25 careers
Good Jobs for Introverts
Introverts often do their best work with focus time and fewer interruptions. These careers involve more independent, task-focused work, though every job requires some teamwork and communication.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physicist | $172,250 | +7.2% | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 2 | Software Developer | $135,980 | +10.2% | 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Cybersecurity Analyst | $129,180 | +21.0% | 1–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Astronomer | $128,820 | +7.8% | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 5 | Mathematician | $126,710 | +0.6% | 2–6 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 6 | Economist | $124,720 | +4.7% | 2–6 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 7 | Economics Professor | $123,920 | +2.4% | 5–6 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 8 | Commercial Pilot | $123,220 | +5.2% | 1–2 years of flight training | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 9 | Data Scientist | $120,230 | +34.6% | 4–6 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 10 | Engineering Professor | $109,270 | +7.8% | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 11 | Sociologist | $106,030 | +3.8% | 2–6 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 12 | Database Administrator | $104,620 | -0.1% | 4 years plus experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 13 | Software QA Tester | $104,300 | +5.7% | 6 months–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 14 | Earth Sciences Professor | $103,170 | +2.4% | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 15 | Financial Analyst | $102,740 | +7.2% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 16 | Geographer | $102,040 | -2.1% | 4-year degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 17 | Animator | $102,030 | -0.3% | 4 years plus reel | Bachelor's degree |
| 18 | Geoscientist | $101,920 | +5.1% | 4-year degree plus field camp | Bachelor's degree |
| 19 | Network Administrator | $99,130 | -4.1% | 1–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 20 | Computer Science Professor | $96,980 | +4.9% | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 21 | Web Developer | $92,650 | +3.8% | 6 months to 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 22 | Railroad Signal Technician | $92,460 | +1.8% | Railroad training plus months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 23 | Budget Analyst | $91,640 | +1.9% | Entry-level with a degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 24 | Technical Writer | $90,390 | +0.8% | 4 years or technical background plus writing training | Bachelor's degree |
| 25 | Farm Manager | $89,900 | -3.4% | 5+ years of farm experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
1. Physicist
Physicists study the interactions of matter and energy, conducting research to develop theories and apply them in areas such as electronics, energy, medicine and materials.
- Median pay: $172,250 ($82.81/hr)
- Training: 5–7 years after a bachelor’s: doctoral or professional degree
- Growth: +7.2% (much faster than average), 1,300 openings/yr
Physicist career guide · Physicist training
2. Software Developer
Software developers design, write, test and maintain software applications and systems, from mobile apps and websites to business platforms and embedded software.
- Median pay: $135,980 ($65.38/hr)
- Training: 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +10.2% (much faster than average), 95,300 openings/yr
Software Developer career guide · Software Developer training
3. Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts protect an organization’s networks, systems and data by monitoring for threats, investigating alerts, responding to incidents, finding vulnerabilities and strengthening defenses.
- Median pay: $129,180 ($62.11/hr)
- Training: 1–4 years: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +21.0% (much faster than average), 14,100 openings/yr
Cybersecurity Analyst career guide · Cybersecurity Analyst training
4. Astronomer
Astronomers study planets, stars, galaxies and other celestial bodies, using ground-based and space-based telescopes.
- Median pay: $128,820 ($61.94/hr)
- Training: 5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs: doctoral or professional degree
- Growth: +7.8% (much faster than average), 100 openings/yr
Astronomer career guide · Astronomer training
5. Mathematician
Mathematicians conduct research to develop mathematical principles or solve problems by applying mathematical methods.
- Median pay: $126,710 ($60.92/hr)
- Training: 2–6 years after a bachelor’s: master's degree
- Growth: +0.6% (little or no change), 100 openings/yr
Mathematician career guide · Mathematician training
6. Economist
Economists conduct research, prepare reports and formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy.
- Median pay: $124,720 ($59.96/hr)
- Training: 2–6 years after a bachelor’s: master's degree
- Growth: +4.7% (about as fast as average), 1,100 openings/yr
Economist career guide · Economist training
7. Economics Professor
Economics teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in economics at colleges and universities and often conduct economic research.
- Median pay: $123,920
- Training: 5–6 years after a bachelor’s: doctoral or professional degree
- Growth: +2.4% (slower than average), 1,000 openings/yr
Economics Professor career guide · Economics Professor training
8. Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly aircraft for hire outside the major airlines, including charter, corporate, cargo, aerial tours, crop dusting, medical transport and flight instruction.
- Median pay: $123,220
- Training: 1–2 years of flight training: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +5.2% (faster than average), 5,200 openings/yr
Commercial Pilot career guide · Commercial Pilot training
9. Data Scientist
Data scientists collect, clean and analyze data, build statistical and machine learning models, and communicate findings that help organizations make decisions.
- Median pay: $120,230 ($57.80/hr)
- Training: 4–6 years: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +34.6% (much faster than average), 24,800 openings/yr
Data Scientist career guide · Data Scientist training
10. Engineering Professor
Engineering teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering, and conduct research.
