading: Guide to IT jobs.
5. Data Analyst
Average salary: $62,541 (according to Payscale.com)
You may not have considered the data analyst career path for introverts before, yet it is one of the best jobs out there for people who prefer a quiet, autonomous work environment.
Data analysts are responsible for organizing data and translating complex information into a valuable conclusion for the benefit of other departments.
The type of data you might work with depends on the company. You might find yourself analyzing social media clicks, or amount of sales, or the location of online customers. The type of data will always be changing which makes this an exciting career option for introverts.
Data analysts will often collaborate with the company’s marketing department as well as software developers.
Keep in mind, though, that these collaborations do not make up the bulk of a data analyst’s workday, and the majority of work is done independently.
This is another business career that lends itself well to remote work. Many data analysts work exclusively from home, completing all of their tasks for the day from their laptops.
Before applying, make sure you are familiar with the specific software the company uses as well as the style of analysis you will be doing.
There are four types of analysis you should be familiar with before applying for a data analyst position: descriptive analytics, diagnostic analytics, predictive analytics and prescriptive analytics.
You should also be well-versed in analytics software like Google Analytics, Microsoft Excel and SQL.
In general, you should have some form of training in data analysis before applying, whether that be from a bachelor’s degree or a data analysis course.
For a truly independent work environment, consider a career as a data analyst. It’s one of the best jobs for introverts, and there are new openings being posted every day on job search forums.
Related high-paying career to consider that’s also ideal for introverts: business intelligence.
6. Graphic Designer
Average salary: $47,032 (according to Payscale.com)
With the social media and online business boom came the demand for more graphic designers. Graphic design is a great creative career choice for introverted artist-types who like the idea of working remotely and having a flexible schedule.
What does a graphic designer do? A graphic designer will spend most of their day sitting or standing at a computer, creating digital assets like logos, mockups, social media graphics and book covers using photo and design software programs like Photoshop and InDesign.
Graphic design is highly collaborative, which means that your piece will go through a lot of feedback sessions before you submit the final product.
This feedback will sometimes be given in person if you are working on-site, but most of the time it is done in writing through collaboration apps like Slack.
This is especially true if you are working remotely or if the marketing agency that hired you works with a lot of freelancers.
So, even though you will be communicating with many different people throughout the day, you are still primarily in your own zone, focusing on your graphic work.
Another reason this is such a popular job for introverts is that it doesn’t require a high level of education.
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is all you need to be considered and many marketing agencies will tend to value your creativity and portfolio over which university or college you went to.
I had a friend who completed a bachelor’s degree in English and then decided to complete a two-year program in graphic design. Now she’s working for one of the top magazines in the country and thrilled with the kind of work she gets to do.
You might receive a lower-than-average salary when starting out in graphic design, but there are lots of opportunities to grow in this field as you specialize and gain more experience overall.
7. Accountant
Average salary: $52,277 (according to Payscale.com)
If you consider yourself good with money and quick on a calculator, then you might want to go for a career as an accountant.
Accountants are responsible for organizing, processing and reporting on the financial activities of a company.
Daily tasks of an accountant include: researching new accounting standards, writing financial reports, providing information for budgets, presenting accounts and reviewing financial statements.
Accountants usually work in a tight-knit team which includes the accounting manager and other accountants.
The average accounting department is usually pretty small with the majority of collaboration happening within this small group making “accountant” one of the best jobs for introverts.
Most accounting positions these days don’t require a license. However, if you want to become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), then you’ll need to apply for one after you complete your bachelor’s degree.
A lot of accountants report that their job gives them a healthy balance of interaction and solo work. If you want to work in a small team, but still focus on your own projects for most of the day, consider becoming an accountant. It’s one of the best jobs for introverts.
Bookkeeping is another similar career choice for introverts that often requires less education, so that’s one more introvert job to consider if you’re numbers- and detail-oriented.
8. Digital Marketing Specialist
Average salary: $50,585 (according to Payscale.com)
Digital marketing is a career field that offers many sub-areas that are well-suited for introverts.
These include:
- Digital advertising
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- SEO
- Much more
You can also work as a general digital marketer, handling multiple areas above.
Digital marketing is a field you can learn online without a degree, or enter with just a bachelor’s degree, and you can work your way up to six figures in salary relatively quickly.
You’ll be doing most of your work in front of a computer, creating new strategies and marketing materials, analyzing data of past marketing campaigns, etc.
For less human interaction, I recommend looking into a digital marketing job for a company that is not in the marketing industry. For example, digital marketing for a clothing brand, an online software company, an online gaming company, etc.
Whereas, if you go to work for a digital marketing agency, you may find yourself with more interaction since you will be working for multiple clients instead of just one company.
9. Psychologist
Average salary: $80,848 (according to Payscale.com)
I have yet to meet a psychologist who wasn’t introverted. “Psychologist” is a perfect career choice for introverts who like to work independently, interact with people one-on-one and think deeply about interpersonal issues.
This is one of those high-paying careers introverts can’t help but gravitate to.
There is a lot of freedom in the types of therapy that you can practice, and you will be working almost exclusively for yourself, whether that be from your own home or an office you are renting in a clinic.
A psychologist will spend the majority of their day in therapy sessions. Some choose to focus solely on individual sessions while others incorporate couples therapy, family therapy and even group therapy into their practice.
The education requirements for a psychologist are pretty extensive. In the US, a clinical psychologist is required to complete a master’s and a doctorate degree after they finish their bachelor’s degree in psychology.
If this sounds like too much time in school, you might want to consider becoming a therapist which only requires a master’s degree.
Keep in mind that a psychologist will use medical research to diagnose mental health disorders whereas a therapist will not. However, both use talk therapy modalities like CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy in their practice.
Psychologists earn a higher-than-average salary, making it one of the best jobs for introverts who want to earn a substantial income right when they enter the job market.
Other medical careers for introverts:
- Medical writer (see #1 on our list above)
- Medical billing specialist (you can read more about what this career involves here).
10. Blue-Collar Careers
Average salary: varies depending on role; can earn six figures over time.
Don’t ignore blue-collar jobs as a career option for people who are introverted but want to earn a high salary.
Blue-collar jobs typically don’t require a four-year degree and will have you working outside of the office.
These include jobs like: machinery operators, mechanics, repairers, carpenters, building inspectors, locksmiths, electricians, and more.
With many of these trade jobs, you’ll have little human interaction and be working solo or with one apprentice or partner for the majority of the workday.
Of course, some of these jobs require physical strength, and so blue-collar jobs aren’t perfect for everyone. If you prefer to sit in the office, this may not be for you.
Still, blue-collar roles provide an excellent, introvert-friendly career option for those who don’t want a desk job.
And these jobs tend to have high demand and high pay without needing a degree.
Further reading: 18 good careers that don’t require a college degree.
Conclusion: The Best Jobs for Introverts
Being an introvert in the workplace is not easy, but there are so many jobs out there that are well-suited to an introverted personality type.
When searching for jobs that are good for introverts, try to find positions that allow for lots of independence and the opportunity to work on a tight-knit team, or solo.
Management is also not out of the question for introverts, especially if most of the communication is done in writing or is only a small part of the workday.
There are many career options out there that pay an above-average salary and suit an introvert’s lifestyle.
Related reading: Side hustles for introverts.
