The stereotypical business leader or entrepreneur is someone who is extremely outgoing and charismatic. They go out of their way to talk to others and get deals done. While this may be the impression many people have, in reality, some of the most influential business leaders of the past few decades have been introverts. Steve Wozniak, for example, was revolutionary in the design of Apple products, but he much preferred to work by himself. In fact, his advice to artists and inventors is to “work alone.” As he put it in his book iWoz, he describes himself as “shy.” He even says that being an engineer or artist is one of the best jobs for introverts.
Wozniak isn’t the only one who feels this way. Research from Virgin Money found that nearly 40 percent of all entrepreneurs described themselves as introverted. So, it’s clear that you don’t always need to know how to be charismatic to be successful. Take famous introverted leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, and even Albert Einstein for example.
Many people think extroverts are more successful because they are people-oriented and show confidence, but that is no guarantee of success. Introvert or extrovert, a leader must have a distinct vision of a better tomorrow and execute upon the goals that lead them to achieve it. They need to be action-oriented, passionate, optimistic, inspiring, and resilient. Inward-facing people can demonstrate good team leadership and coordination in jobs that suit their personality type.
In this article, learn which top-tier jobs make for excellent careers for introverts.
Key Takeaways
- Introverts are individuals who recharge their energy through alone time or with small groups of familiar people.
- Jobs that don’t require a lot of socialization are perfect for introverts.
- Introverts often thrive in jobs that encourage independence.
What Is an Introvert?
An introvert is someone who recharges mentally, emotionally, and physically through limited social interaction. For this reason, they often excel when working alone or in a less stimulating environment. They are usually reserved and need alone time in order to re-energize themselves.
Introverts often prefer to spend an evening by themselves or with their closest friends and family rather than going out on the town. They don’t always shy away from social interaction, but they don’t actively seek it out either.
Many people have become familiar with the introverted personality type thanks to the Myers-Briggs personality test. In this classification, those with more introversion prefer deep social interactions and love to spend time deep in thought. A few examples of personality types that feature the introvert characteristic include The Thinker (INTP), The Artist (ISFP), and The Architect (INTJ).
12 Good Jobs for Introverts
Working as an introvert can be beneficial in certain jobs. Don’t let a more introverted personality dissuade you from pursuing your dreams. The following are some ideal jobs that introverts tend to enjoy.
1. Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs take ideas or visions and turn them into businesses. They bear the weight of risk, but they also receive the perks and rewards that come with it. They are their own bosses, so they can decide what their business culture is like and how they get the job done. Entrepreneurs don’t have to be smooth-talking sources of charisma. They just need to believe in what they’re doing and keep working tirelessly to succeed. So, if you’re an introvert (or an ambivert or omnivert), an entrepreneur may be just the thing for you.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Work independently as much as you like
- Set your own schedule
- Create your own work culture
- Determine how much direct interaction with others you have
- Spend hours alone to bring something new to life
Average Salary: Largely depends on the success of the business
Requirements: Again, it depends on what you intend to do—many entrepreneurs have an MBA, while some have no college degree at all
2. Engineer
When technical problems threaten to derail a project, the engineer comes in to save the day. Engineers are part of nearly every industry you can think of. Some jobs in this field include mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and civil engineering, meaning you’re bound to find a job in an area that interests you. Engineers are all about using science and technical expertise to solve problems and make breakthroughs.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Take a deep dive into problem-solving on your own
- Work with only a handful of people each day
- Have a mostly isolated work environment
- Little to no interaction with customers
Average Salary: ~$83,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in engineering
3. Technical Writer
If you have a way with words, you’ll want to look into becoming a technical writer. This job involves taking complex topics and instructions and boiling them down to terms and steps that almost anyone can follow. If you’ve ever read a how-to guide or an instruction manual, it’s likely you’ve read something written by a technical writer.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Get the chance to determine how to best tackle projects independently
- Work from home (most technical writer jobs support this)
- Write on your own
- Receive written feedback
Average Salary: ~$75,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s in writing, English, or communication
4. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers use artistic software tools to create pleasing visuals and images. These images convey a voice, personality, and message a company wants to share with prospective customers. As one of the top jobs for introverts, it requires an active imagination and a creative flair.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Largely work on your own
- Attend occasional meetings
- Work remotely if your employer supports telecommuting
Average Salary: ~$45,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, certification in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite
5. Architect
