ISTP Career Interests, Career Matches, and Careers to Avoid

After a short summary of ISTP career interests, you’ll find 20 potential career fits for ISTPs, along with several poor fits, identified by combining data about ISTP personality patterns with detailed occupational information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Table of Contents

• ISTP Career Interests
• 20 ISTP Career Matches
• ISTP Careers to Avoid

ISTP Career Interests

The chart below shows where ISTPs tend to fall on the classic RIASEC career interest dimensions: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Your unique blend of these dimensions dramatically influences how well a career feels like a good fit.

The dark blue areas show where ISTPs are most likely to fall on each dimension.

Most ISTPs tend to have the following pattern of interests:

• High Realistic interests: People with high Realistic interests enjoy careers that allow them to work with their hands or tools to get a job done, rather than thinking or talking about it. They may also gravitate towards jobs with opportunities for working outdoors, competition, and risk-taking. Examples include police officers, military officers, professional athletes, farmers, builders, mechanics, forest rangers, and woodworkers.

• High Conventional interests: People with strong Conventional interests excel in roles that require categorizing, planning, and systematizing information and processes. Examples include financial officers, budget analysts, office managers, database analysts, and systems administrators.

• Average Investigative interests: People with strong Investigative interests prefer roles that require observation, researching, and understanding ideas. They tend to prefer working with data and ideas rather than working closely with other people. Examples include medical researchers, chemists, software engineers, scientific reporters, and statisticians.

• Average Enterprising interests: People with strong Enterprising interests are often skilled communicators and enjoy influencing, persuading, and leading other people. They actively pursue leadership roles and opportunities to bolster their status and reputation. Examples include sales and marketing directors, politicians and political organizers, and executives.

• Low Artistic interests: People with strong Artistic interests prefer jobs that require innovation through artistic and intuitive skills in less structured tasks and environments. Examples include artists, novelists, actors or actresses, musicians, curators, and designers.

• Low Social interests: People with strong Social interests fit well with careers that involve helping, comforting, caring for, and teaching other people. Examples include physical therapists, counselors, clergy, social workers, doctors, and nurses.

However, it’s possible to find ISTPs at any point on any of these six dimensions. While most ISTPs have relatively low Social interests, there are still a few ISTPs who score very highly on them. This is one of the limitations to using MBTI personality types for career matching. Alternatively, you can find a more precise assessment of your unique combination of personality traits, strengths, career interests, and more here at TraitLab.

Most ISTPs have intense Realistic interests, pulling them towards roles that involve working with their hands, tools, or machinery.

Many ISTPs also have strong Conventional interests, meaning they will gravitate towards roles with opportunities to organize, systematize, and develop procedures.

Some ISTPs have relatively higher Investigative interests, pulling them towards roles requiring for analysis, research, and working with complex ideas.

ISTP Career Matches

People who work in the following 20 occupations tend to have similar interests to most ISTPs:

Systems Adminstrator

Also known as Information Analyst, Information Systems Manager (IS Manager), Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Network Coordinator, Network Manager, Systems Administrator

Systems Adminstrators install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. In addition, Systems Adminstrators

• perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems,
• review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups,
• analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access,
• install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses, and
• may assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Typical pay range: $52,830 - $134,970 (annual)

Learn more about Systems Adminstrators ->

Industrial Safety Engineer

Also known as Health and Safety Specialist, Industrial Hygienist, Industrial Safety Engineer, Product Safety and Standards Engineer, Product Safety Consultant, Product Safety Engineer, Safety and Health Consultant, Safety Engineer, Service Loss Control Consultant, System Safety Engineer

Industrial Safety Engineers promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. They also includes industrial product safety engineers.

Typical pay range: $55,390 - $144,800 (annual)

Learn more about Industrial Safety Engineers ->

Biological Technician

Also known as Biological Science Laboratory Technician, Biological Science Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Marine Fisheries Technician, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist, Research Technician, Wildlife Biology Technician

Biological Technicians assist biological and medical scientists. In addition, Biological Technicians

• set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results, and
• may analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Typical pay range: $30,440 - $74,600 (annual)

Learn more about Biological Technicians ->

Commuter Pilot

Also known as Airline Captain, Airline Pilot, Airline Pilot (Captain), Airline Transport Pilot, Captain, Check Airman, Co-Pilot, Commuter Pilot, First Officer, Pilot

Commuter Pilots pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. In addition, Commuter Pilots

• requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used, and
• includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Typical pay range: $80,920 - $208,000+ (annual)

Learn more about Commuter Pilots ->

Surveyor

Also known as City Surveyor, County Surveyor, Land Surveyor, Mine Surveyor, Registered Land Surveyor, Surveyor

Surveyors make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. They also provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth’s surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

Typical pay range: $37,690 - $109,010 (annual)

Learn more about Surveyors ->

Biomedical Technician

Also known as Bio Medical Technician, Biomed Tech (Biomedical Technician), Biomedical Electronics Technician, Biomedical Engineering Technician (BMET), Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Dental Equipment Technician, Electronic Technician, Repair Technician, Service Technician, X-ray Service Engineer

Biomedical Technicians test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.

