Are You Detail-Oriented? These 50 Jobs Could Be Perfect for You!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for details.

Are you a detail-oriented person? If you are, this skill lends itself to various interesting jobs and career paths.

Detail-oriented people are good at problem-solving, noticing small details, and are often very organized and have a strong sense of order. This skill set can be helpful in several different careers, such as accounting, engineering, art, administration, and event planning.

If you’re a detail-oriented person, consider a career in one of these fields where you can thrive.

Signs You’re a Detail-Oriented Person

Here are some signs that detail orientation is one of your stronger skills:

You constantly notice the little things
You are good at organizing and keeping track of details
You can focus on a task and pay attention to details without getting distracted
You’re always double-checking your work for errors
You like things to be tidy and in their proper place
You have a hard time overlooking anything out of place
You have a knack for remembering small, insignificant details

50 Jobs Perfect for People Who Are Detail Oriented

If attention to detail is one of your strengths, finding a job that utilizes this in-demand soft skill makes sense. Here are more than 50 different career paths you can thrive at.

Salary information is in USD and sourced from www.salary.com in 2022.

Accountant, Auditor, or Bookkeeper

Image Credit: Gpoint Studio via Canva.com.

If you have a knack for numbers and an eye for detail, a career in finance may be the right fit for you. Accountants, auditors, and bookkeepers all play vital roles in ensuring the financial health of businesses and organizations. These jobs require excellent attention to detail and strong math and analytical skills.

While these roles are similar, there are a few distinctions.

Accountants are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial statements, and filing tax returns. They interpret and analyze financial data to make sound recommendations to their clients or employers.

Average salary: $83,400

Auditors are similar to accountants in that they also review financial records and statements. However, their primary focus is on assessing the risk of financial fraud or mismanagement. They may also provide recommendations for improving financial controls.

Average salary: $62,700

Bookkeepers record financial transactions and maintain accurate records of account balances. They reconcile bank statements, prepare invoices, and track expenses. Like accountants and auditors, bookkeepers must be able to pay close attention to detail and have strong math skills.

Average salary: $41,900

Administration

There are many administration careers, from medical and legal offices to schools and businesses. No matter the industry, detail-oriented individuals are vital to running an organization smoothly. If you enjoy being organized, keeping track of deadlines, and dealing with paperwork, there are plenty of opportunities in administration.

While the day-to-day duties of an administrator can vary depending on the type of organization they work for, there are some common tasks that all administrators perform. For example, they may schedule appointments, maintain filing systems, and handle customer inquiries. In larger organizations, administrators may also be in charge of supervising other employees and overseeing office operations.

Average salary: $38,190 for administrative assistants, $64,460 for executive administrators

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are responsible for safe and efficient aircraft movement. They use their knowledge of airspace, weather, and flight patterns to ensure that planes take off and land safely. In this role, noticing the details matters.

Air traffic controllers must be able to stay calm under pressure and have the ability to make quick decisions. They must communicate clearly and concisely with pilots who may be distressed or dealing with emergencies.

Average salary: $81,990

Architect

Architects create functional and aesthetically pleasing designs for the construction of buildings and other structures. In addition to noticing the small details, an architect must have a strong understanding of mathematics and physics to create structurally sound and safe designs. They also need to communicate effectively with clients, engineers, and construction workers and understand construction methods, materials, and building codes.

While architects must have a strong understanding of the technical aspects of their work, they are also creative problem-solvers. They will need to think outside the box to develop innovative solutions to challenges that arise during the planning and construction process.

Average salary: $87,710

Artist, Illustrator, or Painter

These occupations require great attention to detail to create accurate and realistic images. Artists, illustrators, and painters must be able to select the right colors, proportions, and brushstrokes to create a successful work of art.

If you are considering starting a career as an artist, be sure you are comfortable spending a lot of time alone because the creative process can often be solitary. You will also need to be prepared to face rejection, as not everything you create will be a masterpiece.

However, if you are passionate about art and are willing to put in the hard work, a career as an artist or painter can be very rewarding. You can express your creativity and share your artwork with the world.

Some artists and painters create and sell custom art pieces, which involves working with clients to understand their vision and creating something that meets their expectations. Artists and painters who are detail-oriented and have good communication skills will succeed in this field.

Average salary: $44,280 to $64,250

Biologist

Detail-oriented people are well suited to a career in biology because they see the small details necessary for studying living things and how they interact with their environment. They use their knowledge to solve problems in medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection.

As a biologist, you conduct research, observe and record data, and analyze your findings. You must pay close attention to identify and study the organisms you are investigating accurately.

