Best Careers for INTP Personalities (2026)
The closest data match for INTP, the analytical theorist is Anthropologist, at $70,770 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) with +3.7% projected employment change over 2024–2034. Below are 30 careers ranked on O*NET interest data, each with its real median wage, outlook and entry requirement.
- Careers ranked
- 30
- Median pay on the list
- $102,035
- No degree needed
- 0 of 30
- Openings a year
- 147,700
From 923 in the bank
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Combined, BLS EP
How INTP careers are matched
- Each MBTI type is turned into a six-axis interest vector using published correlations between the MBTI dimensions and Holland's RIASEC model. Extraversion pulls towards Social and Enterprising work, Intuition towards Artistic and Investigative, Thinking towards Investigative and Realistic, Feeling towards Social and Artistic, Judging towards Conventional, Perceiving towards Artistic.
- Every occupation in the bank carries its own O*NET Occupational Interests profile. The fit score is the cosine similarity between the INTP vector and that profile, scaled to 0–100 and adjusted slightly by O*NET work-style signals.
- The score measures interest-profile overlap only. It says nothing about your skills, your education, your salary needs or whether you would enjoy a specific employer.
No personality instrument predicts job performance or satisfaction on its own, and this ranking makes no claim to. It tells you which occupations involve the kind of work your profile leans towards. The pay, outlook and training data next to each one is what tells you whether it is a realistic move. Read the full methodology.
The top 30 careers for INTPs
- 85/100 fit
1. Anthropologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $70,770
- Growth
- +3.7%
- Openings/yr
- 800
- Education
- Master's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Artistic (creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules).
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 85/100 fit
2. Commercial and Industrial Designer
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Median pay
- $83,910
- Growth
- +3.2%
- Openings/yr
- 2,500
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Artistic (creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 82/100 fit
3. Landscape Architect
Architecture and Engineering
- Median pay
- $79,870
- Growth
- +3.5%
- Openings/yr
- 1,700
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors) and Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data).
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 82/100 fit
4. Geographer
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $102,040
- Growth
- -3.1%
- Openings/yr
- 100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 80/100 fit
5. Fine Artist, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Median pay
- $55,490
- Growth
- -1.2%
- Openings/yr
- 2,200
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Artistic (creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 79/100 fit
6. Astronomer
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $128,820
- Growth
- +2.2%
- Openings/yr
- 100
- Education
- Doctorate
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 78/100 fit
7. Video Game Designer
Computer and Mathematical
- Median pay
- $104,000
- Growth
- +7.0%
- Openings/yr
- 9,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Artistic (creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules) and Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data).
Design core features of video games.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 78/100 fit
8. Biochemist and Biophysicist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $127,410
- Growth
- +5.8%
- Openings/yr
- 2,900
- Education
- Doctorate
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 76/100 fit
9. Web Designer
Computer and Mathematical
- Median pay
- $104,000
- Growth
- +7.0%
- Openings/yr
- 9,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Artistic (creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules).
Design digital user interfaces or websites.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 76/100 fit
10. Geoscientist, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $101,920
- Growth
- +3.2%
- Openings/yr
- 2,000
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 76/100 fit
11. Mathematician
Computer and Mathematical
- Median pay
- $126,710
- Growth
- -0.7%
- Openings/yr
- 100
- Education
- Master's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Conventional (organising, following procedures and working precisely with data).
Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 76/100 fit
12. Soil and Plant Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $78,850
- Growth
- +5.4%
- Openings/yr
- 1,700
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, phy…
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 75/100 fit
13. Photonics Engineer
Architecture and Engineering
- Median pay
- $122,930
- Growth
- +2.1%
- Openings/yr
- 9,300
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors) and Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data).
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 75/100 fit
14. Animal Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $68,940
- Growth
- +5.8%
- Openings/yr
- 200
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 75/100 fit
15. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and Mathematical
- Median pay
- $140,300
- Growth
- +19.7%
- Openings/yr
- 3,200
- Education
- Master's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Conventional (organising, following procedures and working precisely with data).
