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    IQ Needed for Every Career: Complete Job IQ Chart

    What IQ do you need for your dream job? Below is our complete database of average IQ ranges for over 50 careers, from the most intellectually demanding (mathematician, professor) to practical trades (electrician, plumber). Click any career for detailed analysis including education paths, cognitive requirements, and FAQs.

    Remember: IQ is just one factor in career success. Motivation, interpersonal skills, domain expertise, and opportunity often matter more. See our guide on whether IQ determines success.

    CareerAverage IQ RangeEducation
    Mathematician130–145Mathematicians need at minimum a master's degree, with most positions requiring a PhD (5-7 years).
    Astronaut130–145NASA requires a master's degree or higher in STEM (engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics), at least two years of relevant professional experience, and 1,000 hours as pilot-in-command of jet aircraft (or equivalent).
    Neurosurgeon128–140Neurosurgeons need a bachelor's degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), and neurosurgery residency (7 years), often followed by fellowship (1-2 years).
    Radiologist125–135Radiologists need a bachelor's degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), preliminary internship (1 year), and radiology residency (4 years).
    Anesthesiologist125–140Anesthesiologists need a bachelor's degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), and anesthesiology residency (4 years), with many completing additional fellowship training.
    Dermatologist125–135Dermatologists need a bachelor's degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), preliminary intern year (1 year), and dermatology residency (3 years).
    Patent Attorney125–138Patent attorneys need a technical bachelor's degree (engineering, science, CS), a JD from law school, and must pass both the state bar and the USPTO registration exam.
    Doctor120–130Becoming a doctor requires a bachelor's degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), and residency (3–7 years depending on specialty).
    Professor120–135Professors need a PhD (4-7 years beyond a bachelor's), often followed by postdoctoral research (1-4 years).
    Judge120–135Judges must first complete law school (JD) and typically practice law for many years.
    Surgeon120–135Becoming a surgeon requires a bachelor's degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), surgical residency (5-7 years), and often a fellowship for subspecialization (1-3 years).
    Scientist120–135Research scientists typically need a PhD (4-7 years), often followed by postdoctoral training (2-5 years).
    Investment Banker120–135Investment banking typically requires a bachelor's degree from a top university (finance, economics, or engineering) and often an MBA from a top-10 business school.
    Actuary120–135Actuaries need a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or a related field.
    Economist120–135Academic economists need a PhD in economics (5-7 years), one of the most mathematically demanding doctoral programs.
    Pharmacologist120–135Pharmacologists typically need a PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field (5-7 years).
    Insurance Actuary120–135Insurance actuaries follow the same exam path as general actuaries — bachelor's degree plus 7-10 actuarial exams through the CAS (Casualty Actuarial Society) or SOA (Society of Actuaries).
    Orthodontist120–132Orthodontists need a bachelor's degree (4 years), dental school (4 years), and orthodontic residency (2-3 years).
    Consultant (Management)120–135Management consultants typically have a bachelor's from a top university (often engineering, economics, or business) plus an MBA from a top-10 program.
    Nuclear Engineer120–135Nuclear engineers need a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, with many positions requiring a master's or PhD.
    Biomedical Engineer118–132Biomedical engineers need at minimum a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, with many positions requiring a master's or PhD.
    Physician (Primary Care)118–128Primary care physicians need a bachelor's degree (4 years), medical school (4 years), and residency (3 years for family medicine, 3 for internal medicine, 3 for pediatrics).
    Clinical Psychologist118–132Clinical psychologists need a doctoral degree — either a PhD (research-focused, 5-7 years) or PsyD (practice-focused, 4-6 years).
    Epidemiologist118–130Epidemiologists need at minimum a master's degree (MPH or MSPH with epidemiology concentration), with many positions requiring a PhD or MD/MPH.
    Veterinary Surgeon118–128Veterinary surgeons need a DVM degree (4 years after undergrad), followed by a surgical residency (3-4 years).
    Cloud Architect118–130Cloud architects typically need a bachelor's in CS or IT plus 10+ years of progressive experience.
    Nurse Anesthetist118–128CRNAs need a BSN, 1+ years of critical care nursing experience, then a doctoral program (DNAP or DNP, 3-4 years).
    Statistician118–132Statisticians typically need a master's degree in statistics or biostatistics, with PhD required for research positions.
    Robotics Engineer118–132Robotics engineers need a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science, with many positions requiring a master's or PhD.
    Lawyer115–130A law career requires a bachelor's degree (4 years) followed by a Juris Doctor (3 years).
    Engineer115–128Engineering typically requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (4 years), often followed by a master's degree for specialization.
    Data Scientist115–130Most data scientists hold a master's or PhD in a quantitative field like statistics, computer science, mathematics, or physics.
    Psychologist115–130Most psychologists need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), requiring 5-7 years of graduate study including a dissertation and supervised clinical hours.
    Veterinarian115–125Veterinary medicine requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, typically 4 years after completing prerequisite undergraduate coursework.
    CEO115–135Most Fortune 500 CEOs hold at least a bachelor's degree, with many holding MBAs from top business schools.
    Blockchain Developer115–130Most blockchain developers have a bachelor's or master's in computer science, mathematics, or a related field.
    Mechanical Engineer115–128Mechanical engineers need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering (4 years).
    Genetic Counselor115–125Genetic counselors need a master's degree from an ACGC-accredited program (2 years) with strong prerequisites in genetics, statistics, and psychology.
    Ethical Hacker115–128Ethical hackers typically have a bachelor's in computer science or cybersecurity, plus professional certifications (CEH, OSCP, GPEN).
    Speech Writer115–128Speechwriters typically have degrees in political science, communications, English, or journalism.
    Software Engineer115–128Software engineering can be entered via a CS degree (4 years), a software engineering degree, a coding bootcamp (3–6 months), or self-study.
    Cybersecurity Analyst112–125Cybersecurity analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or IT, plus professional certifications (CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH).
    Physician Assistant112–125PAs need a master's degree from an accredited PA program (2-3 years) after a bachelor's degree with prerequisite science courses and healthcare experience.
    Financial Analyst112–128Financial analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or mathematics.
    Pharmacist (Clinical)112–122Clinical pharmacists need a PharmD (4 years) plus a clinical residency (1-2 years).
    Nurse Practitioner112–122NPs need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) after a BSN.
    Forensic Scientist112–125Forensic scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
    Software Developer110–125Software development can be entered through a computer science degree (4 years), coding bootcamps (3–6 months), or self-study.
    Accountant110–125Accounting requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
    Architect110–125Architecture requires a professional degree (5-year B.
    Pharmacist110–120Pharmacists must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, typically a 4-year program after 2-3 years of prerequisite coursework.
    Dentist110–125Dentistry requires a bachelor's degree followed by a 4-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program.
    Military Officer110–125Officers typically need a bachelor's degree, either from a service academy (West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy), ROTC program, or Officer Candidate School.
    Journalist110–120Most journalists have a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
    Air Traffic Controller110–122Controllers need to pass the FAA's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program or have prior experience.
    Video Game Developer110–125Game developers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science, game design, or a related field.
    Film Director110–130No formal education is required, but many directors attend film schools (USC, NYU, AFI).
    Interpreter/Translator110–125Interpreters and translators typically need a bachelor's degree plus professional fluency in at least two languages.
    Urban Planner110–122Urban planners typically need a master's degree in urban planning or a related field.
    Physical Therapist108–120Physical therapy requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, typically 3 years after a bachelor's degree with prerequisite science courses.
    Marketing Manager108–120Marketing managers typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or communications.
    Project Manager108–120Project managers typically have a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, IT, or a related field.
    Occupational Therapist108–118OTs need a master's degree in occupational therapy (MOT or OTD), requiring 2-3 years of graduate study after a bachelor's degree.
    UX Designer108–120UX designers typically have a bachelor's degree in design, psychology, HCI, or a related field.
    Speech-Language Pathologist108–118SLPs need a master's degree in speech-language pathology (2-3 years) after a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework.
    Pharmacist (Retail)108–118Retail pharmacists need a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree, typically 4 years after prerequisite undergraduate coursework.
    Optometrist108–120Optometrists need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, a 4-year graduate program after prerequisite undergraduate coursework.
    Librarian108–120Librarians typically need a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program.
    Psychiatric Nurse108–118Psychiatric nurses need a BSN (4 years) plus specialty experience.
    Landscape Architect108–120Landscape architects need a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture from an accredited program (4-5 years).
