The Best Jobs for Introverts with Anxiety: Low-Stress & High-Paying Options
Table of Contents
It’s no secret that introverts make up a significant portion of the population. In fact, according to studies, introverts account for anywhere from one-third to half of the population. So it’s not surprising that many people are looking for ways to find the best careers and jobs for an introvert.
After struggling with my own career choices for years, I decided to do some research on the matter. I read articles, interviewed experts, and did a lot of soul-searching in order to figure out what would be the best fit for me. And after much deliberation, I found that there are a few great career options for introverts.
In this article, I’ll summarize my findings for fellow introverts to help in their job search.
What Is an Introvert?
Introversion and extroversion are two personality traits that most people have to some degree. Introverted people typically enjoy quiet environments and time alone, while extroverted people thrive in social settings. Though introverts can be shy or anxious, introversion is about an energy management preference. So for example, for an introvert to “recharge” they might take a trip to the mountains by themselves, whereas an extrovert might go out to party with friends.
What Should Introverts Look for in a Job?
Career-related strengths typically include being detail-oriented, having great focus, and managing lots of information. Introverts tend to like individual workspaces and don’t work well in group settings. But contrary to the belief that introverts are just shy, introverts often possess excellent interpersonal skills. They feel energized by leading meetings and working in group settings, but require time alone afterward to regain their energy. The introvert/extrovert dichotomy is about how a person feels rather than how outgoing or confident they are; it’s about how someone manages their energy levels.
While introverts and extroverts are generally both capable of handling the same tasks, introverts are more often satisfied by capitalizing on their strengths.
With that in mind, the best jobs for introverts are those that:
- Focus on independent work, as opposed to collaboration in large groups
- Provide quiet workspaces for working alone, as opposed to noisy, open spaces
- Are better pursued by people with great listening skills
- Allow the employee to focus on a simple task at any given time
- Give way to one-on-one interaction, as opposed to public speaking
What Are Some Strengths That Introverts Bring to the Table?
Introverts have some incredible advantages that they can offer to their job and their colleagues.
They tend to be highly focused people, who are great at using their time efficiently, with little to no outside monitoring necessary. Introverts generally take their time to completely comprehend a task or a project before rushing into it. This methodology often leads to more efficiency in the mid-term, as opposed to extroverts who may be too impatient. Introverts get the job done, instead of talking about getting the job done.
Types of Introverts: What Type of Introvert Are You?
Introverts are often seen as shy and reserved, but there is much more to this personality type than meets the eye. In fact, introverts come in many different forms, each with their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Here are four of the most common introvert types, along with a brief description of each.
Social Introvert
The first type is the social introvert. Social introverts are Introverts who are comfortable in small groups but tend to avoid large crowds. They often prefer one-on-one conversation and can be quite chatty when they feel comfortable. However, they may become tongue-tied or shy in large groups.
Thinking Introvert
The second type is the thinking introvert. Thinking introverts are Introverts who like to spend time alone, thinking about things. They often have rich inner lives and like to process information before talking about it. They can be quiet in groups but are very intelligent and insightful when they do speak up.
Anxious Introvert
The third type is the anxious introvert. Anxious introverts are Introverts who feel anxious in social situations. They may feel like they’re not good enough or that they’re being judged. This can lead to them becoming very quiet in groups, as they focus more on their own fears than the conversation at hand.
Creative Introvert
The fourth type is the creative introvert. Creative introverts are Introverts who use their creativity to escape from the anxieties of the world. They often have rich imaginations and like to express themselves through writing, art, or music. They may be shy in social situations, but their creativity makes them some of the most interesting people you will ever meet.
Restrained Introvert
The restrained introvert is a subcategory of the thinking introvert. Restrained introverts are Introverts who process information slowly and carefully. They like to take their time before making decisions and often have a lot to say when they finally do speak up. However, they can be quite quiet in groups, as they don’t feel the need to.
Great Careers for Introverts
Many people assume that introverts are best suited for careers that involve working alone, such as writing or research. However, introverts can be successful in a wide range of careers, from law and medicine to business and teaching.
What all of these careers have in common is the need for excellent communication skills. Introverts are often good at communicating one-on-one, and they’re often very clear and concise writers.
In addition, introverts tend to be very good listeners, which can be a valuable asset in careers such as counseling or mediation. While introverts may not enjoy working in a noisy and chaotic environment, they can thrive in careers that require excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
Here is a list of 38 best jobs for introverts, along with their typical compensation and pre-requisites:
Accountant
If you enjoy working with numbers and have a chance to work in nearly any sector, becoming an accountant may be the profession for you. Accountants and other positions in the accounting department analyze financial records and evaluate any opportunities or risks as a stable and developing employment sector. This is a position that is more often done on your own and with some one-on-one client meetings.