Average salary: $54,700

Carpenter

Carpenters need to pay attention to the small details in their work and make sure that everything is done correctly. One of the most important aspects of being detail-oriented is being able to measure accurately. This is something that carpenters need to do regularly, and they must get it right. If a carpenter is even a little bit off in their measurements, it can throw off the entire project.

Another important detail-oriented skill for carpenters is being able to follow instructions that can sometimes be complex.

Average salary: $60,040

Car Detailer

Car detailers are responsible for cleaning and polishing the exteriors and interiors of vehicles. They must pay close attention to every nook and cranny to ensure the vehicle is immaculate and that nothing is missed. In addition, they must be able to work quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines.

It’s no surprise that detail-oriented skills are needed in this role because it says so right in its name.

Average salary: $50,920

Cleaner

Image Credit: focuspocusltd via Depositphotos.com.

Cleaning roles aren’t for everyone, but they require precision and thoroughness, which are skills that many detail-oriented people possess. If you don’t have these skills, you will likely miss things while cleaning and not do a very good job.

Cleaners are in high demand in residential and commercial settings such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, and private homes. This means that opportunities are always available for those willing to work hard and provide quality services.

As a cleaner, you will need to be able to work flexible hours, as some cleaning jobs may require you to work early mornings or late nights.

Average salary: $21,700 to $32,410

Court Reporter

Court reporters are a vital part of the legal system as they are responsible for creating a record of court proceedings. This record provides an accurate account of what was said during a trial or hearing that can be referenced by attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals.

Court reporters must have excellent listening skills and be able to type quickly while maintaining a high level of accuracy. If they miss critical parts of the proceedings, it could bias the case’s outcome or lead to a mistrial.

Average salary: $60,250

Customer Service

Customer service representatives assist customers with questions or problems and provide information about products and services. They must be able to effectively communicate, provide accurate information, and resolve any issues the customer may be experiencing.

Detail-oriented individuals can thrive in customer service because they pay close attention to the customer’s needs and ensure they are satisfied with their experience. They can also effectively handle customer inquiries and complaints because they are good at problem-solving.

Customer service representatives typically work in call centers or retail establishments, but virtually every job requires customer service skills.

Average salary: $36,620 for customer service representatives, $96,057 for customer service managers

Data Entry

Data entry is a great career path for those who can stay focused, catch errors, and be precise in their work. The skills learned in data entry can lead to other opportunities, such as becoming a data analyst or a database administrator.

Data entry is a critical part of any organization, and those skilled in it can be very valuable to a company. You can often do the work from home, which is a great perk, and the pay is usually good.

Average salary: $35,740

Electrician

Electricians are trained professionals who work with electricity by installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems. Because electricians must be able to read and interpret blueprints and other technical drawings and identify and correct electrical problems quickly and efficiently, they need to pay close attention to their work to avoid electrical hazards.

Average salary: $69,240

Engineer

There are many different types of engineers, but they all share a common trait: detail orientation. Engineers must be able to see the big picture while also paying attention to the smallest details.

This attention to detail allows engineers to design and build the incredible structures and machines we use every day. Engineers are responsible for making our world work, from the tallest skyscrapers to the smallest medical devices. They apply science and mathematics principles to create safe, efficient, and environmentally sound solutions.

Average salary: $166,850

Event Planner

Event planners coordinate all aspects of events like weddings and conferences, from start to finish. This includes booking venues and vendors, arranging transportation, coordinating catering, creating timelines and budgets, and managing day-of logistics.

To be successful as an event planner, you must be highly organized and detail-oriented. You also need to think on your feet and solve problems quickly, as unexpected issues often arise. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also essential, as you will be dealing with various vendors and clients.

While the job can be stressful, seeing everything come together and watching guests enjoy themselves is a great feeling.

Average salary: $47,670

Grant Writer

A grant writer writes proposals that request funding from organizations or individuals. In this role, you must be able to write persuasively to convince the reader to provide the requested funding as well as fully understand the needs of the organization or individual you are writing for.

Because you will need to keep track of deadlines and make sure that you submit your proposals on time, organizational skills are key. If you are not organized, you will miss deadlines, and your proposals will not be considered. Keen attention to detail will also help you succeed by ensuring you (or the organization you represent) meet the eligibility requirements for the grant.

Average salary: $75,300

Help Desk Technician

A help desk technician supports computer users by answering questions and resolving technical problems. You will need to be detail-oriented to listen to what the customer is (and isn’t) saying to troubleshoot their technical problems.

Since you are the first point of contact for computer users who need help, you should also have excellent customer service skills to explain the solution in a way the user can understand.

