---
title: "Jobs Where You Work Alone (2026): 30 Ranked"
description: "30 well-paid jobs with the least contact with other people, ranked on O*NET data. Software Developer leads at $135,980 (BLS OEWS May 2025)."
canonical: "https://nuecareer.com/careers/jobs-where-you-work-alone"
last-updated: "2026-10-15T08:19:32.066Z"
---

# Jobs Where You Work Alone Most of the Day (2026)

This ranks jobs by how little of the day involves other people, as reported by the workers who do them. The occupation with the least contact on the three measures below is Software Developer, at $135,980 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) with +10.2% projected employment change over 2025–2035. Below are 30 occupations with the exact O\*NET and BLS figures behind each one.

**Read this first.** No job in the bank involves nobody at all; every one has colleagues, a manager or clients somewhere. What differs a great deal is how much of the day is spent with them, and that is what this page measures.

## How this list was built

- Three O\*NET Work Context ratings (1–5) measure how much of a job involves other people: "Contact With Others" (how much the job requires talking to or working alongside people, in person or remotely) counts for 40%, "Face-to-Face Discussions" for 30% and "Deal With External Customers or the Public" for 30%. Each is reversed so that less contact scores higher.
- Two filters run before any scoring. The list is limited to the roughly 270 flagship occupations that carry a full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile and at least 50,000 US workers, so every row is a job that exists in volume and has a full profile page here. Each one must also report a BLS median at or above $50,980, the median for all US occupations (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That second rule is an editorial choice, not a data one: a work-environment score on its own fills the top of any list with the lowest-paid work in the economy, which is not an honest answer to anyone asking what to do next.

Our list of careers for introverts is close to this one but also uses O\*NET's public-speaking rating, which this page-level ranking cannot reach. Use both: this one is the purer measure of time spent alone. Full method: https://nuecareer.com/careers/methodology

## The 30 jobs with the least contact with other people

| # | Occupation | Median annual wage | Projected growth | Typical education | Why it is on this list |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Software Developer](https://nuecareer.com/careers/software-developer) | $135,980 | +10.2% | Bachelor's | 49/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.9, face-to-face discussions 3.0, dealing with the public 1.9. |
| 2 | [Data Scientist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/data-scientist) | $120,230 | +34.6% | Bachelor's | 47/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.1, face-to-face discussions 4.2, dealing with the public 2.1. |
| 3 | [Business Intelligence Analyst](https://nuecareer.com/careers/business-intelligence-analyst) | $120,230 | +34.6% | Bachelor's | 45/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.3, face-to-face discussions 4.2, dealing with the public 2.0. |
| 4 | [Cytogenetic Technologist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/cytogenetic-technologist) | $62,930 | +2.7% | Bachelor's | 44/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.5, face-to-face discussions 4.8, dealing with the public 1.4. |
| 5 | [Search Marketing Strategist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/search-marketing-strategist) | $78,760 | +7.0% | Bachelor's | 44/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.6, face-to-face discussions 4.0, dealing with the public 2.1. |
| 6 | [Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/market-research-analyst-and-marketing-specialist) | $78,760 | +7.0% | Bachelor's | 41/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.6, face-to-face discussions 3.5, dealing with the public 2.9. |
| 7 | [Actuary](https://nuecareer.com/careers/actuary) | $130,000 | +9.2% | Bachelor's | 40/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.6, face-to-face discussions 4.5, dealing with the public 2.0. |
| 8 | [Welder](https://nuecareer.com/careers/welder) | $53,750 | +2.4% | High school | 40/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.8, face-to-face discussions 4.3, dealing with the public 2.0. |
| 9 | [Automotive Body and Related Repairer](https://nuecareer.com/careers/automotive-body-and-related-repairer) | $54,890 | +3.7% | High school | 39/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.6, face-to-face discussions 4.4, dealing with the public 2.3. |
| 10 | [Cytotechnologist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/cytotechnologist) | $62,930 | +2.7% | Bachelor's | 39/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.4, face-to-face discussions 4.6, dealing with the public 2.4. |
| 11 | [Histology Technician](https://nuecareer.com/careers/histology-technician) | $62,930 | +2.7% | Bachelor's | 36/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.9, face-to-face discussions 4.5, dealing with the public 2.2. |
| 12 | [Histotechnologist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/histotechnologist) | $62,930 | +2.7% | Bachelor's | 36/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.8, face-to-face discussions 4.4, dealing with the public 2.4. |
| 13 | [Industrial Machinery Mechanic](https://nuecareer.com/careers/industrial-machinery-mechanic) | $64,520 | +17.8% | High school | 36/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.2, face-to-face discussions 4.6, dealing with the public 1.7. |
| 14 | [Sheet Metal Worker](https://nuecareer.com/careers/sheet-metal-worker) | $61,800 | +2.5% | High school | 35/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.7, face-to-face discussions 4.1, dealing with the public 3.0. |
| 15 | [Cost Estimator](https://nuecareer.com/careers/cost-estimator) | $78,740 | -3.1% | Bachelor's | 34/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.7, face-to-face discussions 4.5, dealing with the public 2.8. |
| 16 | [Machinist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/machinist) | $58,750 | +1.0% | High school | 34/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.8, face-to-face discussions 4.5, dealing with the public 2.6. |
| 17 | [QA Analyst](https://nuecareer.com/careers/qa-analyst) | $104,300 | +5.7% | Bachelor's | 34/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.0, face-to-face discussions 4.7, dealing with the public 2.1. |
| 18 | [Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher](https://nuecareer.com/careers/cement-mason-and-concrete-finisher) | $57,020 | +1.6% | No formal credential | 33/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.0, face-to-face discussions 4.3, dealing with the public 2.7. |
| 19 | [Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk](https://nuecareer.com/careers/payroll-and-timekeeping-clerk) | $58,260 | -15.9% | High school | 33/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.8, face-to-face discussions 4.8, dealing with the public 2.3. |
| 20 | [Fuel Cell Engineer](https://nuecareer.com/careers/fuel-cell-engineer) | $104,110 | +11.2% | Bachelor's | 32/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.9, face-to-face discussions 4.6, dealing with the public 2.5. |
| 21 | [Clinical Data Manager](https://nuecareer.com/careers/clinical-data-manager) | $120,230 | +34.6% | Bachelor's | 31/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.3, face-to-face discussions 4.1, dealing with the public 2.8. |
| 22 | [Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician](https://nuecareer.com/careers/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technician) | $62,930 | +2.7% | Bachelor's | 31/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.0, face-to-face discussions 4.1, dealing with the public 3.0. |
| 23 | [Network and Computer Systems Administrator](https://nuecareer.com/careers/network-and-computer-systems-administrator) | $99,130 | -4.1% | Bachelor's | 31/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.2, face-to-face discussions 4.3, dealing with the public 2.6. |
| 24 | [Regulatory Affairs Specialist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/regulatory-affairs-specialist) | $80,730 | +3.8% | Bachelor's | 31/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.3, face-to-face discussions 4.2, dealing with the public 2.6. |
| 25 | [Computer User Support Specialist](https://nuecareer.com/careers/computer-user-support-specialist) | $61,860 | -3.5% | Some college | 30/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.4, face-to-face discussions 4.8, dealing with the public 2.0. |
| 26 | [Police Identification and Records Officer](https://nuecareer.com/careers/police-identification-and-records-officer) | $93,790 | +0.2% | High school | 30/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.7, face-to-face discussions 4.4, dealing with the public 3.5. |
| 27 | [Accountant](https://nuecareer.com/careers/accountant) | $83,680 | +5.0% | Bachelor's | 29/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.7, face-to-face discussions 4.5, dealing with the public 3.4. |
| 28 | [Automotive Engineer](https://nuecareer.com/careers/automotive-engineer) | $104,110 | +11.2% | Bachelor's | 28/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 3.9, face-to-face discussions 4.7, dealing with the public 3.1. |
| 29 | [Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Manager](https://nuecareer.com/careers/biofuels-biodiesel-technology-and-product-development-manager) | $171,270 | +5.5% | Bachelor's | 28/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.1, face-to-face discussions 4.8, dealing with the public 2.7. |
| 30 | [Computer Network Architect](https://nuecareer.com/careers/computer-network-architect) | $134,050 | +7.7% | Bachelor's | 28/100 environment fit — O\*NET Work Context (1–5): contact with others 4.2, face-to-face discussions 4.5, dealing with the public 2.9. |

