You’ll spend a lot of time at your job, so it helps to have a career that suits your personality type. Introverts and extroverts thrive in different roles. The best jobs for introverts provide opportunities to work independently, and many come with generous benefits and pay.
But, how do you know if you’re an introvert or extrovert? This article will help you understand how to identify if you’re an introvert and explore some high-paying career options that might suit you.
What is an introvert?
The psychologist Carl Jung(opens new window) invented the terms introvert and extrovert(opens new window) to describe two core personality types.
An introvert is a person who values and gets energy from internal reflection and quiet, calm environments rather than social interaction. It’s a misconception that introverts are shy or socially awkward.
Introverts can have excellent social skills, but unlike extroverts, they don’t get energy from interacting with others. After a lot of social interaction, they want to recharge with some alone time.
Introverts vs. extroverts: Skills, traits, and differences
While estimates vary, it's likely around 30-50% of us are introverts(opens new window). Of course, you can have a mixture of introversion and extroversion, but most people identify with one more than the other.
A simple way to tell if you’re more introverted or extroverted is to consider how you feel at the end of a social event.
- Do you feel drained and eager to go home? You may be an introvert.
- Are you full of energy and planning for the next social event? You may be an extrovert.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences between introverts and extroverts to help you decide which careers fit your personality.
What makes a good job for an introvert?
Choosing a career that aligns with your personality can significantly impact your job satisfaction and overall well-being. For introverts, the ideal job often involves working independently or in small groups, with minimal constant social interaction. Introverts tend to thrive in roles with a clear structure and routine, allowing them to focus on individual tasks and projects. Jobs that offer flexibility and autonomy are also a good fit, as they enable introverts to manage their time and energy levels effectively.
Characteristics of introvert-friendly jobs
A good job for an introvert typically includes the following characteristics:
- Independent work: Introverts often prefer working alone or in small groups, with minimal supervision and interruptions. This allows them to concentrate deeply and produce high-quality work.
- Minimal group interactions: Since introverts tend to feel drained by large amounts of social interaction, jobs with limited group meetings and presentations are often a good fit. This helps them maintain their energy and focus.
- Focus on individual tasks: Introverts excel in roles that involve focused work on individual projects and tasks, with clear goals and deadlines. This allows them to leverage their strengths in problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Flexibility and autonomy: Jobs that offer flexible scheduling and autonomy are ideal for introverts, as they can manage their time and energy levels effectively. This flexibility helps them maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By seeking out roles with these characteristics, introverts can find a good job that aligns with their preferences and strengths, leading to greater job satisfaction and success.
12 best jobs for introverts
Introverts can perform well in any role. But, some careers have more opportunities for introverts to flex the skills that they excel at including:
- Problem-solving
- Analytical thinking
- Empathy
- Working independently
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Project management
Some of these roles are among the highest paying jobs, highlighting the financial benefits of pursuing such career paths.
In addition to being the best jobs for introverts, the following careers don’t always require a Bachelor’s degree. According to labor statistics, these jobs also offer competitive salaries and promising job growth.
You can pursue many of these through alternatives to college, including Multiverse apprenticeships.
(Note: the below salary data is sourced from Glassdoor and BLS job growth data.)
1. Data Scientist
Introverts who don’t mind math and analytical thinking might enjoy a Data Scientist career. Data Scientists often work independently to process data. You’ll often need to communicate insights from your data analysis to leadership and stakeholders.
- Average salary: $129,00
- Job growth rate: 36%
Similar job titles: Data Science Manager, VP of Data Science
2. Software Engineer
Many introverts choose the Software Engineer career path. It’s a high-paying job and you have opportunities to think about and creatively solve problems through coding. As a Junior Software Engineer, you’ll spend most of your time building applications and writing code.
As you move into leadership roles, you may spend more time communicating with clients or coaching other developers.
- Average salary: $161,592
- Job growth rate: 25%
Similar job titles: Software Developer, Web Developer, Full Stack Developer, Back-End Developer, Front-End Developer.
One of the fastest ways to break into a software engineering career is to apply for a Multiverse apprenticeship. In 15 months, you can learn how to code while gaining on-the-job experience at a leading company. The software engineering apprenticeship is tuition-free, and you get paid a salary from day one.
3. Product Manager
Product Managers work closely with researchers, designers, and developers to create and manage products or features. They also need strong interpersonal skills to communicate with clients, stakeholders, and other teams. Part of the job is balancing customer needs and desires with business priorities.
Product Managers need strong organizational, project, and time management skills. They need to empathize with users and companies to solve problems. If you’re an introvert with those skills, it could be an ideal career for you.
- Average salary: $123,000
- Job growth rate: 9%
- Similar job titles: Industrial Production Manager, Product Owner, Solutions Manager
4. Data Engineer
Data Engineers are Software Engineers that focus solely on working with code and data. They typically work behind the scenes. Unlike Data Scientists, they don’t need to analyze data and present findings to executives.
To become a Data Engineer, you’ll need strong analytical skills and a database, analysis, and software engineering background. You’ll manage databases and may collaborate with Data Analysts and Scientists but will have the freedom to work alone often.