Average salary: $47,100

Insurance Agent

An insurance agent sells insurance policies to customers on behalf of an insurance company. The most important skill for an insurance agent is the ability to pay attention to small details. Insurance policies are full of small print and exclusions, and the agent’s job is to ensure that the customer understands all of the details before signing on the dotted line.

This skill also helps ensure people choose the right insurance policies for their needs and budget. And, of course, if a file is claimed, attentiveness will help them get the money they are entitled to.

Average salary: $53,190

Investigator

Investigators are detail-oriented people who conduct research and gather evidence. They must be able to pay close attention to detail to find clues and evidence that will help them solve a case. Investigators must also be able to think critically to piece together the evidence and find the truth.

You could work for an insurance company, a security company, a clinic, a social service agency, or a government agency (hello, FBI!).

No two days as an investigator will be the same, which is one of the reasons why this job is so interesting.

Average salary: $56,900

Investor

An investor is someone who allocates capital with the expectation of a future financial return. Investors’ investments include stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities, and derivatives. Many people invest to grow their wealth, but some invest for income or stability.

Because the stock market is constantly changing, investors must be able to pay attention to the exact details to keep their clients’ money safe. This includes being able to research and analyze companies, industries, and markets. They must also understand financial statements and other reports and assess risk to make sound investment decisions.

Average salary: $164,780

Inventory Manager

An inventory manager ensures a company has enough inventory to meet customer demand. This involves keeping track of inventory levels, ordering new merchandise when needed, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery. With all these moving parts, accurate information is a must to keep everyone satisfied. They must also pay attention to trends to forecast customer demand and plan accordingly.

Average salary: $55,700

Journalist or Reporter

young woman Photographer at night setting up a shot — Image Credit: trinhkien91 from pixabay via Canva.com.

If you’re detail-oriented, you’re probably already paying close attention to the world around you, which can be extremely valuable in a career as a journalist.

Journalists and reporters investigate and report the news. They find the stories worth telling and get the full picture through thorough research. This means looking for different sources of information and trying to verify the facts. It can be a lot of work, but it is essential to produce a quality article. Without this skill, it would be difficult to report the news accurately. After all, you never know when a small detail might turn out to be necessary to a story.

In addition, being detail-oriented will help you avoid making mistakes in your stories. Even the most minor errors can cause problems for a journalist, so it’s essential to be as accurate as possible.

Average salary: $42,960

Judge

Your decisions as a judge significantly affect the lives of people that appear in your court. It is not a job where you want to make mistakes, as it could mean the difference between someone spending their life in jail or walking free.

As a judge, you need to know the ins and outs of the law so that you can apply it correctly to each case you hear. This means that you need to do your research and stay up-to-date on any changes that are made. You must carefully listen to both sides of the story and question the evidence and the witnesses to get to the truth. These small details can make or break a case.

Average salary: $173,470

Lab Technician

Lab technicians perform various tests, experiments, and procedures to help diagnose and treat patients. Paying close attention in this role is vital because you will ensure that experiments are conducted properly, and that data is accurately recorded. Even a small mistake could have serious consequences. You are working with dangerous chemicals and materials, after all.

If you are not naturally detail-oriented, you may want to consider honing this skill before starting a lab technician career.

Lab technicians typically work in hospitals or clinics but may also be employed in research laboratories.

Average salary: $47,100

Lawyer

The law is a complex and ever-changing field, and lawyers need to be able to keep up with the latest developments. The law is full of intricate details; if a lawyer cannot pay attention to those details, they will not be able to represent their clients effectively. A lawyer must understand and analyze complex legal documents, identify relevant issues, and develop strategies to achieve the desired outcome.

There are many different types of lawyers. You could work as a corporate lawyer, representing businesses in contract negotiations and other legal matters. Or, you could work as a criminal defense lawyer, representing clients who have been charged with a crime. You could also work as a civil rights lawyer, fighting for the rights of individuals who have been discriminated against.

Average salary: $99,990

Librarian

Details matter when working as a librarian because they are responsible for organizing and managing information. Librarians need to be able to keep track of a large amount of information and retrieve it when needed, which requires attention to detail and a methodical approach to work. They must also keep track of changes and update their catalogs and databases accordingly.

Details are also important in terms of customer service. Librarians need to be able to provide accurate and helpful information to patrons who are looking for specific items. They need to be able to answer questions and help people find what they need.

Average salary: $68,820

Mechanic

As a mechanic, you will be responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles, which requires understanding how cars work. You will need to identify problems and determine the best way to fix them by troubleshooting complex issues, which will require a lot of patience and attention to detail.

In addition to being detail-oriented, you also need to work well under pressure. When a car breaks down, the owner will want it fixed as soon as possible.

