The 8 Best Jobs for INFP Personality Types

Published on February 25, 2021

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INFP personality types are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceptive. INFPs are also categorized as compassionate, individualistic, and idealistic. Although they may appear quiet, they are value-driven and passionate about their beliefs. These individuals often approach new people and situations with an open mind. According to The Myers & Briggs Foundation, these personalities make up just over 4% of the population.

INFPs generally choose careers that emphasize fulfillment over financial or practical rewards. They often seek out positions that accommodate creative self-expression and allow them to give and share with others, particularly in more intimate environments. The following professions provide environments and opportunities that may be especially appealing to INFPs.

The 8 Best Careers for INFP Personality Types

Editor

Editors support writers in the creation of various communications and publications. They usually possess their own writing skills and help writers fine-tune, coordinate, and improve their work. Editors often work in close circles with writers and other editors, which tends to be a compatible environment for INFP types.

INFP personalities can embrace their creativity and open-mindedness as editors. They can provide notes and critiques with good intentions and compassion while staying true to themselves and their guidelines.

Editors face challenges in the workforce because of the decline of traditional print publications, but the digital landscape offers new opportunities for trained and skilled professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% decline in editors' employment between 2019 and 2029, but those pursuing online media careers should find the best opportunities.

The BLS reports that editors earn a median annual salary of $61,370, which is more than $20,000 higher than the median annual salary for all occupations. The top 10% of earners in the field make more than $122,280 per year.

Typically, editors need a bachelor's degree in a communication-related discipline, such as English, journalism, or communication, along with experience in the field. Students can acquire experience by working or volunteering for their school publications. They must also possess strong proofreading and writing skills.

Editors should be familiar with the various style guidelines related to their profession. They can complete additional training through online courses and certifications, which may help strengthen their resumes.

Artist

Artists create various works for organizations, publications, and independent sales. They use different materials, techniques, and media to express themselves. Artists may work as contributing members of teams, but the actual creation process is typically a solo venture.

For INFP personalities, art allows for an outpouring of creativity and passion. Their idealistic nature allows them to invest themselves in their creations to reach people on an emotional level. As artists, INFPs can work toward finding themselves in their art.

BLS data projects 4% job growth for multimedia artists and animators and little to no job growth for craft and fine artists between 2019 and 2029. While the demand for film, television, and gaming animation increases, the decline in traditional print publications keeps general artistry demand fairly static.

In terms of salary, the evolving field of special effects and animation pays well. Professionals in this field earn a median annual salary of $75,270, while craft and fine artists take home median annual wages of $48,760, according to the BLS.

While artists can enter the profession without a postsecondary education, many professional artists hold a bachelor's degree in an art-related field. Formal training can provide students with the skills needed to succeed in this field and give artists the chance to build a portfolio during their studies.

Artists can gain experience through practice and advance their skills through stand-alone courses and workshops.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists work with patients, improving their way of life through rehabilitation and support. This one-on-one interaction in a healing workspace suits many INFPs.

Physical therapists also enjoy a varied work day designing and implementing rehabilitation plans for specific patient needs. This variety keeps INFPs engaged as they take advantage of their problem-solving skills while looking for healthy living solutions.

With an aging population and an increase in chronic health conditions, the job outlook for physical therapists is strong. The BLS projects 18% job growth for these professionals between 2019 and 2029 -- more than four times faster than the average projected growth for all jobs.

Physical therapists earn a median annual salary of $89,440, which is more than double the median annual salary for all occupations. Furthermore, the top 10% of earners in the field take home more than $124,740 per year.

To practice as a physical therapist, professionals need an accredited doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. During DPT programs, students develop advanced medical knowledge in areas like pharmacology and biomechanics.

DPT graduates must also complete a residency. They can then apply for licensure through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states may feature additional licensure requirements, such as passing an ethics exam.

Speech-Language Pathologist

INFPs tend to make good speech-language pathologists because of the intimate environment these professionals have with their patients. These workers rely on their compassion, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills — all common qualities among INFPs.

This field also allows professionals to embrace originality in their methods, while remaining committed to and passionate about supporting their patients. INFPs in this field enjoy seeing progress and results and knowing their hard work pays off.

There is a strong job outlook for speech-language pathologists due to the aging population in the U.S. and an increased awareness of speech and language disorders. The BLS projects 25% job growth for these professionals between 2019 and 2029, which is more than six times faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations.

