Ever wondered what job is ideally suited to your personality? We did research and found the best-paying jobs for all 16 Myers-Briggs personality types:
What is the Myers-Briggs test?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test that categorizes people into 16 types based on how they perceive the world, process information, and make decisions.
These 16 types are based on four key pairs of traits:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): Do you recharge by being around others, or do you need some alone time to refuel?
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Do you focus on the details of what’s happening now, or do you think more about future possibilities?
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Do you make decisions based on logic, or would you rather consider how people will feel?
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Do you like to plan everything out, or do you prefer to keep your options open?
If you’re curious about your personality type, there’s a free version of the test that takes a few minutes to complete.
Our executive director, Ed Huang, weighed in with his thoughts about personality testing and how it plays a role in the workplace:
As an introvert myself, I know that a successful workplace needs all types of personalities. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, the key is to find positions that match your strengths and allow you to contribute meaningfully. Top-earning jobs exist for every personality type — you just need to explore your options and identify where you can make the most impact.
Ed Huang, Executive Director at Resume Genius
The highest-paying jobs for your Myers-Briggs personality type
Wondering where you could thrive? Check out these top careers matched to your personality:
1. ISTJ — Surgeon
- Median annual salary: $239,200
- Number of jobs (2023): 834,500
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 4%
- Typical education level: Doctoral degree, completing internship and residency programs
Why this role aligns with your personality
If you’re an ISTJ, you’re someone who often has a plan — and a backup plan — ready to go. That’s exactly why being a surgeon suits you so well. Methodical and detail-oriented, you thrive on mastering your craft, no matter how many hours it takes.
Your love for structure means you’ll have no trouble sticking to protocols and procedures, which is essential when someone’s life is on the line. Between scrubbing in for long procedures and running post-op rounds, remember to fit in some downtime to recharge those ISTJ batteries.
2. INFJ — Psychiatrist
- Median annual salary: $226,880
- Number of jobs (2023): 28,600
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 7%
- Typical education level: Doctoral degree, completing residency programs
Why this role aligns with your personality
INFJs have a knack for understanding what people are going through and are always exploring the “why” behind everything, which is why you’re able to connect the dots in ways others might miss. As a psychiatrist, you use that insight to guide people toward personal growth, clarity, and healing.
Just remember that being the steady support for others can be emotionally taxing. Take time to recharge between sessions, whether that’s a quiet moment to yourself, a walk outside, or time spent with people who refill your cup.
3. ESTJ — Airline captain
- Median annual salary: $198,100
- Number of jobs (2023): 152,800
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 5%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree, and certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration
Why this role aligns with your personality
As an ESTJ, your sense of responsibility makes you a perfect fit to be an airline captain. Your decisiveness and logical reasoning are exactly what’s needed when hundreds of lives depend on your decisions.
ESTJs’ love for order and structure means every departure and landing runs like clockwork. With you in the cockpit, your flight team and passengers can relax.
4. INTP — Physicist
- Median annual salary: $166,290
- Number of jobs (2023): 152,800
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 5%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs, Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia
Why this role aligns with your personality
With your curious and analytical mind, your gift for working with numbers and logic as an INTP naturally guides you to physics. As you thrive on roles that challenge your intellect, solving theories and working with datasets are exactly where you’ll excel.
However, INTPs are also prone to overthinking, so when you’re facing challenges during the experimentation or publication process, it’s okay to take a recovery break and bounce ideas off with your colleagues before returning to your work.
5. ENFP — Advertising director
- Median annual salary: $159,660
- Number of jobs (2023): 411,300
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 8%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Why the role aligns with your personality
ENFPs love inspiring others with their enthusiasm and creative vision. If there’s any role that lets you channel that energy and people-first perspective into storytelling, it’s an advertising director. In this role, you get to craft engaging narratives and bring your ideas to life as campaigns that truly inspire your audience.
You thrive in the workplace when your big-picture thinking and strong communication skills are shining. Roles like this let you break free from rigid structures, explore bold ideas, and keep your creative spark alive, just the way you like it.
6. ENTJ — Prosecutor
- Median annual salary: $151,160
- Number of jobs (2023): 859,000
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 5%
- Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Why the role aligns with your personality
Your no-nonsense approach as an ENTJ makes you a natural prosecutor. You crave efficiency and will root out weak arguments and procedural delays by prepping seriously for cases. Your natural charisma and confidence help sway juries and command respect in the courtroom.
That said, when high-pressure hearings stall, remember to be patient. Practicing active listening during negotiations will give you a more professional edge and strengthen your arguments.
7. ENFJ — Human resources manager
- Median annual salary: $140,030
- Number of jobs (2023): 208,900
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 6%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Why the role aligns with your personality
ENFJs are natural connectors who flourish when they’re helping others grow and succeed. Any role that uses your people skills and sense of purpose is a fit for you. As a human resources manager, you’re the engine behind a supportive and successful workplace.
Your talent for fostering collaboration ensures everyone feels heard and valued. A job where you know you’re driving the change that helps others thrive is what truly gives you a sense of fulfillment.
