The 8 Best Jobs for ESFJ Personality Types

Updated on October 3, 2023

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Known as the consul or provider, ESFJs care deeply for others. Their inner passion and altruistic nature enable them to help people become better versions of themselves. When people experience personal problems, ESFJs often know how to offer counsel in a practical and actionable manner.

An ESFJ's clear moral code helps them uphold set rules and adhere to a natural hierarchy. Organized, orderly, and productive, they bring structure to their environment. They also excel in social settings. The strong convictions of ESFJs and their desire to help others often lead them to careers in healthcare, education, public relations, and counseling.

The 8 Best Careers for ESFJ Personality Types

Public Relations Manager

Organized, articulate, and socially enthusiastic ESFJs can use many of their abilities as public relations (PR) managers. Helping a client, employer, or organization enhance their public image often appeals to people with this personality type.

A PR manager increases public awareness of a corporation or client. Through effective marketing, media communications, and PR campaigns, these professionals improve their clients' reputation and brand identity. PR managers need to have social media awareness, as well as the ability to forge strong relations with key influencers and respond quickly to crisis situations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% job growth for PR managers between 2019 and 2029. The rise of social media and the digital age has enabled information to be spread around the globe at the touch of a button, which increases the need for these professionals.

Additional demand arises from colleges and nonprofit organizations that rely on donations and the cultivation of an online presence. This demand correlates with high earnings for these professionals. According to the BLS, PR managers earn a median annual salary of $116,180, which is much higher than the median annual wage of $39,810 for all workers.

Most PR manager jobs require a bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, advertising, communications, or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master's.

Experience plays a significant part in becoming a PR manager. Roles as a public relations specialist can provide the experience needed to hold managerial positions. Additionally, experience working with media influencers and a background in digital media can increase a worker's job opportunities.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Many ESFJs have a strong commitment to family, and their dedication to helping others in a practical and warm manner enables them to excel as marriage and family therapists.

Marriage and family therapists work with families, individuals, and couples experiencing personal conflicts, unexpected crises, or mental and emotional disorders. Marital problems, child-parent issues, and individual issues related to relationships bring these people to a therapist. Marriage and family therapists encourage better communication and help clients see causative factors in their behavior.

The BLS projects 22% job growth for marriage and family therapists between 2019 and 2029 -- well above the average projected growth for all other occupations (4%). These therapists earn a median annual wage of $49,610. However, marriage and family therapists working for state governments make significantly more, with a median annual salary of $72,230.

These professionals work in private practice, hospitals, and mental health and substance abuse treatment centers. Individual and family services are the largest employers for these counselors.

Aspiring marriage and family therapists need a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related field. While requirements for graduate programs vary, applicants generally need a bachelor's degree -- preferably in a relevant area like psychology, counseling, or social work.

Licensure requirements also vary by state. Most include 2,000-4,000 internship hours, with specific amounts dedicated to both individual and group supervised therapy sessions. All states require candidates to earn a passing score on a national exam.

Registered Nurse

An ESFJ's sense of hierarchy and moral code of ethics makes them well-suited for the work environment of a registered nurse. As natural caretakers, ESFJs go above and beyond to provide the care their patients need.

Registered nurses care for and monitor patients. They provide physical and emotional support and usually work as part of a healthcare team. Daily tasks may include recording medical histories, administering medicines, and instructing patients on self-care protocols. Many nurses specialize in a particular field, such as critical care, neonatal nursing, or rehabilitation.

The BLS projects 7% job growth for registered nurses between 2019 and 2029. Roles in outpatient care centers and facilities that provide long-term care for individuals with diseases like Alzheimer's may experience above-average job growth. Registered nurses should also find increasing demand in residential care facilities.

Registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $73,300, with the top 10% of earners making more than $111,220 each year. Salaries vary greatly depending on a nurse's level of education and specialization.

Registered nurses need to earn an RN license, which they can do by graduating from an approved diploma, associate, or bachelor's program. These programs prepare graduates for entry-level positions. An administrative position usually requires a bachelor's, while advancement into positions like a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist requires a master's. All programs include supervised clinical experience.

Before applying for state licensure, graduates must pass the national nursing exam. Each state's licensure requirements vary, although many states have joined the Nurse Licensure Compact -- an alliance that allows nurses to obtain a multi-state license.

Special Education Teacher

ESFJs typically excel in positions that focus on improving the lives of others. They also appreciate seeing their work make a tangible difference. As such, people in this personality group may find careers in special education particularly rewarding.

Special education teachers often work with students exhibiting physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities. These teachers assess students' skills and formulate teaching plans designed for their specific needs. They may teach in a classroom of learners or coach students individually. Tasks vary by teacher specialty and student disabilities.

The BLS projects 3% job growth for special education teachers between 2019 and 2029. These teachers earn a median annual salary of $61,030, with the top 10% of earners making more than $98,530 per year. Many special education teachers work the traditional 10-month school year, while others work in year-round programs.

