The 11 Best Career Paths For INFP Personality Types (With Job Requirements)

Identifying your personality type can significantly influence your career choices. Different personality types align with varying job roles and environments.

This article focuses specifically on the INFP personality type. You will discover the key traits that define INFP individuals, along with the most rewarding careers for them and those they might find less compatible.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three careers for INFP personality types are writing, social work, and graphic design.

• INFP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perception. According to the Myers-Briggs framework, INFPs are known for their empathy, idealism, and creative abilities.

• Careers to avoid for INFPs include policing and sales management.

Top 11 Careers for INFP Personality Types

INFP professionals thrive in roles that offer independence and opportunities for creative expression.

Here are the top careers that harness the unique strengths of INFP individuals:

1. Writer

   Average Yearly Salary: $57,000

   Writing is an ideal profession for INFPs because it encompasses a variety of topics and formats, requiring creativity and strong communication skills. INFPs often excel at articulating their thoughts through writing, allowing them to work independently while also collaborating with editors and other team members.

   Requirements to become a writer: Aspiring writers should gain experience through personal, professional, or academic writing. While many pursue a bachelor’s degree, others may find mentors or editors to help guide their development.

   Find Writer jobs near me

2. Photographer

   Average Yearly Salary: $49,000

   INFPs often excel in photography, using their technical and creative skills to capture compelling images. Their ability to envision the final product and their empathetic communication with clients make them well-suited for this field.

   Requirements to become a photographer: While formal education is not always required, many photographers take classes to develop their skills. Experience as an assistant can also be beneficial for building a portfolio and gaining exposure to clients.

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3. Psychologist

   Average Yearly Salary: $72,000

   With their strong interest in human emotions and behavior, INFPs often gravitate towards careers in psychology. Their empathy and listening skills allow them to connect deeply with clients.

   Requirements to become a psychologist: Most positions require a doctoral degree in psychology, while some roles may only need a master’s degree. Licensure requirements vary by state.

   Find Psychologist jobs near me

4. Film Editor

   Average Yearly Salary: $57,000

   INFPs can thrive as film editors, balancing creativity with technical skills. They can take direction while also working independently to enhance the narrative through editing.

   Requirements to become a film editor: While a degree is not mandatory, many film editors hold a bachelor’s degree. Building a portfolio is crucial for showcasing skills and securing employment.

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5. Veterinarian

   Average Yearly Salary: $126,000

   INFPs’ empathy extends to animals, making them well-suited for veterinary careers. Their passion for animal welfare, along with strong communication skills, enhances their ability to interact with pet and farm owners.

   Requirements to become a veterinarian: A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and state licensure are mandatory, with specific requirements varying by location.

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6. Social Worker

   Average Yearly Salary: $51,000

   Social work aligns well with INFPs’ compassion and interpersonal skills. They are motivated by the desire to help others and can provide support to those facing challenges.

   Requirements to become a social worker: Most social workers need a bachelor’s degree, while clinical roles require a master’s degree and supervised experience.

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7. Elementary School Teacher

   Average Yearly Salary: $49,000

   Teaching young children is a natural fit for INFPs, allowing them to inspire creativity and curiosity in the classroom. Their empathetic nature aids in understanding students’ needs.

   Requirements to become an elementary school teacher: A bachelor’s degree and state certification are required, with some states mandating a master’s degree.

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8. Librarian

   Average Yearly Salary: $50,000

   Librarians facilitate research and promote literacy, making them ideal for INFPs who enjoy helping others find information and delve into various topics.

   Requirements to become a librarian: Most librarian positions require a master’s degree in library science. Additional qualifications may apply depending on the library’s specialization.

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9. Graphic Designer

   Average Yearly Salary: $45,000

   Graphic designers create compelling visuals that communicate messages. This role allows INFPs to express their creativity while collaborating with clients to fulfill their vision.

   Requirements to become a graphic designer: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is typically required, along with a portfolio showcasing previous work.

