IQ Career Lab
TestsResourcesToolsPricingHelp
Sign in
  1. Free IQ Tools
  2. IQ for Professions
  3. University Professor
Education

IQ Required for University Professor

University Professor professionals typically score between 114 and 134 on standardized IQ tests, with an average of 124 (Superior).

Average IQ

124

Superior

IQ Range

114–134

Typical range

Median Salary

$87,330

Per year

Growth Outlook

8%

Growing

Do you match the University Professor cognitive profile?

University Professor professionals tend to score highest in verbal comprehension. See how your own five-domain profile compares — and which careers actually fit it.

See your full cognitive profile

Cognitive Domain Emphasis

Different professions demand different cognitive strengths. Here is how the cognitive demands break down for University Professor professionals.

Verbal Comprehension35%
Logical Reasoning25%
Mathematical Ability25%
Pattern Recognition15%

About University Professor

University professors teach advanced courses, conduct original research, and publish scholarly work in their fields. The role demands exceptional verbal intelligence for lecturing and writing, strong logical reasoning for research methodology, and deep expertise in a specialized domain.

The cognitive profile for this role emphasizes verbal comprehension (35% of the cognitive demand) and logical reasoning (25%). With an average IQ of 124, University Professor professionals fall in the superior range of cognitive ability, reflecting the intellectual demands of the role. See what this score means with our IQ Percentile Calculator.

Salary Breakdown

Compensation for University Professor professionals varies significantly with experience, location, and specialization.

Entry Level (10th %ile)

$42,600

Median Salary

$87,330

Experienced (90th %ile)

$174,000

Wondering if you’d make the cut?

These are the field’s numbers — the more useful question is where you stand relative to them, and why no cutoff exists.

Am I smart enough to be a University Professor?

Related Professions

Explore other careers with similar cognitive profiles and IQ requirements.

Research Scientist

IQ 126STEM

Range: 116–136

High School Teacher

IQ 111Education

Range: 101–121

School Principal

IQ 115Education

Range: 105–125

Librarian

IQ 112Education

Range: 102–122

Compare 147 professions ranked by the reasoning a job actually demands — O*NET ability ratings joined to BLS median wages, sortable by either.

How Our IQ Test Maps to This Career

Our comprehensive IQ assessment measures five cognitive domains, including the ones that most define success in University Professor roles: Verbal Comprehension (35%), Logical Reasoning (25%), Mathematical Ability (25%), Pattern Recognition (15%).

By taking our assessment, you will receive domain-specific scores that reveal how your cognitive strengths align with the demands of this profession. Whether you are considering a career as a University Professor or looking to understand your aptitude for the field, your results provide actionable insight into your fit.

Take the free IQ testMatch your mind to real careers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average IQ of a University Professor?
The average IQ for University Professor professionals is 124, which falls in the "Superior" range. Individual scores typically range from 114 to 134, reflecting the diversity of cognitive profiles within the field.
What cognitive skills are most important for University Professor?
Verbal Comprehension is the most emphasized cognitive domain for University Professor professionals, accounting for 35% of the cognitive profile. This is followed by the other domains in varying proportions that reflect the unique intellectual demands of the role.
How much does a University Professor earn?
The median salary for University Professor professionals is $87,330 per year. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) earn around $42,600, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $174,000.
What is the job outlook for University Professor?
The job outlook for University Professor is growing with a projected growth rate of 8%. This is above the national average, suggesting healthy demand going forward.
Do I need a high IQ to become a University Professor?
No. While the average IQ for University Professor professionals is 124, IQ is only one factor in career success. Motivation, education, relevant skills, and work experience matter significantly. Many successful University Professor professionals have IQ scores across the full 114–134 range and beyond. Use these figures as context for cognitive demands, not as a prerequisite.

Career Resources

Where to go next, whether you want the wider picture or your own number.

  • Quick IQ TestFifteen minutes, free, no sign-up to start.
  • Career-IQ MatcherMatch your cognitive profile against real occupations.
  • Career Advice ArticlesUsing cognitive strengths in a real job search.
  • IQ Comparison ToolCompare a score against professions, college majors, countries and famous people.

Full Access

Real, current job listings matched to how your mind works, with the fit rationale and the path to land them, built from your own profile, not a University Professor average.

$19.99View

Free test first, nothing hidden.

Do you match the University Professor profile?

Take the full test to see your five-domain cognitive profile, how your strengths line up against this profession, and which careers actually fit them.

See your full cognitive profile

Stay updated

Get notified about new resources, platform updates, and exclusive offers.

IQ Career Lab

IQ and personality assessments with career intelligence. Discover your potential, find your path.

support@iqcareerlab.com1-877-777-2119

Product

  • Quick IQ Check
  • Full Assessment
  • Personality Assessment
  • Compare Tests
  • Jobs

Pricing

  • Pricing
  • How Pricing Works
  • Gift a Result
  • Redeem Gift Code

Resources

  • Resource Library
  • Free IQ Tools
  • Jobs
  • Verify a Credential
  • FAQs
  • Press Kit
  • Contact

Legal

  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies

© 2026 IQ Career Lab. All rights reserved.

Need help?
IQ Career Lab
Quick IQ CheckFull IQ AssessmentCompare TestsPricingGift a TestRedeem Gift CodeJobsFAQsContactDeals & DiscountsUpdates & AnnouncementsJob Search & Career AdviceIQ ScienceScoring & MethodologyIncome & WealthWellness & Cognitive OptimizationTest PreparationEmployers & EducatorsCareer Aptitude Test vs IQ Test: what each one predicts about job fitHow to Use a Cognitive Test in a Career Decision: a six-step processFree IQ Tests and Real Analysis: what "free" hides, and a dated audit of four competitorsThe Jobs Most Exposed to AI Demand the Most Reasoning: A 737-Occupation AnalysisIQ Percentile CalculatorBrain Age CalculatorCognitive Strength FinderIQ Score MeaningCareer-IQ MatcherIQ by ProfessionIQ and Career HubIQ Comparison ToolEducation ROI CalculatorAverage IQ by Age CalculatorIQ Score ConverterIQ Standard Deviation CalculatorIQ by Country Map
Sign in