Picture this. You’ve just entered the office, wincing at the harsh lights and noisy chatter all around. But you already have a game plan; hit the pantry, indulge in a morning cuppa, and hopefully, no one would talk to you through a mouthful of breakfast bagel.
The plan works. You successfully make your way to the kitchen like a ninja, carefully pouring out your coffee before slipping back to your desk. All it took was a couple of good morning nods along the way.
After all, workplace interaction is important. But how does one find the best careers for introverts when the world seems to favour their counterparts, the extroverts, so much more, you wonder as you set your coffee cup down.
Your brief sigh of relief is cut short however – there’s a all-hands meeting scheduled in your calendar. The thought of speaking in front of all the others makes you groan silently – here’s to hoping you won’t have to contribute much today, and that no one would ask any weird questins.
Sound familiar? You could be having a bad morning… or you’re most likely just an introvert.
But fear not – you’re not alone.
According to a report from Myers-Briggs Company, over 57% of the general population of the US identified as introverts.
In 2023, a report revealed that Gen-Z has a higher percentage of introverts compared to other generations. Between them growing up with smartphones and social media (which may have created social anxiety due to the increased social comparisons) and COVID-19 slashing opportunities to properly socialise for close to two years, the results of the report aren’t too surprising.
Fret not — there’s a way to make full use of your unique strengths.
You might not expect it, but one of the best careers for introverts includes leading an entire country to independence, as Mahatma Gandhi did. Source: AFP.
What is an introvert?
The stereotype is that introverts dislike talking to others and prefer to keep to themselves. Many may automatically that introverts are wholly withdrawn, shy, and antisocial. That’s not entirely true.
Introverts typically get their energy from solitude rather than socialising, which doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy social interactions. They still have close friends and can enjoy social occasions like parties, and build meaningful social connections with those around them. They just require more alone time to recharge their social battery.
The concepts of introversion and extroversion were first introduced and popularised by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in the early 20th century. In his work, “Psychological Types,” Jung introduced the idea that individuals have different personality types, with introversion and extroversion being two of the most fundamental dimensions.
He defined introverts as individuals who focus their energy and attention inwardly, often finding solace and rejuvenation in solitude. While extroverts were described as individuals who direct their energy outward, seeking social interaction and external stimulation to recharge.
At the end of the day, introverts are found everywhere, in every career imaginable.
From the billionaire founder of an internationally used software or platform (like Microsoft or Facebook) to Academy Award-winning actors or actresses (Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy has been adopted by introverts everywhere for his introversion tendencies), you might even mistake them for extroverts too.
Introverts vs extroverts at the workplace: Who’s more in demand?
There is a common misconception that extroverts will thrive in their careers compared to their introverted counterparts. After all, many people assume extroverts are charismatic, boisterous, and assertive — the kind who fit the requirement for “dynamic, outgoing candidates with exceptional communication skills” in LinkedIn job posts.
Statistics don’t lie either. Extroverts are 25% likelier to land a higher-earning job like consulting and investment banking. Introverted jobseekers may face a disadvantage, especially when 78% of employers make hiring decisions based on a job seeker’s social media presence.
However, like extroverts, introverts can adapt to different environments and workplaces. They can even thrive in “extroverted careers”, including the #1 coveted job today: being CEO. There are even several degrees that pave the way for them to achieve this.
Soft skills associated with introverts— such as a combination of analytical thinking, problem-solving, observing human behaviour and the ability to work well independently —are qualities commonly seen in leadership roles and are increasingly valued by employers in many high-paying fields.
Think about it. Introverts are excellent at “reading” people and understanding them better. This results from them spending a lot of their time observing people rather than interacting with them. Understanding and embracing this unique skillset can empower introverts to thrive as professionals and allow them to contribute, lead, and succeed.
With this skill set, you can progress to the highest levels of a company as bosses are always in need of someone who can read their employees well, possibly giving way to a C-suite position with a six-figure salary.
