Introverted personalities at work can be misunderstood, when not wanting to speak up is deemed as uncaring or quietness seen as too aloof. The hiring process is also geared more towards extroverts, presenting a challenge to introverts before a candidate even gets the role.
Still, some experts consider the trait a superpower — and it is possible to find high-paying jobs for people who prefer to keep to themselves.
Online career platform Resume Genius used U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data to formulate their “High-Paying Jobs for Introverts Report” released this week. The report names 10 high-paying roles perfect for introverts.
“Introverts can be more independent and usually possess highly sought-after soft skills like deep focus and creative problem-solving, which makes them especially suited to the jobs on our list,” said Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius.
The company analyzed jobs that match introverted traits and identified roles good for autonomy, social interaction, salary, and job opportunities. The jobs analyzed had to have a median annual salary of $48,060 and a minimum growth rate of 3%. Data from O*NET Online and Glassdoor was also used to create the report.
Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius said that their research shows that there are many high-paying jobs uniquely suited for introverts, notably in “computer programming and the sciences.”
“Introverts tend to have many highly sought-after strengths, including keen observation, deep analytical thinking, strong written communication, and the ability to approach problems with creativity,” Chan said. “Introverts excel in roles that require working independently and focusing deeply on complex problems.”
Here are the top 10, highest-paying roles for introverts, according to Resume Genius. Read the full report, here.
1. Radiologist
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Median annual salary: $353,960
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Number of jobs (2023): 31,960
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 3%
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Typical educational requirements: Doctor of Medicine degree, radiology residency program
2. Natural sciences manager
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Median annual salary: $169,120
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Number of jobs (2023): 96,520
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
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Typical educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in natural science or related field
3. Computer and information research scientist
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Median annual salary: $157,160
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Number of jobs (2023): 35,210
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 26%
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Typical educational requirements: Master’s degree in computer science or related field
4. Physicist and Astronomer
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Median annual salary: $149,530
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Number of jobs (2023): 23,500
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Estimated job Growth (2023–2033): 7%
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Typical educational requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
5. Computer hardware engineer
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Median annual salary: $147,770
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Number of jobs (2023): 82,660
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 7%
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Typical educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
6. Software developer
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Median annual salary: $138,110
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Number of jobs (2023): 1,656,880
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 17%
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Typical educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or related field
7. Computer network architect
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Median annual salary: $133,930
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Number of jobs (2023): 174,100
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 13%
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Typical educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer-related field
8. Actuary
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Median annual salary: $132,500
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Number of jobs (2023): 25,470
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 22%
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Typical educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
9. Biochemist and Biophysicist
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Median annual salary: $120,310
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Number of jobs (2023): 33,180
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
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Typical Educational Requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
10. Operations research analyst
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Median annual salary: $95,600
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Number of jobs (2023): 117,880
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Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 23%
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Typical educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree
