Inside every introvert is an extrovert who likes lots of solitude between doses of human interactions. We are not shy, narcissistic or selfish. On the contrary, we like people and being with them, only we prefer to pace our social and professional contact when possible.
An uninterrupted workflow or at least minimal distractions are where we thrive in the workforce.
Which jobs might offer us good opportunities to manage our need for solitude and realize our desire for excellent income potential?
An uninterrupted workflow or at least minimal distractions are where we thrive in the workforce.Click To TweetIntroversion is a Misunderstood Frontier
Shyness is more about an underdeveloped sense of social skills and carries with it elements of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety.
Shyness, however, can afflict either introverts or extroverts. We introverts are not by nature shy, but have a more internal way of processing the world than our extrovert counterparts who are more concerned with what is happening outside themselves.
Introverts are quite sincere, honest and have no concern for fake socializing. We are unique, not following trends but instead choosing to follow our passions.
We feel energized by being alone and drained being around others too much or too often.
When introverts want to be alone, it is neither a sign of depression nor indication of narcissism, but simply means we need time to recharge.
Introverts’ Strengths and Weaknesses
One employer’s nuisance is another employer’s treasure trove of integrity.
Introverts generally are excellent self starters able to work with little to no supervision and do not play office politics.
They are comfortable with silence, good listeners preferring to weigh input of others and by-pass small talk trivialities in favor of contributing information they consider important and useful.
We prefer getting to the point so we can get back to work.
Introverts tend to communicate thoughts about concepts and ideas.
They react quickly and strongly to new stimuli yet are slow to notice changes compared to their extrovert counterparts who seem better at picking up on small differences from one situation to the next.
Here are twenty high-paying job possibilities for introverts who want rewarding careers that afford ample opportunities to regroup, recharge and renew with minimal necessary interactions that we all have to learn to manage.
Quick Note on Smart Grid Related Occupations
Occupations opening up related to smart grid work are not tracked by Bureau of Labor and Statistics within that particular field but are for occupations as a whole and without including benefits. However, as recently as the Fall 2013 issue of Occupational Outlook Quarterly, they listed more than sixteen types of jobs for smart grid related occupations.
If contributing to innovative solutions in a growing field with high projected long-term growth appeals to you, then listen up computer, mathematical, engineering, and technical types:
1. Meter Readers for Utilities and Electricians
Earn $44,380 – $61,160 excluding benefits.
These offer perhaps the most solitude of smart grid related occupations, as you could work alone even though others may be nearby. Technology firms, utilities and government agencies are excellent places to seek smart grid related positions.
As for solitary jobs in emerging fields related to anything we consider green, you might enjoy designing or installing solar panel systems, green roofing and other green technologies.
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2. Limnologists
Earnings are $55,100 – $71,780.
Limnology is a broad field of scientists who love the water and who specialize in studying freshwater systems and non-oceanic saltwater such as is found in salt lakes.
Within limnology, the limnologist’s area of specialization usually determines her specific occupational title. Some days you would be in an office analyzing data, in a computer lab running simulations on another, and on a rowboat taking samples of water or plant life on yet others.
Some familiar titles for limnologists are hydrologists, chemists, wildlife biologists, even college biology professors.
Whatever your specialty in science, studying freshwater systems gives introverts the best of working both indoors and outdoors in relative solitude.
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3. Polysomnographic Technologists
Average $1,961 bi-weekly, according to Payscale.com
That is about $51,000 annually depending on whether or not you are a registered technologist.
They work mostly at night observing and recording sleep study data of patients, and afterward assist in studying and translating the results to be reported to the physician.
Minimal interaction with the public is a plus here.
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4. Long Haul Truck Drivers
Earn $27,040 – $62,400.
You can get started with only a high school education or GED.
Working as a team substantially kicks up earnings, and your partner would be sleeping while you drive, so you still get good doses of solitude.
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5. Translators
Earn $30,160 – $87,464 translating documents from one language to another alone.
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6. Astronomers
Earn $24,000 – $143,000. Excellent math skills and a PhD could land you a job looking into a telescope and recording findings in a journal alone, but you may have to present your findings to an audience someday.
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7. Content Writing
Earns $34,500 – $75,000 for your writing, editing and research skills. Do this from home independently or telecommute for a company.
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8. Computer Programmers
Earn $38,700 – $97,000. Teach yourself a programming language or get a degree to learn coding and testing programs. Higher paying salaries may require a certification or two but not always if you are good at it.
Some people have taught themselves programming languages like Visual Basic or C+ in less than a few weeks, a plus if you have the aptitude and self discipline to stick with it but really don’t want to take courses.
Easily climb into six figures with mastery, certifications and expertise in private sector positions clamoring for knowledgeable, ethical introverts like us.
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9. Radiologists
Earn $45,600 – $79,700. Most radiologists interpret scans conducted by technicians without directly interacting with patients or physicians.
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10. Zoologists
Earn $33,000 – $104,000. Care for animals in settings like sanctuaries, or conduct research for drug development and environmental concerns.
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11. Elevator Mechanics
Earn $34,600 – $75,000. Spend lots of alone time installing and repairing elevators.
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12. Mathematicians
Earn $ $45,000 – $155,000. Calculate in seclusion if you have an advanced degree.
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13. Geoscientists
Earn $44,000 – $132,000. Work outdoors and pay attention to collecting information about mother nature instead of people.
