The 8 Best Jobs for ESTJ Personality Types

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Doug Wintemute
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Doug Wintemute is a writer who focuses on higher learning and entertainment. Since 2014, he has contributed to content and editorial work for award-winning publications. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum l...
Updated on July 29, 2022
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Police Officer | Physician or Surgeon | Network Administrator | Accountant or Auditor | Computer Systems Analyst | Engineer | Principal | Lawyer


ESTJs are extroverted, sensing, thinking, and judging individuals. Known as executives or supervisors, people with this personality type often like to organize and approach tasks in a traditional and process-driven manner. According to The Myers & Briggs Foundation, approximately 9% of the population has this personality type, making it one of the more common groups.

As leaders, ESTJs bring communities and organizations together. They boast solid values and bring reliability, dedication, and a strong work ethic to their careers. To help this group of individuals find professional success and satisfaction, we've highlighted some of the best jobs for ESTJs below.

The 8 Best Careers for ESTJ Personality Types

Police Officer

Police officers enforce laws and protect the people and property within a community. This is a fitting role for many ESTJs, who often find satisfaction in creating order and acting as the stewards of their community and its values.

In criminal justice careers, ESTJs can employ their directness, honesty, and loyalty to great effect. Action-oriented and logical, these personalities prefer to follow a rigid path in their careers — something that the law enforcement profession and the legal system offer.

Job Outlook

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The demand for police officers is likely to remain strong as the U.S. population continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 5% job growth for police officers between 2019 and 2029, which is slightly faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations (4%).

Police officers and detectives earn a median annual salary of $65,170, which exceeds the median annual salary for all occupations by more than $25,000. The top 10% of earners make over $109,620 per year.

Educational Requirements

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Educational requirements for police officers vary, but usually include a high school diploma at minimum, along with completing a police academy program. Some departments and positions may only hire candidates with a bachelor's degree.

Roles like FBI agent require a bachelor's degree and experience. Candidates applying for specialized law enforcement positions, such as fish and game warden, may need relevant education in a related field.

Physician or Surgeon

Physicians perform checkups and suggest treatment plans for injuries and illnesses, while surgeons perform consultations and surgeries. Both of these healthcare careers suit ESTJs well because they typically enjoy leadership roles and caring for others.

ESTJs also thrive in an ordered environment, such as a healthcare setting. Their integrity and dedication gain them respect in these professions, and their decisiveness and strong will help them develop and stick to care strategies.

Job Outlook

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The BLS projects 4% job growth for physicians and surgeons between 2019 and 2029. These professionals earn some of the highest wages of any profession, with a median annual salary above $208,000.

Educational Requirements

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To practice as a physician or surgeon, candidates need a doctor of medicine. Many candidates also complete a master's degree to further specialize. Depending on their field of interest, the type of medical degree required may vary.

As part of their education, prospective physicians and surgeons complete extensive medical training. They may also need to complete supervised clinical work while in school and a multi-year residency program afterward.

Network Administrator

Network administrators manage the computer and communication networks for organizations. As leaders in information systems, ESTJs can put their efficiency, organization, and communication skills to good use.

ESTJs use logic to make decisions, and the rigid and ordered processes involved in network administration keep them productive and confident in their careers. When working with network problems and challenges, these action-oriented and practical individuals can find effective solutions.

Job Outlook

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Technological advances have helped make network administrators more efficient, although the increased complexity and need for effective networks in most organizations should continue to drive growth. The BLS projects 4% job growth for these professionals between 2019 and 2029.

Network administrators enjoy many financial rewards, with a median annual salary of $83,510 -- more than twice the median annual salary for all occupations. The top 10% of earners in the field make more than $132,520 per year.

Educational Requirements

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Typically, network administrators need at least a bachelor's degree in network adminstration or a related tech field. Some employers may hire candidates with a relevant associate degree, whereas larger organizations may require a master's degree.

Although learners may study several different topics in school, most aspiring network administrators complete information science and/or computer engineering courses, developing a solid grasp of modern technologies. Some organizations may also prefer to hire professionals with an industry- or technology-specific certification.

Accountant or Auditor

Accountants review and prepare financial documents for people and organizations, helping them adhere to tax laws and guidelines, save money, and find financial opportunities. ESTJ personalities often find satisfaction in accounting careers because of the highly ordered and regulated field.

These individuals also make good accountants and auditors due to their integrity, strong values, and ethics. They make use of their skills in observation, organization, and logic-fueled problem-solving.

Job Outlook

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The career outlook for accountants and auditors is connected to the overall health of the economy. The BLS projects 4% job growth for these roles between 2019 and 2029, which is equal to the average projected growth for all occupations.

