Average IQ by Occupation (2026) | Complete Profession Chart

Average IQ by Occupation

Explore estimated intelligence score ranges across various career paths and professions.

Occupation / Profession Estimated Average IQ Typical Range (Middle 50%)
Medical Doctor (MD) / Surgeon125115 - 135
University Professor124114 - 134
Aerospace Engineer123113 - 133
Dentist121112 - 130
Lawyer / Attorney120110 - 130
Software Engineer / Programmer118108 - 128
Pharmacist117107 - 127
Architect116105 - 125
Accountant / Auditor114103 - 123
Financial Analyst113102 - 122
Registered Nurse (RN)111101 - 121
High School Teacher110100 - 120
Real Estate Agent10695 - 116
Electrician10595 - 115
Police Officer10494 - 114
Plumber10393 - 113
Administrative Assistant10192 - 112
General Population Average10090 - 110
Customer Service Representative9889 - 108
Retail Salesperson / Cashier9788 - 107
Construction Worker9585 - 105
Food Service / Waitstaff9484 - 104

How Does IQ Correlate With Your Career?

While an individual's intelligence quotient is not the only factor in professional success, historical data and psychometric studies show a correlation between complex professions and higher cognitive scores. The cognitive load required to complete advanced medical, legal, or engineering degrees naturally filters for individuals who score higher in fluid reasoning and logical problem-solving.

Graph showing the average IQ of a dentist, doctor, engineer, and other occupations

If you're curious about where you stand compared to the general public, you can take our quick, free IQ test to get a baseline measurement.

Average IQ Breakdowns by Profession

Jump to a Profession:

What is the Average IQ of a Medical Doctor?

A common inquiry revolves around the cognitive requirements of medicine. The average IQ of a medical doctor typically hovers around 125, placing them firmly in the "Superior" intelligence bracket. This reflects the rigorous academic filtering of medical school and residency. Doctors and surgeons must demonstrate exceptional fluid reasoning, rapid information processing, and flawless working memory to accurately diagnose complex ailments and execute life-saving procedures under intense pressure.

What is the Average IQ of a University Professor?

Many people wonder about the intellectual baseline required in academia. The average IQ of a university professor generally sits at 124, categorized within the "Superior" cognitive range. This score is heavily influenced by the demands of securing a Ph.D. and publishing original research. Professors rely on deep crystallized intelligence, high-level verbal comprehension, and advanced analytical thinking to synthesize complex literature, secure funding, and effectively educate the next generation.

What is the Average IQ of an Aerospace Engineer?

Curious minds often ask about the intellect behind rocket science. The average IQ of an aerospace engineer typically averages around 123, firmly landing in the "Superior" tier of intelligence. This is closely aligned with other highly specialized STEM fields. Aerospace engineers must utilize extraordinary spatial reasoning, advanced mathematical logic, and innovative problem-solving skills to design safe, aerodynamic structures and navigate the unforgiving laws of physics and atmospheric pressure.

What is the Average IQ of a Dentist?

A frequently asked question is regarding the cognitive demands of dentistry. The IQ of a dentist typically averages around 121, placing them comfortably in the "High Average" to "Superior" intelligence ranges. This is slightly lower than the average IQ of a medical doctor, but statistically very similar. Dentists must possess excellent spatial intelligence, strong memory recall, and high problem-solving capabilities to successfully navigate dental school and execute precise clinical practice.

What is the Average IQ of a Lawyer?

A popular question involves the mental agility needed for the legal field. The average IQ of a lawyer generally falls around 120, securing a spot in the "High Average" to "Superior" range. Successfully passing the bar exam and managing complex casework acts as a strong cognitive filter. Attorneys heavily depend on exceptional verbal reasoning, logical deduction, and robust working memory to interpret intricate statutes, build compelling arguments, and negotiate.

What is the Average IQ of a Software Engineer?

People frequently inquire about the cognitive baseline for the tech industry. The average IQ of a software engineer usually hovers at 118, placing them in the "High Average" intelligence bracket. While elite genius isn't mandatory, creating functional code requires specific mental strengths. Programmers rely heavily on abstract logical reasoning, strong pattern recognition, and sustained attention to detail to architect complex systems, write efficient algorithms, and troubleshoot software bugs. You can read more about this in our deep dive: Is a High IQ Required for Programming?

What is the Average IQ of a Pharmacist?

Questions often arise regarding the mental precision required in pharmacology. The average IQ of a pharmacist is typically estimated at 117, ranking solidly in the "High Average" cognitive tier. This reflects the intense study of chemistry and biology required for their doctorate. Pharmacists must exercise flawless attention to detail, strong crystallized knowledge, and excellent memory recall to prevent dangerous drug interactions and provide accurate medical guidance to patients.

What is the Average IQ of an Architect?

Many are curious about the intellectual blend of art and science in design. The average IQ of an architect generally sits around 116, falling within the "High Average" classification. This score aligns with the rigorous training needed to master both aesthetics and structural integrity. Architects require exceptional spatial intelligence, strong mathematical aptitude, and creative problem-solving capabilities to translate abstract concepts into safe, functional, and visually compelling physical buildings.

What is the Average IQ of an Accountant?

A common topic of interest is the numerical proficiency required in finance. The average IQ of an accountant typically averages around 114, comfortably situated in the "High Average" range. Navigating complex tax codes and corporate financial structures naturally filters for specific cognitive skills. Auditors and accountants must possess strong quantitative reasoning, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent logical processing to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and strategic economic planning.

What is the Average IQ of a Financial Analyst?

There is frequent curiosity regarding the analytical demands of Wall Street and finance. The average IQ of a financial analyst usually measures around 113, placing them in the "High Average" intelligence category. This reflects the ability required to interpret dense market data. Analysts heavily utilize numerical reasoning, pattern recognition, and rapid information processing to forecast economic trends, assess investment risks, and guide critical corporate financial decisions accurately.