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14. Actuaries
Earn $46,840 – $140,520. Crunch data to evaluate risk management mainly in the financial sector, but could work in areas of science to mitigate losses to natural events.
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15. Commercial Pilots
Earn $57,000 – $170,000. After rigorous training, you only have to interact with a select few from day to day but get to travel with perks.
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16. Ship Engineers
Earn $76,500 – $118,800. Other than liaison between the ship’s captain and shore personnel, you will be on your own.
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17. Economists
Earn $46,000 – $138,000. Study data and statistics, develop theories and deliver specialist advice in small scale meetings.
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18. Technical Writers
Earn $30,000 – $87,000. Work in an office or from home translating complex technical information into layman’s terms.
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19. Network and Computer System Administrators, Operations Research Analysts, Computer Systems Analysts, and Software Developers and Systems Software Professionals
These techies earn median salaries of $75,000 – $91,000 excluding benefits.
Working mostly indoors with computer systems the smart grid uses, there is some team interaction and consulting but mainly independent tasks.
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20. Electrical and Electronics Installation, Maintenance and Repair Occupations and Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
Earn a median range of $65,700 – $70,000 excluding benefits.
Introverts who enjoy a more mobile work environment with hands-on tasks may find their niches installing, maintaining and repairing powerhouse, substation and relay and telecommunications equipment.
Minimizing office socializing can mean sacrificing professional networking that is essential in advancing a career or moving up within a company. So, striking a balance is an important financial consideration if we want to be in the loops of communications about opportunity.
It’s not about sucking up. Networking is about keeping ourselves in someone’s mind when they hear of an opportunity they know we would love.
Introverts who learn to play up their strengths and strengthen their weaknesses, or at least the way they look at them, can look forward to rewarding careers with excellent pay and benefits.
High profile introverts like Bill Gates and Hillary Clinton defy stereotypes of what some consider tell-tale signs of introverts.
For the self-actualizing introvert, acquiring the skill sets needed for the job we want is never out of range as long as we honor looking inward for motivation to move forward.
The average salary for a radiologist (diagnostic, sitting in a room interpreting sheets) is nearly 400,000 a year – higher than most surgeons. Pathology is also an introvert friendly job (unlike radiologists, pathologists look at microscopes instead of computers and have even less patient contact, although average salary is a bit less).
I think you caught their mistake in that they probably meant Radiologic Technician.
Hi, Daniel
Very good article. It seems that when I was younger I was more extroverted. I have no idea how I have changed over the years. Upon reading about introverts I now realize that I fit that category. Often times I wish that I wasn’t because it really does affect my ability to work in jobs that require public communication. I really do enjoy working independently. I’ve had a few jobs that allowed me to do that. I would love to break out of this shell and I know most will say that it’s okay to be how I am. I’m definitely a thinker. Thanks for the article.
I found this information of comfort. After a recent, hideous conflict at work of which was partly my fault, I am looking for ways to learn in a positive way how to live a more harmonious life! I am definitely an introvert, But also love connecting with people and being social, for short amounts of time. Thanks for the clarity.
This is a good list that gives me hope! So many careers in our society cater to extroverts. I’m a total introvert- friendly, not at all shy, but I love the quiet, am highly independent and don’t enjoy talking very much. I’ve ended up in a career as an Event Manager for corporate conferences. I thought it would be perfect for me because I get to organize information, conduct research, and run the events on site behind the scenes, but it actually requires MANY daily phone calls and cold calls, client meetings, open office floor plans with co workers, and micromanagement and/or cliques at pretty much every company I’ve worked for. At most of these companies, the way to fit in to corporate culture and even get promoted is to go to happy hours often after work, become close friends with the right people, and go to other after work functions with co-workers (as if I haven’t been socializing enough all day!). My idea of HELL! lol. I just tolerate this field because I have the skills now and because it pays so well. I need ideas for a career change and this helped.
Any jobs for a lonely introvert englishman?
If only I knew.
This as nice to read after an over stimulating 1st half of the work day. I know I am in the wrong career but look forward to continuing research. Thanks to this article, it seems like technical writer may be an option. Thank you!
Wondering of best jobs for introverts in urban/city planning field?
For your information, introvert’s the opposite of extrovert. As an introvert myself, I reject extroversion due to my dislike for socializing and adventure. In fact,I love being alone a lot. Therefore, I prefer have a high-paying job in which I can get paid a lot of money from no interaction and use that wealth for myself only.
why not add horoscope or star signs 2 have a more and better u/standing of personalities? cancerian 28/6/1979(premature) mujtaba soomro. (that is, both intro and extro)
These numbers (even on the upper part of the range) seem more mid-level than “high paying”.
Translation is becoming obsolete. There is still demand for oral interpretation, but that’s not an introverted job. But with developments in technology, translation/transcription jobs are highly competitive. If you really want to work with languages and have an introverted job, study programming. There’s a lot of work for linguists in developing artificial intelligence.
These are great ideas and give way more options than the other similar articles I’ve read. Thank you.
I’m sorry but being a translator is tough. I am not sure where you got that salary from. It is not easy to make that money ‘from translating documents alone’. I wish. All the introverts who can’t be in an office flood to the translator jobs, particularly freelance. I will keep searching….
Good luck to all my fellow introverts here.
Is your girlfriend an ENFP?
In other words, unless you are a radiologist, there are no high-paying introverted positions. You have to deal with people if you want to make a lot of money. Frustrating. Good luck to everyone reading this article.