INTP Careers: 30 Best-Fit Jobs, Ranked by Interest Profile (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
1. Anthropologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
85/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
2. Commercial and Industrial Designer
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
85/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
3. Landscape Architect
Architecture and Engineering
82/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
4. Geographer
Life, Physical, and Social Science
82/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
5. Fine Artist, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
80/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
6. Astronomer
Life, Physical, and Social Science
79/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
7. Video Game Designer
Computer and Mathematical
78/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
8. Biochemist and Biophysicist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
78/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
9. Web Designer
Computer and Mathematical
76/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
10. Geoscientist, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Life, Physical, and Social Science
76/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
11. Mathematician
Computer and Mathematical
76/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
12. Soil and Plant Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
76/100 fit- 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…
Profile coming in the next tranche.
13. Photonics Engineer
Architecture and Engineering
75/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
14. Animal Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
75/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
15. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and Mathematical
75/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
16. Industrial Ecologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
74/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
17. Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
74/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
18. Special Effects Artist and Animator
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
74/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
19. Materials Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
74/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
Architecture and Engineering
73/100 fit- 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.
21. Nanosystems Engineer
Architecture and Engineering
73/100 fit- 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…
Profile coming in the next tranche.
22. Physicist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
73/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
23. Materials Engineer
Architecture and Engineering
73/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
24. Wildlife Biologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
73/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
25. Microbiologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
73/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
26. Bioinformatics Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
73/100 fit- 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…
Profile coming in the next tranche.
Architecture and Engineering
72/100 fit- 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.
28. Atmospheric and Space Scientist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
72/100 fit- 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.
Profile coming in the next tranche.
Life, Physical, and Social Science
72/100 fit- 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.
30. Food Scientist and Technologist
Life, Physical, and Social Science
72/100 fit- 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;…
Profile coming in the next tranche.
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.