- Average Salary:$65,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Certified Public Accountant license
Application Developer
These developers design, create and update applications for various types of devices. In this profession, you can work in different industries and companies. It can either be a full-time position, a part-time position, or a self-employed setup with the possibility of working remotely. If you want to give life to ideas and help develop applications, this can be right for you.
- Average Salary: $80,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, and depending on the type of applications: Google Developers Certification or Apple Developers Certification (recommended), Industry experience
Architects
Architects are skilled problem-solvers who design houses, office parks, and other structures during the bulk of their time. If you love fixing puzzles, architecture may be the career for you. Although this work does not require a lot of human interaction, it will include meeting with private clients and visiting construction sites. You will nevertheless get your alone time and access to quiet spaces.
- Average Salary:$76,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree (recommended), Paid internship (three years, generally), Architecture license (depending on where you are)
Archivist
Archivists are individuals who work with the past, particularly one of the most introverted. Working as an archivist may be a fantastic way for extremely introverted people to practice working on their own. Archivists may fulfill this role at colleges, libraries, and research institutions by looking after and maintaining archives of historical things and artwork.
- Average Salary: $50,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Industry experience
Artist
Becoming an artist is a job for anyone with a creative personality. Whether you want to work in textiles, paint, or sculpt, this is an excellent career for creative individuals who wish to operate independently from others.
- Average Salary:$30,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (recommended), Industry experience
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics are in charge of ensuring the safety and mechanical functioning of everything from passenger jets to freight ships. They also repair and maintain equipment, diagnose issues, and do testing as needed. It’s regarded as one of the finest professions for introverts with anxiety since it allows you to work independently on tasks that need a high level of attention to detail.
- Average Salary: $73,000
- Requirements: Have Attended an FAA-approved AMT school OR have 30 months of experience with airframe and Power Plant maintenance (varies depending on where you are located)
Auditor
Auditors examine financial records and statements, as well as prepare tax statements for their customers. It’s usually a low-stress job for introverts, but it can get chaotic during tax season or periodic audit periods.
- Average Salary: $55,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Actuary
The job of an actuary is to analyze risk using numbers. They work with a wide range of businesses, including insurance firms and banks. The goal is to assess financial risks and show how they relate to specific results. It’s a data-heavy career path, but most of the work is done on a computer, so it’s ideal for introverts.
- Average Salary: $115,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Actuary Sciences, Mathematics, or Statistics
Astronomer
Do you enjoy the vastness of space? Astronomy is a fantastic field for introverts since there’s plenty of room to advance. A Bachelor’s degree is all it takes to get into this line of work, but it is a profession that necessitates continual learning. The task of an astronomer is to comprehend the universe. Most astronomers utilize observation and research to achieve this.
- Average Salary: $120,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees in Astronomy or Physics
Bacteriologist
Bacteriologists are scientists that study bacteria. This profession generally requires a Ph.D. and is often a research-oriented job where you might spend long hours in the lab. The work can be tedious, but it’s critical for developing new treatments for diseases.
- Average Salary: $67,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s, Master’s Degree, or Ph.D., Industry experience
Biochemist
Biochemists are scientists that study the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. They may work in a laboratory or in the field, and they typically have a Ph.D. This is a research-intensive job that can be both exciting and frustrating as scientists make new discoveries.
- Average Salary: $90,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s, Master’s Degree, or Ph.D., Industry experience
Clinical Lab Technician
If you enjoy gathering and analyzing samples, such as bodily fluids or human tissue, this is the profession for you! The major goal of this work is to find symptoms of illnesses or problems.
- Average Salary: $54,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or a Postsecondary Certificate
Computer Hardware Engineer
If you love creating things and like to tinker with various gadgets, computer hardware engineering is the perfect job for you. You may spend hours on end developing that ideal internet router. The good news is that you’ll be working in a research environment with no consumers to bother you.
- Average Salary: $139,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as computer and information technology
Content Manager
If creating content for customers, such as blogs posts, videos, and interactives, and developing a plan for them to perform better appeals to you, being a content manager may be the right job for you. Many content managers are able to work remotely since they oversee a company’s content production and strategy while also managing writers.
