What Career Fits Your IQ? 176 Professions Ranked by Cognitive Demand
No career has an IQ cutoff, but the reasoning a job demands varies fourfold across these 176 professions, from 1.37 to 5.63 on O*NET's 0–7 scale, and every extra level of demand is worth roughly $37,490 in median annual pay.
Key numbers
| Figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Professions ranked | 176 (147 with a federal occupation match) | IQ Career Lab profession dataset, O*NET 29.1 Abilities + BLS OEWS May 2024, joined July 2026 |
| Cognitive-demand range | 1.37 (Garbage Collector) to 5.63 (Theoretical Physicist) on O*NET's 0–7 reasoning scale | O*NET 29.1 Abilities + BLS OEWS May 2024, joined July 2026 |
| Pay gap per level of reasoning demand | $37,490 in median annual wage | O*NET 29.1 Abilities + BLS OEWS May 2024 regression over 739 occupations, joined July 2026 |
| Wage variance explained by cognitive demand | 60% (R² = 0.605 on log wage, 95% CI 0.575–0.638) | O*NET 29.1 Abilities + BLS OEWS May 2024, n = 739, joined July 2026 |
| Rank correlation, demand vs. pay | Spearman ρ = 0.79 | O*NET 29.1 Abilities + BLS OEWS May 2024, n = 739, joined July 2026 |
| Strongest single predictor of pay | Inductive reasoning (R² = 0.63) beats mathematical reasoning (R² = 0.40) | O*NET 29.1 Abilities + BLS OEWS May 2024, joined July 2026 |
The full ranking
Cognitive demand is the mean O*NET Level (0–7) across inductive, deductive and mathematical reasoning for the occupation. Average IQ is the observed occupational mean from the research literature, and median wage is the BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure. Open any profession for its full cognitive profile.
Showing 176 of 176 professions.
| # | Profession | Category | Cognitive demand | Avg. IQ | Median wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Theoretical Physicist | STEM | 5.63 | 130 | $166k |
| 2 | Physicist | STEM | 5.63 | 128 | $166k |
| 3 | Mathematician | STEM | 5.42 | 126 | $122k |
| 4 | Biostatistician | STEM | 4.94 | 124 | $103k |
| 5 | Statistician | STEM | 4.94 | 122 | $103k |
| 6 | Bioinformatician | STEM | 4.94 | 125 | $103k |
| 7 | Quantitative Analyst | Business & Finance | 4.94 | 127 | $103k |
| 8 | Astronomer | STEM | 4.84 | 127 | $132k |
| 9 | Actuary | STEM | 4.83 | 125 | $126k |
| 10 | Epidemiologist | Healthcare | 4.67 | 124 | $84k |
| 11 | Chemist | STEM | 4.63 | 121 | $84k |
| 12 | Chemical Engineer | STEM | 4.58 | 123 | $122k |
| 13 | Aerospace Engineer | STEM | 4.58 | 123 | $135k |
| 14 | Computer Scientist | STEM | 4.58 | 122 | $141k |
| 15 | Quantum Computing Researcher | STEM | 4.58 | 128 | $141k |
| 16 | Civil Engineer | STEM | 4.50 | 116 | $100k |
| 17 | Biomedical Engineer | STEM | 4.50 | 122 | $107k |
| 18 | Mechanical Engineer | STEM | 4.46 | 118 | $102k |
| 19 | Dentist | Healthcare | 4.42 | 116 | $173k |
| 20 | Robotics Engineer | STEM | 4.39 | 123 | $118k |
| 21 | Physician | Healthcare | 4.38 | 123 | ≥$239k |
| 22 | Geologist | STEM | 4.38 | 117 | $99k |
| 23 | Economist | Business & Finance | 4.33 | 124 | $115k |
| 24 | Architect | Creative & Media | 4.33 | 118 | $97k |
| 25 | Bank Manager | Business & Finance | 4.28 | 110 | $162k |
| 26 | Nuclear Engineer | STEM | 4.25 | 124 | $128k |
| 27 | Radiologist | Healthcare | 4.25 | 126 | ≥$239k |
