The 8 Best Jobs for ESTP Personality Types

Updated on August 8, 2024

Explore the best jobs for ESTPs by reading our informative guide. Find out which careers match these magnetic, extroverted individuals.

According to The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, ESTPs (extroverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving) are outgoing and energetic individuals. People who belong to this personality type tend to be magnetic and engaging, seeking stimulation through social interaction. Their extroverted nature makes ESTPs suited to fast-paced, action-oriented jobs that require strong people skills.

ESTPs also tend to have strong practical and technical skills. Many ESTPs pursue computer or mechanical careers, while others enjoy marketing, sales, entrepreneurial, and executive roles. They also fit jobs like EMT and police officer, which require order, organization, and discretion.

The 8 Best Careers for ESTP Personality Types

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are self-starters who can develop a project or business from the ground up. They need strong self-motivation, leadership, and decision-making skills. Entrepreneurs must also possess basic skills in business, communication, and financial management to achieve success in their endeavor.

ESTPs are especially suited to entrepreneurial careers due to their broad and diverse people skills. They can easily interact with a variety of shareholders, donors, and colleagues in business. ESTPs may also enjoy the fast-paced, varied schedule of an entrepreneur.

The role of entrepreneur is similar in many ways to top executives like CEOs and general managers. Entrepreneurs may help start a business before moving along to another project or assuming a tenured position as a top executive within their own organization.

Regardless of an entrepreneur’s exact career path, job prospects tend to be best for those with an advanced degree and management skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% increase in top executive jobs and a 5% increase in all management jobs between 2019 and 2029.

Computer Support Specialist

These specialists provide technical and technology support to computer users. They typically work with other IT specialists to support networks or communicate directly with users to resolve issues on the front end. They should possess advanced problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills.

Computer support specialist jobs can highlight an ESTP’s people skills and eye for detail. Many ESTPs enjoy the challenge of identifying and solving complex technical issues. Computer support positions also offer exciting prospects for ESTPs who enjoy not knowing what to expect from one task to the next.

As virtual business continues to expand around the globe, more and more organizations have come to rely on computer support specialists. These professionals commonly perform tasks like installing, repairing, and upgrading complex software and equipment.

Computer support specialists may work in large or small organizations as part of an IT team. Alternatively, they may specialize in providing support services on a contract basis. Between 2019 and 2029, the BLS projects an 8% increase in computer support specialist jobs and a 6% increase in network support specialist jobs. Computer support specialists earn a median annual salary of $54,760.

Sales Manager

Sales managers guide the activities of sales teams for both large and small organizations. They set goals and advise sales representatives on ways to improve performance and streamline operations. Sales managers also recruit, hire, and train members of their sales team.

ESTPs can make the most of their leadership skills and persuasive natures in a sales role. As sales managers, ESTPs can also develop and implement innovative selling practices. ESTP sales managers may especially enjoy the job’s networking and traveling requirements.

The job outlook for sales managers is intrinsically tied to the health of the economy. As global business moves online, sales managers with e-commerce experience are in demand. Conversely, brick-and-mortar stores need sales managers with advanced skills to compete with online vendors.

Candidates should anticipate positive growth for sales and other managerial jobs over the next decade. The BLS projects a 4% increase in sales manager jobs between 2019 and 2029, which is on par with the average projected growth for all occupations. Sales managers take home a high median annual salary of $126,640.

Paramedic

Paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are among the first responders to the scene of a medical emergency. They are dispatched by 911 operators and often work alongside police officers and firefighters in an emergency. Paramedics provide emergency medical services to patients and transport them to medical facilities for further treatment.

ESTPs are especially suited to careers as paramedics because they can apply logic and make timely decisions in stressful situations. While others might panic in a crisis, many ESTPs can effectively multitask and think on their feet to identify and prioritize critical tasks.

