What Are the Best Jobs for Introverts? (20 Good Careers for Shy People)

If you prefer to work alone rather than in large, collaborative settings, and the thought of public speaking gives you anxiety, you probably have an introverted personality. The best jobs for introverts tend to be roles with limited human interaction and work environments with plenty of quiet spaces to concentrate.

Being an introvert won’t limit someone's ability to perform well in their role (and there are plenty of jobs for shy people!); however, it can be beneficial to be aware of your preferences as an introvert to maximize your abilities and foster your well-being in your job. Read on to discover all of the different introvert careers!

Jobs for introverts comparison chart (Top 10 highest rated)

While there is no shortage of top careers for introverts, here are some of the best jobs for introverts based on role responsibilities and duties:

Common characteristics of good introvert jobs

What are good jobs for introverts? Being an introvert doesn’t limit a person from pursuing an occupation or field, but there certainly are career paths better suited for them than others. While they can succeed in any role, introverts typically thrive in positions that have some of these qualities:

• attention to detail
• limited social interaction
• independent work instead of collaboration
• quiet spaces within the work environment
• minimal or no public speaking
• smaller groups rather than large teams

What are the best jobs for introverts? Here’s our top 20 list:

The best jobs for introverts allow them plenty of quiet or alone time and value independent work over collaboration. Employment opportunities that don't require too much human interaction will make great careers too. Here are some of our favorite jobs for introverts:

1. Engineer

Engineers rely heavily on science and mathematics to succeed in their roles, which require them to analyze subjects and develop complex or new processes. This is one of the best careers for introverts overall because most of their tasks are autonomous instead of group-oriented and require deep focus with minimal distractions. The average salary for an engineer in the United States is between $65,400 and $160,920.

Engineer is best suited for:

• Independent introverts
• Critical thinkers
• Skilled mathematicians

2. IT Manager

IT managers work heavily with computer information systems and often are in charge of all computer-systems related needs and activities of an organization. These roles are perfect jobs for introverts because they require skilled attention to detail and are best suited for independent workers. IT managers are also highly rated due to how well-paying the position typically is, with an average annual salary of $82,471-$105,999.

IT Manager is best suited for:

• Problem solvers
• Technofile
• Detail-oriented introverts

3. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers work heavily with graphics and illustrations, conceptualizing ideas for websites, logos, and other illustration-related materials for companies. They produce rough drafts, create concepts, and rely heavily on their computer software, artistic and design abilities. They must appropriately represent brands and portray specific messages through their work, so attention to detail is essential here. Graphic design is one of the top jobs for introverts who are creative because while there is some collaboration in the projects, the bulk of the work is done independently. The average salary for a graphic designer is $56,700, with some people making up to $74,276.

Graphic Designer is best suited for:

• Creative introverts
• Problem solvers
• People with good attention to detail

4. Software Engineer

Software engineers research, evaluate, design, and write new software programs or computer systems. Software engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow 22% between 2019 and 2029 due to the increased use of technology across various business sectors and the many investments made in recruiting efforts for software engineering. Software engineers must carefully analyze a situation and use proven solutions to create a reliable fix. Their duties require many stable, secure solutions that help build strong foundations rather than riskier, more out-of-the-box ideas that could potentially lead to problems. This is one of many great careers for shy introverts who are analytical and meticulous in their work. The average salary for a software engineer in the United States is between $63,110 and $169,910.

Software Engineer is best suited for:

• Analytical and meticulous introverts
• People who enjoy tedious or repetitive tasks
• People who can read and write code

5. Technical Writer

People with introverted personalities will do well as technical writers, as they typically work most of the time independently. Their writing duties include instruction manuals, product descriptions, how-to guides, journal articles, and other content that communicates technical information. This job typically will work primarily with technology experts in computer-related fields. The average nationwide salary for a technical writer is usually between $52,100 and $65,000.

Technical Writer is best suited for:

• Skilled wordsmiths
• Writers with knowledge of technical industries
• Patient introverts

6. Accountant

Accountants typically work to support a company's finance department or work with individuals to file taxes or check financial records. Essentially, their job is to examine financial documents and statements for accuracy and ensure all financial records and statements align with laws, regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Because of such independent work, accounting is one of the best jobs for extreme introverts. When they find a discrepancy, they must figure out a way to solve it through established procedures and processes. The average salary for an Accountant in the U.S. is $51,220 and $106,340.