- Average salary: $133,000
- Job growth rate: 36% (based on Data Scientist projection from BLS)
Similar job titles: Database Architect, Data Manager
5. Data Analyst
A Data Analyst career may also appeal to introverts because it requires skills like analytical thinking and problem-solving. Data Analysts spend most of their time working independently with data to solve real-world problems.
Multiverse’s advanced analytics apprenticeship can help you strengthen your data analysis skills and learn tools of the trade like Tableau.
- Average salary: $109,000
- Job growth rate: 23%
Similar job titles: Data Scientist, Analytics Manager, Business Analyst
6. Content Marketing Manager
Content Marketing Managers help businesses grow by creating high-quality content for their target audiences. As a Content Marketing Manager, you’ll oversee the strategy and creation of content including blogs, landing pages, social media, or video. You may also manage teams of writers, editors, influencers, and content creators.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need strong analytical, writing, and editing skills. You’ll also need some communication and presentation skills, but most of the time you can take a behind-the-camera approach.
- Average salary: $96,000
- Job growth rate: 6%
Similar job titles: Head of Content, Growth Marketing Manager, SEO Specialist
7. Cybersecurity Analyst
Introverts can apply their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to a cybersecurity career. Cybersecurity Analysts identify vulnerabilities in an organization and implement measures to prevent cyberattacks.
Cybercrime evolves rapidly, so Cybersecurity Analysts must educate themselves continuously about the latest threats. As a result, this job may appeal more to introverts who enjoy solving complex problems.
- Average salary: $109,000
- Job growth rate: 33%
Similar job titles: Information Security Analyst, Information Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, Cryptographer
8. Graphic Designer
Creative introverts often become Graphic Designers. As a Graphic Designer, you could create:
- Logos
- Social media templates
- Websites
- Brand books and guidelines
- Fonts
- Product packaging
Typically, Graphic Designers work with individual clients or small teams to develop and revise design ideas. However, they spend the majority of their workday creating art in solitude, often from the comfort of home.
- Average salary: $67,000
- Job growth rate: 2%
Similar job titles: Graphic Artist, Digital Designer, Brand Designer
9. UX Designer
You might excel as a User Experience (UX) Designer if you’re an introvert that enjoys a mixture of focused work time and group collaboration. It also helps if you have strong project management, design, and problem-solving skills.
As a UX Designer, you’ll audit and design websites and other applications to be user-friendly and accessible. UX Designers collaborate with product teams and other designers to create engaging user experiences.
- Average salary: $82,000
- Job growth rate: 8%
Similar job titles: UX Manager, Digital Interface Designer, Information Architect
10. Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineers usually gain expertise in specific cloud technologies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Azure. These make it possible for companies to share computing resources—databases, storage, software, and more—over the internet.
Cloud Engineers manage applications and data that live in the cloud. As a result, they often use programming languages like Python, PHP, Go, and Java.
- Average salary: $151,000
- Job growth rate: 11% (based on BLS “other computer occupations;” may be higher)
Similar job titles: Cloud DevOps Engineer, Cloud Architect
11. Project Manager
Introverts who enjoy planning might consider becoming a Project Manager. Project Managers oversee teams and handle every step of project planning and execution. You can excel as a Project Manager by empathizing, resolving conflicts, and motivating others to work toward a common goal.
- Average salary: $89,000
- Job growth rate: 7%
Similar job titles: Project Administrator, Project Planner, Project Leader
12. Technical Writer
A Technical Writer translates complex ideas into accessible documents, such as instruction manuals, marketing plans, and white papers.
Introverts often perform well in this position because they can exercise creativity and dive deeply into research. Technical Writers spend most of their time planning, writing, and revising documents in solitude. Additionally, many people work remotely as freelance Technical Writers, which can provide even more freedom.
- Average salary: $88,000
- Job growth rate: 4%
Similar job titles: Technical Communicator, Documentation Specialist, Content Strategist, Business Writer
Leveraging your skills and experience
Introverts often possess unique strengths and skills that can be highly valuable in various careers. By recognizing and building on these strengths, introverts can find fulfilling and rewarding careers that cater to their preferences and work styles.
Building on introvert strengths
Some common strengths that introverts can leverage in their careers:
- Analytical skills: Introverts often excel in roles that involve data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are highly valued in fields such as finance, research, and data science.
- Writing: Many introverts possess strong writing and communication skills, making them well-suited for careers ranging from technical writing, content strategy, and much more.
- Attention to detail: Introverts often have a keen eye for detail, making them well-suited for a range of careers.
- Independence: Introverts often prefer working independently, making them well-suited for careers in freelancing, consulting, and entrepreneurship. These roles offer the autonomy and flexibility that introverts thrive on.
By building on these strengths, introverts can find a fulfilling career path that aligns with their natural tendencies and skills, leading to greater job satisfaction and success.
Accelerate your career journey with Multiverse
If you’re interested in advancing your career, Multiverse can help you get started. As an apprentice, you’ll earn a salary, learn, and get a salary all without having to interrupt your current career.
Multiverse programs are free, but to be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or Associate’s degree
- Able to work in the United States
To get started, apply for a Multiverse apprenticeship(opens new window). The Multiverse team will get to know you and reach out to discuss the best apprenticeship opportunities for you.
