Often referred to as the Logicians of the 16 MBTI personality types, INTPs, who exhibit Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Prospecting personality traits, are a rare breed.
Making up only 1% to 5% of the population, people of this personality type are frequently misunderstood and often feel alone in the world.
However, INTPs are brilliant people, celebrated for their powerful intellect, insightful observations, unparalleled inventiveness, and outstanding creativity.
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that famous INTPs have included the likes of Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Marie Curie, and Abraham Lincoln.
If you’re one of the lucky few INTP individuals out there, you’re probably wondering which career paths you should pursue.
Because INTPs are often analytical, logical, objective in their way of thinking, they often go for careers in science and technology.
However, that’s not always the case, with many INTPs pursuing careers as architects, journalists, and writers.
Below is a list of some jobs that are often considered excellent matches for INTP individuals.
1. Software Engineer
Why Become a Software Engineer?
Responsible for designing, creating, and testing software for many different applications, software engineers are in ever-increasing demand.
That’s because software is rapidly evolving, and there’s always a need for software engineers to create new ones.
As you may well know, you’ll have to be good at math and computer programming to pursue this career, and you’ll also need to have an eye for detail.
This field is not only fun for the right kind of people, but it’s also fairly lucrative.
Software engineers earn an average annual salary of $111,620.
| Software Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 26% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Software Engineer
2. Data Analyst
Why Become a Data Analyst?
Data analysts, who work in many different industries, are responsible for the importation, analysis, and development of data.
In other words, they take their organization’s information, presenting it in a way that anyone who needs it can easily understand and use.
Working in industries such as healthcare, government, education, and the social sciences, data analysts perform a large variety of tasks, depending on their industry.
For example, a data analyst in healthcare might work with a patient’s treatment information or they might handle their financial details.
With their average annual salary of $125,170, it’s safe to say that data analysts make a pretty decent living.
| Data Analyst Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 28% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Data Analyst
3. Video Game Designer
Why Become a Video Game Designer?
Do you enjoy working with computers?
Would you consider yourself creative?
And, most importantly, do you like playing video games?
If you answered “yes” to the questions above, you might be a strong contender for a career in video game design.
In a nutshell, video game designers create ideas, program video games, and fix any bugs during the video game’s production and testing process.
In general, video game designers work long hours, but the national average salary of $111,620 might make the 50- to 60-hour workweeks well worth it.
| Video Game Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Video Game Designer
4. Aerospace Engineer
Why Become an Aerospace Engineer?
Using their knowledge of the concepts of air and movement, aerospace engineers design and enhance aircraft, such as airplanes, jets, and helicopters.
They may work for the federal government to improve national security, or they may work for commercial aircraft manufacturers to reduce the aircraft’s noise pollution and improve their fuel efficiency.
The job market for aerospace engineers is quite competitive, with many positions having stringent entry requirements (e.g., a minimum of an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering).
However, there may be consolation in the fact that aerospace engineers earn an average of $119,220, receiving an excellent return on their investment.
| Aerospace Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $122,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $59.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 2% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Aerospace Engineer
5. Forensic Scientist
Why Become a Forensic Scientist?
If you’re intrigued by science and medicine (or you even enjoy watching NCIS), you might want to consider a career as a forensic scientist.
One perk of this career is that you get the opportunity to work hand in hand with law enforcement and improve your community’s overall safety.
Basically, forensic scientists gather, identify, and analyze samples, such as fiber, tissue, and hair, taken from a crime scene.
They might also test out weapons or study blood samples or gunshot residue.
Forensic scientists, who earn an average of $63,170 per year, typically aren’t motivated by money, but by a strong, inherent desire to make their communities safer.
| Forensic Scientist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $66,850 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $32.14 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 14% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Forensic Scientist
6. Architect
Why Become an Architect?
In charge of the design and organization of buildings, architects undergo a lot of formal education (a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in architecture), studying a wide range of subjects from engineering to art history, to make it into their field.
Responsible for designing the interior and exterior of buildings, houses, and even skyscrapers, architects are in extraordinarily high demand.
Then it makes sense their average salary is well above average, at $89,560
| Architect Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $91,900 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $44.19 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Architect
7. Journalist
Why Become a Journalist?
Journalism is ideal for people who are naturally curious and enjoy writing, presenting reports, and getting to the source of different problems.
Because many journalists often have to write or report on unpleasant events, this career path isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s also a mentally demanding job.
Earning an average salary of $62,400, journalists aren’t driven by money, but by a deep, inner desire to make a difference by disseminating information.
| Journalist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,230 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.40 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | -10.1% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Journalist
8. Electrician
Why Become an Electrician?
Electricians are specialists who wire up homes, install and repair electrical appliances, and check the electrical safety of appliances and homes.
With their superior problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and manual dexterity, electricians are always in demand to take care of people’s electrical needs.
Although there are no formal education requirements, electrical engineers earn an annual average of $60,370, which is quite decent considering the field’s less stringent entry requirements.
| Electrician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,310 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.44 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 10% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Electrician
9. Software Developer
Why Become a Software Developer?
Often confused with software engineers, software developers create many types of computer programs for professional and personal users who want the latest software programs on their devices.
Depending on the size of their organization, software developers may specialize in two different areas:
- Applications software developers
- Systems software developers
Job prospects for software developers are quite positive.
And the high demand for software developers is pretty much in line with their average salary ($111,620).
| Software Developer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,310 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.44 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 21% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Software Developer
10. Mechanical Engineer
Why Become a Mechanical Engineer?
What comes to mind when you think of a mechanical engineer?
If you think of someone who builds, researches, and designs a wide array of mechanical devices like engines, tools, and machinery, you’re right on the money.
Speaking of which, mechanical engineers earn an average annual salary of $93,540.
If you’re mathematically and technically proficient, you’re in luck and might just be a strong candidate for a lucrative career as a mechanical engineer.
| Mechanical Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $97,000 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $46.64 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
11. Landscape Architect
Why Become a Landscape Architect?
Similar in a number of ways to architects, landscape architects are in charge of making functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces, rather than buildings.
Strong candidates for careers in landscape architecture are people who have excellent analytical skills and problem-solving skills and love working with their hands.
It’s not easy to land a job as a landscape architect (you need to have a minimum of a four-year degree in landscape architecture or a related field).
Although the average salary of $73,970 isn’t the highest out there, the perks of the job, such as the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and work for hand in hand with people, might be enough to provide a very high level of job satisfaction.
| Landscape Architect Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $74,980 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $36.05 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Landscape Architect
