Introverts tend to prefer focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas than what’s happening externally. According to Susan Cain, we all have traits that make us more introverted and extroverted, and some of us actually sit somewhere in the middle (an “ambivert”).
On the whole, introverts prefer quiet environments, where they can work alone or as part of a small team. They find large periods of heavy social activity exhausting and tend to flourish in roles that include concentration, periods of quiet time, and solo projects.
At Adzuna, we’ve summarized twelve of the top jobs for introverts here in the US, what each role entails, and what you can expect to earn.
Computer Programmer
Average salary: $66,257
Great programmers are detail-oriented, have a strong math ability, and are able to work independently and knuckle down. This lends itself to introversion as there’s a lot of work that can only be carried out alone. Sure, you’ll be part of a wider team, working on a wider project but a lot of the time you’ll be concentrating rather than socializing. Plus, as this role is mainly reliant on a computer and a decent internet connection, these roles lend themselves to remote and hybrid setups.
Want to develop the next computer system? Check out the latest roles here.
Librarian
Average salary: $51,519
Looking for a quiet environment surrounded by some good books? Then why not consider a role as a librarian? You’ll be responsible for keeping books in order, be the onsite expert in the Dewey Decimal Classification, as well as the day-to-day management of the library. Depending on the type of library e.g. college, school, or public, you will most likely need to be confident when it comes to interacting with people and dealing with their enquiries but on the whole, this is a great role for anyone with noise sensitivities.
Know your Austin from your Kerouac? Find the latest librarian roles on our site.
Data Management
Average salary: $61,000
People usually come into Data Management with a bachelor’s degree that majored in a computer-related field like IT or Computer Science. They’re responsible for managing a company’s database and ensuring that the data is kept up to date and follows data-protection laws. This is a highly analytical role that requires an eye for detail, as data errors can skew analytical results. Often a standalone role, or part of a small team in larger organizations this role lends itself to a lot of quiet time.
Ready to clean up a messy database? Check out these data management roles.
Archivist
Average salary: $50,309
Do you love art or history but hate the idea of museum education or gallery management? Archival roles are a fantastic way to get hands-on with the collection without being public-facing. You’ll need a strong background in arts and humanities and be able to concentrate for long periods of time. A perfect role for the methodical thinker!
Does the idea of ordering historical paperwork excite? Then take a look at our current archival positions.
Painter
Average salary: $56,385
If you’re looking for a role where you aren’t chained to a desk and can work alone perhaps a role as a painter is for you? Rather than Van Gogh or Grant Wood, this is a role that entails painting interiors or exteriors of public or private buildings. You’ll need to be physically fit, productive, and skilled to make a success of this career.
Donning your overalls already? We’ve got a wide selection of live painter roles.
Writer
Average salary: $54,941
Writers need to be self-disciplined and adept at working solo. You’ll need a creative flair and be able to adapt to different projects and clients. A career in writing could take you in multiple directions. From working as a copywriter, a career in technical writing, or even on your own projects such as authoring a book. Plus this is a great role if you’re looking to switch to freelance in the future!
Ready to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard? We’ve got loads of writer roles.
Therapist
Average salary: $48,375
A lot of introverts tend to be very empathetic and are great listeners. These skills lend themselves to roles in therapy, psychiatry, and counseling. To work in this field you will normally need to have received at least a postgraduate qualification as well as on-the-job training. You’ll also need to hold a license. This can be a really rewarding job if you enjoy helping others on a one-to-one basis.
Does a career in mental health sound interesting? Check out our latest therapy roles.
Gardener
Average salary: $41,469
A fantastic role for a lover of the great outdoors. You’ll be able to work independently or as part of a small team and will spend your time managing the grounds and caring for the plants. You’ll need to be suited to outdoor life whatever the weather, hot and cold!
Do you love nature, come rain or shine? We’ve got some great-looking gardening roles.
Actuary
Average salary: $99,049
Want to predict the future? Actuaries crunch a lot of numbers to predict financial trends for insurers, banks, and even the government. You have to be a math whizz for this role but it’s a great high paying, low-stress role for introverts.
Want to crunch the numbers? We’ve got thousands of live actuary roles.
Photographer
Average salary: $49,669
Do you see the world through a different lens? The art of photography is capturing a moment, or even a message in an instant. As well as the actual photography, you must also be skilled in post-production which can involve hours laboring over a computer screen.
Looking for the latest photography roles? Check them out on our jobs board.
Lab Technician
Average salary: $49,338
Lab Technicians can find themselves in a variety of environments from schools to research facilities. They need to be methodical, clued up on the latest health and safety practices and able to confidently prepare and carry out experiments and research. Due to the accuracy that is required, these are often quiet environments that need a level head and a calm personality.
Interested in a career in science? We’ve got thousands of lab technician roles.
Translator
Average salary: $50,715
Introverts with a flair for language may enjoy a role in translation. The roles themselves can be really varied. You could be responsible for translating written documents such as legal papers or working on the ground translating speech into the earpieces of those without the same language aptitude. As a translator, you always translate from another language into your own mother tongue and will need at least a bachelor’s majoring in the other language. The role involves a lot of concentration and involves working alone in the quiet. With opportunities to travel, this could be a perfect role for someone looking for international opportunities.
Are you fluent in more than one language? Then a career in translation could be for you.
Feeling inspired to step into a role that suits your personality? It’s always worth playing to your strengths and the environments you feel most comfortable in. You’ll be happier, more productive, and have greater job satisfaction.
Of course, this list of roles that may appeal to those of us who are more introverted is in no way exhaustive so make sure you check out all of our job listings to see what inspires you.
If you’re not sure how much you should be earning, why not take a look at our ValueMyResume tool?
Read more: The top 10 most sought after jobs in 2022