| 28 | Optometrist | Healthcare | 4.21 | 114 | $135k |
| 29 | Forensic Accountant | Law & Government | 4.21 | 115 | $82k |
| 30 | Certified Public Accountant | Business & Finance | 4.21 | 115 | $82k |
| 31 | Anesthesiologist | Healthcare | 4.21 | 126 | ≥$239k |
| 32 | Judge | Law & Government | 4.21 | 125 | $156k |
| 33 | Meteorologist | STEM | 4.17 | 115 | $97k |
| 34 | Electrical Engineer | STEM | 4.16 | 121 | $112k |
| 35 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | 4.13 | 112 | $129k |
| 36 | Genetic Counselor | Healthcare | 4.12 | 118 | $99k |
| 37 | Psychiatrist | Healthcare | 4.08 | 124 | ≥$239k |
| 38 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | 4.08 | 117 | $126k |
| 39 | Data Scientist | STEM | 4.06 | 121 | $113k |
| 40 | AI Researcher | STEM | 4.06 | 127 | $113k |
| 41 | ML Engineer | STEM | 4.06 | 125 | $113k |
| 42 | Supply Chain Analyst | Business & Finance | 4.01 | 113 | $81k |
| 43 | School Principal | Education | 4.00 | 115 | $104k |
| 44 | Marketing Manager | Business & Finance | 3.96 | 113 | $161k |
| 45 | Product Manager | Business & Finance | 3.96 | 118 | $161k |
| 46 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | 3.92 | 116 | $137k |
| 47 | Airline Pilot | Military & Public Safety | 3.92 | 116 | $227k |
| 48 | Human Resources Manager | Business & Finance | 3.87 | 110 | $140k |
| 49 | Urban Planner | Law & Government | 3.83 | 114 | $84k |
| 50 | Air Traffic Controller | Military & Public Safety | 3.83 | 117 | $145k |
| 51 | Management Consultant | Business & Finance | 3.83 | 120 | $101k |
| 52 | Speech Pathologist | Healthcare | 3.79 | 110 | $95k |
| 53 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | 3.78 | 107 | $94k |
| 54 | Forensic Scientist | STEM | 3.75 | 114 | $67k |
| 55 | Patent Attorney | Law & Government | 3.75 | 126 | $151k |
| 56 | Attorney / Lawyer | Law & Government | 3.75 | 124 | $151k |
| 57 | Intelligence Analyst | Law & Government | 3.75 | 121 | $94k |
| 58 | Forester / Park Ranger | Service & Support | 3.75 | 108 | $71k |
| 59 | Detective / Investigator | Military & Public Safety | 3.75 | 112 | $94k |
| 60 | Policy Analyst | Law & Government | 3.75 | 118 | $139k |
| 61 | Project Manager | Business & Finance | 3.74 | 112 | $137k |
| 62 | Lab Technician | STEM | 3.71 | 105 | $60k |
| 63 | Cryptographer | STEM | 3.71 | 128 | $125k |
| 64 | Ethical Hacker / Pen Tester | STEM | 3.71 | 120 | $125k |
| 65 | DevOps Engineer | STEM | 3.71 | 118 | $97k |
| 66 | Cybersecurity Analyst | STEM | 3.71 | 118 | $125k |
| 67 | Marine Biologist | STEM | 3.67 | 116 | $73k |
| 68 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | 3.66 | 110 | $101k |
| 69 | Diplomat | Law & Government | 3.65 | 120 | $81k |
| 70 | UX Researcher | STEM | 3.63 | 116 | $98k |
| 71 | Veterinary Technician | Healthcare | 3.63 | 100 | $46k |
| 72 | UX Designer | Creative & Media | 3.63 | 112 | $98k |
| 73 | Game Designer | Creative & Media | 3.63 | 119 | $98k |
| 74 | Electrician | Skilled Trades | 3.63 | 109 | $62k |
| 75 | School Counselor | Education | 3.62 | 109 | $65k |
| 76 | Entrepreneur | Business & Finance | 3.58 | 114 | $103k |
| 77 | High School Teacher | Education | 3.58 | 111 | $65k |
| 78 | Insurance Underwriter | Business & Finance | 3.50 | 108 | $80k |
| 79 | Elementary Teacher | Education | 3.50 | 107 | $62k |