- Median pay: $109,270
- Training: 5–7 years after a bachelor’s: doctoral or professional degree
- Growth: +7.8% (much faster than average), 3,900 openings/yr
Engineering Professor career guide · Engineering Professor training
11. Sociologist
Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions and processes that people develop.
- Median pay: $106,030 ($50.98/hr)
- Training: 2–6 years after a bachelor’s: master's degree
- Growth: +3.8% (about as fast as average), 200 openings/yr
Sociologist career guide · Sociologist training
12. Database Administrator
Database administrators install, configure, secure, back up and tune databases, making sure organizations’ data is available, accurate and protected.
- Median pay: $104,620 ($50.30/hr)
- Training: 4 years plus experience: bachelor's degree
- Growth: -0.1% (little or no change), 3,300 openings/yr
Database Administrator career guide · Database Administrator training
13. Software QA Tester
Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and run tests, find and report defects, and help teams release reliable software.
- Median pay: $104,300 ($50.14/hr)
- Training: 6 months–4 years: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +5.7% (faster than average), 10,700 openings/yr
Software QA Tester career guide · Software QA Tester training
14. Earth Sciences Professor
Atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in geology, oceanography, meteorology and space science, and conduct research.
- Median pay: $103,170
- Training: 5–7 years after a bachelor’s: doctoral or professional degree
- Growth: +2.4% (slower than average), 800 openings/yr
Earth Sciences Professor career guide · Earth Sciences Professor training
15. Financial Analyst
Financial and investment analysts evaluate financial data, build models and forecasts, and recommend decisions about budgets, investments and business strategy.
- Median pay: $102,740 ($49.40/hr)
- Training: 4 years: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +7.2% (much faster than average), 24,700 openings/yr
Financial Analyst career guide · Financial Analyst training
16. Geographer
Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features and inhabitants, often using GIS and remote sensing.
- Median pay: $102,040 ($49.06/hr)
- Training: 4-year degree: bachelor's degree
- Growth: -2.1% (a projected decline), 100 openings/yr
Geographer career guide · Geographer training
17. Animator
Special effects artists and animators create animation and visual effects for films, television, video games, advertising and other media.
- Median pay: $102,030 ($49.06/hr)
- Training: 4 years plus reel: bachelor's degree
- Growth: -0.3% (little or no change), 4,200 openings/yr
Animator career guide · Animator training
18. Geoscientist
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure and processes, to learn about its past, present and future.
- Median pay: $101,920 ($49.00/hr)
- Training: 4-year degree plus field camp: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +5.1% (faster than average), 1,800 openings/yr
Geoscientist career guide · Geoscientist training
19. Network Administrator
Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, maintain and secure an organization’s networks, servers and cloud systems: keeping users connected and data protected.
- Median pay: $99,130 ($47.66/hr)
- Training: 1–4 years: bachelor's degree
- Growth: -4.1% (a projected decline), 13,400 openings/yr
Network Administrator career guide · Network Administrator training
20. Computer Science Professor
Computer science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in computer science, programming and related fields, and many conduct research.
- Median pay: $96,980
- Training: 5–7 years after a bachelor’s: doctoral or professional degree
- Growth: +4.9% (about as fast as average), 3,200 openings/yr
Computer Science Professor career guide · Computer Science Professor training
21. Web Developer
Web developers design, build and maintain websites and web applications: writing code in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, connecting to databases and APIs, and making sites fast, secure and accessible.
- Median pay: $92,650 ($44.54/hr)
- Training: 6 months to 4 years: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +3.8% (about as fast as average), 5,300 openings/yr
Web Developer career guide · Web Developer training
22. Railroad Signal Technician
Signal and track switch repairers install, inspect, test, maintain or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches and related equipment.
- Median pay: $92,460 ($44.45/hr)
- Training: Railroad training plus months on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +1.8% (slower than average), 800 openings/yr
Railroad Signal Technician career guide · Railroad Signal Technician training
23. Budget Analyst
Budget analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances, prepare budget reports and monitor spending.
- Median pay: $91,640 ($44.06/hr)
- Training: Entry-level with a degree: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +1.9% (slower than average), 2,900 openings/yr
Budget Analyst career guide · Budget Analyst training
24. Technical Writer
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, help content, API documentation and other materials that explain complex information clearly.
- Median pay: $90,390 ($43.46/hr)
- Training: 4 years or technical background plus writing training: bachelor's degree
- Growth: +0.8% (little or no change), 3,200 openings/yr
Technical Writer career guide · Technical Writer training
25. Farm Manager
Farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock and dairy, managing operations, workers, finances and marketing.
- Median pay: $89,900 ($43.22/hr)
- Training: 5+ years of farm experience: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -3.4% (a projected decline), 70,800 openings/yr
Farm Manager career guide · Farm Manager training
Methodology
Rankings use national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35)) for the 709 careers profiled on Career Education Institute. Lists are not exhaustive of all U.S. occupations. Data checked October 15, 2026.
About this list
What is #1 on the list of jobs for introverts?
Physicist, with a median wage of $172,250 per year and about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training.
How was this list made?
We ranked careers from our 709 profiles using BLS May 2025 wage data and 2025–35 employment projections, applying the criteria described on this page.