- Average Salary: $50,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (recommended), Content management systems course (recommended), SEO course (recommended), Industry experience
Data Architect
Data architects design and manage data systems, as well as investigate new possibilities for data acquisition. This is a challenging and satisfying career that does not require many social interactions to communicate ideas and may be done from the comfort of your own home if you like working with data and technology.
- Average Salary: $115,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Industry experience, and certifications (recommended)
Data Entry Specialist
The job of a data entry specialist is to copy and paste one sort of information from one source into a database.
- Average Salary: $37,000
- Requirements: High school diploma or GED, Industry Experience, Knowledge of data entry software programs
Digital Marketer
Digital marketing is a career that allows you to work from home. If you enjoy resolving problems and promoting goods and services, becoming a digital marketer might be the job for you. Digital marketers use technology to promote material, reach clients, and boost brand recognition.
- Average Salary: $57,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Digital marketing course (recommended), Google Analytics certification (recommended), Industry experience
Dog Trainer
Do you enjoy dogs? It may be the ideal position for an introverted person with prior social interaction experience. The majority of the time, you’ll be outside working. Dog training is a job that requires a knowledge of animal behavior as well as excellent teaching abilities. Patience, consistency, and good verbal and nonverbal communication skills are essential for trainers.
- Average Salary: $34,000
- Requirements: Necessary Certification (recommended)
Editor
If you like languages and enjoy reading, becoming an editor may be fascinating. They usually operate alone, with the option of working from home and reading and editing material for publication. Editors may work in a variety of media sectors including magazine publishing, book production, and corporate communications.
- Average Salary: $55,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Industry experience
Engineer
Engineers solve technical difficulties using scientific and mathematical methods. Engineers are always in high demand throughout many sectors. There are numerous ways to develop your career and enter different specialties as your abilities improve. Being an engineer is great because it allows both introverts and extroverts to succeed.
- Average Salary: $85,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
Farmhand
The growing, cultivating, and processing of fruit and vegetable crops are examples of daily farm work. Maintaining farm equipment and preparing the soil for various processes are also part of this job. Weeding, thinning, fertilizing, and pruning crops are all tasks involved in crop management.
- Average Salary: $31,500
- Requirements: Industry experience
Graphic Designer
Digital technologies are used by graphic designers to create visuals and messages through images. This is the ideal career for creative introverts that enjoy technology and want to work with it. Graphic designer jobs are frequently completed from the comfort of your own home, making this a highly gratifying and adaptable profession suited for introverted individuals.
- Average Salary:$40,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Adobe Creative Suite courses (recommended), Industry experience
Information Technology Manager
IT managers don’t have to be outgoing as long as they have a passion for technology and the ability to solve problems. Being an IT manager is a rapidly developing profession, the job duties involve resolving software and hardware issues, offering updates, and tackling information security safeguards.
- Average Salary: $85,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in IT, IT management certifications (recommended), Industry experience
Landscape Designer
A landscape designer is someone who enjoys the great outdoors and wants to use their creativity. They create landscaping designs for parks and other outdoor spaces, including water fountains, ponds, pathways, and gardens.
- Average Salary: $50,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Industry experience
Librarian
If you want a more peaceful job, becoming a librarian could be ideal for you. Librarians assist visitors in finding and checking out books, create catalogs and periodicals, and may also manage the library budget and organize events.
- Average Salary: $48,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Teaching credential (for public school librarians), Library Media Test (depending on where you are located; ie in the US Praxis II Library Media Specialist test)
Mechanic
Becoming a mechanic is a career that doesn’t require much social interaction since a large portion of it is spent working on automobiles. Mechanics repair, inspect, and maintain vehicles, as well as utilize tools and technologies to maintain and upgrade them.
- Average Salary:$45,500
- Requirements: Complete an automotive education program, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification (in the US; it may vary depending on where you are located)
Photographer
If you like to capture events and see the world from a creative standpoint, becoming a photographer is an excellent flexible profession for introverts. With numerous types of photography to choose from, such as wedding, portrait, travel, and landscape shooting, this job may lead to many different adventures while also allowing you to exercise your creativity.
- Average Salary:$30,000
- Requirements: Photography courses, Industry experience
Paralegal
Paralegals assist attorneys in keeping track of their cases. Legal research, organizing case files, conducting research, preparing legal briefs, and filing legal documents are just a few examples of tasks that paralegals might be assigned. You’ll spend the majority of your time gathering data and researching while working alongside attorneys and other professionals.
- Average Salary: $53,000
- Requirements: Associate in paralegal studies, Bachelor’s in paralegal studies, Certificate in paralegal studies
Park Ranger
If you like being outside, this is the career for you! Especially if you’re concerned about animals and the natural environment.
- Average Salary: $39,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Training
Quality Assurance
In the online sense of the profession, this role ensures that app and website users will have a fully functional user interface and the best possible user experience. It examines a website or application to look for any bugs or issues that may have been missed during design and development.
- Average Salary: $51,000
- Requirements: Industry Experience, Necessary Certification (recommended)
Research Scientist
Look into becoming a research scientist if you’re interested in science and conducting experiments. Research scientists work inside laboratories for the government, environmental organizations, and educational institutions, conducting trials and studies in a variety of disciplines.
- Average Salary: $66,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) certification (recommended), Industry experience
Scientist
Scientists conduct research in order to advance knowledge in a particular field and spend the majority of their time working alone or together. An anthropologist, chemist, epidemiologist, and zoologist are just a few of the numerous sorts of scientists who may be found.
Introverts have an advantage in scientific disciplines since they are not typically required to engage with people. Introverts are rational, interested, and inquisitive; all of which describe introverts well.
- Average Salary: $70,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a Life sciences field, such as Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
Social Media Manager
This position is rather new. A social media manager is in charge of a firm’s online presence and reputation, typically via social media platforms. Creating material, addressing comments and reviews, and so on are all responsibilities of social media managers. They mostly communicate with their clients using text messages or emails. There are occasionally face-to-face meetings.
- Average Salary: $71,000
- Requirements: Necessary Certification (recommended), Industry Experience
Translator
If you speak more than one language and want to work from home, becoming a translator might be the perfect career for you. This is a flexible position since it entails translating and converting information from one language to another.
- Average Salary:$40,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (recommended), Industry experience, and training
Veterinarian
Although you will have to interact with pet owners frequently as a veterinarian, the majority of your time will be spent caring for animals. If you have a passion for animals and enjoy seeing them develop into healthy individuals, being a veterinarian may be a job that makes you happy and fulfilled.
- Average Salary: $91,500
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Experience working with animals, Certification from an accredited veterinary program, North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, License in the Jurisdiction you will practice
Virtual Assistant
You may be one of those people that rely on technology, such as the internet and other media, for indirect social connection. You don’t need to work for a large company in order to thrive. Rather, you may use your abilities to assist someone else in a one-on-one capacity. If starting a business gives you the chills, the online-business job market is rapidly expanding and it may be right for you.
Even if you know there are excellent professions for introverts, you might be an introvert who isn’t in one. The good news is that you aren’t sentenced to failure. Many introverts have a hidden ability to pay attention to details, concentrate while working, and produce considered results—regardless of their employment.
Being a virtual assistant may entail a wide range of skills depending on the specific type of work your employer will ask from you. However, most of the tasks are easily performed as long as you have an efficient way of handling your to-dos and prioritizing the stuff that needs to be done.
- Average Salary: $53,000
- Requirements: Research and Follow Up Skills, Industry Experience
Writer
Introverts can be excellent writers, which makes becoming a writer a fantastic choice for them. Writers may work in a variety of industries, including content writing, copywriting, technical writing, and creative writing from the comfort of their own homes. Writing jobs may involve gigs of various involvement levels; full-time or part-time. But, most of them allow for remote work performed at your own pace and minimal social interactions. Technical writers may find better compensation, while general writers may find it easier to find gigs (ie. writing how to guides, social media posts, etc).
- Average Salary: $51,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, Industry experience
Xray Technician
Hospitals may be high-stress for many, but X-ray technicians generally work in less-crowded areas of the hospital away from the commotion. They’re diagnostic imaging experts who run sophisticated equipment.
The majority of these jobs do not require much collaboration or social interaction, but there is plenty of it available. The duty of a technician is to execute the imaging and pass on the information, as well as move on to the next patient.
- Average Salary:$63,120
- Requirements: Associate’s degree in radiology
Conclusion
Introverts can find success in a variety of professions. The important thing is that they use their natural strengths to their advantage, whether it be through focusing on detail, paying attention to their work, or simply preferring a solitary work environment. No matter what the chosen profession is, it’s important for introverts to remember to take care of themselves and their mental health.
FAQ
What are good first jobs for introverts?
There are many good first jobs for introverts. Some examples include jobs in the technology or medical fields, or any job that allows for a lot of independent work. Introverts often do well in jobs where they can work alone without a lot of interaction with others. They may be less suited for jobs that require them to constantly interact with other people.
How do introverts start their jobs?