Accountant is best suited for:

• People who are good with and enjoy numbers
• Introverts with close attention to detail
• Someone with experience in finance

7. Paralegal

A paralegal's responsibilities usually include various tasks to support the attorneys; often, they will assist with conducting legal research, drafting and filing legal documents, correspondence with clients, and so much more. This career path requires having knowledge and passion for laws and the legal system, and make great careers for introverts. While there is some client and colleague interaction that could cause social anxiety for some, a majority of the work is done from the safety of your own office. The average pay scale for a legal assistant or paralegal is $51,970-$102,380, making it a lucrative employment choice for many.

Paralegal is best suited for:

• Excellent multitaskers
• Introverts with knowledge of the law and legal system
• Someone with solid research and writing skills

8. Librarian

Librarians don't just help you find a book; they are also responsible for updating inventory and ordering books, researching, library organization, and overseeing other aids or staff. Because many of the systems are electronic, librarians must have some computer abilities and understanding. Although there may be some customer service element to this career path, it is highly regarded for introverts due to the high amount of quiet and alone time. A study interviewing 1,600 librarians found that 63% were introverted! The average salary in the U.S. for a librarian ranges from $57,283 and $78,777.

Librarian is best suited for:

• Book-loving introverts
• People who value a peaceful work environment
• Someone with some computer knowledge

4. Data Analyst

Typical duties for a data analyst include: fixing code or other data-related problems, developing databases, mining and organizing data, programming, and more. Data analysts are important because the information they gather through their analyses helps companies make impactful and better-informed decisions. Since they work so closely with business, knowledge of business objectives is imperative. This is a good career for introverts with a business and computer science background. The average salary for a data analyst in the U.S. is between $68,718 and $87,317.

Data analyst is best suited for:

• Introverts with a business and computer science background
• Talented coders
• Someone with statistical expertise

10. Editor

Editors review and edit content pieces, taking them from rough drafts to publication-ready. Along the way, they may correct grammatical errors, help with sentence structure and clarity, and make other suggestions for the writer to improve the piece. Editors may partner with writers or journalists but usually work for publication companies, magazines, and other businesses that utilize content in their strategies. his is a top career for strong writers with grammatical expertise who like to use AI blog writer tools.  In the U.S., editors generally make between $61,750 and $81,086 per year.

Editor is best suited for:

• Someone with grammatical expertise
• A strong writer
• Detail-oriented introverts

11. Actuary

Actuaries work within the insurance industry, and their duties are usually to assess risk and advise companies on whether to pull out policies for certain clients. An actuary will use their knowledge from examining the numbers to minimize financial risk for their contractors. This is the perfect job for an introvert who loves numbers, statistics, and mathematics-- as most of the job duties entail independent work and a high-level understanding of those topics. The average salary of an actuary in the U.S. ranges from $64,230 and $151,430.

Actuary is best suited for:

• Mathematical and statistical experts
• Introverts with a finance or insurance background
• Critical thinkers

12. Behavioral Therapist

Behavioral therapists are one of the best career options for introverted people because of how introspective the field is. Introverts prefer time to reflect, think, and organize their thoughts before speaking, so the mental health industry is a wonderful and fulfilling field for them. Behavior therapists work one on one with clients to help identify and correct unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors. Keep in mind that most behavioral therapists have their Master's Degree or Ph.D. and must be board certified. The current national average salary for behavioral therapists is between $54,803 and $75,458.

Behavioral therapist is best suited for:

• Introverts with a medical and psychology background and knowledge
• Those that are compassionate and want to help others
• Introverts that enjoy one-on-one social interaction

13. Archivist

An archivist typically works at museums, galleries, universities, or the government, researching and appraising important and historical documents, pieces of art, or records. From an archivist's appraisal, the institution can learn the value of whatever item was being assessed. This career is good for someone with an introverted personality because their workday has ample alone time and quiet space. The average salary for an archivist is $48,653 and $65,849.

Archivist is best suited for:

• Organized and analytical introverts
• Someone with an interest in and a knowledge of history
• Strong computer skills

14. Data Entry Clerk

Data entry clerks usually spend their days updating computer systems with information in alphabetic, symbolic, or numeric data. Because businesses are constantly receiving new data, these jobs are in high demand. Data entry clerks often have the option to work remotely or independently and free from nearly any human interaction, making it a perfect job for introverts. The pay scale for a data entry clerk ranges from $34,793 to $45,388.

