Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by pf team
Fortunately, there are some great jobs for introverts, many of which offer incomes that exceed the US median household income.
If you’re introverted, you already know it’s not the same as being shy. Instead, you find yourself more productive when working in small groups — or even just doing your own thing.
Below are some of the best jobs for introverts and what you can expect from your work life.
In this article :
What should an introverted person look for when searching for a job?
The ideal job for an introvert doesn’t necessarily mean working alone. However, introverts are known for a preference to work independently.
Consider jobs that allow you to concentrate and focus your interactions on smaller groups. One-on-one interaction also works well, such as working with a client or partner.
You may want to look for opportunities that offer remote work.
Working from home or from a remote workspace allows you the independence you crave and often increases productivity.
Besides, it’s good for the soul to work without someone micromanaging every aspect of your work. Although remote work is often a good fit for introverts, there’s no need to limit your search to remote jobs.
Introverts can also flourish in careers that use smaller teams or jobs in which you work directly with customers or clients.
For example, an insurance agent — one of the jobs on our list — works directly with clients but often doesn’t have to work with large groups.
Instead you’ll use your knowledge and keen listening skills to provide guidance in a one-on-one environment.
Search for jobs for introverts with flexjobs.com
Depending on the type of job you choose, you can search on well-known job sites or on industry-specific job boards. However, in most industries, you can often find local or remote work on flexjobs.com.
For example, we found over 2,000 job listings for web developers on flexjobs, with the largest group of these offering remote work.
Best jobs for introverts
Income isn’t everything. When you consider that most people spend half their waking hours working, it’s important to enjoy what you do for a living — at least most of the time.
Fortunately, there are plenty of jobs for introverts that pay well and let you work independently or in small teams. We chose a wide variety of the best jobs for introverts, ranked by median annual income as reported by the BLS.
Computer and information research scientists: $118,370
You’ll probably need to earn your master’s degree to get started in this field. However, income opportunities top 6 figures and job growth projections trend much higher than average.
The BLS predicts 16% growth through 2028, more than 3 times the average growth for all occupations.
Computer and information research scientists make up a broad field of work that includes many specialties.
For example, you might design new programming languages or write the programming that brings robots and automated systems to life.
The work you do might even scour large sets of data to find a cure for a disease.
The US government has been the largest single employer for computer and information research scientists and it isn’t uncommon to work with engineers or other specialists as part of a larger project.
However, in many cases, most activities take place in a small group or allow for largely independent work.
Both contract work and remote work are available, depending on your specialty.
Software developers: $105,590
For a high-paying job that leverages your creativity and problem-solving skills and also rewards attention to detail, consider a career as a software developer.
Many developers get started in the field by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but alternate paths are also available and some employers may value specialized certifications over a more general degree.
Software development is another broad field that can take you wherever your passions lead you.
Some developers work on applications. Others build systems that host applications or run devices.
Like many other careers, you won’t work in a complete vacuum. Instead, expect to be part of a team or expect to work with other teams.
However, much of your time is spent designing, developing, and testing software to meet the needs of users or clients. Expect to spend a large part of your day working alone.
With thousands of job listings in this field on flexjobs.com, expect plenty of remote work opportunities and projected growth of over 20% in coming years.
Actuaries: $102,880
If you don’t work in the finance or insurance industries, you may be unfamiliar with actuaries.
These 2 industries hire over 70% of actuaries, who analyze the costs connected to risk. In essence, an actuary puts a price on uncertainty.
This data guides insurers, pension programs, and more. In most cases, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in an analytical field.
Additionally, many employers seek candidates who have earned a professional certification from one of two professional societies.
Expect to work with specialized software and modeling tools, so it’s helpful to be computer savvy.
Fewer remote work opportunities for actuaries exist than with some other fields. Instead, you’ll often work on-site.
Your time is often spent working with independently with data, but you may also have to make presentations and explain your findings to decision makers.
Information security analysts: $98,350
In our ever-connected world, information security analysts stand tall as the guardians at the gate keeping electronic threats at bay and planning for recovery if there’s a breach.
With an expected growth rate of 32%, it’s clear that demand for IT security remains high.
Expect to earn a bachelor’s degree to qualify for most positions, although some employers seek MBA candidates.