Financially, this profession performs much better than the average career. The median annual salary of accountants and auditors is $71,550, which exceeds the median annual salary for all occupations by more than $30,000. Additionally, the top 10% of earners in the field make more than $124,450.

Educational Requirements

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For employment, accountants typically need a bachelor's in accounting. Some employers may hire associate degree-holders for entry-level positions, while larger organizations may prefer master's degree-holders.

In addition to a degree, accountants can pursue an industry certification, like the certified public accountant credential. These credentials may be mandatory for various accountant duties, such as filing reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts help organizations improve their system efficiencies and procedures. They analyze computer-related technologies, processes, and outcomes and suggest possible upgrades. As natural leaders and order creators, ESTJ personalities fit in well in this line of work.

ESTJ types take advantage of their analytical, practical, and organization skills in this occupation. Professionals in this computer science career can help organizations simplify or streamline their processes or choose a new system that offers better integration.

Job Outlook

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The demand for computer systems analysts should continue due to the need for professionals who can help organizations keep up with advances in technology. The BLS projects 7% growth for these analysts between 2019 and 2029, which is nearly twice as fast as the average projected growth rate for all occupations.

The profession also offers great financial rewards. According to the BLS, the median annual salary earned by computer systems analysts is $90,920 -- more than $50,000 higher than the median annual salary for all occupations. The highest 10% of earners in the field make more than $147,670 per year.

Educational Requirements

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The majority of computer systems analysts possess at least a bachelor's degree, usually in a field related to computer science. Some employers may hire professionals from other disciplines, though they typically need to have some training in information systems.

Larger organizations may hold out for candidates with an MBA and a tech-related specialization, which provides technical skills as well as management and leadership training. Some organizations prefer a combination of interdisciplinary education and experience.

Engineer

Engineers solve problems in various industries by designing and developing improvements to technologies, systems, and processes. In science and engineering careers, ESTJs can take charge and help improve their communities by coming up with advancements in agricultural, biomedical, electronics, and environmental industries.

ESTJs seek ways to make things more predictable, organized, and rational, and engineering fields often feature rigid processes in the design and development stages. The decisiveness shown by ESTJs can help them thrive as engineers.

Job Outlook

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The BLS projects 3% job growth between 2019 and 2029 for engineering and architectural positions. These occupations pay a median annual salary of $81,440, but many engineering salaries exceed that figure, with several engineering occupations boasting median annual salaries above $100,000.

Educational Requirements

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Most engineering occupations require candidates to possess a bachelor's degree or higher. Some employers may look for candidates with a master's degree and relevant experience. Many schools offer an accelerated pathway program, allowing students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in about five years.

Engineers typically need industry-specific training from an accredited program. Engineering programs usually include advanced mathematics and sciences courses, along with extensive laboratory work.

Principal

Principals manage staff and activities within elementary, middle, and high schools. They help develop curricula, evaluate faculty, and address concerns with students and families. ESTJs often make good principals because of their loyalty, honesty, dedication, and reliability.

In principal and teaching careers, ESTJ personalities employ their organization and communication skills. They tend to be energizing and open, and they know how to take control of an institution and delegate responsibilities effectively.

Job Outlook

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The BLS projects 4% job growth for principals between 2019 and 2029. The profession boasts a median annual salary of $96,400 -- over $50,000 more than the median annual salary for all occupations. Additionally, the top 10% of earners make more than $148,630 per year.

Educational Requirements

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Principals usually need a master's degree in education leadership or administration. This training teaches candidates how to manage the financial aspects of their position and how to handle staffing and community-building requirements.

Applicants to these programs often need an education-related bachelor's degree. Principals may also need teaching experience or licensure for employment in some schools. For example, most states require public school principals to hold a teaching administration license.

Lawyer

Lawyers help people and organizations handle legal matters. They provide advice, counsel, and representation in court. ESTJs often thrive in these positions of power because they can help people, maintain order, and uphold laws.

ESTJs possess strong values and ethics and enjoy established procedures. They are also problem-solvers who are decisive and action-oriented — qualities that can serve them well in law careers.

Job Outlook

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The BLS projects 4% job growth for lawyers between 2019 and 2029. Lawyers make some of the highest wages of all professionals, earning a median annual salary of $122,960 -- more than triple the median salary for all occupations. The top 10% of earners in this field make more than $208,000 per year.

Educational Requirements

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Lawyers must possess a juris doctor degree. Most law schools require applicants to take the LSAT exam. Furthermore, lawyers must pass the bar exam to be able to practice in their state.

Additional ESTJ Career Options

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    Coach
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    Dentist
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    Pilot
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    Judge
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    Teacher
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    Public Relations Manager
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    Top Executive
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    Financial Officer
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    Pharmacist
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    Budget Analyst
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    Paralegal
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    Operations Manager
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    Corrections Officer
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    Cook
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    Funeral Director

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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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