| 80 | Aircraft Mechanic | Skilled Trades | 3.50 | 112 | $79k |
| 81 | Firefighter | Military & Public Safety | 3.50 | 103 | $60k |
| 82 | Chef | Service & Support | 3.50 | 106 | $61k |
| 83 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | 3.48 | 109 | $98k |
| 84 | Web Developer | Creative & Media | 3.42 | 114 | $91k |
| 85 | Bookkeeper | Business & Finance | 3.42 | 102 | $49k |
| 86 | Athletic Trainer | Athletics & Sports | 3.41 | 104 | $60k |
| 87 | Social Worker | Service & Support | 3.38 | 110 | $59k |
| 88 | Real Estate Agent | Business & Finance | 3.38 | 104 | $56k |
| 89 | Film Director | Creative & Media | 3.38 | 116 | $83k |
| 90 | Sports Coach | Athletics & Sports | 3.37 | 106 | $46k |
| 91 | Police Officer | Military & Public Safety | 3.33 | 102 | $76k |
| 92 | Social Media Manager | Creative & Media | 3.29 | 106 | $70k |
| 93 | Military Police | Military & Public Safety | 3.25 | 98 | $82k |
| 94 | HVAC Technician | Skilled Trades | 3.25 | 105 | $60k |
| 95 | Interior Designer | Creative & Media | 3.21 | 107 | $63k |
| 96 | Animator (3D/VFX) | Creative & Media | 3.17 | 115 | $100k |
| 97 | Medical Assistant | Healthcare | 3.17 | 97 | $44k |
| 98 | Carpenter | Skilled Trades | 3.17 | 103 | $59k |
| 99 | Probation Officer | Law & Government | 3.13 | 104 | $65k |
| 100 | Bank Teller | Business & Finance | 3.12 | 98 | $39k |
| 101 | Automotive Mechanic | Skilled Trades | 3.12 | 104 | $50k |
| 102 | Archivist | Education | 3.08 | 113 | $62k |
| 103 | Podcast Producer | Creative & Media | 3.08 | 112 | $55k |
| 104 | Corrections Officer | Law & Government | 3.04 | 98 | $58k |
| 105 | Machinist | Skilled Trades | 3.04 | 106 | $56k |
| 106 | Pharmacy Technician | Healthcare | 3.00 | 102 | $43k |
| 107 | 911 Dispatcher | Military & Public Safety | 2.96 | 101 | $51k |
| 108 | Plumber | Skilled Trades | 2.96 | 104 | $63k |
| 109 | Flight Attendant | Service & Support | 2.92 | 105 | $67k |
| 110 | Photographer | Creative & Media | 2.88 | 107 | $43k |
| 111 | Court Reporter | Law & Government | 2.83 | 108 | $55k |
| 112 | Dog Trainer | Service & Support | 2.83 | 100 | $39k |
| 113 | Librarian | Education | 2.79 | 112 | $64k |
| 114 | Customer Service Rep | Service & Support | 2.79 | 100 | $43k |
| 115 | Dental Assistant | Healthcare | 2.75 | 99 | $47k |
| 116 | Graphic Designer | Creative & Media | 2.75 | 108 | $61k |
| 117 | Retail Sales Associate | Service & Support | 2.71 | 98 | $35k |
| 118 | Hospital Orderly | Healthcare | 2.67 | 89 | $40k |
| 119 | Paralegal | Law & Government | 2.67 | 108 | $61k |
| 120 | Technical Writer | Creative & Media | 2.67 | 112 | $92k |
| 121 | Barber / Hairstylist | Service & Support | 2.67 | 99 | $35k |
| 122 | Truck Driver | Service & Support | 2.59 | 96 | $57k |
| 123 | Author / Writer | Creative & Media | 2.56 | 117 | $72k |
| 124 | Content Creator | Creative & Media | 2.56 | 108 | $72k |
| 125 | Welder | Skilled Trades | 2.54 | 101 | $51k |
| 126 | Professional Athlete | Athletics & Sports | 2.54 | 103 | $62k |
| 127 | Farm Worker | Skilled Trades | 2.50 | 88 | $36k |
| 128 | Administrative Assistant | Service & Support | 2.50 | 104 | $46k |
| 129 | Roofer | Skilled Trades | 2.50 | 95 | $51k |
| 130 | Tattoo Artist | Creative & Media | 2.46 | 101 | $61k |
| 131 | Translator / Interpreter | Creative & Media | 2.41 | 113 | $59k |