Specialized certifications such as penetration testing can be useful as well. Tech companies lead in hiring information security analysts, followed by finance and insurance companies.
In most cases, you’ll work as part of a team and possibly part of a large team.
However, with the job focused on analysis, installation of security software, and testing, much of your workday focuses on independent work.
You’ll find full-time, part-time, remote, and freelance opportunities to work as an information security analyst.
Mathematicians and statisticians: $88,190
With a projected growth rate of 30%, a career as a mathematician and statistician offers solid demand and higher-than-average income.
If you’ve got a knack for numbers and are willing to earn a master’s degree, you’ll find opportunities in government work, universities, and research and development.
Mathematicians and statisticians bring meaning to numbers by analyzing data, finding patterns, making projections, and solving real-world challenges.
You’ll use mathematical or statistical modeling to decide which data is relevant and interpret what the numbers mean.
Expect to work in an office in many cases. However, because your work is highly focused on details, you’ll spend much of your time working independently.
Travel to conferences and other industry events is common and offers a chance to network with peers.
Most jobs for mathematicians and statisticians are full-time and on-site.
However, you’ll find some opportunities to work remotely or to work on a freelance basis. The latter often focuses on consulting.
Web developers: $69,430
Even in a time of free website builders and drag-and-drop web-design, web developers remain in high demand.
Expected growth at 13% through 2028 nearly triples the average of all jobs. Educational barriers to entry are low as well.
In most cases, you’ll only need an associate’s degree.
However, if you’ve earned the right certifications or have a strong portfolio to show, you can often find work even without a degree.
Cookie-cutter web design tools have their limitations and many organizations need special functionality.
You’ll design and build websites and online tools according to the needs of the client.
This may mean working directly with clients or with a team to discuss the scope and features. However, you’ll do much of your work independently.
A career as a web developer is a natural fit for remote freelancers and entrepreneurs but you’ll have to have the right mindset and technical skills.
It’s also important to keep up with changes in web technology as well as security.
Diagnostic medical sonographers: $67,080
If you’re familiar with a sonogram, a process used to see a fetus during pregnancy, think of that as an introduction to sonography.
However, sonographers use this technology to create images of other areas of the body as an aid in diagnosis.
As a healthcare career, projected growth for diagnostic medical sonographers and similar jobs remains high at 14%.
However, educational requirements are lighter than many other healthcare jobs. In some cases, you can qualify for jobs with just an associate’s degree.
Certification is required by most insurers, so expect employers to require this as well.
In almost all cases, you’ll work in a hospital or physician’s office, although about 15% of diagnostic medical sonographers work in labs or outpatient care centers.
While working as a diagnostic medical sonographer doesn’t lend itself to remote work, you’ll spend much of your time working independently.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists: $64,430
We tend to think of the world’s geography as static, but it’s always changing.
Cartographers work with maps and charts, giving us a visual representation of the world or of a defined area.
Photogrammetrists work with satellite surveys, measure elevations, and work with spatial data.
For many, working in this field is a labor of love but incomes can be solid and projected growth triples the average for all jobs.
A third of all cartographers and photogrammetrists work for local governments.
About 25% work for architectural or engineering firms, or for organizations offering related services.
State governments and the federal government also hire within the field. You’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree. Some states require licensing.
Depending on the project, you may be working outdoors for part of your day.
Expect most jobs to be full time, working independently or as part of a team.
Market research analysts: $63,120
Have you ever wondered how companies decide which products or services to bring to market?
Chances are good that market research analysts played a role in finding the data needed to make decisions on pricing, positioning, demand, and more.
Projected growth through 2028 is high at over 20% and market research analysts can find employment opportunities throughout nearly all parts of the economy.
However, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in most cases. Focus on market research as a field of study, leveraging your math skills and analytical mind.
Most jobs are full-time and on-site, although you’ll also find some opportunities for remote work or consulting.
Like most research positions, expect to spend much of your time working independently or as part of a team.
Film and video editors and camera operators: $58,990
Video platforms and the growth of streaming videos show a move toward a video-centric way of communicating and entertaining.
It also helps explain why film and video editors and camera operators show a projected growth of more than double the average for all jobs.
In this field, you’ll work behind the scenes (or behind the camera) finding just the right way to frame things to tell a story or document an event.
