Does your idea of a perfect Saturday night involve staying at home to read a good book or watch your favorite show? Are you secretly thrilled when someone cancels their plans with you? Do you need some alone time to recharge after a social occasion?
Then you may be an introvert. That doesn't mean you're antisocial; it simply means you need your space. And while it's impossible to place the entire human race into one of two general buckets — "introvert" and "extrovert" — some people are simply more introverted than others.
This can be an important factor when seeking out your workplace niche. So what kinds of suitable careers for an introvert might there be? Obviously, working as a wedding planner, PR coordinator or other job that requires you to be "on" all day is likely to be exhausting and unpleasant. Instead, check out these quiet jobs for introverts that can give you plenty of opportunity to recharge throughout the day.
7 Great Jobs for Introverts
1. Web Developer
Web developers are the architects of cyberspace. They design websites and web content with a mind for performance, usability and visual appeal — a task that requires both technical and creative savvy. These professionals must interact with clients, superiors and coworkers to establish a starting point for their projects, but can then spend the majority of their time engaged in coding and design. If you're a techie, then this might be one of the introvert jobs for you.
How to become a web developer: An associate degree in web design or a related field is sufficient for most jobs, although some employers prefer to hire those with a bachelor's degree. Web developers must typically be acquainted with a number of different coding languages and applications, like HTML, JavaScript, SQL and Flash.
Web developer salary information:
- 148,340 workers nationwide (2019)
- $73,760 median annual wage (2019)
- 13% projected job growth (2018-28)
2. Graphic Designer
If art is one of your preferred ways to wind down after a long day, you may want to consider a career as a graphic designer. These artists create computer-generated or hand-drawn designs of products, logos, interfaces and more to be used in everything from marketing materials to corporate reports. While graphic designers may be part of a professional team, it is also very possible for them to work independently, or even to collaborate only with one or two particularly close friends or coworkers. If you're a creative and quiet person, then this may be one of the introvert jobs to consider.
How to become a graphic designer: You'll probably need an associate or bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. A professional portfolio demonstrating your work is also important in order to interest prospective employers.
Graphic designer salary information:
- 215,930 workers nationwide (2019)
- $52,110 median annual wage (2019)
- 3% projected job growth (2018-28)
3. Court Reporter
Court reporters have a job in which they are literally expected to sit quietly in the background while other people talk to each other. These professionals attend depositions, trials and other legal proceedings to transcribe everything that is said. Occasionally they may be called upon to read back a part of the transcript, but for the most part, this may be one of the great careers for introverts.
How to become a court reporter: You need to have excellent typing skills> Having a certificate or associate degree in court reporting wouldn't hurt either.
Court reporter salary information:
- 14,530 workers nationwide (2019)
- $60,130 median annual wage (2019)
- 7% projected job growth (2018-28)
4. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical laboratory techs perform routine medical laboratory tests, usually in general or surgical hospital facilities. They analyze fluids and other specimens, help operate sophisticated lab equipment, and log results into patients' medical records. Some lab techs work under the direction of laboratory managers and alongside other lab professionals, but others spend a great deal of time working alone. This could definitely be a good job for an introvert.
How to become a clinical lab tech: Technicians and technologists typically need an associate or bachelor's degree in order to start work. Some states require they be licensed as well.
Clinical laboratory technician salary information:
- 331.700 workers nationwide (2019)
- $53,120 median annual wage (2019)
- 12% projected job growth (2018-28)
5. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Lawyers may take the spotlight arguing cases in the courtroom, but it is often the hard work of paralegals and legal assistants that helps get them there. These professionals support attorneys in a variety of areas, from organizing files and drafting documents to conducting key legal research. They can work for firms, corporate legal departments and even the government, but spend a good deal of time researching and documenting cases alone.
How to become a paralegal or legal assistant: Most paralegals and legal assistants have associate degrees in paralegal studies, although bachelor's degrees and certificates in the field are also available. As legal and court documents are increasingly digitized, legal assistants must know their way around a computer as well as a legal library.
Paralegal and legal assistant salary information:
- 325,700 workers nationwide (2019)
- $51,740 median annual wage (2019)
- 12% projected job growth (2018-2028)
6. Writer
A lot of you were probably wondering when you'd get to this career on this list. Writers have a reputation for being sensitive and socially withdrawn, and the image of the solitary author penning the next great national novel in a lonely garret is a common one. This is not the only way to become a successful writer, however. Writers can produce many different types of content, and for a variety of different media. That includes technical documents, books, articles and even web copy.
How to become a writer: Technical writers may need a bachelor's degree, but many other writers and authors are self-taught.
Technical writer salary information:
- 55,700 workers nationwide (2019)
- $72,850 median annual wage (2019)
- 8% projected job growth (2018-28)
7. Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Sometimes referred to as medical billing and coding specialists, this is one of the quiet healthcare jobs that doesn't involve direct patient care (or even patient interaction). These professionals review patient records to document tests and procedures using special coding systems for documentation and billing purposes. Some report to offices and work on a team of healthcare support professionals, but others work from home. Either way, because medical billers and coders spend more time with computers and paperwork than people, this can be one of the good careers for quiet people.
How to become a medical biller and coder: You'll need a certificate in health information technology or medical coding. Associate degree programs are also offered at many schools.
Medical records and health information technician salary information:
- 215,500 workers nationwide (2019)
- $40,350 median annual wage (2019)
- 11% projected job growth (2018-28)