Best Career Paths For INTP Personality Types

If you’re curious about your personality type, taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® test can provide valuable insights. Understanding your personality can be particularly useful when navigating the job market, as recruiters and hiring managers often utilize personality assessments to identify suitable career paths. If you discover that you are an INTP type, this information can significantly influence your career decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Promising careers for INTP types include engineering, law, and graphic design.
• The demand for lawyers is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030, resulting in approximately 80,200 job openings across the U.S.
• INTP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. According to the Myers-Briggs model, INTPs are known for their logical and independent nature.
• INTPs may want to steer clear of careers in retail and food services.

Top Careers for INTP Personality Types

Understanding the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of INTPs offers insight into the types of jobs they are likely to excel in. Here are some of the best career options for individuals with an INTP personality type:

1. Architect

   Average Annual Salary: $75,000

   Architects must grasp the overarching vision for a project while considering various factors like client needs, local regulations, and environmental impact. An INTP’s ability to conceptualize complex systems makes them well-suited for this role.

   Job Outlook: The architect profession is expected to grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030, creating around 3,300 job opportunities in the U.S.

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2. Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $78,000

   Engineering encompasses a variety of specializations, including:

   • Aerospace Engineering
   • Agricultural Engineering
   • Biomedical Engineering
   • Chemical Engineering
   • Civil Engineering
   • Computer Engineering
   • Electrical Engineering
   • Environmental Engineering
   • Industrial Engineering
   • Mechanical Engineering

   INTPs thrive in engineering roles, where analytical skills and a deep understanding of complex systems are essential.

   Job Outlook: Mechanical engineering is projected to grow by 2%, civil engineering by 7%, and electrical engineering by 3% from 2020 to 2030. Together, these fields will create tens of thousands of job opportunities.

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3. Computer Scientist

   Average Annual Salary: $105,194

   The field of computer science offers numerous opportunities for INTPs, as it involves exploring theoretical foundations of data and computation. Successful computer scientists are adaptable and innovative thinkers who excel at problem-solving.

   Job Outlook: The demand for computer scientists is expected to grow by 21%, creating approximately 7,100 job opportunities by 2030.

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4. Psychologist

   Average Annual Salary: $72,000

   Psychologists can work in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and governmental agencies. An INTP’s analytical skills enable them to assess situations logically and provide effective solutions.

   Job Outlook: The psychologist profession is expected to grow by 6%, resulting in around 11,300 job opportunities by 2030.

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5. Physician or Surgeon

   Average Annual Salary: $176,000

   Physicians and surgeons engage in extensive education and training, and their analytical skills can be invaluable in diagnosing and treating patients. INTPs excel in outcomes-driven environments.

   Job Outlook: The demand for physicians and surgeons is projected to grow by 3%, providing around 21,400 job opportunities by 2030.

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6. Statistician

   Average Annual Salary: $80,000

   As data becomes increasingly central to business operations, statisticians are in high demand. INTPs flourish in this data-driven environment, where analytical skills can lead to innovative solutions.

   Job Outlook: The statistician profession is expected to experience significant growth of 33%, with around 11,200 job openings by 2030.

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7. Lawyer

   Average Annual Salary: $121,000

   Lawyers analyze information and advise clients on legal matters. An INTP’s strong analytical skills make them adept at constructing compelling arguments and guiding clients through complex regulations.

   Job Outlook: The lawyer profession is expected to grow by 10%, generating approximately 80,200 job opportunities by 2030.

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8. Graphic Designer

   Average Annual Salary: $45,000

   INTPs can also thrive in creative roles, such as graphic design, where they can utilize their creativity alongside analytical skills to produce unique visual content.

   Job Outlook: The graphic design field is projected to grow by 3%, resulting in approximately 6,800 job opportunities by 2030.

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9. Animator

   Average Annual Salary: $65,000

   Animators apply their artistic skills to create engaging visual content. This role allows INTPs to combine technical knowledge with creativity, making it a rewarding career path.

   Job Outlook: The animator profession is expected to grow by 5%, resulting in around 3,200 job opportunities by 2030.

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10. College Professor

    Average Annual Salary: $68,121

    INTPs may find fulfillment as college professors, where they can engage in research and share knowledge with students. This role allows them to foster intellectual curiosity and creativity.

    Job Outlook: The postsecondary teaching profession is expected to grow by 12%, producing approximately 159,400 job opportunities by 2030.

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What Is an INTP?

According to the MBTI, INTP is one of the 16 personality types, characterized by the following traits:

• Introverted
• Intuitive
• Thinking
• Prospecting

INTPs are recognized for their strong analytical skills and innovative thinking. Let’s explore the defining traits of INTPs:

• Introverted thinking is the dominant trait, allowing them to analyze and synthesize information effectively.
• Extraverted intuition enables them to identify patterns and possibilities, making them adept at predicting outcomes.
• Introverted sensing contributes to their detail-oriented nature, helping them apply knowledge to new situations.
• Extraverted feeling is a lesser function, indicating that while they value close relationships, they may struggle with social interactions.

Strengths and Weaknesses of INTP People

INTPs are often seen as flexible thinkers who are analytical and introspective. They enjoy solving problems and exploring new ideas. Here are some of their strengths:

• Logical and objective reasoning
• Proficiency in abstract thinking
• Independence and self-reliance
• Loyalty to a small circle of close friends

However, they may also face certain challenges:

• Tendencies to struggle with social interactions
• Unintentional insensitivity
• Self-doubt in decision-making
• Difficulty adhering to rigid structures
• Challenges in expressing emotions

Careers INTP Personality Types May Want to Avoid

While INTPs can excel in various roles, there are certain career paths they may find less fulfilling due to their personality traits. These include:

1. Corrections Officer

   Corrections officers interact with a diverse range of individuals and must navigate strict regulations, which may not align with an INTP’s strengths.

2. Retail Sales

   Retail roles often require extensive social interaction and adaptability, which can be challenging for INTPs.

3. Nurse

   While INTPs may have the knowledge to excel in healthcare, the interpersonal demands of nursing may not suit their strengths.

4. Elementary Teacher

   Managing young children requires patience and interpersonal skills, which may be challenging for INTPs.

5. Restaurant Worker

   Restaurant jobs often involve strict procedures and high levels of social interaction, which may not play to an INTP’s strengths.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Accessed on September 7, 2022.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.