If you have a high intelligence quotient, you've probably found that many jobs just aren't challenging for you. People with high IQs excel at problem solving and at completing complicated tasks. A study at the University of Wisconsin at Madison identified certain fields as having high concentrations of high-IQ individuals. Careers in medicine, law, collegiate teaching and engineering are all examples of jobs that will leverage your intellect to the highest level.
Medicine
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay of physicians and surgeons was over $166,400 per year in 2010. Furthermore, the field should offer a great deal of job security, since demand for doctors is projected to grow by 24 percent between 2010 and 2020. That compares with the predicted average growth rate of 14 percent for all U.S. occupations. Being a doctor not only requires a high intellect to get through the initial training but also to diagnose patients and find solutions for their medical issues.
College Professor
Your high IQ also puts you in an excellent position to serve as a college professor. When you aren't teaching classes, you'll do research in your field of interest and you'll have a relatively flexible schedule. Professors typically have Ph.D. or master's degrees and earned, based on BLS data, $62,050 annually as of May of 2010. The BLS expects the field to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020.
Electrical and Electronic Engineer
Requiring just a bachelor's degree, electrical and electronic engineering positions offer a 2010 median salary of $87,180 per year. Work locations can vary, since although you might be based in an office, you could also end up working outdoors, in the field. Growth for this position is projected to be only 6 percent between 2010 and 2020. Electrical engineer work will provide you with a mental workout as you design and troubleshoot complicated systems.
Attorney
A job growth rate of 10 percent is projected for attorneys between 2010 and 2020. To be an attorney, you will need to attend law school and pass a bar exam, but once you do, you should be able to earn a relatively healthy income. The median base salary for attorneys in 2010 was $112,760. Dealing with intricate legal issues and formulating strategies to represent your clients can be intellectually demanding work.
References
- University of Wisconsin - Madison Center for Demography and Ecology: Meritocracy, Cognitive Ability, and the Sources of Occupational Success
- BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook - Physicians and Surgeons
- BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook - Postsecondary Teachers
- BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook - Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook - Lawyers
Writer Bio
Steve Lander has been a writer since 1996, with experience in the fields of financial services, real estate and technology. His work has appeared in trade publications such as the "Minnesota Real Estate Journal" and "Minnesota Multi-Housing Association Advocate." Lander holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Columbia University.