Speech-language pathologists earn a median annual salary of $79,120 -- about twice the median annual salary for all jobs. The top 10% of earners make more than $121,260 per year.

Speech-language pathologists typically need an accredited master's degree and clinical experience to qualify for licensure. Their training delves into various disorders, development, and communication styles and methods.

Although most states require pathologists to earn a license, some states may only require formal registration. Professionals can also pursue industry certification to boost their credentials and employment opportunities.

Social Worker

Social work provides INFPs with a space to help others and work toward personal fulfillment. The career requires good communication and problem-solving skills, which are typical strengths among INFPs.

People with this personality type also tend to possess strong values and open-mindedness — characteristics that serve them well as social workers. Their intuition and ability to reach people on an emotional level can lead to success in this role.

The field of social work boasts a strong outlook due to an increased awareness of the benefits of social and mental health support. The BLS projects 13% job growth for these professionals between 2019 and 2029, which is more than three times faster than the average for all occupations.

Social workers earn a median annual salary of $50,470, which exceeds the median annual salary for all occupations by more than $10,000. The top 10% of earners make over $82,540 per year.

Social workers need at least a bachelor's degree in social work to enter the field in an administrative or entry-level role. These programs usually focus on psychology, human behavior, and social policies.

Clinical social workers, however, need a master's degree in social work and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Graduate-level social work programs provide advanced counseling training and qualify graduates for postgraduate examinations and state licensure.

Public Relations Specialist

As public relations (PR) specialists, INFPs can put their strong communication and problem-solving skills to work. Many of these professionals use their originality and vision to create impactful communication campaigns.

INFPs also bring creativity and open-mindedness to public relations. They can leverage their intuition and understanding to comprehend what organizations and consumer bases need/want from public relations.

PR specialists enjoy a positive job outlook as the internet and social media continue to increase the power of public opinion. The BLS projects 7% job growth for these professionals between 2019 and 2029, which is nearly twice the average for all jobs.

PR specialists earn a median annual salary of $61,150, which exceeds the median annual salary for all occupations by more than $20,000. The top 10% of earners in the field make over $115,430 per year.

PR specialists usually need at least a bachelor's degree in public relations or a related field to qualify for entry-level positions. College programs enable learners to develop a portfolio that showcases their strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Although not required, a master's degree, like an MBA, can bolster a graduate's credentials. Students who gain experience by contributing to a publication or joining a student or school organization may gain a competitive advantage in the job market.

Coach

INFPs often make excellent coaches because the role calls for dedication, passion, and generosity. These individuals can motivate others in a compassionate manner by developing solid relationships and communicating well.

With the goal of helping others reach their potential and find success, coaching suits many INFPs. They can use their creativity and originality to think outside the box and keep things fun and engaging for players and participants.

An increase in high school and higher education enrollment and participation in sports drives the strong job outlook for coaches. The BLS projects 12% job growth for these professionals between 2019 and 2029.

While the median annual salary for coaches and scouts is only $34,840, coaches at postsecondary institutions earn a considerably higher median annual salary ($46,180).

Coaches and scouts typically need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a sports-related field to find employment. Many professionals also boast significant experience in their sport, often gained by playing themselves.

Coaches can enter the field from many training disciplines, but they usually possess some formal education in kinesiology, sports science, physical education, and/or nutrition. High school coaches in some positions may need a teaching license or a coaching certification through the National Association of State Boards of Education.

Librarian

INFPs often make quality librarians because the career focuses on helping others. They can use their strong communication skills and intuition to help students, visitors, and researchers find what they need. They also possess the patience and compassion the field requires.

INFPs have the originality, creativity, and open-mindedness needed to develop new library programs and services. Their passion for the field can inspire others, and the intimate environment of a library can bring out the best in INFPs.

As libraries expand their services and the number of library patrons continues to rise, the demand for librarians should increase. The BLS projects 5% job growth for librarians between 2019 and 2029, which exceeds the average for all jobs.

Librarians earn a median annual salary of $59,500, which is nearly $20,000 more than the median for all occupations in the U.S. The top 10% of earners make over $94,520 per year.

While some librarians qualify for jobs with only a bachelor's degree, most need a master's in library science. Librarians at public schools may also need a teaching license, whereas other libraries may require candidates to pass a standardized library media test. Facilities that employ specialized librarians may require applicants to hold a doctorate in their discipline.