If you’re an introvert, the career you choose could mean a lifetime of joy or, if you get it wrong, a constant feeling of dread on a Monday morning. Instead of stepping into a career your parents want for you or suggested by your friend or career advisor, you can opt for the best working life by understanding your needs as a working introvert.
As a lifelong introvert, I understand how influential one’s career is in living a life of passion, purpose, and fulfillment. Thankfully, there are many fantastic and lucrative careers for introverts. Based on our experience working as introverts in a noisy world, we’ve chosen this list of 15 of the most lucrative and fulfilling careers.
1. Writer
The writer’s lifestyle is perfect for introverts. You can work flexible hours and specialize in a niche or business genre, write and monetize a blog, or become a scriptwriter, novelist, journalist, SEO writer, or copywriter.
There are so many opportunities for employed and freelance writers, and you can work remotely. The income potential varies, but you’re likely to earn $50k+.
2. Graphic Designer
A career in graphic design is fantastic for creative introverts who enjoy translating ideas into visual representations. It’s a multi-faceted career where you can work on different projects, such as branding, corporate material, advertisements, social media content, marketing campaigns, and similar design projects.
You must be familiar with graphic design software; a bachelor’s degree is helpful. The income potential is $50k+.
3. Filmmaker
If you love creativity and enjoy production, a filmmaker’s life is varied and rewarding. You will primarily work with a team, including a camera crew, art directors, set designers, and actors. At times, you may need leadership skills.
As a freelancer, you can choose projects you enjoy and develop a specialism. You don’t need formal qualifications but work on your filmmaking skills to demonstrate to clients or employers. The median annual salary is $60k+.
4. Photographer
Most photographers succeed in specialist photography, such as portraits, branding, weddings, pets, fine arts, food, and corporate. Pay rates vary between industries, and it takes time to develop a reputation.
It is advisable to take courses to improve your photography and build a portfolio to show clients. The annual median salary is $40k+ but higher for specialist photography.
5. Psychologist
If you’re interested in psychology and enjoy people, you can earn $80k+ annually as a qualified psychologist. You must get recognized training, ideally a bachelor’s degree. You will learn to observe and interpret a client’s words, emotions, and behavior and keep records of progression.
You will earn more as a freelance psychologist but may prefer starting with a clinic to gain experience.
6. Therapist
Introverts often have excellent empathetic and listening abilities, which is a core skill for a therapist. You could pursue a master’s degree or gain multiple qualifications to help your clients, such as life coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and transactional analysis (TA).
Alternatively, you could follow a spiritual path as a crystal or Reiki therapist. The average income for a therapist is $58k+.
7. Librarian
If you love books, the role of a librarian is the perfect career for the introvert who enjoys a peaceful life. Librarians catalog periodicals and books, check books in and out, manage budgets, and organize events. Some libraries require employees to have teaching credentials.
If you work in a public library, you need a Master’s or Bachelor’s in Library Science. The median annual salary is $60k+.
8. Accountant
Accountants have a good grasp of and love for numbers. You will always have plenty of work because the taxman never takes a day off, so businesses need an accountant to prepare their financial records and submit tax returns.
You will need a bachelor’s degree in financial management or accounting. The average salary for an accountant is $75k+.
9. Actuary
Actuaries play an essential role in helping businesses to minimize outcome risks by developing effective policies. The work is computer-heavy, and you will primarily be working alone. To enjoy this role, you are an introvert who loves mathematics, financial theories, and statistics.
You will need a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or a similar field and can expect to earn $105k+.
10. Auditor
Auditors review financials, accounting records, and operational data to determine financial record accuracy. It’s a low-stress job that pays around $77k+. It involves using spreadsheets and databases to prepare accurate tax statements for clients, so you need good attention to detail and an excellent grasp of business finance and economics.
An undergraduate accounting degree is enough to get you started on your first paid job.
11. Business Analyst
Business Analysts are respected individuals who help improve business processes and systems by making them more efficient and cost-effective. They have excellent business acumen and analytical skills and primarily work alone. The median annual salary is $78k+. Work towards a bachelor’s degree in finance, administration, or a relevant field. In addition, a master’s in data analytics or an MBA in business analytics will command a higher salary.
12. Research Scientist
If you are a curious introvert who loves delving into how things work, the role of a research scientist may be the one for you. You will conduct investigations and experiments in geoscience, medicine, meteorology, and pharmacology. You may work in laboratories in educational institutions, the government, or environmental organizations. At the least, you will need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in your chosen field. The average annual salary is $70k+.
13. Astronomer
Astronomy is among the highest-paid careers on this list, at around $145k+, and it’s the best job for an introvert. You will study celestial bodies like stars, planets, and galaxies, gather statistical data, and research and forecast. You primarily work with a small team of equally introverted nerds, such as scientists and engineers.
14. Data Scientist
Data scientists are problem solvers and analytical thinkers who enjoy identifying data trends and patterns. It’s another high-paying job with an annual median salary of $100k+. The job involves imaginative skills, interpretation, and analysis to create models and algorithms to forecast potential outcomes. You will need a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, or a related field, although employers often prefer hiring those with a Master’s in data science.
15. IT Manager
If you have a knack for technology and enjoy problem-solving, an IT manager could be your perfect role. You will typically work within a company fixing software and hardware issues and ensuring the IT systems are updated, secure, and continuously operational. The average annual salary is $100k+, and you will need a bachelor’s degree in information technology, IT project management, computer science, or related fields.