| 132 | Painter (House) | Skilled Trades | 2.38 | 98 | $49k |
| 133 | Security Guard | Service & Support | 2.37 | 98 | $38k |
| 134 | Concrete Finisher | Skilled Trades | 2.29 | 94 | $55k |
| 135 | Fitness Instructor | Service & Support | 2.25 | 100 | $46k |
| 136 | Personal Trainer | Athletics & Sports | 2.25 | 99 | $46k |
| 137 | General Laborer | Service & Support | 2.23 | 85 | $39k |
| 138 | Warehouse Worker | Service & Support | 2.21 | 95 | $37k |
| 139 | Postal Worker | Service & Support | 2.17 | 101 | $57k |
| 140 | Laundry Worker | Service & Support | 2.12 | 87 | $34k |
| 141 | Sommelier | Service & Support | 2.08 | 112 | $34k |
| 142 | Janitor / Custodian | Service & Support | 2.00 | 92 | $36k |
| 143 | Bus Driver | Service & Support | 1.87 | 97 | $57k |
| 144 | Packer / Hand Packager | Service & Support | 1.75 | 85 | $36k |
| 145 | Maid / Housekeeper | Service & Support | 1.75 | 84 | $35k |
| 146 | Dishwasher | Service & Support | 1.71 | 88 | $34k |
| 147 | Garbage Collector | Service & Support | 1.37 | 92 | $48k |
| 148 | Neurosurgeon | Healthcare | — | 130 | — |
| 149 | Surgeon | Healthcare | — | 127 | — |
| 150 | Research Scientist | STEM | — | 126 | — |
| 151 | Professional Chess Player | Athletics & Sports | — | 125 | — |
| 152 | University Professor | Education | — | 124 | — |
| 153 | Venture Capitalist | Business & Finance | — | 122 | — |
| 154 | Investment Banker | Business & Finance | — | 121 | — |
| 155 | Biologist | STEM | — | 120 | — |
| 156 | Clinical Psychologist | Healthcare | — | 120 | — |
| 157 | Software Engineer | STEM | — | 119 | — |
| 158 | Financial Analyst | Business & Finance | — | 118 | — |
| 159 | Military Officer | Military & Public Safety | — | 118 | — |
| 160 | Journalist | Creative & Media | — | 114 | — |
| 161 | Navy SEAL | Military & Public Safety | — | 113 | — |
| 162 | Esports Player | Creative & Media | — | 112 | — |
| 163 | EOD Technician | Military & Public Safety | — | 112 | — |
| 164 | Sports Analyst | Athletics & Sports | — | 112 | — |
| 165 | Medical Technologist | Healthcare | — | 111 | — |
| 166 | Musician (Professional) | Creative & Media | — | 110 | — |
| 167 | Voice Actor | Creative & Media | — | 110 | — |
| 168 | Special Education Teacher | Education | — | 108 | — |
| 169 | Combat Medic | Military & Public Safety | — | 107 | — |
| 170 | Actor | Creative & Media | — | 106 | — |
| 171 | Paramedic | Healthcare | — | 103 | — |
| 172 | Military Enlisted | Military & Public Safety | — | 103 | — |
| 173 | Taxi / Rideshare Driver | Service & Support | — | 96 | — |
| 174 | Infantry Soldier | Military & Public Safety | — | 96 | — |
| 175 | Home Health Aide | Healthcare | — | 92 | — |
| 176 | Food Service Worker | Service & Support | — | 90 | — |
How the ranking is built
Each profession carries a 6-digit Standard Occupational Classification code. That code is joined to O*NET 29.1 Abilities (LV) + BLS OEWS May 2024 national (oesm24nat), which averages the O*NET Level ratings for inductive reasoning (1.A.1.b.5), deductive reasoning (1.A.1.b.4) and mathematical reasoning (1.A.1.c.1) across the detailed occupations inside each SOC code, then attaches the BLS national median wage for the same code. The underlying dataset covers 739 occupations and is downloadable as CSV or JSON.