Multiple factors affect the continued demand for qualified paramedics and EMTs in the U.S. Emergencies resulting from natural disasters, car accidents, and violent crimes consistently require trained paraprofessionals. Additionally, the aging U.S. population increasingly requires paramedic services for age-related health emergencies.

Many rural areas and small cities require citizens to undergo specialized training to become volunteer paramedics or EMTs. The BLS projects jobs for paramedics and EMTs will grow 6% between 2019 and 2029. These professionals make a median annual income of $35,400, with the top 10% earning over $59,860 per year.

Police Officer or Detective

Police officers and detectives play key roles in criminal justice, protecting people and property and investigating crimes to solve cases. Related roles include FBI agents, fish and game wardens, and sheriffs’ patrol officers.

ESTPs make excellent police officers and detectives due to their acute critical thinking skills and detail-oriented nature. This line of work can also satisfy an ESTP’s desire for flexibility and variety in their career. An ESTP’s strong communication and sensing skills can help them accurately read body language.

Generally, there is a steady demand for trained police officers and detectives nationwide; however, the demand for police officers and detectives varies according to the operating budgets of individual states and cities.

The BLS projects a 5% rise in police and detective jobs from 2019 to 2029. That said, candidates may face significant job competition, as law enforcement agencies report low turnover rates. Bilingual applicants with investigative experience and a bachelor’s degree may have an advantage in the job market. Police officers and detectives earn a median annual salary of $65,170.

Construction Manager

Also called project managers or general contractors, construction managers plan and supervise construction projects for things like buildings, roads, and bridges. Boasting strong project management skills, construction managers routinely coordinate with engineers, architects, and local government officials to carry out important projects.

Since ESTPs tend to prefer active, high-energy careers, they may be suited to construction manager jobs. ESTPs can oversee several projects at once with their advanced multitasking abilities. They may also enjoy the challenge of problem-solving and seeing tangible results in their work.

Construction managers are in high demand across multiple sectors. A growing population and continued business expansion should increase the need for residences, hospitals, schools, and retail buildings. Additionally, improvements to the national infrastructure and retrofitting projects may require qualified construction managers.

Jobs for construction managers fluctuate according to the overall health of the economy. Between 2019 and 2029, the BLS projects an 8% increase in construction management jobs. These managers make a median annual income of $95,260, well above the median annual wage for all jobs.

Restaurant Manager

Restaurant managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant or food service establishment. Their management tasks are twofold: ensuring a satisfactory customer experience and turning a profit for the restaurant to meet payroll obligations.

ESTPs typically enjoy interacting with diverse groups in a restaurant manager position. They can move seamlessly between socializing with customers and managing the cooks and waitstaff behind the scenes. ESTPs can also handle the multitasking, HR, and budgeting requirements of this job.

While the need for restaurant managers should continue to increase slightly in the coming years, growth has slowed as many restaurants rely on head chefs to take on more of a management role. Though limited, positions may become available as current managers retire or switch career fields.

The BLS projects a 1% increase in jobs for food service and restaurant managers from 2019 to 2029. These professionals earn a median income of $55,320 per year.

Actor

Actors portray characters and perform in television, film, theater, and other performing arts productions. They interpret scripts to help bring a writer’s work to life. The best actors are creative and persistent, with excellent memorization and public speaking skills.

Many ESTPs naturally possess the drive and ambition needed to succeed as an actor. Seeking the spotlight also comes naturally to ESTPs. Acting can provide ESTPs with the variety and excitement they crave in a career, offering ongoing opportunities to interact with all types of personalities and satisfy their competitive streak.

While highly competitive, the performing arts should continue to employ talented actors. The BLS projects an increase in the prevalence of digital platforms for the performing arts in the coming years, creating opportunities for actors in virtual productions.

While acting roles rarely require a particular degree or educational path, some actors may benefit from holding a bachelor’s degree, particularly for stage acting roles. The BLS projects 3% growth in acting jobs between 2019 and 2029. Most actors make around $20 per hour, though this can vary significantly.