The 8 Best Jobs for ESFP Personality Types

Updated on December 13, 2022

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The ESFP personality describes an extroverted, sensing, feeling, and perceptive person. As compassionate and practical people, ESFP types do well in environments that are engaging and creative. According to The Myers & Briggs Foundation, ESFP personalities are friendly and flexible people who enjoy learning new skills with others.

ESFPs make up about 8.5% of the U.S. population, representing one of the larger personality types. In the workforce, ESFP personalities flourish in careers in which they can use their creativity and social skills to identify tangible outcomes.

The 8 Best Careers for ESFP Personality Types

Teacher

ESFP types often flourish as teachers because of the engaging nature and performative aspects of this role. Teachers have the ability to create immersive classrooms that showcase their compassion for their students and passion for education.

The extroverted personality of ESFPs makes them effective teachers who can invigorate students. In this leadership role, ESFP types are able to take the initiative and produce tangible results.

The career outlook for all teachers, from kindergarten to high school, is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 4% growth for elementary school, middle school, and high school teachers between 2019 and 2029, which is on par with the average projected growth for all occupations in the U.S. Math, science, English as a second language, and special needs teachers can expect particularly high demand.

According to the BLS, the median pay for teachers at the elementary level is $60,870. For middle school teachers the median pay is $60,580, while high school teachers make $62,310.

At the elementary level, teachers are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in education. Alternatively, schools expect middle and high school teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in the specific subject they teach. Most teaching programs include courses in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and classroom management. Participants also complete student teaching requirements.

Each state maintains its own licensure requirements for public school teachers, which you can find on the TEACH.org website, a nonprofit launched by Microsoft and the Department of Education.

Social Worker

Many of the best social workers are warm, friendly, and caring people who serve their communities. For ESFPs, serving as a social worker can be one of the most fulfilling careers, as the role allows them to utilize their compassion in a productive environment.

Social work is one of the fastest-growing occupations with a projected growth of 13% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS. Social workers are in high demand in the healthcare and education fields, and the outlook for clinical social workers is very promising.

According to the BLS, the median wage for social workers is $50,470. For those working in the healthcare and education fields, median wages are $56,750 and $47,390, respectively.

A common path to becoming a social worker is to earn a bachelor's in social work. These programs can prepare students to be caseworkers or mental health assistants. Coursework covers topics such as human behavior, ethics in social work, and diverse populations. Programs also require supervised fieldwork or an internship.

To become a clinical social worker, students must earn a master of social work and complete two years of supervised clinical work. To find accredited programs, visit the Council on Social Work Education website.

Public Relations Manager

ESFP types like to find action-based solutions to problems. As public relations (PR) managers, they can employ their strong interpersonal skills and creativity to build clients' profiles. Whether working as part of a team or with individuals, their extroverted nature is an asset in taking the initiative to produce desirable results.

Community outreach and customer relations are incredibly important to the success of many companies. As a result, PR manager positions are projected to grow 9% between 2019 and 2029, which is more than twice as fast as the average projected growth rate for all jobs. Competition may be steeper for positions at high-profile companies. PR managers earn a median annual salary of $116,180.

PR managers need a bachelor's degree, typically in communication, public relations, English, fundraising, or journalism. Most programs require participants to complete courses in public affairs, public speaking, business administration, and advertisement.

Several years of experience in a similar field, such as fundraising, may also be required to become a PR manager. Some firms require workers to hold a master's degree. Managers can opt to become certified through the Public Relations Society of America to improve their job prospects.

Dental Hygienist

As detail-oriented people, ESFP types often do well as dental hygienists. This job allows them to focus on their tasks and find tangible solutions to overcome problems. ESFP personalities are known for their social skills and compassion, and this profession allows them to utilize these traits to create a warm and inviting dental office for their patients.

According to the BLS, employment for dental hygienists is projected to grow 6% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. The link between oral health and general health has driven the need to expand the availability of dental healthcare services.

The median pay for a dental hygienist is currently $76,220, although pay and job availability may vary. Aspiring dental hygienists can expect to find greater job opportunities in underserved areas.

Dental hygienists need an associate degree in dental hygiene, although earning a bachelor's degree can set job applicants apart. Master's degrees are less common and are typically focused on research, teaching, and/or clinical practice. Many associate-level dental hygiene programs take three years to finish and include laboratory and clinical components.