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10. Interpreter and Translator

    Average Yearly Salary: $42,000

    Interpreters and translators utilize their language skills to bridge communication gaps. INFPs excel in this role due to their empathy and attention to detail.

    Requirements to become an interpreter and translator: While a degree is not mandatory, proficiency in multiple languages and relevant certifications can enhance employability.

    Find Interpreter and Translator jobs near me

11. Human Resource Specialist

    Average Yearly Salary: $52,000

    Human Resource Specialists play a crucial role in recruitment and employee relations, leveraging their communication skills to foster a positive work environment.

    Requirements to become a human resource specialist: A bachelor’s degree is often preferred, with a focus on human resources or a related field being advantageous.

    Find Human Resource Specialist jobs near me

What Does INFP Mean?

INFP is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, representing Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perception. This widely used personality assessment categorizes individuals based on their behaviors and psychological tendencies.

• As introverts, INFPs are often reserved and thrive in environments where they can work autonomously, such as remote roles.

• Emotions play a significant role in decision-making for INFPs, who often prioritize personal values over objective criteria.

• INFPs are guided by strong ethics, making them passionate advocates for their beliefs. Their tendency toward perception rather than judgment allows for a surprising level of open-mindedness.

INFP professionals excel in environments that encourage creative expression. Despite their introverted nature, they are skilled communicators, especially through writing, and often prefer to articulate their thoughts on paper.

They gravitate towards workplaces that allow for independence and idea-sharing, and their strong listening skills enable them to collaborate effectively in small groups.

Key traits associated with the INFP personality type include:

• Loyal

• Sensitive

• Empathetic

• Idealistic

• Creative

• Positive

Careers That INFPs May Want to Avoid

While INFPs shine in roles that value creativity and independence, they may struggle in data-driven or highly repetitive positions. However, it is crucial to remember that individuals of all personality types can thrive in various fields with dedication and passion.

Here are some careers that INFPs may prefer to avoid:

1. Police Officer. This role often involves rigid structures and a focus on the negative aspects of humanity, which can be overwhelming for an INFP.

2. Electrician. Due to strict regulations and safety protocols, this position offers little scope for creativity.

3. Sales Manager. The high level of interpersonal interaction required can drain the energy of many INFPs, who prefer deeper, more meaningful connections.

4. Chemist. This role’s strict adherence to protocols and analytical focus may not resonate with INFPs’ creative tendencies.

5. Dentist. The inability to engage in meaningful conversation during procedures and the lack of creative outlets can make this role unfulfilling for an INFP.

6. Judge. The nuanced decision-making required in this role conflicts with the INFP’s natural inclinations toward empathy and understanding.

Best Career Paths For INFP Personality Types FAQ

1. What are INFPs naturally good at?

   INFPs are naturally good at working independently and showing empathy towards others. They are often characterized by loyalty, creativity, and a positive outlook.

   While they may be perceived as quiet, INFPs are passionate about their beliefs and adept at understanding others’ emotions, allowing them to communicate effectively in teams, even if they prefer solitude.

   INFPs value independence and creativity, essential traits that make them invaluable in the workplace.

2. Are INFPs good leaders?

   Yes, INFPs are good leaders. Their idealism and empathy attract others to their vision for the future.

   They prioritize the well-being of their followers and focus on empowering them rather than seeking power for themselves. However, INFPs can become so engrossed in their ideals that they overlook practical steps, necessitating a supportive team to help achieve smaller goals.

3. Do INFPs make good psychologists?

   Yes, INFPs make excellent psychologists. Their empathetic nature, combined with strong communication skills, allows them to build meaningful connections with clients.

   INFPs thrive in this role, often finding it fulfilling to help others while applying their creative and idealistic personality traits to encourage clients toward solutions.

4. Are INFPs slow learners?

   No, INFPs are not slow learners. They may take time to process new information, but they typically adapt quickly. Many INFPs excel in fast-paced environments that allow for creativity and positivity.

   They often prefer one-on-one learning or independent study, where their imaginative and conceptual learning styles can flourish.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.