What this ranking cannot tell you
- 29 of the 176 professions show no demand score. Their SOC codes are residual “all other” buckets or military codes that BLS OEWS does not price, so no rating exists to report. They are shown with a dash rather than an estimate.
- Professions that share a SOC code share a score. Statisticians, biostatisticians and quantitative analysts all map to 15-2041, so O*NET rates them identically even though the day-to-day work differs.
- Cognitive demand describes the job, not the person. The average IQ column is a separate, group-level figure with a standard deviation of 10–15 points; individual variation inside any profession is larger than the gap between most professions.
- Wages are national medians. Ratings and wages are both snapshots — O*NET 29.1 and BLS OEWS May 2024 — not forecasts.
Where to go next
- Career-IQ Matcher — enter a score, or take a five-question estimate, and see which of these professions sit in your band.
- IQ by profession — the same 176 professions as browsable cards, filterable by IQ range and salary.
- Take the IQ test — a five-domain profile you can read against the demand columns above.
- The Cognitive Demand Index — the longer methodology write-up behind scoring jobs by cognitive load.
IQ and careers: common questions
What career fits your IQ?
No career has an IQ cutoff. Cognitive demand is a gradient: across the 176 professions ranked here, the O*NET reasoning requirement runs from 1.37 to 5.63 on a 0–7 scale, and each additional level of demand is associated with about $37,490 more in median annual pay. A useful way to read the table is to find the band of jobs whose demands match the way you already prefer to think, rather than to look for a score you must clear.
What is a cognitive demand score?
The score in this ranking is the mean O*NET Level rating (0–7) across three reasoning abilities the U.S. Department of Labor rates for every occupation: inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning and mathematical reasoning. It measures what the job requires, as rated by occupational analysts and incumbents. It is not a measure of the people who do the job, and it is not an IQ score.
Which careers have the highest cognitive demand?
Theoretical Physicist tops this ranking at 5.63 of 7, followed by the mathematical and statistical sciences. High-demand roles cluster in research, quantitative finance, engineering and medicine. Because ratings are published per federal occupation code, closely related jobs that share a code (for example statisticians and biostatisticians) carry the same score.
Does a higher-IQ career pay more?
On average, yes, but far from perfectly. Across 739 federal occupations, reasoning demand explains 60% of the variance in log median wage (R² = 0.605). That leaves roughly 40% driven by everything else: licensure, unionisation, hours, risk, geography and demand for the work.
Can you use an IQ score to pick a career?
Not on its own. IQ correlates moderately with job performance and only moderately with occupational attainment, and the variation inside any one profession is larger than the gap between most professions. Use a cognitive profile to understand which kinds of problems feel cheap to you and which feel expensive, then weigh interest, training cost and labour-market demand alongside it.
See where your own profile lands.
This ranking shows what 176 jobs demand. The free IQ test shows what you bring: a five-domain profile you can read straight against these columns.