Jobs for People Who Hate People

Not a people person? If you’d rather work alone and have minimal contact with other human beings, here are 10 introvert jobs to consider.

By Lily Martis, Monster staff

It's OK, you can say it: You hate people. Especially for an introvert, nothing is worse than when you're trying to focus on your work, and you have to deal with annoying co-workers and bosses who do things like talk obnoxiously loud, get overly emotional, or any other bad workplace habit. But it's not all that easy telling others you're interested in jobs for people who hate people. Don't worry—we hear you loud and clear.

Rejoice! We've found some jobs where you work alone or that require as few interactions with people as possible. These jobs for antisocial people typically involve working with computers, animals, plants, and heavy machinery because, well, they usually don't talk back (unless you count Siri or Alexa—but even AI developers tend to err on the introverted side, too).

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Monster, we found 10 jobs for introverts that typically involve minimal contact with people—as such, these are also great jobs for social anxiety sufferers. Find a quiet space all to yourself and see if one of these introvert jobs will give you the peace and quiet you so desperately crave.

Actuary

What you'd do: Using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory, actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty to help businesses and clients (don't worry, most of the work is done in solitude).
What you'd need: In addition to a bachelor's degree, you'll need to pass a series of exams to get certified. A strong background in mathematics, statistics, and business is a must to become an actuary.
What you'd make: $90,243 per year is the median salary for an actuary

Find all actuary jobs on Monster.

Computer Programmer

What you'd do: Rather than communicate with words to people, you'll communicate in code to computers. Computer programmers write and test code to create computer applications and software programs.
What you'd need: While most computer programmers hold a bachelor's degree, an associate degree is the baseline. Check out this sample resume for a computer programmer.
What you'd make: $81,583 per year is the median salary for a computer programmer

Find all computer programmer jobs on Monster.

Data Analyst

What you'd do: A data analyst can spend hours looking at spreadsheets that would make most people's heads spin, but making sense of numbers is what analysts love about their job. Oh, and not having to deal with people. Just like the job title sounds, data analysts provide insights and identify trends in data.
What you'd need: To start out, a bachelor's degree should be sufficient, but further education can help with job opportunities. Check out this sample resume for a data analyst.
What you'd make: $79,291 per year is the median salary for a data analyst

Find all data analyst jobs on Monster.

Horticulturist

What you'd do: Just because you're seeking jobs for people who hate people doesn't mean you hate all living things. Take, for instance, plants. Plants can be pretty to look at, but what makes them truly beautiful is the silence they provide. Horticulturists know everything there is to know about plants—from the scientific name to the exact amount of water and sunlight needed for survival to ways to improve production and resistance to disease.
What you'd need: Depending on the job, a high school diploma is the minimum, with skills typically gained through work experience. However, most positions require a bachelor's degree, and sometimes advanced degrees, if you want to improve your job prospects.
What you'd make: $68,830 per year

Find all horticulturist jobs on Monster.

Janitor

What you'd do: Janitors are responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of buildings and grounds, washing floors and windows, sweeping walkways, mowing lawns, removing snow. Because most janitors work in the evenings when most people have gone home for the night, you typically won't have to see or deal with people.
What you'd need: No formal education is required to become a janitor. Instead, you'll get your experience on the job. Check out this sample resume for a janitor.
What you'd make: $12.38 per hour is the median salary for a janitor

Find all janitor jobs on Monster.

Software Developer

What you'd do: Software developers build programs that delight people and make their lives easier, but these workers don't actually need to engage with said people while doing their job. Some developers create applications to do different things on computers or other devices, while others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control network systems.
What you'd need: Getting a bachelor's degree in computer science is the typical route to become a software developer. Check out this sample resume for a software developer.
What you'd make: $102,943 per year is the median salary for a software developer

Find all software developer jobs on Monster.

Statistician

What you'd do: Once again, numbers provide solace. These workers use statistical and surveying methods to collect, organize, and analyze data to solve problems.
What you'd need: A bachelor's degree can be sufficient, but to increase your chances of getting a job, you'll at least need a master's degree in statistics, mathematics, or another quantitative field.
What you'd make: $85,169 per year is the median salary for a statistician

Find all statistician jobs on Monster.

Technical Writer

What you'd do: These workers typically write about inanimate objects, which, as you know, don't talk. Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, and journal articles to explain complex and technical information.
What you'd need: While a bachelor's degree is standard, it's more important to have experience with a technical subject like computer science, web design, or engineering to become a technical writer.
What you'd make: $33.68 per hour is the median salary for a technical writer

Find all technical writer jobs on Monster.

Truck Driver

What you'd do: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Driving for hours on end, seeing the country, and listening to the radio—this job can be quite relaxing and offers ample time to be alone with your thoughts and away from the outside world.
What you'd need: In addition to a high school diploma (or GED), you'll need to attend a professional truck driving school and have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Check out this sample resume for a truck driver.
What you'd make: $46,717 per year is the median salary for a tractor trailer truck driver

Find all truck driver jobs on Monster.

Zoologist

What you'd do: If you prefer the company of animals to people, a job as a zoologist, taking care of animals, is perfect for you. You may work in an office, laboratory, or outdoors, studying animals in their natural habitat, or feeding giraffes and caring for cubs in a zoo.
What you'd need: For entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree, typically in zoology or biology, is sufficient, but to advance your career, a master's degree or even a Ph.D. will be necessary.
What you'd make: $66,350 per year

Find all zoologist jobs on Monster.

How to Find Solitude—and Also a Paycheck

Finding jobs for people who hate people—one that suits your personality and workplace requirements—can be a difficult task to undertake alone. Could you use a little help? Start by creating a free profile on Monster. We can connect you to job opportunities that will put a smile on your face. Other people aren't so bad, especially when they're offering you jobs.