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 74/100 fit
16. Industrial Ecologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $82,220
- Growth
- +4.4%
- Openings/yr
- 8,500
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 74/100 fit
17. Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Median pay
- $76,910
- Growth
- +3.6%
- Openings/yr
- 13,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Artistic (creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules) and Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data).
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 74/100 fit
18. Special Effects Artist and Animator
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Median pay
- $102,030
- Growth
- +1.6%
- Openings/yr
- 5,000
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Artistic (creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 74/100 fit
19. Materials Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $117,790
- Growth
- +4.9%
- Openings/yr
- 600
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 73/100 fit
20. Automotive Engineer
Architecture and Engineering
- Median pay
- $104,110
- Growth
- +9.1%
- Openings/yr
- 18,100
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors) and Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data).
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology.
Automotive Engineer salary & outlook → - 73/100 fit
21. Nanosystems Engineer
Architecture and Engineering
- Median pay
- $122,930
- Growth
- +2.1%
- Openings/yr
- 9,300
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engine…
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 73/100 fit
22. Physicist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $172,250
- Growth
- +4.0%
- Openings/yr
- 1,700
- Education
- Doctorate
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 73/100 fit
23. Materials Engineer
Architecture and Engineering
- Median pay
- $112,860
- Growth
- +5.7%
- Openings/yr
- 1,500
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors) and Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data).
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 73/100 fit
24. Wildlife Biologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $76,780
- Growth
- +1.6%
- Openings/yr
- 1,400
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 73/100 fit
25. Microbiologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $87,990
- Growth
- +4.1%
- Openings/yr
- 1,700
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 73/100 fit
26. Bioinformatics Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $98,920
- Growth
- +1.2%
- Openings/yr
- 4,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Conventional (organising, following procedures and working precisely with data).
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical inform…
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 72/100 fit
27. Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist
Architecture and Engineering
- Median pay
- $102,440
- Growth
- +11.0%
- Openings/yr
- 25,200
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology.
Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist salary & outlook → - 72/100 fit
28. Atmospheric and Space Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $99,070
- Growth
- +0.7%
- Openings/yr
- 700
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
- 72/100 fit
29. Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $103,410
- Growth
- +8.7%
- Openings/yr
- 9,600
- Education
- Doctorate
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health.
Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists salary & outlook → - 72/100 fit
30. Food Scientist and Technologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Median pay
- $88,720
- Growth
- +6.5%
- Openings/yr
- 1,200
- Education
- Bachelor's
Strongest interest areas: Investigative (investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data) and Realistic (hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors).
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein;…
Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.
Careers for INTP: FAQ
What is the best career for INTP?
On interest-profile overlap alone the closest match in the NueCareer bank is Anthropologist, which pays a median of $70,770 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) with +3.7% projected employment change over 2024–2034. "Best" depends on more than personality, which is why the list below shows pay, growth and entry requirements for all 30 matches.
How were these careers matched to INTP?
Each MBTI type is turned into a six-axis interest vector using published correlations between the MBTI dimensions and Holland's RIASEC model. Extraversion pulls towards Social and Enterprising work, Intuition towards Artistic and Investigative, Thinking towards Investigative and Realistic, Feeling towards Social and Artistic, Judging towards Conventional, Perceiving towards Artistic. Every occupation in the bank carries its own O*NET Occupational Interests profile. The fit score is the cosine similarity between the INTP vector and that profile, scaled to 0–100 and adjusted slightly by O*NET work-style signals. The score measures interest-profile overlap only. It says nothing about your skills, your education, your salary needs or whether you would enjoy a specific employer. Full method: /careers/methodology.
Do careers suited to INTPs pay well?
The middle career on this list pays $102,035 a year, against $50,980 for all US occupations (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The range runs from $55,490 to $172,250.
Can INTPs succeed in careers outside this list?
Yes. Interest overlap is a signal, not a rule, and people of every type work in every occupation. This ranking covers the 30 closest fits out of 923 occupations in the bank; the free NueCareer quiz scores all 923 against your own profile, preferences and constraints instead of a type label alone.