“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured … Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to.” – Susan Cain, author of “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.”
If that quote resonates with you, then you’re probably an introvert. But what if you could take that idea a step further?
Cain mentions spending “free time” the way you like. What if, instead, you could spend your “busy time” the way you like as well?
What if your day-to-day priorities — like your job or career — helped feed your introverted energy, and not just your free time?
We’re here to tell you that you can, in fact, be an introvert and work in a career that doesn’t drain you. You don’t have to sit in a cubicle farm and attend themed rah-rah meetings if you don’t want to. You can absolutely make money working alone.
17 Best Jobs for Introverts
Most jobs involve working with others, and all jobs require some degree of social interaction with your employer or supervisor, if not other employees or clients. But clearly some positions involve less teamwork than others — and may even be better for your mental health. You might even be able to work remotely.
Here are some of the best job for introverts:
1. Archivist
You’ll spend your day organizing and maintaining historical documents in quiet rooms with few interruptions. What’s not to like? The median average salary for an archivist is $60,500, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Court Reporter
A courtroom is full of people, but as a court reporter, you rarely interact with others. And when you do, it’s only to read back a few lines of testimony. The median average salary of $63,154 isn’t bad either.
3. Caretaker
You can find all kinds of caretaking positions. Some are house-sitting jobs and others involve working with the public. But some positions let you live alone and quietly care for a national park, lodge or other facility in the off-season. Pay varies greatly. You’ll find these positions on websites like Caretaker Gazette.
4. Medical Records Technician
With this position, you’ll organize and evaluate patient medical records while also reviewing them for accuracy and completeness. Techs also code these records using standard classification systems. This job might be a great fit for someone who’s detail-oriented. The national average salary is around $38,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.
5. Night Security Guard
Do you need a job for a night owl and an introvert? You might enjoy being a night security guard. These positions can be relaxing, and some allow free time for various activities that don’t interfere with the work. The downside is the pay.
The median average salary for security guards is just $31,470. However, 10% of security guards make over $50,000, so watch for those better-paying night jobs, or work your way up to them.
6. Night Merchandise Stocker
Here’s another job that is a win-win for introverted night owls. Grocery stores and big box stores employ these unsung heroes of the retail industry, meaning there are plenty of these jobs available. Zippia currently lists thousands of merchandise stocker-related jobs, with an average salary of about $30,000 per year.
No, you won’t get rich with this night shift job, but it could provide you with some side cash while helping you get your night owl fix.
7. Appraiser
Appraisers typically work independently in the real estate industry, helping property owners and potential buyers determine the value of their property. Some work residential only, some work commercial only, and some appraise both. The median pay for property appraisers is just over $61,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
8. Accountant
If you love numbers, you might consider an accounting career. This isn’t a job you jump into overnight, as it requires at least a bachelor’s degree and possibly a certified public accountant license. It’s also a flexible position as you can work in almost any industry. The average salary for accountants is about $60,000 per year.
9. Mail Carrier
Working for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, you’ll spend hours alone on your route, and a small amount of time with other mail carriers sorting the mail beforehand. It’s a pretty solitary job — ideal for introverts who don’t mind spending the day in an open air vehicle. The average mail carrier salary is about $25 per hour, according to BLS, with the potential for just under $7,000 worth of overtime every year.
10. Data Architect
Data architects review and analyze the infrastructure of the organizations they work for. They’re responsible for planning databases and implementing processes to store and manage data. All of that responsibility comes with a nice paycheck – $157,000 per year according to Salary.com.
11. Editor
If you have a way with words — like you know how to spot a comma splice and a split infinitive in your sleep — then an editing job could be in your future. Editing can easily be done from home as an in-house editor or contractor. Plus, most industries need editors in some form, so it’s a widely available job ideal for introverts with the median salary around $73,000 according to Salary.com.
12. Writer
Much like an editor, writers also have a way with words. Instead of proofing and editing for quality content, though, writers are at the front line of the content process. Writing jobs vary greatly, from copywriters and content marketers to technical writers and journalists. They also work in a wide range of industries and make an average salary of about $61,000 per year.
13. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers might work on a team with other creatives, such as copywriters and marketers. Or they might work individually as contractors or as in-house remote designers. No matter where they work, graphic designers help create logos, website visuals, app design and much more. The average salary for a graphic designer in the U.S. is $20 per hour.
14. Librarian
Like many of these positions, a job as a librarian will require at least a bachelor’s degree. And it’s definitely not a job for someone who likes a chaotic environment — making it perfect for many introverts. As a librarian, you’ll help visitors find and check out books and manage the library’s catalog. You might manage the library budget and help plan events as well. The average salary for librarians is about $57,000 per year according to ZipRecruiter.
15. Paralegal
As a paralegal, you’ll support attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies. You’ll at least need an associate’s degree or a paralegal studies certificate, though some employers are willing to train an inexperienced candidate if they seem like the right fit. The median average salary for paralegals is about $56,000 per year according to the BLS.
16. Social Worker
While it might seem odd for an introvert to want to be a social worker, the truth is many introverts don’t mind social interaction. They just need to be alone to recharge. Introverts are commonly empathetic and excellent listeners — making them a perfect fit for a social work job, helping advocate for the mental and physical health of individuals, families and communities. Social workers make an average salary of $57,000 per year.
17. Park Ranger
Introverts don’t necessarily want to be stuck inside all day, which makes a park ranger position a perfect fit for an outdoorsy introvert. Park rangers manage visitor centers, give tours and provide relevant history and patrol park property. Their salaries vary greatly depending on experience, but pay can range anywhere from $30,000 at entry level to $140,000 for very experienced park rangers.
Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