Being a mechanic is a very hands-on job. You need to be able to work with tools and be comfortable getting dirty. As a bonus, if you are good at what you do and build up a good reputation, you could eventually open your own shop and be your own boss.

Average salary: $60,530

Medical Professional

Hospital Staff Medical Workers — Image Credit: Rido via Canva.com.

If you are interested in a medical career, many professions play critical roles in ensuring patients receive the best possible care and are healthy. These include:

Nurses
Doctors
Surgeons
Medical researchers
First responders
Anesthesiologists
Obstetrician and gynecologists
MRI technologists
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Pathologists
Urologists
And many more!

No matter your role, one of the most important traits for a medical professional is attention to detail.

For example, nurses must be detail-oriented to ensure they dispense the correct medication and track patients’ medical histories and vital signs. Doctors must be detail-oriented to diagnose and treat patients properly, paying attention to small changes in a patient’s condition that could indicate a serious problem. And surgeons must be extremely detail-oriented to ensure they perform the procedure correctly.

Medical professionals must also be able to work well under pressure. They often have to make quick decisions that could mean the difference between life and death. It may be the perfect path for you if you desire to help others and can handle the demanding challenges of a medical career.

Average salary: $55,160 for nurses, $156,000 for doctors, and $414,570 for surgeons

Nuclear Operator

Nuclear operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants. They control and monitor the plant’s systems and equipment and respond to changes in its conditions.

Operators must thoroughly understand the plant’s systems and how they work together to identify and correct problems quickly. They must also work well under pressure and maintain a cool head in emergency situations. It is a highly technical role that requires ongoing training and education to keep up with the latest advances in nuclear technology.

You’ll want to have detail-oriented skills in any role within the nuclear sector. There is little margin for error when working with radioactive materials.

Average salary: $67,780

Order Picker

We’ve all been in situations where we order something through places like Amazon or Instacart and end up with the wrong item. Sometimes this error is caused by a glitch or is simply an honest mistake, but it also happens when the order picker isn’t paying attention.

As an order picker, your job involves reading order sheets, picking orders from the shelves and loading them onto the correct delivery vehicles. You want to make sure you are getting the order correct to avoid complaints (and having to re-stock returned merchandise). If even one detail is incorrect, it can lead to the whole order being wrong, which can cause delays and other problems.

Average salary: $34,880

Pharmacist

Pharmacists pay close attention to ensure they dispense the correct medication to the right patient and keep track of medication histories to avoid potential drug interactions. They also advise patients on health and wellness and answer questions about side effects, drug interactions, and dosage.

To be a successful pharmacist, you will need to read and interpret prescriptions and understand the various available medications. You will also need to keep track of inventory and ensure that your drugs and medical supplies are not expired or defective.

However, it is important to remember that attention to detail is only one part of the equation. You will also need good people skills, as you will work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Average salary: $144,320

Pilot

A career as a pilot can be a very rewarding experience for someone detail-oriented (plus you’d get to travel).

Pilots pay attention to many different things at once and keep track of numerous instruments and controls. They must communicate effectively with air traffic control and be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise during the flight. This requires a strong understanding of aircraft systems just in case they need to perform emergency procedures. They also need to make quick decisions to avoid potential hazards and ensure a safe and smooth flight.

Many types of pilot careers are available, including commercial airlines, private pilots, military pilots, and air ambulance pilots, so you can find one that best suits your skills and interests.

Average salary: $88,300

Programmer

Programmers work closely with software developers to create code that meets the specific needs of an application.

If you are detail-oriented, you will excel as a programmer – because programming is all about attention to detail. Every line of code must be perfect for the program to work correctly, so you will need to be very meticulous in your work.

Programmers also require strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must understand complex technical problems and develop efficient and effective solutions.

Average salary: $66,440

Proofreader or Editor

thinking woman editing proofreading work — Image Credit: Vadymvdrobot via Depositphotos.com.

If you have an eye for detail and take pride in your work, a career as a proofreader or editor may be a good fit. In these roles, you review and edit written materials for errors or inconsistencies, ensuring that the final product is polished. This role could include anything from proofreading a document for grammar and spelling mistakes to editing a website for accuracy and clarity.

To be successful in either of these roles, you must be able to identify errors quickly and efficiently and make the necessary corrections. You will also need to be able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Average salary: $55,100

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance specialists ensure that products and services meet specific quality standards through testing, inspection, and monitoring. It is an important process in many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and food service. In these industries, it is essential to ensure that products and services meet standards to protect consumers and maintain a high level of quality.

