Introverts prefer jobs that do not entail frequent meetings or extensive interaction with large groups of people. Despite certain roles being better suited for extroverts, numerous high-paying positions enable introverts to capitalize on their innate tendencies and distinct strengths.
Resume Genius recently curated a list of 15 high-paying jobs with robust job growth projections that cater to introverts. For compilation, researchers analyzed recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*NET Online to identify roles aligned with typical introverted traits and preferences, such as creative thinking, deep engagement, autonomy, and meaningful interactions. They selected jobs with a minimum annual salary of $56,240 and strong 10-year outlooks, as per BLS data.
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15 Careers Best Suited for Introverts
Whether you prefer quiet environments or seek the freedom to work independently, consider exploring one of these careers:
1. Database Architect
Annual Median Earnings: $134,870
2. Software Developer
Annual Median Earnings: $127,260
3. Actuary
Annual Median Earnings: $113,990
4. Information Security Analyst
Annual Median Earnings: $112,000
5. Data Scientist
Annual Median Earnings: $103,500
6. Computer Systems Analyst
Annual Median Earnings: $102,240
7. Mechanical Engineer
Annual Median Earnings: $96,310
8. Digital (UX) Designer
Annual Median Earnings: $83,240
9. Technical Writer
Annual Median Earnings: $79,960
10. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Annual Median Earnings: $78,570
11. Accountant and Auditor
Annual Median Earnings: $78,000
12. Market Research Analyst
Annual Median Earnings: $68,230
13. Film and Video Editor
Annual Median Earnings: $63,520
14. Millwright
Annual Median Earnings: $59,470
15. Graphic Designer
Annual Median Earnings: $57,990
While tech or finance careers appeal to introverts due to their alignment with traits like independent work and creative problem-solving, Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius, notes to CNBC Make It that other non-tech positions are equally fitting for this personality type, which includes roles such as millwrights, responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing construction machinery, and occupational health and safety specialists, who assess workplace safety and analyze related data.
Strategies to Secure The Position
Chan explains that introverts possess a distinctive professional strength. They are typically eager to immerse themselves in learning new things and often require minimal supervision or external assistance. This ability to initiate tasks independently and conduct self-directed research sets introverts apart from other personality types and renders them highly valuable in roles emphasizing autonomy and initiative.
To secure one of these positions, Chan suggests employing introvert-friendly job search strategies, such as networking online in forums or groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Slack that resonate with your interests and career goals.
Chan also emphasizes that introverts need not push too far beyond their comfort zone regarding networking. Instead, she advises prioritizing quality over quantity by seeking out smaller, more intimate networking opportunities, such as one-on-one informational interviews with colleagues and industry peers, which can facilitate the development of genuine relationships and make networking more manageable for introverts.
Lastly, Chan advises leveraging resumes or cover letters to showcase particular instances where independent initiatives at work resulted in concrete achievements, such as resolving a challenging problem, introducing an innovative process, or enhancing the overall success of a project.
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