The 10 Best Careers for Introverts

Great Jobs for People Who Get Energy From Within

Updated November 20, 2019

Which sounds better: spending time by yourself or with other people? If you prefer being alone more often than not, and even working alone, you are probably an introvert. Contrary to popular belief, introverts aren't loners who refuse to interact with others, and they don't have to work entirely on their own. Introverts get energy from within, rather than from being around other people.

Introverts are self-motivated and at their best when working solo. Introverts are happiest when left alone to do their own thing, but most can interact with other people, including colleagues and clients or customers, when necessary.

The occupations listed here emphasize independent work, but all involve occasionally having to work with others. The amount of interaction may depend on a particular employment situation rather than your occupation. Therefore, before accepting a job offer, find out exactly how often there will be contact and make sure you are comfortable with it.

Archivist

Man working in museum archive — Hill Street Studios / Getty Images

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.

Part of the Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers industry, the requirements vary:

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

Median Annual Salary (2018): $52,240

Number of People Employed (2019): 7,800

Projected Job Growth (2018-2086): 9%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): 3,300

Translator

Translation — Felix Manuel Burgos-Trujillo / Getty Images

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 (2018): $49,930

Number of People Employed (2018): 76,100 (Interpreters and Translators)

Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 19%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): 14,600

Pharmacist

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 (2018): $126,120

Number of People Employed (2018): 314,300

Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 0%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): -100

Computer Programmer

Working on a pc — Georgijevic / Getty Images

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 an Associate Degree in Computer Science with related experience

Median Annual Salary (2018): $84,280

Number of People Employed (2018): 250,300

Projected Job Change (2016-2026): -7%

Projected Job Decrease (2016-2026): -17,00

Photographer

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 (2018): $34,000

Number of People Employed (2018): 132,100

Projected Job Change (2018-2028): -6%

Projected Job Decrease (2018-2028): -8,300

Geoscientist

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 (2018): $91,1300

Number of People Employed (2018): 31,000

Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 6%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): 1800

Archaeologist

Archeological excavation, Yzerfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa. — Homebrew Films Company / Getty Images

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 (2018): $62,410

Number of People Employed (2018): 6,500

Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 10%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): 600

Graphic Designer

Designer using laptop at office desk — Hero Images / Getty Images

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 (2018): $50,370

Number of People Employed (2018): 290,100

Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 3%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): 8,800

Lab Technician

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: Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science

Median Annual Salary (2018): $52,330

Number of People Employed (2018): 331,700

Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 11%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): 35,100

Writer

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 (2018): $62,170

Number of People Employed (2018): 123,200

Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 0%

Projected Job Openings (2018-2028): -100