Special education teachers should experience increasing demand as advanced methods for detecting disabilities create additional enrollment in special education programs. Additionally, federal law mandates that states retain their level of financial support for special education.

Most states require these teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in special education, although some states accept a degree in elementary education or a content area like math. Some schools may also require a special education teacher to obtain a master's degree. Specializations in this field include elementary education and autism spectrum disorders.

All states require teachers to earn a license in order to teach in a public school. While licensure requirements vary, most states require aspiring teachers to complete a student teaching internship and pass a state exam.

Event Planner

ESFJs can use their eye for details and top-notch social skills to plan and coordinate events. Many individuals in this personality group love bringing people together and enjoy creating themes and activities for events.

Event planners may coordinate all details of an event, such as arranging the venue, service providers, and extraneous needs of attendees (e.g., lodging and transportation). They usually attend the event, ensuring all aspects flow seamlessly. Event planners may work as wedding planners or for corporations and nonprofit organizations.

The BLS projects 8% job growth for event planners between 2019 and 2029. An event planner earns a median annual salary of $50,600, with the top 10% of earners making more than $86,390 a year.

Event planners who have experience with social media or virtual meeting software may see particularly high demand. Top industries hiring these planners include arts and entertainment, hotel and hospitality, corporations, weddings, and nonprofits.

An event planner typically needs a bachelor's degree and some experience in the field. Planners can gain experience by working in the hospitality industry, volunteering, and working with professional planners.

While an event planner with a degree in meeting and event management may experience better job prospects, potential employers may also accept a bachelor's in marketing, business management, or communications.

While not required, obtaining certification may increase a candidate's professional opportunities. Specific certifications for event planners include certified meeting professional, certified government meeting professional, and various certifications related to wedding planning.

Technical Writer

Many ESFJs possess excellent problem-solving and communication skills, which can make them well-suited for technical writing careers. Their attention to procedures and specifications prepares them for success in this interesting and challenging profession.

Technical writers help simplify complex information, focusing on readability and accuracy in the documents they create. Penning how-to guides and instruction manuals, these writers explain information in a clear and precise manner. Technical writers work in numerous industries, including information technology, computer software, engineering, science, healthcare, government, and education.

The BLS projects 7% job growth for technical writers between 2019 and 2029. The growing demand for writers of instruction manuals in technology and electronics industries translates to good job prospects for these writers.

Technical writers earn a median annual salary of $72,850. While most technical writers work as employees for companies, some work independently or as freelancers for technical consulting firms.

Technical writers typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or technical communication. Some employers also require experience in fields like medicine, computer science, or engineering.

Certification, though not required, may lead to better job prospects and advancement opportunities. The Society for Technical Communication and the American Medical Writers Association offer certificates for technical writers. A solid technical writing portfolio can also help applicants entering the job market.

Human Resources Manager

The strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills demonstrated by many ESFJs can prepare them to find success as a human resources manager. This role also matches well with an ESFJ's desire to protect and help others discover their niche.

Human resources managers direct administrative functions for businesses. Depending on the type and size of the organization, they may handle hiring and recruitment, organize the workforce, and mediate disputes. Most serve as the intermediary between employees and the executive staff.

The BLS projects 6% employment growth for human resources managers between 2019 and 2029. The demand for human resources managers is due in part to increasingly complex employment laws.

Human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $116,720. The largest employers for these managers include professional, scientific, and technical services; manufacturing; and healthcare.

Most human resources manager positions require a bachelor's in human resources or a related field, such as business management. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree in business administration or human resources. Additionally, candidates need several years of work experience in a related occupation.

While not required, certification can lead to increased job prospects. Several professional associations offer certification programs, including The Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute.

Nutritionist

An ESFJ's desire to care for others in practical ways and promote positive results can make a career as a nutritionist especially rewarding. Nutritionists counsel individuals and groups on healthy eating habits, helping them prevent disease by embracing a proper diet.

Nutritionists may go into private practice or work for an organization. Common tasks include assessing a patient's nutritional needs, developing a meal plan, and documenting their progress. Some nutritionists help promote a better lifestyle by speaking to groups about healthy food choices.

The BLS projects 8% job growth for nutritionists and dietitians between 2019 and 2029. The increasing awareness of the role nutrition plays in wellness and disease prevention leads to a growing demand for these professionals. Additionally, the aging baby-boom generation and rising obesity rates correlate with increased job opportunities in this field.

Nutritionists earn a median annual salary of $61,270. Top employers for these professionals include hospitals, government agencies, nursing and residential care facilities, and outpatient care centers.

Most nutritionist positions require a bachelor's in food and nutrition or a related field like public health or clinical nutrition. Some employers may require a master's degree. Students pursuing a master's can choose a concentration that aligns with their specific career objectives, such as nutritional management or public health.

Many states require nutritionists to be licensed. While requirements vary, most include earning a bachelor's in nutrition (or a related field), completing supervised training, and receiving a passing score on a licensure exam.