After earning a degree, dental hygienists must become licensed to practice in their state. To learn more about accredited programs, refer to the Commission on Dental Accreditation website.

Physical Therapist

Many ESFPs prosper when they work directly with other people. As physical therapists, these individuals can use their empathy to connect with patients and build relationships. Their practicality also helps ESFPs create manageable goals that their patients can accomplish to become healthier.

The outlook for physical therapists is very promising, with the BLS projecting 18% growth for these positions from 2019-29. The need for physical therapists to address mobility issues and chronic health conditions in an aging baby-boom population is increasing.

Individuals undergoing rehab from surgery and other physical injuries also rely on the help of physical therapists. Physical therapists make a median annual wage of $89,440, with those working in nursing and residential care facilities typically taking home more than $95,000 annually.

Physical therapists need a doctor of physical therapy, which can be earned from a program that's been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Coursework focuses on areas such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Every state requires physical therapists to be licensed, though these requirements vary. To learn about each state's licensing requirements, go to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.

Marketing Manager

ESFP personalities often make great marketing managers because of their flexibility and ability to respond to dynamic environments to produce positive outcomes. Additionally, their pragmatism helps them come up with effective strategies for marketing campaigns.

Marketing managers work with many departments to analyze markets, develop contracts, and set financial parameters. ESFPs who have the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people can flourish in their careers.

Internet-based advertising has become increasingly important to companies, and the need to hire more marketing managers continues to grow. The BLS projects 7% growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers between 2019 and 2029.

Successful marketing managers know how to reach large audiences through multimedia applications. The experience and expertise required to excel in this position leads to lucrative wages, with these managers making a median salary of $136,850. Managers in the financial and insurance industries often earn even higher wages.

Becoming a marketing manager requires a bachelor's degree, typically in business, marketing, or economics. Programs tend to feature classes in management, finance, and statistics. Learners can also take courses in business law and computer science to better understand consumer data.

Many students in marketing complete an internship to gain experience and be more competitive upon graduation. Typical fields to work in include advertising, promotions, and sales.

Entrepreneur

As driven, outgoing people, many ESFPs thrive as entrepreneurs. This career path provides a special opportunity for ESFP types to be as creative and flexible as they want. Their focus can be an asset in driving their business and reaching customers. ESFPs are sociable and friendly, with the ability to create a strong community for themselves in any field they choose.

Many entrepreneurs hold executive-level positions within their businesses. According to the BLS, top executives are projected to see 4% job growth between 2019 and 2029. The variety of careers and roles an entrepreneur can pursue provides many options and a wide range of salaries. For example, chief executive officers make a median annual salary of $184,460.

Although you don't need a degree to start your own business, many entrepreneurs earn an associate or bachelor's degree to develop a strong business foundation. Some may also continue their education by earning an MBA. Aspiring entrepreneurs may find classes in business management, finance, economics, statistics, and marketing especially helpful.

Throughout their careers, entrepreneurs can continue to gain new skills by earning professional certifications, such as the entrepreneurship and small business certification.

Chef

Becoming a chef can satisfy the artist and performer within ESFP personality types. As chefs, ESFPs can utilize their extraversion, creativity, and love of working with people to their advantage. Being the head of a kitchen lends itself to the natural leadership skills held by many ESFPs.

Additionally, the fast-paced atmosphere of a kitchen is a great opportunity for ESFPs to channel their problem-solving skills to produce menus that appeal to their clientele.

The BLS projects 6% growth for chefs and head cooks between 2019 and 2029. Demand for high-quality dishes and healthier options from customers has increased the number of restaurant openings.

The median salary for chefs and head cooks is $51,530; however, pay can vary depending on the industry and location. For example, chefs who work in upscale restaurants and hotels in metropolitan areas tend to make significantly more, with the top 10% of earners taking home more than $86,990 annually.

Aspiring chefs can pursue several education options, including trade school, culinary school, and four-year programs. Common classes teach students about sanitation and safety, knife skills, and an array of cooking techniques. To explore accredited programs, visit the American Culinary Federation website. Most programs require an internship or apprenticeship, and many culinary students spend time in a kitchen to gain experience.