You’ll need a good eye for detail coupled with tech skills, but you may also need a bachelor’s degree. Some job-seekers may benefit from specialized certifications.
If a career in this field interests you, you’ll find the ability to work independently, particularly as a film and video editor.
Camera operators often work as part of a team. The field also invites freelance contractors.
Over 25% of all workers in the field are self-employed.
Forensic science technicians: $58,230
Forensic science TV shows have taken the spotlight in recent years and the field of forensic science itself has shown rapid growth.
A projected 14% growth rate through 2028 signals a strong employment market with a median pay $20,000 above the median for all workers.
If you’re detail oriented, working as a forensic science technician might be the perfect way to put your science (and detective) skills to work.
In most cases, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science. Expect on-the-job training as well.
Local and state governments are the primary employers for forensic science technicians.
As you might expect, most jobs are on-site and full-time, limiting remote work and freelance opportunities.
However, you’ll spend much of your time working independently or as part of a team.
Computer support specialists: $53,470
If you’re the person that friends and family turn to when their gadgets go on the fritz, you may have what it takes to become a computer support specialist.
You’ll also need a healthy dose of patience and a willingness to work nights or weekends as needed.
As a computer support specialist, you might work with individuals or organizations to help keep the network running or help fix a problem with a specific computer.
Computer or network issues can bring a business to a full stop. Your services are essential, but you’ll also need the right training.
Depending on the job and the employer, you may need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Specific certifications may also be required.
You’ll find full-time, part-time, freelance, and even remote work opportunities in this field.
You’ll also work with clients other team members or end users. However, much of your work is problem-solving and detail oriented.
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians: $52,330
Unsurprisingly, lab work is often a good fit for introverts.
As a clinical laboratory technologist or technician, you’ll work with samples and body tissue, collecting and analyzing samples and recording your findings.
Nearly half the workers in the field work in hospitals, while another 19% work in medical labs.
Some states require licensing and your training often begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or medical technology.
Because most jobs are in healthcare facilities, labs, or medical offices, this career path doesn’t lend itself to remote work or freelance work.
Instead, expect full or part-time work, with plenty of time spent working independently.
Paralegals and legal assistants: $50,940
As the support system at the heart of law firms, paralegals and legal assistants investigate, research, organize, write summaries, and schedule meetings and depositions.
You’ll need to know your way around a computer and become proficient with popular software tools.
Your training to become a paralegal or legal assistant begins with earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Typically, you’ll also need to earn a certificate in paralegal studies.
Although you’ll spend much of your time working independently, you’ll still need interpersonal skills to work with team members, attorneys, clients, and others with whom you’ll communicate during the workday.
Most jobs are full-time or part-time and require you to be on-site.
However, you’ll find some opportunities to freelance or to work remotely if you prefer a less structured environment.
Insurance sales agents: $50,600
You won’t need to be a social butterfly to enjoy a successful career as an insurance sales agent. In most cases, you’re working one-on-one with clients or working independently on research or support tasks.
However, it’s important to note that telemarketing is a part of the job in most agencies. Some offices give this task to designated personnel.
Educational requirements are lower than with some other careers.
Typically, you won’t need a degree. Instead, you’ll need to earn your license in the areas of insurance in which you’ll write business or service policies.
Most states also require continuing education credits, which you can source through online courses.
Most insurance sales jobs are local or regional and require you to work on-site.
However, you’ll also find opportunities to work remotely and ways to leverage your knowledge as a freelance consultant.
Interpreters and Translators: $49,930
Globalization and multiculturalism bring opportunities in nearly all fields. They can also bring some communication challenges.
As an interpreter, your role is to translate information from one language to another.
Interpreters and translators prove invaluable in hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, courtrooms, and more.
Often, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. However, your most important skill is the ability to translate accurately from English to another language and from another language to English.
For government work or medical interpreting certification programs, expect to complete some continuing education requirements.
Most jobs are on-site but you’ll also find some freelance opportunities and the ability to work remotely, perhaps for employers outside the US.
Bottom line on jobs for introverts
Many work environments can be more stressful if you’re introverted, affecting your productivity, your mood, and even your quality of life.
Often, it’s better to find a job that matches your personality than to try to accept a less ideal work situation.
Fortunately, there are some great job choices in growing fields for introverts and people who prefer to work independently or in small groups. There’s no need to settle.