Typical pay range: $31,180 - $84,720 (annual)

Learn more about Biomedical Technicians ->

Audio Engineer

Also known as Audio Engineer, Board Operator, Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Maintenance Engineer, Broadcast Operations Engineer, Broadcast Technician, Control Operator, Production Engineer

Audio Engineers set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. In addition, Audio Engineers

• control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity, and
• operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

Typical pay range: $21,570 - $83,620 (annual)

Learn more about Audio Engineers ->

Carpenter

Also known as Assembler, Bridge Carpenter, Bridge Repair Crew Person, Cabinet Maker, Carpenter, Concrete Carpenter, Construction Worker, Form Carpenter, Framer, Rough Carpenter

Carpenters construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. In addition, Carpenters

• may also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation, and
• includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

Typical pay range: $31,200 - $87,410 (annual)

Learn more about Carpenters ->

Nuclear Technician

Also known as Auxiliary Operator, Equipment Operator, Licensed Nuclear Operator, Non-Licensed Nuclear Equipment Operator (NLO), Non-Licensed Nuclear Plant Operator (NLO), Nuclear Auxiliary Operator, Nuclear Equipment Operator (NEO), Nuclear Plant Equipment Operator (NAPEO), Operations Technician, Systems Operator

Nuclear Technicians assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. In addition, Nuclear Technicians

• may operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment, and
• may monitor radiation.

Typical pay range: $53,570 - $116,680 (annual)

Learn more about Nuclear Technicians ->

Industrial Equipment Mechanic

Also known as Control Technician, Electrical and Instrument Mechanic, Electrical and Instrument Technician (EI Tech), Electrical Maintenance Technician, Electrical Technician, IC Tech (Instrument and Control Technician), Instrument and Electrical Technician (IE Tech), Repair Technician, Service Technician, Technical Support Specialist

Industrial Equipment Mechanics repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Typical pay range: $39,160 - $87,970 (annual)

Learn more about Industrial Equipment Mechanics ->

Avionics Technician

Also known as Avionics Installation Technician, Avionics Technician, Avionics Test Technician, Engineering Technician, Engineering Test Technician, Flight Test Instrument Technician, Instrumentation Technician, Systems Test Technician, Test Technician

Avionics Technicians operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. They also may record and interpret test data.

Typical pay range: $43,400 - $103,450 (annual)

Learn more about Avionics Technicians ->

Civil Engineer

Also known as City Engineer, Civil Engineer, County Engineer, Design Engineer, Project Engineer, Railroad Design Consultant, Structural Engineer

Civil Engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Typical pay range: $56,160 - $144,810 (annual)

Learn more about Civil Engineers ->

Automobile Mechanic

Also known as Automotive Technician, Car Audio Installer, Car Electronics Installer, Car Stereo Installer, Electronic Equipment Installer, Electronic Technician, Installation Technician, Installer, Mobile Electronics Installation Specialist, Mobile Electronics Installer

Automobile Mechanics install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

Typical pay range: $26,860 - $57,550 (annual)

Learn more about Automobile Mechanics ->

Electrical Engineering Technician

Also known as Communications Technologist, Electrical Engineering Technician, Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering Technician, Electronics Technician, Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Engineering Technologist, System Technologist, Technologist

Electrical Engineering Technicians apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

Typical pay range: $40,170 - $99,810 (annual)

Learn more about Electrical Engineering Technicians ->

Fire Inspector

Also known as Arson Investigator, Fire and Explosion Investigator, Fire Code Inspector, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire Official, Fire Prevention Inspector, Fire Prevention Specialist, Fire Protection Specialist, Fire Safety Inspector

Fire Inspectors inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

Typical pay range: $39,860 - $100,780 (annual)

Learn more about Fire Inspectors ->

Building Inspector

Also known as Building Inspection Engineer, Building Inspector, Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Combination Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, Elevator Inspector, Home Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Public Works Inspector

Building Inspectors inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. They also inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

Typical pay range: $37,850 - $101,170 (annual)

Learn more about Building Inspectors ->

Home Appliance Mechanic

Also known as Appliance Mechanic, Appliance Repair Mechanic, Appliance Repair Technician (Appliance Repair Tech), Appliance Service Technician, Appliance Technician (Appliance Tech), Repair Man, Repair Technician, Service Technician (Service Tech), Vacuum Repairer

Home Appliance Mechanics repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.

Typical pay range: $25,000 - $65,640 (annual)

Learn more about Home Appliance Mechanics ->

Electrical Drafter

Also known as CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator), Design Drafter, Designer, Drafter, Electrical Designer, Electrical Drafter, Layout Designer, Line Staker, Mask Designer, Staking Engineer

Electrical Drafters prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

Typical pay range: $37,020 - $101,130 (annual)

Learn more about Electrical Drafters ->

Explosive Technician

Also known as Blast Hole Driller, Blaster, Explosive Technician, Powderman, Unexploded Ordnance Quality Control Officer

Explosive Technicians place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. They also may perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures.

Typical pay range: $33,440 - $73,650 (annual)

Learn more about Explosive Technicians ->

Cartographer

Also known as Aerial Photogrammetrist, Cartographer, Cartographic Designer, Digital Cartographer, Mapper, Photogrammetric Technician, Photogrammetrist, Stereo Compiler, Stereoplotter Operator

Cartographers research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. In addition, Cartographers

• may work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
• may design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems, and
• may collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

Typical pay range: $42,980 - $108,890 (annual)

Learn more about Cartographers ->

ISTP Careers to Avoid

Most ISTPs would struggle to enjoy careers that consistently demand Artistic and Social interests. These careers would involve lots of helping, nurturing, and creative thinking in relatively unstructured environments.

A few examples include:

• Family Therapists
• Self Enrichment Teachers
• Interpreters
• Choreographers
• Elementary School Teachers
• Recreational Therapists
• Public Relations Specialists
• Music Composers

Related ISTP Articles

• ISTP Personality Type
• ISTP Big Five Personality Traits
• Words to describe the ISTP
• ISTP Strengths
• ISTP in Relationships
• ISTP Careers