Introverts might be a little anxious when starting their jobs, but there are a few things they can do to make the process easier. One thing introverts can do is take some time to get to know their new coworkers. It can be helpful to ask people about their interests and what they do outside of work. This will help introduce the line of work and the job in a smooth transitional way.
Do companies hire introverts?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to determine if a company is right for an introvert may vary depending on the individual. However, there are a few things introverts should look for when considering a job offer. Some of the things that may be important to introverts are listed in the above article.
What's the best job for a shy person?
This may widely vary depending on the personality type and interests of the shy person. However, some jobs that may be a good fit for shy people include the above list.
Can a shy or introverted person be successful in a work setting?
It depends on the individual. Some shy or introverted people may find it difficult to be successful in a work setting, while others may not have any problems at all. It really depends on the person’s personality and how they handle themselves in a professional setting.
Is it wrong to be quiet at work?
In some workplaces, silence is considered a sign of respect. If you are in one of those places, it would be wrong to be talking loudly and disrupting the peace. However, in most workplaces, being too quiet can also be a problem. It can make you seem uninterested in your work or like you’re not trying to integrate into the work environment.
Can an introvert become a financial analyst?
Many people wonder if it is possible for introverts to become successful in the field of finance. The answer is yes, although it may take some effort on the part of the introvert to develop the necessary skills.
One key thing that introverts can do to become successful financial analysts is to focus on their strengths. Introverts often prefer jobs where they can focus extensively and avoid collaboration with too many people. Digging into financial reports, analyzing data, and avoiding social anxiety fits the bill for this type of personality, while it can be one of the best jobs leading to a fulfilling career.
Does Google Hire introverts?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to work at Google may vary depending on your individual personality type. However, many introverts find that they are able to thrive at Google by taking advantage of the company's many opportunities for self-expression and creativity. Google allows employees to work and thrive in related areas that fit the personality of the employee.
Can an introvert be an HR professional?
Many people believe that introverts cannot be successful in human resources (HR) roles. However, this is not always the case. Introverts can be great HR professionals if they understand their personality and how it affects their work.
Introverts are typically more reserved and quieter than extroverts. They may find it hard to talk to other employees all day long. So, it's best to avoid too much human interaction.
Can I stop being an introvert?
No, you can't just "stop being" an introvert. Introversion is a personality trait that exists on a spectrum, just like any other personality trait. Some people are very introverted, some people are only a little bit introverted, and some people aren't introverted at all. There's no one right way to become an extrovert or minimize the effects of your introversion.
What are the best types of low-stress jobs for introverts with anxiety, minimizing social interaction?
The above list of best jobs for introverts includes many professions that may be a great fit for an introvert with anxiety.
What are some high-paying jobs for introverts?
Introverts can find high-paying jobs in a variety of industries. Some of the highest-paying jobs for introverts include computer programmer, dentist, engineer, and accountant. These jobs allow introverts to work independently and use their analytical skills. They do not require a lot of interaction with others, which is perfect for introverts. Check out the list of best jobs for introverts above for other examples.
What are some jobs for introverts without a degree?
There are many introverted jobs that don’t require a degree. Some of these jobs include writer, editor, graphic designer, and social media manager. These are all great jobs for introverts because they allow you to work from home or a remote office, and you don’t have to deal with a lot of people.
What are some of the worst jobs for introverts?
There are plenty of jobs that are not ideal for people with introverted personality types. Some of the worst include telemarketing, public speaking, and sales. Introverts may prefer more solitary work environments where they can focus on their tasks without interruption. Jobs that involve a lot of customer interaction or networking can be very draining for introverts. They may prefer positions that allow working alone.
What's the best platform for a job search for writing jobs?
There are numerous platforms online that allow you to find writing jobs. Upwork is one of them.
What are the best healthcare jobs for introverts?
There are many healthcare jobs that are perfect for introverts. For example, a job as a nurse or doctor may be a good fit because it requires working with people one-on-one. Additionally, jobs in research or data entry (ie. data entry clerk) may be good options because they involve working independently.
What types of sales jobs are best for introverts?
There are a few different types of sales jobs that would be best for introverts. The first type is inside sales, which involves making calls to potential customers from a company’s office. This type of job can be a good fit for introverts because they can stay in one place and talk on the phone all day.
Could I be rejected for a job because I'm introverted?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it will depend on the particular job and the employer's preferences. However, some people may assume that an introverted person would not be as effective in a customer-facing role or in a position that requires a lot of interaction with others. As a result, an introverted person may be at risk of not getting hired for a particular job, if the required skill set does not match the strengths of a typical introvert.