8. ESTP — Sales manager
- Median annual salary: $138,060
- Number of jobs (2023): 584,800
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 6%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Why the role aligns with your personality
If you’re an ESTP, you live for life’s fast-paced challenges, and the world of sales is full of them. As a sales manager, you can thrive in high-energy environments, either through closing deals or leading your team to hit big targets.
When the pressure’s on, you stay cool, confident, and focused. Your quick thinking and problem-solving skills make turning opportunities into sales easy.
9. ISFJ — Pharmacist
- Median annual salary: $137,480
- Number of jobs (2023): 337,700
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 5%
- Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Why this role aligns with your personality
Are you someone who notices the little things and always goes the extra mile behind the scenes? If so, it’s no surprise that being a pharmacist is a perfect fit for you.
ISFJs bring calm, care, and reliability to every setting. Your presence always makes others feel safe and supported, and as a pharmacist, your patients know they’re in good hands. However, your humility may make it hard to ask for recognition. Remember, you deserve respect for your diligence and work.
10. ISTP — Electrical engineer
- Median annual salary: $118,780
- Number of jobs (2023): 287,800
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 9%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Why this role aligns with your personality
As an ISTP, you’re all about problem-solving. You’re the cool, calm, and collected type who keeps a level head even when things get complicated.
Endless meetings and theory? Not your thing. You’d rather be hands-on, tinkering, testing, and making things work in the real world.
You thrive when you can follow your instincts and work independently. As an electrical engineer, you use your technical skills to bring systems to life, and that’s exactly why this path is the perfect fit for you.
11. INTJ — Data scientist
- Median annual salary: $112,590
- Number of jobs (2023): 202,900
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 36%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Why this role aligns with your personality
You’re not the loudest person in the room, but you don’t need to be. As an INTJ, your work speaks for itself.
INTJs love to be intellectually challenged, which is why data science is such a natural fit. It’s where your analytical mind and strategic thinking can truly shine.
You’d be especially skilled at spotting trends others miss and turning messy data into clear, actionable insights. With you on the team, people know they can count on solid answers and smart solutions every time.
12. INFP — Animator
- Median annual salary: $99,800
- Number of jobs (2023): 73,300
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 4%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Why this role aligns with your personality
INFPs are dreamers with a talent for seeing magic in the everyday. If there’s any job that lets you express your imagination while staying true to your values, it’s being an animator. Animation lets you bring your ideas and creativity to life.
As an animator, you’re not just drawing scenes but rather telling stories that connect on a deeper level. And working behind the scenes, at your own pace, in your creative flow? That’s the dream.
13. ENTP — Forensic psychologist
- Median annual salary: $94,310
- Number of jobs (2023): 207,500
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 7%
- Typical education level: Master’s or Doctoral degree
Why this role aligns with your personality
ENTPs are quick thinkers, always coming up with original solutions. You love diving into complex problems and uncovering the truth, especially when others are stumped.
That’s why forensic psychology is such a great fit for you. It blends your curiosity with the real world by analyzing behavior, spotting patterns, and helping solve cases. Every new case comes with a new challenge, and for someone who thrives on variety and discovery, that’s what makes this role so exciting.
14. ESFP — Model
- Median annual salary: $89,990
- Number of jobs (2023): 3,600
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 0%
- Typical education level: No formal educational credential
Why this role aligns with your personality
ESFPs are born entertainers. Your vibrant energy, confidence, and charm naturally draw people in, and you have a talent for making any space feel alive the moment you step into it.
Modeling is a perfect outlet for your love of self-expression. Whether you’re walking a runway or posing for a campaign, you bring boldness, personality, and presence to every shot. You are made for the spotlight, and with new looks, locations, and creative teams around every corner, you’re truly thriving every day.
15. ESFJ — Postsecondary teacher
- Median annual salary: $83,980
- Number of jobs (2023): 1,397,600
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 8%
- Typical education level: Master’s or Doctoral degree
Why this role aligns with your personality
ESFJs are known to boost energy levels wherever they go. You have a natural gift for connecting with others and creating a warm, supportive environment, which is exactly what makes a great post-secondary teacher.
With your friendly, approachable nature, teaching at the college level isn’t just a job — it’s a calling that lets you guide and uplift the next generation of professionals.
Whether you’re leading thoughtful class discussions, offering one-on-one support during office hours, or cheering your students on at graduation, you’re the kind of educator students always remember.
16. ISFP — Fashion designer
- Median annual salary: $80,690
- Number of jobs (2023): 21,900
- Job outlook (2023–2033): 5%
- Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Why this role aligns with your personality
If you’re an ISFP, you see the world through a unique personal lens. While you might come off as quiet or reserved, your creativity runs deep, and fashion design is the perfect outlet to express it.
As a fashion designer, you get the freedom to experiment with textures, colors, and styles that reflect your vision. You’re not one to follow trends blindly, and in this field, you don’t have to. Your eye for detail and love for aesthetic beauty give your designs that subtle spark that makes them stand out on any runway or rack.