Data entry clerk is best suited for:

• Extreme introverts
• People with good time management
• Someone with strong computer and mathematical skills

15. Social Media Manager

This job is not as social as the name might have you think; social media managers typically work behind the scenes to develop marketing strategies to hit target audiences, generate content that aligns with a brand’s message, and promote content or services via social media platforms. Content creation often takes concentration, research, and patience-- making this very suitable as a great career for shy introverts and one of the top jobs for creative introverts. Additionally, while some collaboration is necessary, much content creation and strategizing happen independently and away from large groups. The average pay scale for a social media manager ranges from $79,983-$134,215.

Social media manager is best suited for:

• Strong writers
• Creative introverts
• People with marketing and social media knowledge/experience

16. Criminologist

Criminologists figure out how and why crimes were committed by gathering and analyzing data. Through their discoveries, law enforcement can better understand the crime itself and prevent such crimes in the future. Although criminologists may interact with police officers or detectives and other scientists like psychologists or profilers, most of their work is done alone. Because their typical duties include independent tasks such as research, analysis, and critical thinking, this career choice is excellent for introverted personalities. The average pay scale for criminologists in the U.S. ranges from $33,000-$75,000.

Criminologist is best suited for:

• Critical thinkers
• Problem solvers
• Introverts who want to help others

17. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are usually responsible for analyzing market trends, financial performance, and data to advise corporations or clients on finance-related decisions and planning. As analysts track a company's financial performance, they can make revenue predictions, compile reports and projections, and evaluate the effectiveness of current financial processes. This is a top career for introverts because although there is a need for communication skills, the job does not require unnecessary socializing. The average salary for a financial analyst in the U.S. is between $55,078 and $66,801.

Financial analyst is best suited for:

• Skilled mathematicians
• Analytical introverts
• Strong researchers

18. Artist

Artists can be thoughtful introverts or eccentric extroverts; however, through an introvert's reflective qualities, they are pretty inclined towards artistic expression. There are unlimited art mediums- painting, sculpting, instruments, and even literature (just to name a few). Regardless of the medium, artists tend to work independently, allowing their creativity and ideas to flow through into their craft. Because artists spend most of their working time in solitude, conceiving and creating their art, this is one of many great creative careers for introverts. An artists' salary can vary extensively, so it is difficult to determine an average.

Artist is best suited for:

• Highly creative introverts
• People who enjoy solitary activities
• Growth-oriented introverts  

19. Scientist

Science is a broad subject, and there are various scientist roles across very different industries and fields; scientists in any field tend to explore and analyze the physical world, following set procedures to make legitimate discoveries. Whether an Astronomer or a Biologist or a Geologist or a Biochemist, scientists usually work in a state of autonomy- where they have plenty of alone time and are responsible for themselves. Socializing and extensive networking is often avoidable as a scientist, making this a great option for people with introverted personalities. The average salary for a scientist in the U.S. ranges from $81,020 to $108,653.

Scientist is best suited for:

• Open-minded introverts
• Curious introverts
• Objective thinkers

20. Medical Transcriptionist

Medical Transcriptionists are responsible for translating voice recordings from medical professionals into written documents. If documents are created using a voice-to-text program, they also may edit and revise those reports. People in this profession often have the option to work from home, making it an excellent choice for introverts who wish to work entirely independently rather than on a team. The average salary for medical transcriptionists is between $42,675 and $53,408.

Medical Transcriptionists :

• People who prefer working alone
• Those who are good at listening and paying attention to detail
• Those who want to work from home or independently
  
  
  

Key Takeaways:

There are endless good careers for introverts of all kinds. Whether you consider yourself an extroverted introvert, a creative, or a mathematical genius, you are sure to find a suitable career path. When determining which job is right for you, be mindful of factors such as the amount of collaboration required, the level of social interaction you will be exposed to, and whether there is an option for you to work in solitude. These factors are essential when finding a job as an introvert because they will directly impact your ability to perform and avoid draining scenarios in the workplace.

Happy job hunting! If you are still unsure whether or not you are an introvert, take our free personality assessment!

FAQs

What are the highest paying careers for introverts?

From our Top 20 List, the highest paying career ideas for introverts are: Engineer, Actuary,  Social Media Manager,  and IT Manager.

What factors should you look for when searching for ideal jobs for introverts?

Understand your personal working style and whether you are a creative, social, or thinking introvert.