    Audiologist108–118Audiologists need a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree, a 4-year graduate program after undergraduate prerequisites.
    Art Director108–122Art directors typically have a bachelor's degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field plus 5-10 years of design experience.
    Database Administrator108–120DBAs typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related field.
    Teacher105–120Teaching requires a bachelor's degree and teaching certification in most states.
    Nurse105–115Registered nurses need either an Associate Degree in Nursing (2 years) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (4 years).
    Pilot105–120Commercial pilots need an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate requiring 1,500 flight hours, plus FAA medical certification.
    Airline Pilot105–120Airline pilots need an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate with 1,500 flight hours minimum.
    Registered Dietitian105–115Becoming an RD requires a bachelor's degree in nutrition/dietetics, completion of a supervised practice program (1,200+ hours), and passing the RD exam.
    Electrician (Master)105–115Becoming a master electrician requires completing a 4-5 year apprenticeship, working as a journeyman for 2-4 additional years, and passing a comprehensive master electrician exam covering the full National Electrical Code.
    Chiropractor105–118Chiropractors need a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, a 4-year graduate program after prerequisite undergraduate coursework.
    Clinical Research Coordinator105–115CRCs typically need a bachelor's degree in a science or health field.
    Marriage and Family Therapist105–118MFTs need a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or counseling (2-3 years) plus supervised clinical hours (2,000-4,000 depending on state).
    Social Media Manager102–115Social media managers typically have a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
    Police Officer100–115Police officers typically need a high school diploma or associate degree, plus completion of a police academy program (4–6 months).
    Electrician100–110Electricians typically complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
    Social Worker100–115Social workers typically need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) for entry-level positions or a Master of Social Work (MSW) for clinical and advanced roles.
    Graphic Designer100–115Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field.
    Paramedic100–112Paramedics typically complete a certificate or associate degree program (1-2 years) after EMT-Basic certification.
    Dentist Hygienist100–112Dental hygienists need an associate degree in dental hygiene (2-3 years) and must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination plus state licensure.
    Content Creator100–118No formal education is required — content creation is one of the most meritocratic careers.
    Real Estate Appraiser100–112Appraisers need state licensure, which requires education courses (150-300 hours depending on license level), supervised experience (1,000-3,000 hours), and passing a state exam.
    Athletic Trainer100–112Athletic trainers need a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program (effective 2022).
    Real Estate Agent98–112Real estate agents need a state license, which requires completing pre-licensing courses (60-180 hours depending on state) and passing a state exam.
    Physical Education Teacher98–112PE teachers need a bachelor's degree in physical education or kinesiology plus state teaching certification.
    Plumber95–110Plumbers typically complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship with both classroom and hands-on training.
    Firefighter95–110Firefighters typically need a high school diploma and completion of a fire academy (12-16 weeks).
    Chef95–110Chefs typically train through culinary school (1-4 years) or apprenticeships.
    Athlete (Professional)95–115Most professional athletes developed their skills through years of youth sports, high school competition, and college athletics.
    Welder95–108Welders typically train through apprenticeships (3-4 years), vocational programs, or community college certificates.
    Mechanic95–110Mechanics typically train through vocational programs (6-12 months), community college automotive technology programs (2 years), or manufacturer-specific training programs.
    Pharmacist Technician95–108Pharmacy technicians typically need a high school diploma plus either on-the-job training, a certificate program (6-12 months), or an associate degree.
    Carpenter95–108Carpenters typically learn through 3-4 year apprenticeships combining classroom instruction with hands-on training.
    Personal Trainer95–110Personal trainers typically need a nationally recognized certification (NASM, ACE, NSCA) plus CPR/AED certification.
    Veterinary Technician95–108Vet techs typically need an associate degree in veterinary technology (2 years) from an AVMA-accredited program.
    HVAC Technician95–108HVAC techs typically complete a vocational program (6-12 months) or apprenticeship (3-5 years).
    Emergency Medical Technician95–110EMT-Basic certification requires 120-150 hours of training (about 6 months).
    Dental Assistant92–105Dental assistants can enter through on-the-job training, certificate programs (9-11 months), or associate degrees.
    Truck Driver90–105Commercial truck drivers need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which requires passing written knowledge tests and a driving skills test.

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