Working in quality assurance requires excellent attention to detail to find and fix errors or defects before products are released to the public. They also create plans to prevent future mistakes. In this role, you can directly impact the quality of products and services and help ensure that customers are satisfied.

Average salary: $52,560

Record Keeper

Record keepers are responsible for maintaining important information accurately, including financial, medical, academic, and legal records.

I used to work in the records department at a maximum security jail. That role required intense attention to detail. If I made a mistake, an innocent person might be kept incarcerated, or a guilty person may be set free. Neither of these situations would be acceptable and could lead to massive lawsuits (or worse).

Most record-keeping roles won’t have that high level of stress or pressure, but attention to detail is essential in any job that involves organizing and recording information. If you’re not detail-oriented, you’re likely to make mistakes that can be costly or even dangerous.

Average salary: $50,300

Repair Person

Troubleshooting is your main task as a repair person. To do this job efficiently, you need to know the ins and outs of the equipment or appliance you are working on.

There are many things that a repair person needs to pay attention to be successful. First, you need to know how to diagnose the problem by listening to the customer and understanding the issue. Then, you need to find the root cause of the problem and find a way to fix it.

Average salary: $47,470

Researcher

Researchers investigate and document facts and information through conducting research, writing reports, and publishing findings. They may work in fields such as science, history, or medicine and can work for government agencies, colleges and universities, or private companies.

As a researcher, you will need to pay close attention to detail and retain a lot of information to get accurate results. You will also need to organize and present your findings clearly and concisely.

Average salary: $59,490

Resume Writer

A resume writer helps job seekers craft well-written resumes highlighting their skills and experience to get employers’ attention and sell their qualifications.

As a resume writer, you will need to pay attention to the small details in a person’s work history and education to identify the essential skills and accomplishments that will make them an attractive candidate. You also need to understand their career goals and objectives and will need to be up-to-date on the latest resume trends and formats.

If you have these skills and qualities, you could work for a career center, employment agency, recruitment firm, or write resumes as a side hustle. It’s gratifying to help people improve their chances of getting hired. (I do it every day!)

Average salary: $36,800

Software Tester

man taking notes at laptop — Image Credit: GaudiLab and Depositphotos.

As a software tester, you run tests on software applications to ensure they function correctly. You document any bugs you find and report them to the software developers. In some cases, you may also help to resolve the bugs.

To succeed in this role, you must work quickly and efficiently, pay close attention to detail, and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

If you are interested in a career in software testing, you should consider pursuing a degree in computer science. It will give you the technical skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Average salary: $53,450

Translator

There is no one formula for becoming a successful translator, but there are certain skills and qualities that will help you on the way.

First and foremost, you must be fluent in at least two languages and have strong communication skills. You need to be able to read and write quickly to keep up with the pace of the conversation. Secondly, you need to have a good understanding of the cultures of both countries so that you can accurately translate the meaning. Finally, your detail-oriented skills will allow you to catch any errors or mistranslations.

Average salary: $55,760

Transcriptionist

If you are good with details and have excellent listening skills, a career as a transcriptionist may be a good fit for you. Transcriptionists convert audio recordings of speeches, interviews, and other events into written form.

To become a transcriptionist, you must have strong typing and grammar skills to listen to audio recordings and type out what you hear. In some cases, you may need to transcribe the audio in real-time, which means you will need to type quickly and accurately.

Transcriptionists typically work in office settings, but some may be able to work from home. The hours can be flexible, but you may need to work evenings or weekends to accommodate your clients’ schedules.

Average salary: $49,500

Web Developer

Being detail-oriented is essential for a web developer because the job requires coding, designing, building, and maintaining websites. You will need a keen eye for detail to ensure that your websites are error-free and function correctly.

Detail-oriented web developers can see the big picture and understand how a website’s pieces fit together. They can take a design from concept to completion to ensure that users can navigate websites easily while meeting the client’s needs and specifications.

The job of a web developer is constantly changing and evolving. To be successful, a developer must be able to adapt and learn new technologies to keep up with the latest trends and web standards.

Average salary: $74,670

Veterinary Technician

As a veterinary technician, you will be responsible for animals’ care, including providing medical treatment and advice to owners. The demand for veterinary technicians is expected to grow in the next decade, meaning there will be plenty of job opportunities for qualified people.

Similar to roles in the medical field, you will be performing diagnostic tests, administering vaccinations, and providing emergency care. You will also be responsible for keeping accurate medical records and communicating with the animal’s owner.

Average salary: $37,370

Which of These Detail Oriented Jobs is Right For You?

Finding a job that incorporates your strengths can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career. You can excel in many different professions if you have a keen eye for detail. From accounting to event planning, there is a career path for everyone.