Some may think that introverted individuals are easily overlooked in the workplace. Despite their outstanding potential, they often miss opportunities due to their quiet and reserved nature. However, the fact is that it is precisely because of their introverted traits that some jobs favor them.
Best-selling author and TED’s most popular speaker, Susan Cain, told CNBC Make It that introverted individuals tend to approach risks more cautiously, possess great creativity, problem-solving skills, enjoy solitude, and introspection. Some jobs are particularly suitable for introverted personalities.
Job site Resume Genius has compiled a list of professions best suited for introverted individuals based on the criteria of “high autonomy, low social interaction,” and ranked them by salary. Here are the top five highest-paying jobs with their median salaries from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics by industry:
1. Radiologist
Salary: $239,200
Industry: Healthcare
2. Natural Sciences Manager
Salary: $157,740
Industry: Research
3. Physicist and Astronomer
Salary: $149,530
Industry: Science
4. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Salary: $145,080
Industry: Technology
5. Computer Hardware Engineer
Salary: $138,080
Industry: Technology
Resume Genius expert Nathan Soto stated that these professions are suitable for those who value independent work, especially in the technology field, where most of the time is spent in front of a computer, requiring minimal face-to-face communication even in team collaborations.
Soto mentioned that even in professions like a radiologist that require on-site work, “most of the time is spent independently analyzing images, with interactions with patients or physicians limited to brief conversations.”
The list also includes many professions that can be done completely remotely, such as the sixth-ranked software developer (median annual salary of $130,000) and the eighth-ranked actuary (annual salary of $120,000). Such roles are undoubtedly suitable for introverted individuals who can endure solitude.
A 2021 YouGov survey showed that over half of Americans consider themselves more introverted. Cain believes that introverts not only have their strengths in the workplace but also possess three critical leadership qualities:
1. Ability to assess risks cautiously.
2. Strong creativity.
3. Excellent problem-solving skills.