15 Great Jobs for Introverts

Not everyone is built to be the life of the party and the constant center of attention. However, introverts do have some distinct advantages. For instance, if you’re an introvert, you’re likely independent, low-maintenance, shrewd, creative and a great listener with a unique ability to focus on the task at hand.

Those qualities can make introverts excellent workers, especially if they are in the right jobs and given the space they need to reflect and work in private. If you lean toward introversion, here are 15 potential jobs for you, along with job prospect data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. Craft and fine artist

Consider becoming a craft and fine artist if you have a creative eye and artistic talent. You can make pottery, glassware, textiles and more and earn a profit while doing so. This industry is good for independent, imaginative individuals who are willing to share their craft:

• Median pay: $53,140 annually
• Education level required: None, but a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree recommended
• Number of jobs: 54,600
• Job outlook: 4 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

2. Forensic science technician

Many introverts would make great detectives because of their open-mindedness and attention to detail. Being a forensic science technician is a great idea if you prefer working behind the scenes. Forensic science technicians collect and analyze evidence, often in a laboratory setting:

• Median pay: $63,740 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 18,500
• Job outlook: 13 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

3. Photographer

Introverts often view the world differently from others. Their unique perspective can make for great photography, allowing others to see things from all angles. As a photographer, you can work independently or for a larger corporation, such as a freelance photographer or real estate photojournalist:

• Median pay: $50,210
• Education level required: High school diploma; professional classes recommended
• Number of jobs: 148,900
• Job outlook: 4 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

[Related read: List of 25 Great Jobs for People Who Like to Travel]

4. Conservation scientist and forester

As a conservation scientist or forester, you get to spend your workday in the peace of the outdoors, managing forests, parks, rangelands and more. With a bachelor’s degree, you can work for the government or privately owned lands, where your customers are vegetation rather than humans:

• Median pay: $64,420 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 36,000
• Job outlook: 4 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

5. Author

Introverts tend to crave solitude and quiet, meaning they seek opportunities to be alone with their thoughts. This bodes well for authors, whose imaginations are their gateways to success. Channel those thoughts to create a unique story that you can either publish traditionally (through an agent and/or publisher) or self-publish:

• Median pay: $73,150 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 151,200
• Job outlook: 4 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

[Related read: 12 Networking Sites for Job Seekers]

6. Film and video editor

After the chaos of filming a production, someone has to edit the content. It’s sometimes considered the “dirty work” of the film industry, but for people who prefer to work at their own pace, it’s the ideal job. You get the raw footage and can put your creative touches on the piece, often in the comfort of your own office or room:

• Median pay: $62,420 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 87,500
• Job outlook: 7 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

7. Paralegal

A paralegal or legal assistant typically works for a law firm or corporate legal department. Unlike lawyers, paralegals work to maintain and organize files, conduct legal research and draft documents. An associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies is preferred, but you may be able to get hired without prior legal experience if you hold a bachelor’s degree:

• Median pay: $59,200 annually
• Education level required: Associate degree
• Number of jobs: 354,300
• Job outlook: 4 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

8. Graphic designer

Graphic design is an especially good career path for highly creative introverts. You can communicate with your clients and deliver exactly what they want in this position. However, the design work itself is done independently. This is especially true for freelance designers, who can often work from home, allowing introverts time to recharge after speaking with clients:

• Median pay: $57,990 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 270,900
• Job outlook: 3 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

9. Technical writer

If you understand technology well and can distill complex information into understandable terms, consider becoming a technical writer. This job involves conducting independent research to produce instruction manuals and supporting documents for products and software. Most people in this field work in the computer and engineering industries, but other industries also need technical writers:

• Median pay: $79,960 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 53,300
• Job outlook: 7 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

[Related article: How to Choose the Best Job for You]

10. Accountant

Most of an accountant’s day is spent dealing with numbers, so it’s a great job for independent workers with strong math and organization skills. Accountants and auditors examine statements and records, assess financial operations and prepare client tax documents:

• Median pay: $78,000 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 1,538,400
• Job outlook: 4 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

11. Computer programmer

Do you want to spend your days behind a screen writing code? Computer programming could be your ideal job. You would be responsible for turning programs designed by software developers into readable instructions for computers. Programmers work in industries related to computer systems design, so you’ll need a degree in computer science (or at least an expert knowledge of programming languages).

Due to advancements in technology, this field has become more competitive over the past several years. Honing your skills in specialties such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and automation can prove beneficial:

• Median pay: $97,800 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 147,400
• Job outlook: 11 percent decrease in employment projected through 2032

12. Lab technician

You’ll help diagnose patients through behind-the-scenes analysis as a lab technician. A healthcare facility or laboratory employs you to run tests on samples of fluids, tissues and other substances collected from patients. It’s no place for squeamish individuals, but if you can stand dealing with blood, you’ll get the solitude you’re looking for in a quiet lab setting:

• Median pay: $57,380 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 342,900
• Job outlook: 5 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

13. Market research analyst

This data-focused job requires you to collect and analyze information on market conditions to determine sales potential for products and services. You may have to prepare and present reports on your findings to company executives, but most of a market research analyst’s job is done independently. A bachelor’s degree and strong math and analytical skills are a necessity:

• Median pay: $68,230 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 868,600
• Job outlook: 13 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

[Read: What Skills Do Employers Want?]

14. Translator

If you’re fluent in a second language, you can work as a translator, converting written documents from one language to another. Broadening international ties and an increase in the number of non-English speakers in the United States make this a fast-growing field. Most translators are self-employed and work on projects for various clients:

• Median pay: $53,640 annually
• Education level required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of jobs: 68,700
• Job outlook: 4 percent increase in employment projected through 2032

[Also see: 10 Part-Time Jobs With Benefits]

15. Motorcycle mechanic

If you’ve ever read Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, you know the peace of mind that can overcome you when you set your mind to such a task. It’s particularly appealing if you like working with your hands. Potentially, you could open your own shop if finding work proves difficult. Mechanics and technicians usually need to complete a program at a postsecondary school, but that doesn’t necessarily mean college. Once hired, you’ll likely be required to acquire an industry certification:

• Median pay: $46,970 annually
• Education level required: Completion of a postsecondary program
• Number of jobs: 782,200
• Job outlook: 2 percent increase in employment projected through 2032