16 high-paying jobs for people who hate people

If this sounds like you, then your best approach for finding a job could be searching for work where people skills aren't all that necessary.

To find these jobs, we averaged data from the Occupational Information Network, or O*NET, a US Department of Labor database full of detailed information on more than 900 occupations.

O*NET rates each occupation on a scale from zero to 100 on how much a job requires workers to be in contact with others and how much a job requires workers to be pleasant with others. We averaged these ratings to find which jobs had the lowest overall scores.

While we're not suggesting that people who hold these positions are all standoffish, the following jobs pay on average more than $55,000 a year according to O*NET, have an average required sociability score of 65 or less, and therefore require minimal good-natured interaction with others.

Mine shuttle car operator

Average salary: $56,450

Required sociability score: 64

They operate diesel- or electric-powered shuttle cars in underground mines to transport materials from a working face to mine cars or a conveyor.

Geological sample-test technician

Average salary:

Required sociability score: 56

They test or analyze geological samples, crude oil, or minerals to the detect the presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits.

Aircraft mechanic or service technician

Average salary: $60,170

Required sociability score: 64

They diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft-engine specialists.

Poet, lyricist, or creative writer

Average salary: $61,240

Required sociability score: 44.5

They create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry, or song lyrics for publication or performance.

Photonics technician

Average salary: $62,330

Required sociability score: 64

They build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber-optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Financial quantitative analysts

Average salary: $69,470

Required sociability score: 65

They develop quantitative financial products used to inform people or financial institutions engaged in saving, lending, investing, borrowing, or managing risk.

Molecular and cellular biologists

Average salary: $74,790<

Required sociability score: 60.5

They research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Statistician

Average salary: $80,500

Required sociability score: 64

They develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information.

Web administrator

Average salary: $86,510

Required sociability score: 64.5

They manage web environment design, deployment, development, and maintenance activities and perform testing and quality assurance of websites and web applications.

Geoscientists — other than hydrologists or geographers

Average salary: $89,780

Required sociability score: 64.5

They study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth.

Environmental economist

Average salary: $101,050

Required sociability score: 58.5

They conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable-energy resources.

Economist

Average salary: $101,050

Required sociability score: 57.5

They conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy.

Astronomer

Average salary: $104,740

Required sociability score 60.5

They observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Mathematician

Average salary: $105,810

Required sociability score: 58

They research fundamental mathematics or the application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields and solve problems in fields using mathematical methods.

Political scientist

Average salary: $114,290

Required sociability score: 63

They study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

Computer-hardware engineer

Average salary: $115,080

Required sociability score: 64.5

They research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

16 high-paying jobs for people who hate people

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