But if you’re looking for a more relaxed career path with just as much financial rewards, the following list of best careers for introverts has a good balance of jobs for a diverse range of needs.
Sometimes it’s great to work with things that don’t speak. Source: AFP
5 best careers for introverts to earn and live well in 2025
Radiologist
As a radiologist, you’ll use machines like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to help find and treat injuries and diseases within the human body. And with our rapidly ageing population, this field is in dire need of those who possess the knowledge to do so.
Most of your work involves carefully studying these images on your own. At the most, you’ll have to report your findings to doctors or patients, but most of your time will be dedicated to quiet, focused work, making it one of the best careers for introverts.
The best part? The generous median annual salary of up to $353,960.
Where should you study?
You’ll typically need a medicine or healthcare-related degree, with specialisations in radiology.
Here are some of the best schools to pursue this field:
- Harvard University
- Radboud University Nijmegen
- University College London
- Johns Hopkins University
- Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg
Working with computers and data is one of the best careers for introverts as it revolves around spending many days sitting and doing research. Source: AFP.
Computer and information research scientist
In an increasingly data-driven world, any expertise or knowledge with computers is well-valued. And so is the median annual salary of $157,160 that comes along with the role.
If you’re passionate about pushing the limits of what computers can do, becoming a computer and information research scientist is an excellent career choice. You’ll help advance technology across different industries and play indispensable roles in designing and constructing the data infrastructure.
The role involves lots of problem-solving and independent research, which makes it ideal for introverts who like focused work and complex challenges.
Where should you study?
To work in this industry, you need a degree in computer science, computer engineering, data science or a related field.
Here are some of the best schools to study in this field:
- Purdue University
- Stanford University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Melbourne
- University of Oxford
Software Developer
In the same lieu as the previous role, software developers are high in demand.
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projected a 17% increase in job openings from 2023-2033, with 2023 numbers at almost 1.9 million. The pay is high too, with median annual salaries at US$$132,270.
Software developers use programming skills to create new software and improve existing software applications. They are often given a task in which they’ll then need to build the code for the software requirements, like an operating system or even a mobile app.
Their tasks involve assessing and improving software systems, performing maintenance to those systems, creating code for new software and updates, and more.
Where should you study?
To become a software developer, you need a degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field
Here are some of the best schools to consider:
- University of Texas at Austin
- Imperial College London
- Delft University of Technology
- University of Toronto
- Tsinghua University
Actuary
Anyone who knows numbers wants to reduce their financial uncertainties and minimise risks, so that’s where actuaries come in.
The role often involves assessing and managing the risks of an individual, group, or company’s financial investments, insurance policies, and other risky ventures. It’s one of the best careers for introverts because you’ll spend most of your time building financial models, analysing risk, and working within spreadsheets.
However, introverts should be aware that some parts of the job call for socialisation, mainly around communicating your findings to your own team or to outside parties, like auditors and clients.
Still, the job pays well, with an annual median salary of US$132,500.
Where should you study?
To land a job as an actuary, you need a degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, or business.
Here are some schools with actuarial science programmes to consider:
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Toronto
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- Ohio State University
Just you, your machines, your research, and blissful silence. Source: AFP
Biochemist or biophysicist
Life science is a great field for introverts. You’ll work with chemicals and physical processes that make living things work – and these living things? They don’t speak, either.
It’s one of the best careers for introverts as it lets you do a lot of research on your own, but also allows you to work with others when needed. You’ll usually work in labs, offices, or other research facilities alongside like-minded people, running your own research and exploring scientific interests.
Of course, it comes with a great salary too. Earn up to a median annual salary of US$120,310.
Where should you study?
You’ll need a strong background in one of these fields – anatomy, physiology and pathology, which all share a core mission of analysing the science of life. On top of that, you’ll have to produce your own research.
Do all those and more at one of these universities:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Tsinghua University
- University of California Berkeley
- University of Cambridge
- University of Copenhagen
Disclaimer: This article was updated on January 3, 2025.