For stimulating independent work, architecture is hard to beat. Architects spend much of their time focusing on creative pursuits, using their knowledge to solve problems in style. The design of buildings is just the sort of thing that can keep the mind sharp. If you don’t mind the occasional client meeting, few careers for introverts are as good a fit as an architect.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Design on your own
- Run your own office just the way you like
- Interact with others mostly through email or other messaging apps
Average Salary: ~$80,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in architecture, paid internship
6. Social Media Manager
Social media is where most customers now interact with companies. As a social media manager, you will create the content that customers and fans see. Social media managers plan out their content strategies and create marketing campaigns that get the most interaction with people, elevating the brand while also providing substance.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Enjoy remote work, as most companies offer it now for this specific job
- Work by yourself or with a small team
- Engage with customers mainly online and not in-person
Average Salary: ~$52,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, experience in social media content creation
7. Information Technology Manager
Another one of the best introvert jobs is becoming an information technology manager. If you have an interest in technology and solving problems for people and companies, this might be for you. IT managers help upgrade software and hardware while troubleshooting problems. They are also at the forefront of providing security for an organization’s most sensitive systems.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Have the real possibility for remote work
- Work with computers all day
- Focus more on technology issues and less on people problems
Average Salary: ~$85,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, industry certifications
8. Scientist
The role of a scientist can fall into many fields. A scientist can be an expert in chemistry, physics, astronomy, biology, and much more. Scientists conduct research into areas where they have the most curiosity, so you are only limited by your own interests. They’re knowledge-seekers with a desire to improve the world through their work.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Work alone or with a small team
- Spend time in the field away from crowds
- Conduct extensive research
- Study and read independently
Average Salary: ~$70,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in a scientific field
9. Accountant
For those who have a way with math and numbers, an accountant is one of the best jobs for introverts. Accountants can work for a specific company, or they can help a lot of clients. Their main duties include preparing the necessary financial records to be filed and ensuring organizations stay within an allotted budget.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Work mostly on your own
- Have customer and client interactions that are usually one-on-one or in small groups
- Think deeply about numbers and financial documents
Average Salary: ~$70,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, CPA license
10. App Developer
You use apps every day on your smartphone or tablet. Why not be the person behind a helpful app that millions can use? App developers are the architects behind the design and creation of applications that make life easier for countless people all over the world. They are limited only by their imagination and creativity. In many ways, app developers are like the inventors of the modern technological world as they present solutions to life’s problems. App developer is a high-paying job that utilizes computer science skills and creativity.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Be self-employed and set your own schedule
- Work by yourself to create the software
- Have a strong possibility of remote work
Average Salary: ~$75,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, certification (usually through Google and Apple Developers)
11. Actuary
An actuary is another job for people who love to work with numbers all day. Their main task is to analyze the financial risks companies are taking with some of their strategies and policies. As such, they play an important role in the growth and success of an organization. If you enjoy statistics and helping a company thrive, working as an actuary might be for you.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Work independently a large majority of the time
- Find a remote job opportunity
- Interact mostly with people you already know
Average Salary: ~$95,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, certifications (Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society)
12. Data Architect
A data architect uses computer science and math skills to design data systems for an organization. Working as a data architect can be pretty challenging, but the rewards make it worth it both financially and personally. After all, the data architect can discover new opportunities that companies can take advantage of or spot problems that might fly under the radar.
Why It’s a Great Job for Introverts:
- Have the ability to work from home
- Work on your own
- Experience minimal social interaction
Average Salary: ~$115,000
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, industry-specific certifications
Introverts Are Business Assets
For too long, people have looked at having an introverted personality as a weakness in the business world. That’s simply not true. There are plenty of jobs for introverts where they can thrive and help their respective companies. You don’t have to be outgoing all the time to do a great job at work. If you spend your time working hard, collaborating with others, and demonstrating a commitment to your growth, there will always be a place for you. The best jobs for introverts will utilize your strengths.
Don’t let being an introvert keep you from pursuing your passions. Step into your strengths. When you understand what they are and harness them, you can have a successful career no matter what you choose to do.
For more about personality types in business, discover the answer to the question, “Are leaders born or made?“