The 10 Best Careers for Introverts

Archivists preserve historically significant or potentially valuable documents and records for museums, governments, colleges and universities, and corporations. Their work involves cataloging, writing descriptions of, and preparing these materials to be accessed by researchers. 

While archivists usually work independently, they may also coordinate workshops and lectures about their collections. Don't worry if public speaking isn't your thing. You can get other experts to do the talking, but you will have to interact with them.

Educational Requirements: Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS), History, Archival Science, or Public Administration

Median Annual Salary (2017): $51,760

Number of People Employed (2016): 6,800

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 14 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 1,000

Translators convert written material from one language to another. They usually work alone, typically using a computer to receive and submit documents, as well as compose them. Their counterparts, interpreters, convert the spoken word between languages and therefore find themselves working directly with other people or even in front of audiences. This distinction makes translating, rather than interpreting, a more satisfying career for introverts.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree and Proficiency in at Least Two Languages, including English

Median Annual Salary (2017): $47,190

Number of People Employed (2016): 68,200 (Interpreters and Translators)

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 18 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 12,100

Pharmacists spend part of their day filling prescriptions from doctors and the rest of it explaining to customers how to use these medications. The second aspect of this job description may make you squirm if you genuinely hate interacting with people.

However, if you can handle doing it sometimes, this may be the right choice. Look for a job in a shop that employs workers to man the counter, while the pharmacist spends time in the back. Also consider working in a hospital, where interaction with patients is limited.

Educational Requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.)

Median Annual Salary (2017): $124,170

Number of People Employed (2016): 312,500

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 6 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 17,400

Programmers create code that makes computers and computer applications function, work that is often done in isolation. Other aspects of this job, though, require collaboration with other members of a team of IT professionals. Excellent listening, speaking, and interpersonal skills are essential for this part of the job.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree (Preferred) or Associate Degree in Computer Science or a related subject

Median Annual Salary (2017): $82,240

Number of People Employed (2016): 294,900

Projected Job Change (2016-2026): -7 percent (decline)

Projected Job Decrease (2016-2026): 21,300 fewer jobs

Photographers record images to tell stories. While they may need to communicate with their live subjects, a large part of their job involves editing images. This occupation isn't for homebodies, though. If your introverted nature tends to keep you close to home, this job may not be a good fit. Many photographers spend a fair bit of time on the road.

Educational Requirements: Scientific and Technical Photographers and Photojournalists Need a Bachelor's Degree; Others Need Only Technical Proficiency

Median Annual Salary (2017): $32,490

Number of People Employed (2016): 147,300

Projected Job Change (2016-2026): -6 percent (decline)

Projected Job Decrease (2016-2026): 8,300 fewer jobs

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of earth, including its structure and composition. They search for groundwater, petroleum, metals, and other natural resources. Like most people who are engaged in scientific study, geoscientists spend a lot of time using critical thinking skills to make decisions and solve problems. 

What you will enjoy about this career, as an introvert, is doing a lot of independent research. You may not like sharing your findings with colleagues, however, but this aspect of the job will take up a relatively smaller percentage of your time.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's in Geoscience (Entry-Level Jobs)

Median Annual Salary (2017): $89,850

Number of People Employed (2016): 32,000

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 14 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 4,500

Archaeologists' work involves studying evidence of past civilizations. They spend much of their time exploring ruins, collecting and examining artifacts, and writing up the results of their findings. 

They too must present their work to peers, but their day-to-day activities don't require a significant amount of time spent interacting with other people.

Educational Requirements: Master's Degree or Doctorate in Archaeology

Median Annual Salary (2017): $62,280

Number of People Employed (2016): 7,600

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 4 percent (slower than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 300

Graphic designers use visual elements to communicate messages. They typically have to consult with clients and other members of a production team when beginning a project but, while they are executing it, they often work alone. 

Twenty percent of graphic designers are self-employed. Choosing this path will allow you to work more independently.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design or Related Field

Median Annual Salary (2017): $48,700

Number of People Employed (2016): 1.8 million

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 4 percent (slower than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 11,100

Lab technicians process skin and bodily fluid samples. Some collect these specimens from patients but, if you would rather limit your interactions with others, look for a position that does not include that job duty. Instead, find one in a medical diagnostic laboratory where you will perform procedures on samples.

Educational Requirements: Associate Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science

Median Annual Salary (2017): $51,770

Number of People Employed (2016): 164,200

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 14 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 22,900

Writers create original works including books, poems, plays, advertising copy, song lyrics, and articles. Theirs is primarily solitary work, but some jobs require them to interview sources.

You will be relieved to know that these conversations can often take place via email or through other means that limit contact if desired. Writers must also get assignments and feedback from editors, but again, email can be a way of communicating in many situations.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, or Communication

Median Annual Salary (2017): $61,820

Number of People Employed (2016): 131,200

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 8 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 10,000