If you are an introverted person, there are many jobs that could be a great fit, allowing you to work primarily by yourself—or at least not in environments that require constant social interaction. In general, the best jobs for introverts provide quiet spaces and independence.
What to Look for in the Best Introvert Jobs
There are a couple of things introverted job seekers should look for in a job. First, look for jobs that require interaction with a limited number of people. Find jobs where most of the tasks involve independent work or small group work. Second, think about how many new people you will have to interact with on the job. Many introverts find meeting new people to be particularly tiring. If you have to interact with new clients on a regular basis, it might not be the job for you. Instead, look for jobs where you will generally be surrounded by the same people every day.
Accountant
Accountants help individuals and companies make sure their financial statements are accurate and in compliance with state and federal regulations. Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, and some may prefer a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors earned a median salary of $77,250 in May 2021.Job outlook: Employment of accountants and auditors field is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, as fast as average for all occupations.
Actuary
Actuaries analyze risk for insurance agencies and other financial institutions. Using specialized software programs, actuaries determine the likelihood of various outcomes for potential clients and investments. Typically, actuaries have a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or a related field.
Salary: Actuaries earned a median salary of $105,900 in May 2021.Job outlook: Employment of actuaries is projected to grow 24% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average for all occupations.
Archivist
Archivists appraise, catalog, and preserve permanent records and other valuable works. They might work in a library, a museum, or even within a corporation’s archives. Most archivists need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field like history or library science. Because archivists spend so much time either with physical archives or on the computer, they do not need to worry about interacting with too many people.
Salary: Archivists, curators, and museum workers earned a median annual salary of $50,120 in May 2021.Job outlook: Employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average for all occupations.
Court Reporter
Court reporters create word-for-word transcriptions of legal proceedings. They also sometimes play back or read back a portion of the proceedings if a judge requests it. While this job requires being surrounded by people in the courtroom, the court reporter rarely has to interact with those people–they just need to be a good listener. Court reporters can get into the field with a certificate in court reporting from a community or technical college, and they receive on-the-job training.
Salary: Court reporters earned a median annual salary of $60,380 in May 2021.Job outlook: Employment of court reporters is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030, slower than average for all occupations.
Elevator Installer/Repairer
Elevators mechanics install and repair elevators, escalators, and other mechanical lifts. Most elevator installers and repairers have a high school diploma and do an apprenticeship before obtaining state licensure. This job is a good fit for those who are handy, physically strong and agile, and able to cope with heights and small spaces.
Salary: Elevator installers and repairers earned a median annual salary of $97,860 in May 2021.Job outlook: Employment of elevator installers and repairers is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, as fast as average for all occupations.
Film/Video Editor
Film or video editors use video-editing software to produce a final product. They have to interact with a small collection of other people, including the director, other editors, and editing assistants. However, most of their work is done on a computer, so they do a lot of work alone or in a small group.
Salary: Film and video editors and camera operators earned a median annual salary of $60,360 in May 2021.Job outlook: Employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 29% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average for all occupations.
Medical Records Technician
Medical records technicians and health information technicians organize and maintain health information data. They might use paper files, computer files, or a mix of both. Technicians might work in hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing facilities, or administrative offices. They do not interact much with patients, but they do work with nurses and other healthcare professionals, for whom they often retrieve information. However, much of their work is done behind a computer, so it is a good job for people who want to say out of the spotlight.
Salary: Medical records technicians earned a median annual salary of $45,240 in May 2020.Job outlook: Employment of medical records technicians is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, as fast as average for all occupations.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers maintain a company’s brand from behind a computer. They create online content, respond to online comments, and answer online questions. They have to be comfortable creating and distributing a brand’s content on a number of online platforms. While social media managers have to work with their employers and colleagues, they typically do not have to engage directly with clients.
Salary: Social media managers earn an average base salary of $52,981 in July 2022, according to PayScale.
Software Developer
Software developers design and build software programs, as well as develop upgrades, test programs and applications, and write documentation. Although interpersonal skills and the ability to work with teams are a requirement for this job, there is also plenty of opportunity for heads-down work in many positions.
Salary: Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers earned a median annual salary of $110,140 in May 2020.Job outlook: Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average for all occupations.
Veterinary Tech
Veterinary technicians provide care for animals. They work under the supervision of veterinarians, assisting them with the diagnosis and treatment of animals. Vet techs often administer tests, such as blood and urine analysis, administer medication and anesthesia, and prepare animals for surgery. Typically, vet techs have an associate’s degree and need to be registered, licensed, or certified in their state.
Salary: Veterinary technicians earned a median annual salary of $36,850 in May 2021.Job outlook: Employment of veterinary technicians is projected to grow 15% between 2020 and 2030, faster than average for all occupations.
Job Searching Tips for Introverts
Even if you are not interested in any of these specific jobs, here are some tips for finding a job without having to alter your personality.
Network at your speed: Networking is a key aspect of job searching, but if you are introverted, it can be intimidating. Look for networking opportunities that allow you to meet people in small groups or one-on-one. Set up one-on-one informational interviews, or attend smaller networking events or seminars. Leverage the internet: Build up your professional network online, using networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Pay attention to company culture: When applying to jobs, be sure to research the company culture of each organization thoroughly. Is there an emphasis on teamwork and team projects? Does the office have an open floor plan? It may be best to apply to jobs that offer the sort of office environment you are comfortable with. Emphasize the positives: An introverted personality can be an asset in many jobs. In your cover letters and interviews, emphasize the aspects of your personality that make you a strong candidate. Prepare to interview: If you are particularly anxious about an interview or other in-person meetings, be sure to prepare thoroughly beforehand. Create a list of potential interview questions and practice your answers. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel in the actual interview.