## Jobs where you work alone: FAQ

**What jobs let you work alone?**

Among well-paid occupations, the one with the least contact with other people on O\*NET's ratings is Software Developer, at $135,980 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Technical, analytical and laboratory work fills most of the list, along with some skilled trades done solo.

**Are there jobs with no human interaction at all?**

Not among the large occupations in this bank. Even the lowest-contact roles involve colleagues, briefings or clients from time to time. The realistic goal is a job where most of the day is your own, and that is what the top of this list offers.

**How was this list built?**

Three O\*NET Work Context ratings (1–5) measure how much of a job involves other people: "Contact With Others" (how much the job requires talking to or working alongside people, in person or remotely) counts for 40%, "Face-to-Face Discussions" for 30% and "Deal With External Customers or the Public" for 30%. Each is reversed so that less contact scores higher. Two filters run before any scoring. The list is limited to the roughly 270 flagship occupations that carry a full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile and at least 50,000 US workers, so every row is a job that exists in volume and has a full profile page here. Each one must also report a BLS median at or above $50,980, the median for all US occupations (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That second rule is an editorial choice, not a data one: a work-environment score on its own fills the top of any list with the lowest-paid work in the economy, which is not an honest answer to anyone asking what to do next. Full method: /careers/methodology.

**What do these careers pay?**

The middle career on this list pays $78,760 a year, against $50,980 for all US occupations (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The range runs from $53,750 to $171,270.

Full record for any row, including wage percentiles and state-level pay: https://nuecareer.com/careers/{slug} or https://nuecareer.com/api/v1/careers/{slug}.

---

This bank includes information from the O\*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). O\*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. NueCareer has transformed the data by joining it to BLS wage and projection data and deriving facet, personality-fit and AI-resilience scores. BLS and BEA data are public domain (17 U.S.C. §105).

O\*NET content is used under [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). How these figures are sourced and derived: https://nuecareer.com/careers/methodology