Some people just generally prefer to keep their mouths shut.
If you're not a big talker, there's nothing wrong with that. However, it's important that you land in a working environment where you're comfortable.
What jobs will allow you to take care of business without having to talk to people all day long?
To find out, we scoured the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a US Department of Labor database that compiles detailed information on hundreds of jobs.
O*NET ranks how important communication is to the job on a scale between 1 and 100, with a higher number indicating communication is more important.
We averaged the scores of the jobs that don't require extensive communication with supervisors, peers, or subordinates over the phone, in writing, via email or in person with the jobs that don't necessitate much communication with individuals and entities outside of your organization.
Each of these positions has an averaged communication score of 41 or less and has a median annual salary of more than $40,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
4 (tie). Tire builders
Median salary: $41,680
Communication importance level: 41
Tire builders manage machines that create tires.
4 (tie). Wood patternmakers
Median salary: $46,510
Communication importance level: 41
Wood patternmakers plan and construct wooden sectional patterns, in order to form castings.
3. Underground mining loading machine operators
Median salary: $53,420
Communication importance level: 40
Underground mining loading machine operators load materials into mine cars, shuttles, conveyors, or other mining equipment.
2 (tie). Chemical plant and systems operators
Median salary: $59,920
Communication importance level: 39
Chemical plant and systems operators manage chemical processes.
2 (tie). Rail car repairers
Median salary: $55,000
Communication importance level: 39
Rail car repairers fix and maintain various rail cars, including cars used in mining and mass transit.
2 (tie). Mining roof bolters
Median salary: $56,780
Communication importance level: 39
Mining roof bolters work in mines and install roof support bolts.
1. Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
Median salary: $41,040
Communication importance level: 31.5
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders operate furnaces and supervise the melting and refining of metal.
