10 best jobs for introverts

When you’re the quiet, independent type, it can be tricky finding the right career for you. There are certain jobs that require a high level of personal interaction that might not be the best suited to introverted personalities. On the other hand, there are roles where introverts can thrive.

In fact, there are plenty of good jobs for introverts out there. People with more introverted natures use their personal qualities, like self-sufficiency and high empathy, to their advantage in a wide range of roles. In this article, we take a look at some of the best jobs for introverts and their median salaries in Australia.

Data and research-oriented roles

Some of the highest paying jobs for introverts are those in the areas of data analysis and research. These kinds of jobs tend to involve a lot of solitary work, requiring a high degree of focus and attention to detail. Patience, concentration and the ability to work autonomously are all important traits when you work in data analytics and research. Here are a few examples of data-oriented roles for introverts.

1. Data analyst [$95k]

The role of a data analyst involves not only reading extracting trends and making forecasts from sets of data. Data analysts are often employed by big companies to help find efficiencies in how the business is run. A typical day for a data analyst might involve lots of quiet time focusing on numbers, without much need for collaboration. It’s a good example of a corporate job that may not require talking to people much on a daily basis. Data analyst is a role that’s easy to do remotely, since it’s mainly deskwork and likely does not require any in-person collaboration. 

2. Data architect [$165k]

A data architect also spends hours of the day involved in solitary work, without much demand for social interaction. Data architects focus on the collection, storage and organisation of data, often for government agencies, universities and large financial institutions. The independent nature of this work makes it one of the best jobs that don’t involve people skills. 

Creative and design careers

Some creative careers are perfect for introverted people, especially jobs that can be done remotely or on a freelance or contract basis. Design creatives have plenty of scope to work on projects independently, without the need for frequent collaboration (depending on the role). Freelancers in particular get to flex their creative skills for different clients and projects, while working from their home setup. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to work in solitude, here are some top jobs for introverts in design.

3. Graphic designer [$73k]

A graphic designer is a digital artist who creates illustrations and other visual assets for products and services. They use a mix of creative mediums and software to design things used in marketing, media productions, web development, packaging, publishing and more. This is one of the top jobs for introverts with anxiety, without degree qualifications, as graphic design skills can be learned through online courses or self-taught at home. Expertise in graphic design is usually acquired through experience rather than through formal qualifications (though these certainly help). If you have artistic abilities and you’re computer literate, it could be the job for you.

4. Web designer 

A good example of jobs for introverts in IT is web designer. This is a specialised graphic design role that involves creating pages for websites and apps. Web designers must apply both design principles and best practices for web use to create pages that look good, are easy to navigate and support business outcomes. Web designer roles suit creatives who have good critical-thinking skills and thorough knowledge of the online user experience. Web designers generally have to communicate with developers and project managers (and sometimes clients), though their work can easily be done remotely. 

IT and technical support

Many roles in IT can be performed remotely, which makes them great for introverted people who prefer to work from home. There are also IT roles that involve daily interaction with people, either on-site or online, that can still be well-suited to introverts. If you’re good at working with computers and know your way around tech hardware, it’s likely you’ll be able to find a fulfilling job in IT, as an introvert.

5. IT Support Technician

An IT support technician helps people troubleshoot problems with their computers (or other digital hardware). Interactions typically happen over chat and, if they’re related to software, can be resolved online through a remote access program. An IT support technician at a big company would spend their days working through ‘tickets’ – individual requests from other employees in the company – addressing basic software and system issues.

Other types of support technicians repair or maintain hardware, which requires them to be onsite. It’s not unusual for technicians to spend hours troubleshooting and fixing machines without interruption.  

6. Software developer [$100k]

If you’re looking for high-paying jobs with little human interaction, software developer could be the role for you. Developers generally work alone (even if they’re part of a team) as their work by nature requires a high level of concentration and online research. The skills required to be a developer can be learned through online courses or self-taught, and the work can be done remotely, whether as an employee of an organisation or on a freelance basis. 

Writing and documentation

Writing is another activity that is typically done in solitude. It requires concentration, imagination and self-discipline, so writers often need a quiet space that’s free from distractions. Most writing roles can be done remotely, and it’s one of the most popular professions in freelancing. There are some roles for writers that require a high level of collaboration and human interaction (like advertising copywriting, news journalism and feature writing) but there are many that don't. Here are some examples of good introvert writer jobs. 

7. Technical writer [$105k]

A technical writer is someone who writes plain-language instructional documents such as guides and manuals for products and services. Their work needs to be detailed and precise, as it involves simplifying technical jargon into accessible, everyday words in a logical and easy-to-follow way. This sort of work may require liaising with subject matter experts or engineers, but is mostly done independently.

8. Writer [$110k]

Writing is a broad field of work that includes a range of professional high-paying jobs with little human interaction. Depending on what type of writer you are, you may be able to spend days or weeks without having to interact with anyone. Web writers, report writers, fiction writers and scriptwriters can all work remotely, with minimal need for collaboration. Not all writer roles are suited to introverts, though – roles in advertising and media generally require collaborating with designers, clients and colleagues, and involve a high volume of daily interactions. 

Organisational and archival roles

Libraries are another great place to find jobs for introverts. Archivists and librarians perform duties that are focused on the physical storing and sorting of data and records in calm and quiet spaces. 

9. Archivist [$90k]

An archivist is responsible for the organisation and safekeeping of documents – books, files and other types of records, for offices, agencies, museums, galleries, governments and companies. Common tasks involve examining and classifying documents, restoring and maintaining items and devising record-keeping systems. This is one of the best jobs for introverts who don’t want to work from home, but still appreciate a quiet, solitary environment.  

10. Librarian [$85k]

Introverts loving libraries is a cliché, but one with more than a kernel of truth. It’s a quiet and studious place designed for solitary work, which aligns with many introverts’ preference for calm spaces. Working in a library is more than checking books in and out and putting them away – librarians are adept researchers and must be degree qualified in information science. They can work in public libraries (though competition for these positions in Australia is high), parliamentary libraries, in academic institutions and in other specialised roles. 

Introverts may feel that their job options are limited, but there are plenty of roles that can suit an introvert’s more reserved nature. Some of these roles can be done independently and remotely, while others – like librarian or archivist – are part of larger organisations, though they typically don’t require a lot of direct human interaction. 

The best job for any person is one that aligns with their interests and personality. With self-reflection and clear professional goals, introverts can find a job that’s fun, fulfilling and plays off their unique strengths and skills.