Are you an introvert? Here are some of the best jobs for you

best jobs for introverts
Piloting is one of the best jobs for introverts -- and it pay well too. Source: Andreas Solaro/AFP

The best jobs for introverts exist. They are perfect for those who thrive on being alone. Many pay well too.

But being alone isn’t the only trait that makes a person an introvert.

If you prefer to write than talk, take time to make decisions, get tired in big crowds, and are comfortable focusing on your thoughts,  you might be an introvert. 

While extroverts feel energised after spending time with their friends, introverts tend to have a limited reserve and can quickly feel drained from these interactions. 

It’s in the quiet moments that introverts are at their best.

“Introverts feel at their most alive and their most switched-on and their most capable when they’re in quieter, more low-key environments” says Susan Cain in her viral TED Talk “The power of introverts.” 

“Not all the time — these things aren’t absolute — but a lot of the time.”

If you think it’ll be harder for introverts to find jobs, that’s not true. The best jobs for introverts not only let us be our best selves but those around us too. 

Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at the average annual salary of the best jobs for introverts, the qualifications you need and why you’ll succeed in them: 

jobs for introvert

Don’t worry if you are quiet or soft-spoken. The best jobs for introverts let you use these to your advantage. Source: Brandon Bell/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

Best jobs for introverted international students

1. Data scientist

Average annual salary: US$100,910

With companies realising how they can use data to make informed decisions, there is more demand for good data scientists. 

Since you’ll spend a lot of sourcing, managing and interpreting data to solve business problems, it’s easy to secure a remote working role.

This means you can work in a quieter environment while enjoying the benefit of working alone or with a team. 

Like most technical occupations, you’ll need formal education and training. Look into getting a degree in data science, as nothing convinces employers more than a good degree.

You’d also need to sharpen your hard data skills by taking an online course or enrolling in a boot camp that will teach you Python, R, SQL, or SAS.

These are popular programming languages, so it’s important to be familiar with them. 

2. Writer

Average annual salary: US$69,510

Do you have a creative mind and passion for writing? If so, then you might already be looking for content writing positions.

It is one of the best jobs for introverts because writing is naturally introspective. Most writers prefer to work in a quiet environment where they can focus.

You might meet with your team occasionally for meetings. Apart from that, most of the work can be completed alone.

While there is no strict educational pathway to becoming a writer, you can consider pursuing a degree in journalism or mass communication.

These programmes will teach you how to write fluently and create impactful content.

When things go wrong in the air, a calm mind can help you to navigate through tough situations. Source: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP

3. Pilot

Average annual salary: US$134,630 per year

Did you know that introverts make great pilots?

One pilot wrote on Reddit: “Yes, I’m introverted. Plenty of alone time to be had as an airline pilot. Sometimes you don’t even have to talk to the guy next to you if you don’t want.” 

As more borders around the world start to reopen, pilots are in high demand.

In fact, Boeing published a “Pilot and Technician Outlook 2022-2041,” which shows a need for 602,000 pilots throughout the globe and 128,000 new pilots in North America. 

Becoming a pilot, though, is a long and complicated process. You must attend flight school, learn about flight theories, join flight training lessons, and many more.

The qualification will vary according to each country.

4. Aerospace Engineers

Average annual salary: US$122,270 per year

Great engineers pay keen attention to detail, which is a key trait you can find in most introverts. 

Those comfortable with learning advanced scientific and mathematical principles will find themselves landing specialised engineering jobs, such as aerospace engineering. 

The best part is that both introverts and extroverts can excel at being an engineer.

After all, introverts can have excellent communication skills (though we may tire more from talking) and take on the same responsibilities as extroverts.

Some of the best universities to study aerospace engineering include the California Institute of TechnologyStanford University, and Georgia Institute of Technology.