4 MBTI-inspired tips for job hunting and workplace success
Want to leverage your personality type for success in your job hunt or at work? Try these tips:
1. Explore roles or projects that play to your strengths
Your MBTI can offer valuable insights into the areas where you naturally excel. Focusing on these strengths can help you develop important soft skills that are useful for your career.
Certified MBTI Professional Helen Roy advises her clients to reflect on their MBTI test results to understand what career fulfillment looks like.
By using your Myers-Briggs personality as a factor in your career exploration and decisions, you are much more likely to find work that aligns with your natural ways of deriving energy, noticing the world around you, making decisions, and engaging with the world around you. This, along with aligning your interests, skills, values, and goals, will allow you to perform at your best.
Helen Roy, Certified MBTI Professional and HR Total Rewards Senior Consultant at SAP
Are you currently job hunting? When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight these strengths.
For instance, if you’re an INTJ looking for business-related roles, emphasize your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. If you’re an ENFP applying to be a social media marketer, showcase your creativity and people skills.
And if you’re currently in your job, try to continue building upon what you’re good at.
As an ESFJ, you might thrive in roles that allow you to connect with others or even create more structure for your coworkers. By taking on projects that involve mentoring new colleagues or organizing a team-building event, you can sharpen these skills and become even more effective at work.
Aligning your strengths with the right opportunities will make your job more enjoyable and potentially boost your earning potential as you progress in your career.
I like to talk to clients about building their “career imagination” so that they can approach the process from a place of openness to ideas they may have never considered. By considering all of the options matching your Myers-Briggs personality type, you can then use the process of elimination to narrow your focus. When we do it this way, you can be confident in your final choice because you’ve left no stone unturned.
Helen Roy, Certified MBTI Professional and HR Total Rewards Senior Consultant at SAP
To explore your options, consider taking on temporary roles, volunteering, or shadowing colleagues in different departments. This hands-on experience can help you discover new strengths and interests while giving you a taste of what different roles are like.
2. Develop self-awareness to guide your career choices
Understanding yourself better is key to finding a career you’ll love, so take time to think about your strengths, weaknesses, and what truly drives you.
Personality tests, journaling, or talking with colleagues, mentors, or a career coach can help you get a clearer sense of direction.
The better you know yourself, the easier it’ll be to find roles that bring you satisfaction and success.
3. Use your natural communication style to network
Networking doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you play to your MBTI strengths. Try using your natural communication style to make meaningful connections throughout your career.
If you’re an introvert, focus on smaller, more intimate settings where you can build genuine relationships. For example, do you prefer online interactions? Platforms like LinkedIn offer a controlled environment to showcase your skills and connect with others in your field.
For extroverts, consider attending more industry events where you can shine in a social setting.
4. Keep an open mind during your career journey
Your MBTI can guide you, but it doesn’t have to box you in. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone, so be open to exploring roles that may not seem like an obvious fit at first glance.
For instance, if you’re an ISFJ who’s always been in support roles, maybe it’s time to try leading a project. If you’re an ESTP who’s used to fast-paced environments, consider how a more strategic role could expand your skill set.
“Discovering what you don’t want to do can be just as valuable in this process as identifying what sounds like a possible fit,” says Roy.
Staying flexible will allow you to grow and discover new paths you hadn’t considered before — and also help you leave behind roles that no longer align with your evolving career goals.
Methodology
Our research team sourced the data for this analysis from a voting questionnaire administered by the online Personality Database forum. Our primary objective was to identify the occupations most frequently associated with distinct personality types, as determined by user-generated votes.
To maintain statistical validity, we only included occupations that ranked within the top five highest-voted jobs for each personality category, with a minimum threshold of 50 votes per occupation. We then sorted the jobs in descending order of their median annual wage based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, and the highest-paying occupation for each personality type was identified for further analysis. Additionally, we factored in job outlook projections by prioritizing roles with good projected growth or stable, little-change scenarios over the next decade.
We excluded occupations lacking available wage data to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the findings.
Limitations
This analysis is limited to the occupations represented within the Personality Database forum and may not reflect broader or global employment trends. It’s important to note that the data is user-generated and reflects the conditions at the time of data collection, which may be subject to change.
While we made efforts to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the selection process, we acknowledge that personality traits are inherently complex and subjective. The association between personality types and specific occupations is based on user votes and may not account for the full spectrum of individual differences within each personality category.
Primary sources
- Myers&Briggs Foundation, Myers-Briggs Overview
- Personality Database, The Personality Database
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
About Resume Genius
Since 2009, Resume Genius and its resume builder software have been helping people from all backgrounds and experience levels land their next job faster.
Resume Genius also provides a wide range of free career resources, including customizable resume templates, resume examples for different industries, and resume writing guides, to help job seekers find fulfilling work and reach their career goals.
Resume Genius is led by a team of dedicated career advisors and HR experts and has been featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CNBC, and USA Today.
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