What is the Average IQ of a Registered Nurse?

People often ask about the intellectual requirements of frontline healthcare. The average IQ of a registered nurse typically lands at 111, placing them in the "High Average" cognitive bracket. Earning a nursing degree involves mastering complex biology, anatomy, and pharmacology. Nurses depend on quick decision-making, strong working memory, and practical problem-solving skills to monitor subtle changes in patient health, administer correct treatments, and coordinate effectively with medical teams.

What is the Average IQ of a High School Teacher?

A recurring question is about the cognitive demands of educating adolescents. The average IQ of a high school teacher generally averages 110, sitting at the top of the standard "Average" to "High Average" tier. Gaining educational degrees and managing diverse classrooms requires solid intellectual competence. Teachers must demonstrate strong verbal communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptable fluid reasoning to break down complex subjects, assess student progress, and maintain classroom order.

What is the Average IQ of a Real Estate Agent?

Many wonder about the intellectual traits of successful property professionals. The average IQ of a real estate agent typically hovers around 106, falling squarely in the normal "Average" intelligence range. Success in this field relies less on extreme raw processing power and more on interpersonal skills. Agents utilize strong verbal fluency, practical problem-solving, and solid spatial awareness to evaluate property values, negotiate complex contracts, and effectively navigate market trends.

What is the Average IQ of an Electrician?

Questions often arise regarding the technical intellect needed in skilled trades. The average IQ of an electrician is generally estimated at 105, resting comfortably within the "Average" cognitive bracket. Mastering electrical codes and schematic diagrams requires dedicated vocational training. Electricians must possess excellent spatial reasoning, strong mechanical aptitude, and precise logical sequencing to safely wire buildings, troubleshoot hidden faults, and prevent potentially catastrophic power system failures.

What is the Average IQ of a Police Officer?

People frequently ask about the mental agility required in law enforcement. The average IQ of a police officer usually sits around 104, placing them solidly in the standard "Average" intelligence category. Academy training and street-level work demand specific, practical cognitive strengths. Officers heavily depend on rapid situational assessment, strong spatial memory, and quick decision-making to accurately read environments, enforce complex laws, and safely de-escalate high-stress, unpredictable public situations.

What is the Average IQ of a Plumber?

Curiosity often points to the problem-solving required in essential utility trades. The average IQ of a plumber typically averages around 103, representing a solid score within the "Average" intelligence range. Managing complex water and gas systems requires significant mechanical understanding. Plumbers rely on excellent spatial visualization, strong fluid reasoning, and hands-on diagnostic skills to conceptualize hidden pipe networks, calculate pressure dynamics, and effectively resolve intricate structural flow issues.

What is the Average IQ of an Administrative Assistant?

A common inquiry involves the organizational intellect behind office management. The average IQ of an administrative assistant generally falls right at 101, perfectly aligned with the population's "Average" benchmark. Navigating fast-paced corporate environments demands efficient cognitive multitasking. Assistants must exercise strong working memory, excellent verbal comprehension, and systematic logical processing to manage dense schedules, coordinate professional communications, and maintain the daily functional rhythm of complex business operations.

What is the Average IQ of a Customer Service Rep?

Many are curious about the mental stamina required for consumer support. The average IQ of a customer service representative typically hovers at 98, sitting squarely within the normal "Average" intelligence bell curve. This role heavily prioritizes communication over advanced abstract reasoning. Representatives utilize steady verbal fluency, active listening, and practical problem-solving to navigate software interfaces, de-escalate consumer frustrations, and accurately resolve routine account or product issues efficiently.

What is the Average IQ of a Retail Salesperson?

Questions occasionally touch on the cognitive baseline for frontline commerce. The average IQ of a retail salesperson is typically estimated around 97, remaining comfortably within the general "Average" intelligence tier. Working the sales floor requires adaptability and practical application. Cashiers and sales staff depend on functional short-term memory, basic numerical proficiency, and rapid visual processing to operate point-of-sale systems, manage inventory tracking, and assist daily customer transactions.

What is the Average IQ of a Construction Worker?

People often ask about the practical intellect driving the building trades. The average IQ of a construction worker generally measures around 95, placing them in the normal "Average" cognitive bracket. This physically demanding field relies heavily on concrete, hands-on application rather than abstract theorizing. Workers must possess solid mechanical aptitude, functional spatial awareness, and strong motor coordination to interpret blueprints safely, operate heavy machinery, and execute structural assembly protocols.

What is the Average IQ of Waitstaff?

A frequent question is about the mental multitasking of hospitality. The average IQ of food service staff typically averages around 94, falling within the standard "Average" tier of population intelligence. Thriving in a bustling restaurant requires immediate, practical focus rather than high-level logical deduction. Waitstaff must utilize a robust short-term working memory, quick spatial navigation, and resilient stress management to track complex orders, coordinate timing, and ensure smooth service.

IQ Ranges vs. Averages

It is crucial to remember that the table above displays averages, not strict minimums. There are brilliant teachers with IQs of 140, and highly successful business owners with an average adult IQ of 100. Understanding what a good IQ score is largely depends on how you apply your cognitive abilities, your emotional intelligence (EQ), and your work ethic.

Data Methodology & Limitations:
The estimated averages and ranges provided in this chart are synthesized from various historical psychometric studies (such as the Wonderlic Personnel Test occupational data and Hauser's demographic analyses). An IQ score is a measure of specific cognitive capacities (like pattern recognition and spatial reasoning) and does not measure a person's worth, emotional intelligence, or guaranteed career success. Standard deviations of 15 points apply to the typical ranges.

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