The 8 Best Jobs for INTP Personality Types

Updated on October 2, 2023

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INTP personalities — introverted, intuitive, thinking, and perceiving — represent about 3% of the population, according to The Myers & Briggs Foundation. INTPs are typically logical and have the ability to see the big picture. They treasure their independence but still value close relationships with family and friends.

In work settings, INTP personalities typically like to fly solo, but they're also amenable to being part of small teams. Careers in the IT industry appeal to many INTPs, as do many other analytical careers.

The 8 Best Careers for INTP Personality Types

Computer Programmer

Computer programming offers INTPs opportunities to take advantage of their strong rationality. These professionals code programs in computer languages to create and update applications, fix errors with debugging code, and build computer-assisted software engineering tools.

The analytical and logical skills of INTPs are well suited for this career. As introverts, INTPs often possess the focus and drive needed to pursue work as computer programmers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of computer programmers is projected to decline 9% from 2019 to 2029 as companies continue to outsource jobs to other countries. This decrease represents a decline of about 20,000 positions.

Computer programmers make a median annual salary of $86,550, which is more than double the median income for all occupations. Programmers who have a graduate degree and experience with different programming languages typically have better job prospects and earn higher salaries.

A computer programmer usually needs at least a bachelor's degree, though some programmers are self-taught. Degrees in computer programming, computer science, or a related subject are common, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with writing code, fixing errors, and testing programs.

Ongoing education is necessary to keep up with new programming languages and other changes in the IT field.

Computer Scientist

Computer scientists create solutions to computing problems. Specifically, they develop and simplify algorithms and create computing languages to increase the effectiveness of computer software and hardware. Developing theories and models to address computing issues is a key role of computer scientists.

These professionals test new systems and designs and may present their findings at conferences. INTPs typically possess strong analytical skills that are well suited for this career path.

Computer and information research scientist jobs are projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029 -- much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. As new technologies emerge, computer scientists should stay in demand.

Boasting a high median annual salary of $122,840, computer scientists help businesses make sense of data and may collaborate with cybersecurity specialists to help protect sensitivity information.

Although some computer scientist positions only require a bachelor's degree, many require a master's in computer science. Computer science students take classes in programming, algorithms, data structures, software security, mathematics, and operating systems. These classes in logic and analysis fit well with the INTP personality.

Candidates can also earn industry certifications to boost their employability.

Web Developer

Web developers help build and maintain websites by writing code and debugging applications; they also influence how websites look. Using their analytical skills, these professionals create and test website applications and write code using HTML and XML.

In addition, they work with others to determine what information a website should have, such as audio, video, and other graphic components.

The job outlook for web developers is positive, and the BLS projects 8% growth for this position between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Web developers make a median annual salary of $73,760.

The rise in web developer employment is largely driven by an increase in e-commerce, with online purchasing growing faster than sales at brick-and-mortar stores.

Most web developer jobs require an associate degree or higher, although bootcamp graduates and other individuals with ample coding experience may qualify for some positions. Web developers need to understand HTML and other coding languages, such as SQL and JavaScript. Knowing how to use multimedia tools is also critical.

Throughout their careers, web developers must keep up with new technologies and computer languages. A background in user interface and digital design may prove useful for web developers and designers.

Business Analyst

Business analysts evaluate trends and make recommendations for businesses. INTPs tend to be perceptive and have strong technical skills, which is useful for data modeling and stakeholder management. These professionals also need to have an analytical mindset to deal with large amounts of business processes and data.

INTPs who work as business analysts often have the problem-solving and research skills needed to thrive in this career.

The number of business and management analysts is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. This is much faster than the average projected growth for all other jobs. In particular, consulting services are expected to increase in healthcare as the U.S. population continues to age.

Business and management analysts earn a median salary of $85,260, with the top 10% of earners making more than $154,310 per year.

Individuals interested in a career as a business analyst usually need to earn a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a bachelor's in business administration. Investment management, taxation, basic cost accounting, and statistics classes are often part of a business analyst's education. Math and financial technology skills are also essential for business analysts.

