The 8 Best Jobs for ISTJ Personality Types
Accountant | Dentist | Management Analyst | Software Developer | Lawyer | Civil Engineer | Information Security Analyst | Logistician
ISTJ stands for the following four attributes: introverted, sensing, thinking, and judging. The most common personality type among men and the third-most common in the general population, ISTJs tend to thrive in stable, focused, data-driven, and fact-based environments.
Sometimes referred to as the inspector, ISTJs respect tradition, authority, and security. Order plays a major role in many areas of their lives. These characteristics make ISTJs suitable for many careers, including analyst, accountant, and engineer.
The 8 Best Careers for ISTJ Personality Types
Accountant
Due to an ISTJ’s methodical, detailed, and orderly approach to life and work, individuals with this personality type often excel in accounting. Employers and clients entrusting their financial matters to an accountant appreciate the ISTJ’s integrity and dependable nature.
Accountants examine and prepare financial documents. Depending on their position, they may compute taxes, assess financial operations, suggest opportunities for increasing profits, and create budgets. These professionals often work for the government, corporations, public accounting firms, or as independent business owners.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 4% job growth for accountants between 2019 and 2029 — about as fast as the average projected growth for all occupations. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $71,550.
Increasing globalization and the growing demand for accountants as more companies go public should result in positive job prospects for entry-level accountants. However, applicants seeking roles with distinguished accounting firms and businesses may find strong competition. Certified public accountants (CPAs) and accountants with a master’s degree often find enhanced job opportunities.
Dentist
Many ISTJs appreciate the step-by-step approach and structured methodology found within the field of dentistry. Dentists conduct examinations that lead to a diagnosis and a treatment plan with an identifiable end goal.
Daily tasks include removing decay and filling cavities, repairing or removing teeth, and administering anesthetics. Dentists may also instruct their patients on the proper care of their teeth and gums.
Some dentists become general practitioners, while others specialize in a subfield. Specialists include dental anesthesiologists, endodontists, orthodontists, and pediatric dentists.
The BLS projects 3% job growth for dentists between 2019 and 2029. These professionals boast a median annual wage of $159,200. Specialists like orthodontists and prosthodontists earn even more, with median annual salaries of more than $208,000.
As the population ages, the demand for dental work and services like implants and bridges should increase. Additionally, opportunities for dentists who want to work in underserved areas may be even higher.
Management Analyst
Many ISTJs have a keen eye for detail, which enables them to look at an organization’s structure and recognize cost-saving solutions. Additionally, their direct approach allows them to clearly discuss their analysis with managers and board members.
Management analysts advise organizations on how to improve their procedures and reduce costs while increasing revenue. By analyzing financial data and onsite protocols, these consultants suggest better practices, improved procedures, and other organizational changes.
Most analysts work as consultants, with some specializing in certain areas of a business or a specific industry.
According to the BLS, management analysts earn a median annual salary of $85,260. Analysts who work in professional, scientific, and technical services boast an even higher median annual wage of $91,160.
The BLS projects 11% employment growth for management analysts between 2019 and 2029 — much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. Those specializing in healthcare, information technology, or human resources may see particularly strong demand.
Professional experience in certain fields can also increase a candidate’s job prospects. For instance, consulting firms that specialize in working with IT businesses may prefer applicants who have computer systems or software experience.
Software Developer
The get-the-job-done attitude displayed by many ISTJs, as well as their ability to persevere despite setbacks, help make them great fits as software developers. Their problem-solving and analytical skills also play an important role in success in this field.
A software developer designs, tests, develops, and maintains computer systems or application software. At some companies, they also write the computer code that brings the applications and software to life. If a problem occurs in testing, a developer must go back to the design process, find the defects, and fix the problems.
The BLS projects 22% job growth for software developers between 2019 and 2029. These developers also boast a median annual salary of $107,510. Those working in the software publishing industry earn a median annual wage of $122,110.
The demand for software developers continues to increase as the need for new applications on smartphones and tablets grows. Candidates who know multiple computer programming languages and stay abreast of the latest programming tools can gain an advantage in the job market.
Lawyer
Many ISTJs have a drive to create and enforce order, uphold traditions, and carry out their duty — these traits can make them excellent lawyers willing to fight for their clients. Lawyers advise and represent individuals and companies on legal issues. They research laws and past rulings to present a case and argue on behalf of their clients.
These professionals work in different industries and fields. For instance, a lawyer may work for the government as an environmental lawyer or for a corporation as a tax lawyer.
The BLS projects 4% job growth for lawyers between 2019 and 2029. Lawyers boast a median annual salary of $122,960. Attorneys who work for the federal government earn even more, taking home a median annual wage of $144,300.
While graduates enter a competitive job market, large corporations making the shift from outside counsel to an in-house legal department have increased the need for lawyers. Industries experiencing increasing demand include healthcare, financial services, insurance, and consulting firms.
Civil Engineer
An ISTJ’s attention to detail, practical nature, and adherence to standards and regulations often make individuals with this personality type suited for a career as a civil engineer. The ability to see a project through from inception to completion appeals to an ISTJ’s drive to meet deadlines and create order and structure.
A civil engineer designs, plans, and supervises the construction of public works and large infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings, dams, tunnels, airports, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.
BLS data shows that civil engineers earn a median annual salary of $87,060. Those who work for the government boast even higher salaries, with federal employees earning $95,380 per year and local government civil engineers making $93,380.
The BLS projects 2% job growth for civil engineers between 2019 and 2029. While this rate suggests a fairly tight labor market, the pressing need to upgrade, rebuild, and repair the nation’s aging infrastructure should continue to supply the demand for civil engineers. The need for new water systems and renewable energy projects also creates additional opportunities.
Students who enroll in programs that offer cooperative experiences and internships can increase their job prospects.
Information Security Analyst
Because of their deep desire to promote security and safety, ISTJs often enjoy careers as information security analysts. These analysts help secure an organization’s information networks and systems. They may work for the government, nonprofit agencies, or for-profit companies, protecting computer systems from potential security breaches and cyberattacks.
An information security analyst may monitor an organization’s networks, install software designed to protect information, conduct penetration testing, and create a disaster recovery plan.
The BLS projects 31% job growth for information security analysts between 2019 and 2029. The very high demand for these professionals continues to increase as hackers persist in creating problems for computer networks, stealing personal and critical information. The BLS projects 56% employment growth for information security analysts in computer systems design and related services from 2019-2029.
Information security analysts earn a median annual salary of $99,730. Analysts working in the finance and insurance industries boast a median annual wage of $103,510.
Logistician
The ability to critically analyze a situation before taking action is one of the strongest traits of many ISTJs. If a practical, facts-based solution exists, ISTJs can usually find it. This methodical, meticulous approach helps them excel in careers managing the complicated logistics of a company’s supply chain.
Logisticians analyze and oversee an organization’s supply chain. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, from purchasing to distribution, allocation, and delivery to the consumer.
The BLS projects 4% job growth for logisticians between 2019 and 2029. Due to the increasing complexity of supply and distribution systems, the job outlook for these professionals remains positive. Companies need logisticians to increase efficiency in their supply chains and identify areas for improvement.
Logisticians earn a median annual salary of $74,750, according to the BLS. Those working for the federal government boast a median annual wage of $85,450.
Additional ISTJ Career Options
Police Officer- Operations Research Analyst
- Computer Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Military Leader
- Business Executive
- Surgeon
- Auditor
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Financial Manager
- Private Detective
- Biochemist
- Pharmacist
- Statistician
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