The 8 Best Jobs for ISFP Personality Types
Graphic Designer | Social Worker | Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | Veterinarian | Occupational Therapist | Forester | Interior Designer | Environmental Scientist
Known as the composer, artist, and adventurer, ISFPs live in a world of senses. They enjoy creating beauty in numerous forms and are typically drawn to careers in art, music, and photography. According to The Myers & Briggs Foundation, about 9% of the U.S. population belongs to the ISFP personality type.
ISFPs also enjoy service-oriented careers that allow them to make a positive impact on others, making them excellent teachers and counselors. These spontaneous, free-spirited individuals possess a strong core of inner values and tend to shy away from the rigid structure found in the corporate world.
The 8 Best Careers for ISFP Personality Types
Graphic Designer
Since they tend to be creative and artistic, ISFPs thrive as graphic designers. This hands-on, independent position gives ISFPs the freedom they need and fulfills their desire to see projects through to the end.
Through the use of computer software, a graphic designer creates digital marketing images. These professionals may design and produce logos, illustrations, and images for websites, brochures, magazines, advertisements, and reports. Their attention-grabbing images inspire, inform, and motivate consumers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graphic designers earn a median annual wage of $52,110. Those who work in advertising or public relation firms earn slightly more, making a median annual salary of $54,320.
While they work in a competitive industry, graphic designers who keep current on the latest technologies and design trends can boost their job prospects. The BLS also projects increasing employment opportunities for professionals in computer systems design and related fields.
Social Worker
Many ISFPs want to make a positive impact on the lives of others; this desire, paired with their hands-on approach to solving problems, can serve them well in a role as a social worker.
Using community resources, social workers help individuals and families facing illnesses, unemployment, homelessness, and other challenges. Some also work with organizations and policymakers to improve a community’s programs and services. Social workers may specialize in a particular area, such as helping children, and often support individuals with serious illnesses.
The BLS projects 13% job growth for social workers between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations (4%). Mental health and substance abuse social workers may see even greater demand, with a projected employment growth of 17% over that same time period.
Social worker salaries vary by specialty and employer. For example, healthcare social workers earn a median annual salary of $56,750, while child, family, and school social workers earn $47,390.
Some of the top employers of social workers include local and state government agencies, ambulatory healthcare services, and individual and family services.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
The creative and passionate nature of ISFPs makes them natural teachers. Relaxed and tolerant, with a flair for the unique and unconventional, many ISFPs enjoy a special bond with children. Individuals with this personality type may excel at developing creative lesson plans and hands-on activities.
Elementary school teachers work in public or private schools, instructing students in the fundamentals of reading, writing, science, and math. Elementary schools typically go up to fifth or sixth grade, though some districts continue through the eighth grade.
Read our teaching careers guide to learn more about career opportunities in primary education.
The BLS projects 4% job growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers between 2019 and 2029. Kindergarten teachers earn a median annual salary of $56,850, while elementary school teachers earn $59,670 per year.
Although job opportunities for teachers vary by region, the rising number of students attending public schools should result in increased demand. Graduates who are willing to relocate can enhance their employment prospects by moving to an area with increased need — many urban and rural school districts are experiencing teacher shortages.
Veterinarian
Many ISFPs feel a deep love for animals. Thanks to their caring and service-oriented nature, individuals who belong to this personality type can become gifted veterinarians.
Veterinarians examine, diagnose, and treat many different types of animals, from pets to horses and livestock. Most veterinarians specialize in treating companion animals or farm animals/livestock.
The BLS projects 16% job growth for veterinarians between 2019 and 2029. Many of today’s veterinarians provide advanced, complicated treatments once only available to humans, leading to increased demand for these services.
Veterinarians earn a median annual salary of $97,010, with the top 10% of earners taking home more than $160,780 per year. Most veterinarians work at private clinics and veterinary hospitals.
Occupational Therapist
As creative problem-solvers who enjoy tackling real-world issues, ISFPs may find fulfillment working as occupational therapists.
Occupational therapists develop rehabilitation programs that help restore or build skills for those with disabilities or developmental delays. These programs may involve daily living skills or vocational skills that help clients live independently. Examples include helping children with disabilities participate in school activities and teaching patients affected by strokes to perform daily activities.
Students interested in working with an older population can learn about career opportunities in our gerontology careers guide. Alternatively, for those interested in the broader healthcare field, our careers in healthcare guide offers a comprehensive look into the many professional opportunities in this burgeoning field.
The BLS projects 16% job growth for occupational therapists between 2019 and 2029; this projection is largely influenced by the aging baby-boom generation. These therapists can help aging seniors remain in their homes by recommending home modifications and helping them adjust to common ailments like stroke and arthritis.
Occupational therapists earn a median annual salary of $84,950, with the top 10% of earners making more than $121,490 per year. The biggest employers for these professionals include nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, occupational therapy offices, hospitals, and schools.
Forester
Foresters spend their days caring for and managing trees or forests. Depending on their employer, they may develop plans to protect trees from disease and wildfires, regenerate forested lands, and/or supervise the sustainable harvesting of trees. ISFPs who value conservation and nature may excel in these roles.
Most of these professionals work for local, state, and federal government agencies, managing forests through the prevention and suppression of wildfires. Some foresters also work for social advocacy organizations.
The BLS projects 4% job growth for foresters between 2019 and 2029. As the threat of forest fires continues to increase due to climate change and the encroachment of civilization upon forested lands, the need for foresters should increase.
Foresters earn a median annual salary of $61,790. Candidates with an understanding of computer modeling, like remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technology, may increase their job prospects.
Interior Designer
Many ISFPs relish a functional and beautiful environment. Colors, textures, and lighting can become works of art in the hands of this personality type. Their active listening skills and perceptive nature can help them bring a client’s vision to life.
Interior designers create beautiful and functional living and working spaces. Homes, estates, hotels, offices, and even healthcare facilities may seek the experience of an interior designer to bring beauty, safety, and functionality to their unique space.
Interior designers typically work as independent contractors or for large design firms. Many specialize in a particular niche, like green spaces, corporate workspaces, the hospitality industry, or home design. This competitive industry also requires strong networking and marketing skills.
Designers who stay current with the latest design tools, including computer-aided design (CAD) software, can improve their job opportunities. Designers should also maintain an eye-catching professional portfolio.
Interior designers earn a median annual salary of $56,040, with the top 10% of earners making more than $96,470 per year. Those working in the architectural or engineering industries earn $60,910 per year.
Environmental Scientist
Many ISFPs love nature and prefer hands-on work, which makes them well-suited for a career as an environmental scientist. Spending time both in the lab and out in the field may appeal to an ISFP’s love of freedom.
Environmental scientists research environmental problems and develop appropriate solutions. Using their knowledge of biological, social, and physical sciences, these professionals protect the environment and human health. Specific tasks may include working with a company to reduce pollution or creating a plan to clean up contaminated areas.
The BLS projects 8% job growth for environmental scientists between 2019 and 2029. Increasing public interest in environmental issues and growing pressure to develop solutions to address climate change may provide good job opportunities for these professionals.
Environmental scientists earn a median annual salary of $71,360. Those who work for the federal government earn even more, making a median annual wage of $102,910.
Candidates can improve their job prospects by completing internships and taking classes in computer modeling, GIS, and data analysis.
Additional ISFP Career Options
Police Officer- Flight Attendant
- Photographer
- Fashion Designer
- Professional Chef
- Nurse
- Composer
- Librarian
- Writer
- Naturalist
- Physical Therapist
- Marine Biologist
- Recreational Therapist
- Zoologist
- ER Physician
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