Upper-level analyst positions may require a graduate degree, such as a master's in finance, a master's in accounting, or an MBA.

Economist

Working as an economist is a good fit for many INTPs. The logic and critical thinking skills needed to succeed as an economist come naturally to many people with this personality type. Economists research economic issues and gather data by using surveys. They also use mathematical models and statistics, interpret data to predict market trends, design national and regional policies, and write reports and academic documents.

The need for economists is growing. This field is projected to grow 14% from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS -- more than three times faster than average. This demand is largely related to the increasingly complex nature of the global economy, in which having an international viewpoint is essential.

The median annual income for these professionals is high at $105,020. Economists with advanced degrees tend to have better job and salary prospects.

To begin a career as an economist, professionals usually need a master's degree in economics or a similar field, though some roles may only require a bachelor's. Aspiring economists take classes in management, economics, and business. Specialized classes, such as econometrics and quantitative analysis, can be found at the graduate level.

Information Security Analyst

Another career choice that may appeal to INTPs is information security analyst. These analysts are system planners who monitor company networks, install and use software to protect information, develop security processes, enhance security, and keep up with security threats.

Information security analysts may also reverse-engineer solutions to identify unexpected problems. The attention to detail and precision needed to succeed in this role matches well with the abilities of many INTPs.

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for banks, financial institutions, and many other corporations. As such, the BLS projects employment for information security analysts will grow a whopping 31% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations.

These professionals earn a median annual wage of $99,730, or about 2.5 times the median salary for all occupations. Security analysts help address many problems, such as combating cyberattacks and working to protect clients' personal information. Areas that rely on cloud security could also represent growth markets for these analysts.

A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or a related field is typically the minimum educational requirement for analysts in information security. Students learn about cybersecurity, information security, and computer programming.

Some employers may prefer to hire individuals who hold a master's degree, such as an MBA with an emphasis in information systems. Individuals with an advanced degree tend to take home higher salaries.

Lawyer

The rational and analytical nature of the legal field is a good fit for INTPs, many of whom thrive in careers using logic. Successful lawyers can view legal proceedings from differing perspectives, analyze the details of a case, and anticipate the opposition's arguments.

The BLS projects that the number of lawyers in the U.S. will grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, representing an employment increase of more than 32,000 positions. This projected growth is on par with the average for all occupations; however, the competition for many positions -- especially at top law firms -- can be fierce. As a result, lawyers may need to relocate to find attractive job prospects.

According to the BLS, lawyers make a median annual salary of $122,960, which is well above the median income for all jobs at $39,810.

To become a lawyer, professionals must earn a doctor of jurisprudence degree. This entails first earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, taking the LSAT, and securing admittance into a law school. Law school graduates must then pass relevant bar exams.

Law students take both general courses and core classes on topics like constitutional law, courtroom procedures, and civil procedures. Students can specialize in areas such as environmental law, criminal law, and tax law.

Software Developer

Software development is an attractive field for many INTPs because these individuals typically have a strong analytical mindset, which comes in handy while designing, developing, and testing software applications. These professionals use logic and math skills to write software code and perform quality analysis tests.

Developers tend to be forward-thinking and detail-oriented, routinely checking their work to ensure software is well maintained and up to date.

The BLS projects software developer employment will grow 22% between 2019 and 2029 -- much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. Software developers make a median yearly income of $107,510, with the top 10% of workers taking home over $164,590 a year.

Our increasing reliance on mobile devices remains a significant source of this demand. Healthcare, retail, and entertainment industries are also growth areas for software developers, who can help design health insurance software, e-commerce solutions, and streaming platforms.

To become a software developer, most candidates need at least a bachelor's degree in software development or engineering and some relevant work experience. Further education, such as a master's or doctorate, can help software developers access more lucrative career paths.

Strong programming skills and a knowledge of various programming languages is essential. Pursuing ongoing training and certification in new languages and methods can help these professionals stay abreast of changes in their field.