Best-Paying Job for Your Personality Type

Understanding Career Paths Through Personality Types

A recent study by Resume Genius highlights how identifying your personality type can significantly influence your career choices. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a well-known tool that categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types based on four key traits: extraversion or introversion, sensing or intuition, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving.

By analyzing responses from the Personality Database forum, Resume Genius determined the most popular jobs for each MBTI personality type and calculated their median annual pay using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to Eva Chan, a senior PR expert at Resume Genius, understanding your core personality traits can be a "game changer" in your professional journey.

"You become more aware of your shortcomings and your strengths," Chan explains. While a personality quiz shouldn't dictate your career choice, it can serve as a fun and useful way to reflect and gain self-awareness.

Below are some of the highest-paying jobs aligned with each MBTI personality type:

ISTJ — Surgeon

Annual median wage: $239,200
Surgeons are known for being dependable, detail-oriented, and highly disciplined due to the extensive education required. This career aligns well with ISTJs, who value organizational skills, practicality, and concentration. The high level of accountability in surgery resonates with ISTJs' strong sense of responsibility.

INFJ — Psychiatrist

Annual median wage: $226,880
INFJs are typically insightful, inquisitive, and conscientious. Psychiatrists, who deeply understand others and possess strong people skills, make a good match for INFJs. Their empathetic nature allows them to connect with patients effectively.

ESTJ — Airline Captain

Annual median wage: $198,000
ESTJs are practical, responsible, and logical. They thrive in structured environments and follow procedures meticulously. Their leadership skills and ability to take charge during emergencies make them ideal candidates for roles like airline captain.

INTP — Physicist

Annual median wage: $166,290
INTPs are logical and big-picture thinkers, making them well-suited for analytical fields like physics. Their curiosity and problem-solving abilities allow them to explore complex questions in research labs, where they can work independently.

ENFP — Advertising Director

Annual median wage: $159,660
Advertising directors require interpersonal skills, creativity, and energy. ENFPs, who are imaginative and emotionally intelligent, excel in roles involving collaboration and innovation. Their ability to connect with people makes them successful in this field.

ENTJ — Prosecutor

Annual median wage: $151,160
ENTJs are persuasive, focused, and capable of working under pressure. Their leadership and public speaking skills make them excellent prosecutors, as they can take the lead, argue their case, and achieve desired results.

ENFJ — Human Resources Manager

Annual median wage: $140,030
ENFJs are natural connectors and relationship builders. Their empathy and communication skills make them effective HR managers, who act as a bridge between leadership and employees. They thrive in roles centered around people development.

ESTP — Sales Manager

Annual median wage: $138,060
ESTPs are results-driven and adaptable, making them well-suited for sales management. Their confidence and ability to perform under pressure help them meet ambitious targets. They often succeed in industries such as real estate and business leadership.

ISFJ — Pharmacist

Annual median wage: $137,480
ISFJs are detail-oriented and reliable, which aligns well with the structure and organization required in pharmacy roles. Their desire to help others also makes this profession appealing.

ISTP — Electrical Engineer

Annual median wage: $118,780
ISTPs are quick-thinking problem solvers, making them ideal for analytical fields like electrical engineering. Their calm demeanor helps them handle high-pressure situations effectively.

INTJ — Data Scientist

Annual median wage: $112,590
INTJs are analytical and independent, making them well-suited for data science roles. Their ability to solve complex problems and identify trends is valuable in industries such as tech, finance, and healthcare.

INFP — Animator

Annual median wage: $99,800
INFPs are deeply creative and enjoy storytelling. Animation allows them to express their unique ideas and create emotionally resonant art while working behind the scenes.

ENTP — Forensic Psychologist

Annual median wage: $94,310
ENTPs are resourceful, quick-thinking, and analytical. Their social skills and ability to read people make them well-suited for forensic psychology, where they can solve problems and analyze human behavior.

ESFP — Model

Annual median wage: $89,990
ESFPs are natural entertainers who thrive in the spotlight. Their charisma and people skills make them well-suited for modeling, where their confidence shines through both on and off camera.

ESFJ — Postsecondary Teacher

Annual median wage: $83,980
ESFJs enjoy structure and organization, making them ideal for teaching roles. Their warm personalities and empathy allow them to build strong connections with students and colleagues.

ISFP — Fashion Designer

Annual median wage: $80,690
ISFPs are deeply creative and value independence. Fashion design offers them a platform to express their artistic vision and bring their imagination to life while enjoying autonomy.

Whether you're exploring your career options or looking to enhance your communication skills, understanding your personality type can provide valuable insights. Consider taking an online course to improve your public speaking and confidence, and stay connected with industry experts through newsletters and communities.